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Ebola virus infection in imported primates--United States
Abstract:
In late November 1989, Ebola virus was isolated from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) imported into the United States from the Philippines via Amsterdam and New York. During quarantine in a primate facility in Virginia, numerous macaques died, some with findings consistent with simian hemorrhagic fever (SHF). The US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases tested 10 animals and, from 3, isolated SHF from tissues and serum; however, 5 other animals of the 10 tested were positive for Ebola virus. Monkeys from a later shipment quarantined in a second room also had unusually high mortality and were tested by a rapid antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ebola viral antigen was detected in serum and/or tissues from 7 of these monkeys. Primary liver material from animals in both rooms exhibited particles with typical filovirus morphology by electron microscopy and Ebola virus antigen by immunohistochemistry.
Insights
Ebola virus was detected in imported cynomolgus monkeys exhibiting high mortality during quarantine. Diagnostic tests confirmed Ebola virus presence, highlighting potential risks associated with imported primates.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Primate Health
Background:
- Imported cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from the Philippines showed high mortality during quarantine in Virginia.
- Initial observations suggested simian hemorrhagic fever (SHF) as a potential cause of death.
- Ebola virus, a filovirus, poses significant public health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of unusually high mortality in quarantined cynomolgus monkeys.
- To determine the presence and identity of infectious agents in affected animals.
- To assess the risk of zoonotic disease transmission from imported primates.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of infectious agents from animal tissues and serum.
- Detection of Ebola virus antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Morphological analysis of viral particles using electron microscopy (EM).
- Immunohistochemistry to confirm Ebola virus antigen presence.
Main Results:
- Ebola virus was isolated from 5 out of 10 tested monkeys.
- Ebola viral antigen was detected in 7 additional monkeys from a subsequent shipment.
- Electron microscopy revealed filovirus morphology, and immunohistochemistry confirmed Ebola antigen.
- Simian hemorrhagic fever (SHF) was isolated from 3 animals, but Ebola virus was also detected in other tested animals.
Conclusions:
- Ebola virus was definitively identified in cynomolgus monkeys imported into the US.
- The findings underscore the risk of introducing exotic viral diseases through imported primates.
- Enhanced surveillance and diagnostic protocols are crucial for managing potential zoonotic threats from animal imports.