primate assay data sheet
Simian foamy viruses (SFV)
Test codes:
S0006
- Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of macaque simian foamy
virus (SFVmac) by real time PCR
S0007
- Qualitative detection of african green monkey simian foamy
virus (SFVagm) by PCR
S0008
- Qualitative detection of chimpanzee simian foamy virus (SFVcpz)
by PCR
S0009
- Qualitative detection of baboon simian foamy virus (SFVbab) by
PCR
S0131
- Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of macaque simian foamy
virus (SFVmac) RNA
by reverse transcription
coupled real time PCR
Simian foamy
viruses (SFVs) belong to a genetically and antigenically diverse
class of retroviruses that naturally infect a wide range of
nonhuman primates (NHPs) and can also be transmitted to humans
in close contact with primates. In one case SFV was isolated
from an infected individual 20 years postexposure (Schweizer et
al, 1997). In vitro studies have also shown that SFVs can
persist in a latent state and can be reactivated to produce
infectious virus. Although there is no pathogenesis directly
associated with SFVs, the long-term consequences of SFV
infection in humans are not yet fully known. Animal models
demonstrate that activation and increased replication of
retroviruses can result in acute or slow diseases. Therefore,
the long-term presence of a latent, potentially inducible,
infectious retrovirus in humans raises public health safety
concerns.
Retrovirus
screening of potential sources of infection, such as laboratory
research animals and simian-derived biological products, can
minimize human exposure to SFVs and reduce the risk of potential
retrovirus infection in humans. Furthermore, NHPs serve as
important sources for the production of cell cultures used in
medical and veterinary viral diagnostics, as well as in basic
research. Thus safety monitoring of this virus in these cell
cultures is vital. Furthermore, extensive and rigorous
retrovirus testing is particularly important in the case of
xenotransplantation, since the recipients of animal tissues or
organs are immunosuppressed and thus potentially more
susceptible to virus infections.
Previously,
serologic detection of SFV infection required separate Western
blot testing using two different SFV antigens [SFV(AGM) (African
green monkey) and SFV(CPZ) (chimpanzee)]. However, this method
is labor intensive and validation is limited to only small
numbers of NHPs. Although virus isolation can be used to detect
foamy virus 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 and specific than newer
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques.
Simian foamy
viral detection by PCR is the most rapid, sensitive and specific
method for the diagnosis of this infection. This method can
differentiate the virus from other closely related foamy
viruses.
Utilities:
-
Help confirm the disease causing agent
-
Help ensure that animal colonies are free of foamy virus
-
Early prevention of spread of this virus among the
colony
-
Minimize unnecessary occupational exposure to this virus
-
Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines
that derive from monkeys
References:
Schweizer M., Falcone V., Gange J., Turek R., Neumann-Haefelin
D. (1997). Simian Foamy Virus Isolated from an Accidentally
Infected Human Individual. Journal of Virology 71(6): 4821-4824.
Specimen requirement: 0.2 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) tube, or 0.2 ml cell culture.
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:
S0006:
Qualitative real time PCR
S0007,
S0008,
S0009:
Qualitative PCR
S0131:
Qualitative reverse transcription coupled real time PCR
Normal range:
Nondetected