Abstract

Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) have emerged as a pivotal model organism in infectious disease research due to their unique physiological and immunological characteristics that closely resemble human responses. This study highlights the utility of Syrian hamsters in studying various infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. We detail the comparative analysis of disease progression in hamsters versus other model organisms, emphasizing their susceptibility to pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Our findings demonstrate that Syrian hamsters exhibit clinical manifestations, immune responses, and tissue pathologies that mirror those observed in human infections. This model facilitates the evaluation of therapeutic interventions and vaccine efficacy, making it an invaluable tool in the fight against infectious diseases.