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 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. 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:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• 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

Specimen requirement: 1 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube, or cell culture, 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:
S0006: Qualitative real time PCR
S0007, S0008, S0009: Qualitative PCR
S0131: Qualitative reverse transcription real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected