Fig. 5: Pathogenicity and replication of multiple strains of SARS-CoV-2 viruses in Golden Syrian hamsters.

Golden Syrian hamsters were challenged with Hu-WA.1 (unvaccinated n = 12, vaccinated n = 12), Hu-B.1.1.7 (unvaccinated n = 4), B.1.1.7-like (unvaccinated n = 13, vaccinated n = 13), Hu-B.1.617.2 (unvaccinated n = 11, vaccinated n = 12), AY.103 (unvaccinated n = 13, vaccinated n = 13), and AY.25 (unvaccinated n = 10). All sample sizes reflect biologically independent animals. a Microneutralization titers of a-BNT162b2 or lineage specific serum against representative viruses from this study. For b–e, the mean for each group is plotted, and bars indicate standard deviation. Titers expressed as log₁₀ IC₅₀ were plotted and described as a fold change from the reference strains. b Body weight loss comparison between unvaccinated and BNT162b2 vaccinated animals at the peak of infection, day 7. Mean weights are displayed as a percentage of starting weight. Nasal wash was collected (unvaccinated groups only) (c) or lung and nasal turbinate were harvested (d, e) and used to quantify viral titers. Viral titers expressed as the log₁₀ TCID₅₀ were plotted. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by a Tukey post hoc, p values displayed from Tukey’s test statistic, q, which controls for family wise error rate for multiple comparison.