Chipanzee carriers of hepatitis B virus. Chimpanzee hepatitis B carriers

All three major forms of acute viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, and non-A/non-B) have been reproduced in chimpanzees and are associated with different histologic changes. Chronic persistent hepatitis B(9,10) and non-A/non-B⁸ have been described. The availability of chimpanzees with known long duration of the HBsAg carrier state, prompted the description of this model. The availability of HBV carrier chimpanzees may facilitate studies of the role of various parameters, particularly immunologic factors, in the development of the carrier state. The pathogenesis of chronic viral hepatitis may be explored under well-defined circumstances. Long-term observations of the natural history of the carrier state and evolution of chronic viral liver disease, perhaps including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, may be carried out. The effect of environmental agents such as alcohol and other hepatotoxins on the chronically infected liver may be studied. Therapeutic trials may be undertaken with the goal of terminating the carrier state or preventing progressive liver disease. Some of these uses of the chimpanzee model have already been explored; others are currently being examined.