primate assay data sheet
Macaque cytomegalovirus
Test code:
S0018 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of cytomegalovirus in rhesus and
cynomolgus macaques by real time polymerase chain reaction
Cytomegalovirus in macaques exhibits strong parallels with human
CMV (HCMV) in terms of nucleic and amino acid identities,
natural history, and mechanisms of persistence and pathogenesis
in macaques, its natural host. CMV is ubiquitous in captive
rhesus macaques, with infection rates of greater than 90% by the
first year of life. Cytomegalovirus infections in macaques share
several features with HCMV infections. The majority of macaque
CMV infections are subclinical, and healthy adults tend to shed
virus in their urine, saliva, semen, cervical secretions, and
breast milk for years. It was recently estimated that
approximately 90% of adult macaques at the California National
Primate Research Center are infected with cytomegalovirus. This
infection rate is similar to those observed in other captive
populations. While programs are in place in a number of primate
centers and breeding facilities to expand the number of
specific-pathogen-free (SPF) animals for this virus, demand for
rhesus macaques will exceed the supply of SPF animals for the
foreseeable future.
Infection of
macaques with macaque CMV provides an excellent model for HCMV
persistence and pathogenesis. HCMV is the most common congenital
infection in the world and a significant cause of morbidity and
mortality in immunocompromised patients. Determination of the
frequency and magnitude of CMV shedding in macaques would expand
our understanding of the natural history of this infection.
Although
virus isolation can be used to diagnose CMV infection, a long
incubation period is required to obtain results. Viral culture
also increases the potential risk of laboratory personnel
contacting this virus. Furthermore, viral culture is less
sensitive, reliable and specific than newer polymerase chain
reaction (PCR)-based techniques.
Utilities:
-
Help confirm the disease causing agent
-
Help ensure that animal colonies are free of CMV
-
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: 0.2 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) tube, or 0.2 ml
serum or plasma.
Contact Zoologix if advice is needed to determine an appropriate specimen type for a specific diagnostic application. For specimen types not listed here, please contact Zoologix 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 real time PCR
Normal range:
Nondetected