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Evidence of SV40 infections in hospitalized children
1Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Insights
Simian virus 40 (SV40) infections are present in children born after 1980, with evidence found in serum and tissue samples. This indicates natural human infections by SV40, a virus previously linked to contaminated polio vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Simian virus 40 (SV40) contamination in 1955-1963 poliovirus vaccines is documented.
- SV40 DNA presence in human tumors and tissues raises questions about its significance.
- The prevalence and clinical relevance of SV40 infections in children remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SV40 infections in unselected hospitalized children.
- To identify potential clinical correlations of SV40 infection.
- To confirm SV40 presence using molecular assays.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples analyzed for SV40 neutralizing antibody via plaque reduction test.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing used on archival tissue specimens.
- Statistical analysis to assess seropositivity correlations with age and medical history.
Main Results:
- 20 out of 337 (5.9%) children had SV40 antibodies, increasing with age.
- Higher seropositivity (40%) observed in kidney transplant recipients.
- SV40 DNA confirmed in tissues of 4 antibody-positive patients.
- Infections detected in children born after 1980.
Conclusions:
- SV40 causes natural infections in humans.
- Evidence supports SV40 circulation in the population beyond historical vaccine exposure.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of SV40 infections.
Abstract:
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is known to have contaminated poliovirus vaccines used between 1955 and 1963. Accumulating reports have described the presence of SV40 DNA in human tumors and normal tissues, although the significance of human infections by SV40 is unknown. We investigated whether unselected hospitalized children had evidence of SV40 infections and whether any clinical correlations were apparent. Serum samples were examined for SV40 neutralizing antibody using a specific plaque reduction test; of 337 samples tested, 20 (5.9%) had antibody to SV40. Seropositivity increased with age and was significantly associated with kidney transplants (6 of 15 [40%] positive, P < .001). Many of the antibody-positive patients had impaired immune systems. Molecular assays (polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequence analysis) on archival tissue specimens confirmed the presence of SV40 DNA in 4 of the antibody-positive patients. This study, using 2 independent assays, shows the presence of SV40 infections in children born after 1980. We conclude that SV40 causes natural infections in humans.