Infection and pathogenesis of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Rhesus macaque

Abstract

1. •

   Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can effectively infect the Rhesus macaque.

2. •

   Delta variant grows faster than the early strain isolated from Wuhan in late 2019.

3. •

   Shedding pattern, viral load and disease severity of Delta variant are similar to the early strain isolated from Wuhan.

4. •

   This study supports the attributed rapid disease spread of the Delta variant.