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: 0.5 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube, or lesion swab or lesion scab.

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

Methodology: Qualitative real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected