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Humans have antibodies reactive with Bovine leukemia virus
Gertrude Case Buehring1, Sean M Philpott, K Yeon Choi
1School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. buehring@uclink4.berkeley.edu
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
|January 8, 2004
Summary
Most humans show antibodies to bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a cattle virus found in food. This suggests widespread exposure, though not necessarily infection, warrants further study.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an oncogenic retrovirus infecting cattle, leading to B cell leukosis in 1-5% of cases.
- BLV-infected cells are found in beef and dairy products, raising potential food safety concerns.
- Previous studies using less sensitive assays indicated minimal human exposure to BLV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine human exposure to BLV using advanced immunological techniques.
- To determine the prevalence of antibodies reactive to BLV capsid antigen (p24) in the human population.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 257 humans were tested for antibodies of four isotypes (IgG1, IgM, IgA, IgG4) against BLV p24 using immunoblotting.
- Specificity of antibody reactivity was confirmed through competition studies and exclusion of cross-reactivity with other human viruses.
Main Results:
- Antibodies reactive with BLV p24 were detected in 74% of the human sera tested.
- The presence of these antibodies suggests widespread exposure to BLV.
- Antibodies may result from consuming BLV-contaminated food rather than direct infection.
Conclusions:
- Antibodies reactive to BLV capsid antigen may serve as a biomarker for BLV exposure in humans.
- The high prevalence suggests BLV exposure is widespread, potentially through dietary sources.
- Further research is recommended to understand the implications of this widespread exposure.