Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs, too, have made important contributions to the advancement of knowledge in medicine. In the early part of this century, these animals were instrumental in the development of a vaccine for diphtheria.

They have been used in research to study mechanisms of the immune system, as well as the chemical structure of antibodies. In addition, research on guinea pigs led to the discovery of the antibiotic streptomycin and to the treatment of whooping cough.

A number of animal studies have laid the groundwork for understanding the harmful health effects of acid rain in humans. The guinea pig has proven to be a sensitive and reliable animal model for studying the respiratory effects of concentrations of polluted air similar to those experienced by people in urban areas.