[Experimental infection with hepatitis E virus in rhesus monkeys].

An experimental model of hepatitis E was established in Rhesus Monkeys. Four animals were inoculated with stool suspensions that obtained from patients with hepatitis E. Two animals injected with PBS were taken as negative controls. After 4-6 weeks the ALT of the four animals infected HEV raised 3-4 times and the live biopsy showed acidophilic degeneration of hepatocytes and coagulative liver cell necrosis. Acidophilic bodies were frequently observed. Foci of lytic single-cell necrosis were also observed. Degenerative and microinflammatory changes in liver parenchyma in zones 1-2 of liver lobules were accompanied by inconspicuous infiltrations in portal tracts. 27-34 nm virus-like particles were recovered from the stools of infection animals by IEM.