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Updated practice for detection of viral infections in breeding macaques
Ling-Yan Yang1,2, Zhi-Liang Lu1,2, David Fernig3
1Department of Biosciences and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
Abstract:
Macaques, particularly rhesus ( Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus ( M. fascicularis) monkeys, are widely utilized in biomedical and toxicological research. Despite their critical role, effective vaccines against many viral pathogens affecting these primates remain limited, and vaccination is generally avoided in experimental populations to prevent potential confounding outcomes. Consequently, maintaining viral control within macaque colonies depends on stringent surveillance, systematic diagnostic testing, and rigorously enforced quarantine protocols. Accurate and early detection of viral infections is therefore essential for colony management and research integrity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on 10 major viruses affecting macaque colonies, outlining their biological characteristics and diagnostic methodologies, and further assesses recent technological advances in viral detection. Drawing upon five years of surveillance data collected by VRL-Asia from breeding facilities across China, this review highlights the prevalence patterns of viral infections among breeding macaques and identifies critical epidemiological trends. These insights provide a valuable reference for researchers, veterinarians, and laboratory personnel seeking to strengthen biosecurity frameworks and ensure the reliability of research involving macaques.
Insights
Maintaining healthy macaque colonies requires robust viral detection. This review details 10 key viruses, diagnostic methods, and prevalence trends in Chinese breeding facilities to improve biosecurity.
Area of Science:
- Primate Virology
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Macaques (e.g., rhesus, cynomolgus) are vital models in biomedical research.
- Limited vaccines and avoidance of vaccination in research populations necessitate strict viral control.
- Accurate viral detection is crucial for macaque colony management and research integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major viruses affecting macaque colonies.
- To outline diagnostic methodologies and recent advances in viral detection.
- To analyze viral infection prevalence and epidemiological trends in Chinese macaque breeding facilities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 10 major macaque viruses, their biology, and diagnostics.
- Assessment of current and emerging viral detection technologies.
- Analysis of five-year surveillance data from VRL-Asia in Chinese breeding facilities.
Main Results:
- Identification of 10 significant viruses impacting macaque health and research.
- Overview of established and novel diagnostic techniques for viral detection.
- Presentation of prevalence patterns and epidemiological trends of viral infections in Chinese macaques.
Conclusions:
- Effective viral surveillance and diagnostics are essential for macaque colony health.
- Understanding prevalence and trends informs biosecurity strategies.
- This review provides critical data for enhancing research reliability involving macaques.
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