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Filovirus clearance in non-human primates
S P Fisher-Hoch1, G I Perez-Oronoz, E L Jackson
1Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
Abstract:
There has been concern in the USA and Europe about filovirus outbreaks in recently imported monkeys, and possible transmission to human beings. Healthy monkeys have been found to have low-titre immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) to Asian filoviruses (Reston and Pennsylvania viruses) as well as to the African filoviruses that caused fulminating human outbreaks in the 1970s (Ebola [Zaire] and Sudan viruses). We have assessed whether such monkeys are a risk to man. We studied 42 non-human primates; 31 were experimentally infected with African and Asian filoviruses, 6 were infected during a documented Reston filovirus outbreak, and 5 had serological evidence suggestive of recent filovirus infection. During the first 15 days after infection, virus could be routinely recovered from serum or biopsy or necropsy tissue, and Asian filovirus RNA could be detected by polymerase chain reaction. 20 to 600 days after challenge, filovirus could no longer be recovered nor viral RNA detected in 141 serum, liver, spleen, or kidney specimens. Animals surviving filovirus infection develop high-titre, cross-reacting filovirus-specific antibody 14 to 21 days after infection, and this coincides with virus clearance. Healthy monkeys with low-titre filovirus antibody may be regarded as uninfected.
Insights
Healthy monkeys with low filovirus antibody titers are not infectious. Studies show virus clearance and antibody development in primates after filovirus infection, indicating they pose no risk to humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Primate Health
- Zoonotic Disease Research
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding filovirus transmission from imported monkeys to humans in the USA and Europe.
- Monkeys can exhibit low-titer antibodies to both African and Asian filoviruses, including Ebola and Reston viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of filovirus transmission to humans from infected non-human primates.
- To determine if healthy monkeys with low-titer filovirus antibodies pose a health risk.
Main Methods:
- Studied 42 non-human primates experimentally infected with filoviruses or naturally exposed during an outbreak.
- Virus recovery and RNA detection via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on serum and tissue samples.
- Serological testing assessed antibody development and cross-reactivity.
Main Results:
- Filovirus was recoverable and detectable by PCR in primates during the first 15 days post-infection.
- Virus and viral RNA were undetectable in surviving animals 20 to 600 days post-challenge.
- High-titer, cross-reacting antibodies developed 14–21 days post-infection, coinciding with virus clearance.
Conclusions:
- Primates surviving filovirus infection clear the virus and develop protective antibodies.
- Healthy monkeys with low-titer filovirus antibodies are considered uninfected and pose no risk for human transmission.
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