Infection of rhesus monkeys and chimpanzees with Epstein-Barr virus

Seventy-two nonhuman primates were entered into a long-term study to evaluate the pathogenicity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Infectious virus was inoculated into 42 rhesus monkeys, 4 chimpanzees and 1 cynomolgus monkey. Immunostimulation or immunosuppression was attempted in 34 of these animals to enhance the oncogenic potential of the virus. Eleven inoculated animals were followed for more than 3 years and two were observed for 8 years. No tumors were observed in any of the animals; however, serological evaluation of the 47 inoculated primates and 25 matched controls indicated that at least 14 rhesus monkeys and the cynomolgus monkey were successfully infected with EBV. The potential use of rhesus monkeys as a model for EBV-induced disease in humans is discussed.