primate assay data sheet
Simian varicella-zoster virus (SVV)
Test codes:
S0070 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of simian
varicella-zoster virus by real time polymerase chain reaction
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a human herpesvirus, causes
varicella or chickenpox, a common infectious disease of
childhood. Simian varicella-zoster virus (SVV, Cercopithecine
herpesvirus 7) is closely related to varicella-zoster virus and
induces a natural varicella-like disease in Old World monkeys.
Like human chickenpox, the disease is characterized by fever and
vesicular skin rash on the face, torso, and extremities.
Following recovery from acute disease, SVV produces a latent
infection in neural ganglia and may subsequently reactivate to
cause secondary disease and spread to susceptible monkeys. The
disease is highly contagious and simian varicella epizootics
occur sporadically in facilities housing nonhuman primates. Some
epizootics involve high morbidity and mortality, while others
are associated with milder disease. Therefore, simian varicella
is a useful model to investigate varicella pathogenesis and to
evaluate antiviral therapies.
Simian
varicella, like human varicella, is believed to be transmitted
naturally by inhalation of aerosolized virus-laden droplets,
although infection through direct contact with skin lesions is
also likely. Diagnosis of varicella disease can be difficult.
Although
virus isolation can be used to diagnose SVV infection, a long
incubation period is required to obtain results. Furthermore,
viral culture is neither sensitive nor specific, and it
increases the potential risk of laboratory personnel contacting
this virus. SVV 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 SVV
-
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:
Lesion swab or
lesion scab, or 0.2 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) tube.
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