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Transmission of simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with a type D retrovirus: immunological aspects
Abstract:
Simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) was transmitted to four of four rhesus macaques with blood from rhesus macaques naturally infected with a type D retrovirus, simian retrovirus-2 (SRV-2). Three of the four blood recipients died with SAIDS at 13, 15, and 26 weeks postinoculation. The fourth animal is alive with SAIDS. All four test monkeys became viremic and produced antiviral antibody. None of the inoculated monkeys produced measureable neutralizing antibody to SRV-2. The survivor produced higher levels of antiviral antibody than the monkeys that died. Phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A reactivity of peripheral blood lymphocytes was depressed from weeks 6 to 12 after inoculation. Clinical findings included development of splenomegaly in all four monkeys, and diarrhea in two monkeys. Blood counts remained within the normal range except for a depression in the number of polymorphonuclear lymphocytes in two monkeys. Hematocrits were decreased in two monkeys just prior to their death. All four test monkeys developed lymph node atrophy and bone marrow hypoplasia. Total proteins and immunoglobulin production were normal. This report provides evidence that SRV-2, as well as other type D retroviruses, causes SAIDS in macaque species.
Insights
Simian retrovirus-2 (SRV-2) caused simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) in rhesus macaques. Infected monkeys showed disease progression, viremia, and immune changes, confirming SRV-2 as a SAIDS-causing retrovirus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Primate Immunology
- Retroviral Diseases
Background:
- Simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) poses a significant threat to non-human primate health.
- Type D retroviruses, including simian retrovirus-2 (SRV-2), are implicated in SAIDS pathogenesis.
- Understanding the transmission and effects of SRV-2 is crucial for managing SAIDS in macaque populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transmission of simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) via blood inoculation of simian retrovirus-2 (SRV-2) in rhesus macaques.
- To characterize the clinical and immunological responses of macaques infected with SRV-2.
- To provide evidence for SRV-2 as a causative agent of SAIDS.
Main Methods:
- Four rhesus macaques were inoculated with blood from SRV-2 infected macaques.
- Clinical signs, viremia, antibody production, and lymphocyte responses were monitored post-inoculation.
- Necropsies were performed to assess pathological changes, including lymph node and bone marrow status.
Main Results:
- All four inoculated macaques developed SAIDS, with three succumbing to the disease at 13, 15, and 26 weeks.
- Infected macaques exhibited viremia and produced antiviral antibodies, but lacked measurable neutralizing antibodies to SRV-2.
- Pathological findings included splenomegaly, lymph node atrophy, and bone marrow hypoplasia in all animals.
Conclusions:
- Simian retrovirus-2 (SRV-2) effectively transmits SAIDS in rhesus macaques through blood.
- SRV-2 infection leads to significant clinical and pathological manifestations consistent with SAIDS.
- This study confirms SRV-2 and other type D retroviruses as etiological agents of SAIDS in macaques.