Development of a nonhuman primate model for mammalian bornavirus infection

Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) and recently emerged variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) are causative agents of lethal encephalitis in humans. An intracerebral infection of rhesus monkeys with BoDV-1 and VSBV-1 had resulted in the severe neurological signs around 5 to 6 or 8 or 12 weeks postinfection, respectively. High viral load and inflammatory infiltration  in the brain were observed in both infections.