Simian T-cell lymphotropic/leukemia virus (STLV) types 1 and 2

Test codes:
S0014 - Qualitative detection of STLV type 1 by polymerase chain reaction
S0015 - Qualitative detection of STLV type 2 by polymerase chain reaction
P0005 - Ultrasensitive qualitative screen for primate T-cell leukemia/lymphotropic viruses (STLV and HTLV) by real time polymerase chain reaction
(A0005 - ELISA detection of antibodies to simian T-cell lymphotropic virus (STLV) in macaques)

The human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) is divided into two serologically and genetically distinct types (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2). Both types have a simian relative: HTLV-1 is related to simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (STLV-1) and HTLV-2 is related to STLV-2. STLV-1 infects a wide range of wild nonhuman primates (NHPs). Natural infection with STLV-1 can be found among macaques, guenons, mangabeys, baboons, and apes in Asia and Africa. However, STLV-2 has only been identified in captive bonobos (Pan paniscus). The natural occurrence of STLV-2 is still unknown. HTLVs and STLVs are collectively called primate T-cell leukemia virus (PTLV).

For reasons of occupational safety and animal health, as well as to improve the quality of nonhuman primates (NHPs) used in biomedical research, the establishment and maintenance of specific retrovirus-free breeding colonies of NHPs such as macaques are now high priorities. Viruses which have a widespread occurrence and a strong potential for cross-species transmission such as STLV top the priority list. Although virus isolation can be used to diagnose STLV virus infection, it requires a long period of time to obtain results. Furthermore, viral culture is neither sensitive nor specific, and increases the potential risk of laboratory workers contacting this virus. Serological detection of STLV infection is also not very reliable, sensitive or specific. False negative and false positive results occur frequently. A recent study has shown that experimental infection of macaques with STLV-I can be serologically silent for more than 43 months.

STLV detection by PCR is the most rapid, sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis of this infection. The method can also differentiate the virus from other closely related polyomaviruses.

Utilities:

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

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:
S0014 and S0015 - Qualitative PCR
P0005 - Qualitative real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected