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Clinical and virological characterization of persistent human infection with simian foamy viruses

Roumiana S Boneva1, William M Switzer, Thomas J Spira

  • 1HIV and Retrovirology Branch, Division of AIDS, STD and TB Laboratory Research, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.

AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
|January 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Occupational exposure to nonhuman primates can lead to simian foamy virus (SFV) infection in humans. This study found no evidence of SFV transmission to wives despite long-term close contact, suggesting limited human-to-human spread.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Simian foamy virus (SFV) is known to infect humans occupationally exposed to nonhuman primates (NHPs).
  • The clinical significance and human-to-human transmissibility of zoonotic SFV infections remain largely unknown.
  • Understanding SFV transmission dynamics is crucial for public health and primate handler safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical outcomes and transmission patterns of simian foamy virus (SFV) in occupationally exposed individuals.
  • To assess the potential for secondary transmission of SFV from infected humans to their close contacts (spouses).
  • To evaluate the long-term health effects associated with persistent SFV infection in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Annual structured interviews were conducted with seven men persistently infected with SFV.
  • Whole blood, oral, and urogenital specimens were collected for SFV DNA detection (PCR) and viral culture.
  • Wives of the infected men were also tested for SFV infection to assess household transmission.

Main Results:

  • Proviral SFV DNA was consistently detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of infected men, but inconsistently in oral or urogenital samples.
  • SFV was rarely cultured from PBMCs and throat swabs, indicating low viral shedding.
  • Despite prolonged intimate exposure (median 20 years), none of the wives tested positive for SFV, demonstrating a lack of secondary transmission.
  • Most participants reported non-specific symptoms common in aging; one case of mild thrombocytopenia with asymptomatic natural killer cell lymphocytosis was noted but its relation to SFV was unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Simian foamy virus (SFV) likely transmits to humans via percutaneous and mucocutaneous exposure to NHP body fluids.
  • Limited follow-up suggests that SFV infection in humans may not be associated with significant illness.
  • There is little evidence for significant human-to-human transmission of SFV, even among long-term household contacts.

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