Simian retrovirus transmission in rhesus macaques

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Primate Virology
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Historically, in vivo passage in rhesus macaques was a reliable method for generating Simian Retrovirus (SRV) positive control materials.
• Recent attempts to generate SRV positive controls using this established method have unexpectedly failed, indicating a significant change in transmissibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reasons behind the recent difficulties in transmitting Simian Retrovirus (SRV) via in vivo passage.
• To understand the factors contributing to the decreased success rate of generating SRV positive control materials in rhesus macaques.

Main Methods:

• The study involved reviewing historical protocols for in vivo passage of SRV.
• Observations from recent failed transmission attempts were analyzed.
• Exploratory analysis was conducted to identify potential reasons for the diminished SRV transmissibility.

Main Results:

• The traditional method of inoculating uninfected rhesus macaques with whole blood from SRV-1 infected macaques is no longer consistently successful.
• There has been a notable decrease in the ability to transmit SRV through in vivo passage in the study population.
• The study identified a shift in the ease of SRV transmission in this experimental model.

Conclusions:

• The efficacy of in vivo passage for generating Simian Retrovirus (SRV) positive controls has significantly declined.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific factors responsible for the reduced SRV transmissibility in rhesus macaques.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining reliable SRV diagnostic and research materials.