Epstein‐Barr virus: Experimental infection of Callithrix Jacchus marmosets

Eight common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) were inoculated with about 10⁴ transforming units of B95‐8 virus; seven of the marmosets died 50‐111 days post inoculation and all seven showed microscopic and/or macroscopic lesions compatible with a diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease. Low levels of anti‐VCA antibodies were detected in plasma from six marmosets. Attempts failed to establish continuous EBV‐carrying lymphoblastoid cell cultures by cultivation in vitro of circulating lymphocytes or minced lymphoid tissues obtained at necropsy.