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New World simian foamy virus infections in vivo and in vitro
Carolyn R Stenbak1, Karen L Craig, Sergei B Ivanov
1Seattle University, Department of Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Abstract:
Foamy viruses (FV) are complex retroviruses that naturally infect all nonhuman primates (NHP) studied to date. Zoonotic transmission of Old World NHP simian foamy viruses (SFV) has been documented, leading to nonpathogenic persistent infections. To date, there have been no reports concerning zoonotic transmission of New World monkey (NWM) SFV to humans and resulting infection. In this study, we developed a Western blot assay to detect antibodies to NWM SFV, a nested PCR assay to detect NWM SFV DNA, and a β-galactosidase-containing indicator cell line to assay replication of NWM SFV. Using these tools, we analyzed the plasma and blood of 116 primatologists, of whom 69 had reported exposures to NWM. While 8 of the primatologists tested were seropositive for SFV from a NWM, the spider monkey, none had detectable levels of viral DNA in their blood. We found that SFV isolated from three different species of NWM replicated in some, but not all, human cell lines. From our data, we conclude that while humans exposed to NWM SFV produce antibodies, there is no evidence for long-term viral persistence.
Insights
New World monkey simian foamy viruses (SFV) exposure in humans leads to antibodies but not persistent infection. Researchers developed new assays to study this zoonotic risk in primatologists.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Primate Health
Background:
- Foamy viruses (FV) are complex retroviruses infecting nonhuman primates (NHP).
- Zoonotic transmission of Old World NHP simian foamy viruses (SFV) to humans is known.
- Human infection with New World monkey (NWM) SFV has not been previously reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop diagnostic tools for NWM SFV infection in humans.
- To investigate the zoonotic potential of NWM SFV.
- To assess viral persistence in primatologists with NWM exposure.
Main Methods:
- Developed Western blot for NWM SFV antibodies.
- Developed nested PCR for NWM SFV DNA detection.
- Created indicator cell line for NWM SFV replication assay.
- Analyzed plasma and blood from 116 primatologists with NWM exposure.
Main Results:
- 8 of 69 exposed primatologists were seropositive for SFV from spider monkeys.
- No detectable NWM SFV DNA found in any primatologist's blood.
- NWM SFV replicated in some human cell lines, but not all.
- Antibody production confirmed in humans exposed to NWM SFV.
Conclusions:
- Humans exposed to NWM SFV develop antibodies.
- No evidence of long-term viral persistence in humans after NWM SFV exposure.
- NWM SFV poses a low zoonotic risk for persistent infection.
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