Survey of captive cynomolgus macaque colonies for SRV/D infection using polymerase chain reaction assays
Masayuki Hara1, Toshihiko Kikuchi, Fumiko Ono
1Tsukuba Primate Center for Medical Science National Institute Infectious Diseases (NIID), 1 Hachimandai, Tsukuba, 305-0843 Japan.
Abstract:
The exogenous simian type D retroviruses (SRV/Ds) are prevalent in macaque monkeys and sometimes cause immunodeficiency with anemia, weight loss, and persistent unresponsive diarrhea. SRV/D isolates are classified as subtypes 1 to 6, and the entire sequences of the gag region of SRV/D-1, -2, and -3 and SRV/D-Tsukuba (SRV/D-T) have been determined. We designed specific primers in the gag region of SRV/D-T that enabled us to directly detect by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) SRV/D-T proviral DNA sequences in DNA extracted from whole blood. Using this assay and another PCR assay that detects multiple SRV/D subtypes, we performed a survey for SRV/D infection in our specific pathogen-free (SPF) and conventional colonies at Tsukuba Primate Center (TPC). In the SPF colony, no SRV/D signal was detected in any animal. On the other hand, SRV/D-T was detected in 11 of 49 animals (22.5%) in the conventional colony. SRV/D-T was the only SRV/D subtype detected. Consequently, SRV/D-T is the major SRV/D subtype present in cynomolgus monkeys at TPC.
Insights
Simian type D retroviruses (SRV/Ds) cause disease in macaques. A new PCR assay detected SRV/D-Tsukuba (SRV/D-T) in 22.5% of conventional macaques, identifying it as the primary SRV/D subtype at TPC.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Primate Health
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Simian type D retroviruses (SRV/Ds) are common in macaques and can lead to immunodeficiency syndromes.
- SRV/D isolates are classified into subtypes 1-6, with gag region sequences determined for SRV/D-1, -2, -3, and SRV/D-Tsukuba (SRV/D-T).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detecting SRV/D-T proviral DNA.
- To survey SRV/D infection prevalence in specific pathogen-free (SPF) and conventional macaque colonies at Tsukuba Primate Center (TPC).
Main Methods:
- Designed specific primers targeting the gag region of SRV/D-T for direct PCR detection of proviral DNA in whole blood.
- Utilized the developed SRV/D-T specific PCR assay alongside a multi-subtype SRV/D PCR assay for infection surveys.
Main Results:
- No SRV/D infection was detected in the SPF macaque colony at TPC.
- SRV/D-T was identified in 11 out of 49 (22.5%) animals in the conventional colony.
- SRV/D-T was the sole SRV/D subtype detected in the surveyed conventional colony.
Conclusions:
- SRV/D-T is the predominant SRV/D subtype circulating in cynomolgus monkeys at the Tsukuba Primate Center.
- The developed PCR assay is effective for detecting SRV/D-T infection in macaques.
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