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Nonsusceptibility of primate cells to Taura syndrome virus
Carlos R Pantoja1, Solangel A Navarro, Jaime Naranjo
1University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.
Abstract:
Taura syndrome virus (TSV), a pathogen of penaeid shrimp and member of the family Dicistroviridae, was recently reported to have the ability to infect primate cells. We independently retested this hypothesis. Three lines of primate cells FRhK-4, MA-104, and BGMK, which are highly susceptible to infection by human picornaviruses, were challenged with TSV. Viral replication was assayed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using cell media samples collected on days 0, 4, and 7 postchallenge. By day 7, genome copy numbers had decreased 25%-99%. No cytopathic effect was observed after 7 days. An in situ hybridization assay, with gene probes specific for detection of TSV, was negative for TSV in challenged cells. The infectivity of residual virus in the cell culture media at day 7 was confirmed by bioassay using TSV-free indicator shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). TSV did not infect the primate cells tested, and no evidence of zoonotic potential was found.
Insights
Taura syndrome virus (TSV) was tested for primate cell infection. The virus did not infect primate cells, indicating no zoonotic potential from this shrimp pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Taura syndrome virus (TSV) is a shrimp pathogen belonging to the Dicistroviridae family.
- Recent reports suggested TSV might infect primate cells, raising zoonotic concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To independently verify the hypothesis of Taura syndrome virus infecting primate cells.
- To assess the potential zoonotic risk of TSV to humans.
Main Methods:
- Three primate cell lines (FRhK-4, MA-104, BGMK) were challenged with TSV.
- Viral replication was monitored using real-time RT-PCR and in situ hybridization.
- Residual virus infectivity was confirmed via bioassay in susceptible shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).
Main Results:
- Viral genome copy numbers in primate cell cultures decreased significantly (25%-99%) by day 7.
- No cytopathic effects or detectable TSV presence were observed in challenged primate cells via in situ hybridization.
- Residual TSV in cell media remained infectious to shrimp, confirming virus viability but not primate cell infection.
Conclusions:
- Taura syndrome virus does not infect the tested primate cell lines.
- The study found no evidence of Taura syndrome virus having zoonotic potential.
- These findings address concerns about TSV transmission to humans from infected shrimp.
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