primate assay data sheet
Simian cytomegalovirus (SCMV) - also known as simian agent 6
(SA6)
Test code:
S0017 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of simian cytomegalovirus (SCMV) by
real time polymerase chain reaction
Simian
cytomegalovirus (SCMV) was first described in 1957 as one of
seven viruses isolated from the African green monkey (Cercopithecus
aethiops). SCMV, also known as simian agent 6 (SA6)
at that time, was first recovered from primary African green
monkey kidney cell (AGMK) cultures, giving rise to foci of
rounded swollen cells after 2 weeks in culture. Examining the
prevalence of SCMV in primary AGMK cells obtained from
commercial suppliers indicated that more than 50% of these
cultures were positive for the presence of the virus.
Neutralizing antibodies to SCMV were found in more than 95% of
African green monkey sera studied. Infection of African green
monkeys by SCMV appears to be widespread.
The use of
primary rhesus macaque (Macaca
mulatta) kidney cultures for the production of
poliovirus vaccines during the 1950s led to the identification
of simian virus 40 (SV40). It was subsequently confirmed that
SV40 was a common contaminant of Rhesus monkey culture. Due to
the oncogenicity associated with SV40, attempts were made to
switch poliovirus vaccine production from rhesus macaque kidney
cultures, to ones prepared from African green monkeys. Thus, to
ensure a SCMV-free AGMK culture is vital to safe use of
poliovirus vaccines.
Although
virus isolation can be used to diagnose SCMV 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.
SCMV
detection by PCR is the most rapid, sensitive and specific
method for the diagnosis of this infection.
Utilities:
-
Help confirm the disease causing agent
-
Help ensure that animal colonies are free of SCMV
-
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
Methodology:
Qualitative real time PCR
Normal range:
Nondetected