Herpesvirus Saimiri (HVS) Types I and II

Test codes:
S0036 - HVS-I
S0037 - HVS-II

Test name: Qualitative detection of herpesvirus saimiri virus by polymerase chain reaction

Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), a member of the gamma 2 group of herpesviruses, naturally infects squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) of South America and perhaps also Cebus and Ateles species as supported by serologic evidence. Infected squirrel monkeys usually do not display any symptoms but in acute cases, the monkeys can have lip, tongue or palate ulcers. Systemic disease and death are not common. Many of these squirrel monkeys develop lifelong latent infection with periodic shedding of the virus.

HVS persists in T lymphocytes of the natural host without any apparent disease, but infection of other species of New World primates results in fulminant lymphomas, lymphosarcomas, and leukemias of T cell origin (Jung and Desrosiers, 1994). In owl monkeys and marmosets, the virus can spread rapidly causing high morbidity and mortality (up to 100%). Affected owl monkeys and marmosets develop oral and cutaneous vesicles and ulcers, conjunctivitis, and occasionally, apparent hyperesthesia or paresthesia indicated by intensive scratching.

The mode of transmission is still unknown but it has been suspected the virus can be spread by contact, fomites and aerosol.

HVS detection by PCR is the most rapid, sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis of this infection. It also helps to eliminate false negative cases.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Ensure that animal colonies are free of HVS
• Early prevention of spread of this virus among a colony
• Minimize personnel exposure to this virus
• Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines that derive from monkeys

Specimen requirement: 1 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube, shipped overnight at room temperature.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodologies: Qualitative PCR

Normal range: Nondetected