Rhesus Cytomegalovirus (RhCMV)

Test code: S0018 - Qualitative detection of Rhesus Cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) by polymerase chain reaction

Rhesus cytomegalovirus exhibits strong parallels with human CMV (HCMV) in terms of nucleic and amino acid identities, natural history, and mechanisms of persistence and pathogenesis in its natural host, the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). RhCMV 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 RhCMV 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 rhesus 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 rhesus macaques with RhCMV 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. Use of this method to determine the frequency and quantify the magnitude of RhCMV shedding would expand our understanding of the natural history of this infection.

Although virus isolation can be used to diagnose RhCMV 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.

RhCMV detection by PCR is the most rapid, sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis of this infection.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Ensure that animal colonies are free of RhCMV
• 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