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Neonatal disease induced by SIV infection of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)
R P Bohm1, L N Martin, B Davison-Fairburn
1Department of Veterinary Sciences, Tulane Regional Primate Research Center (TRPRC), Covington, Louisiana 70433.
Abstract:
Seven 72-hr-old Indian origin rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were inoculated with 10 animal ID50 of SIV/DeltaB670. Nine age-matched animals were used as uninoculated controls. All seven inoculated animals became infected as verified by viral isolation and SIV p26 antigenemia. Five of seven infected animals died within a mean of 31 days (range, 26-41 days), with high levels of antigenemia beginning 1-2 weeks postinoculation (PI) that persisted until death. Absolute lymphocyte numbers were within normal limits in all animals in both groups throughout the study. Inoculated animals that died within a mean of 31 days (short-term survivors) had significantly lower numbers of CD4+CD29+ (helper/inducer) lymphocytes than did long-term surviving inoculated animals through 3 weeks PI. Numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes were no different when controls were compared to all inoculated animals through 4-5 weeks PI. The two inoculated animals surviving 216 and 423 days PI (long-term survivors) did demonstrate declining CD4+ cells, but only late in disease. CD8+ lymphocytes were significantly lower in short-term survivors when compared to long-term survivors through 5 weeks PI. Antibody production against SIV viral proteins was detected only in the long-term survivors and was similar to results from past studies in juveniles. Clinical signs in the inoculated group were consistent with those seen in past studies on older animals. Persistent bacterial infections, primarily of the GI and respiratory tracts, were seen in the infected group. Aside from the lack of some opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pneumocystis carinii, necropsy findings were not different when compared to past studies on juvenile animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Insights
Young rhesus monkeys infected with SIV showed rapid disease progression and death, with lower CD4+CD29+ lymphocytes. Long-term survivors developed antibodies, unlike short-term survivors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Primate Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) infection in juvenile rhesus monkeys serves as a model for pediatric HIV/AIDS.
- Understanding early disease dynamics and immune responses is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and immunological outcomes of SIV infection in very young rhesus monkeys.
- To compare immune responses and survival rates between short-term and long-term survivors.
Main Methods:
- Seven 72-hour-old rhesus monkeys were inoculated with SIV/DeltaB670.
- Blood samples were analyzed for viral load, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocyte counts.
- Survival rates and necropsy findings were documented.
Main Results:
- All inoculated monkeys became infected, with five dying within 41 days.
- Short-term survivors had lower CD4+CD29+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts compared to long-term survivors.
- Antibody production against SIV was only detected in long-term survivors.
Conclusions:
- Juvenile rhesus monkeys infected with SIV exhibit rapid disease progression and mortality.
- Distinct immunological profiles differentiate short-term and long-term survivors.
- The development of SIV-specific antibodies correlates with longer survival.