Serological survey for type D retroviruses and simian immunodeficiency virus in monkeys living in Hungary

Acquired immunodeficiency in non-human primates has been associated with two types of retroviruses: (i) Simian Retrovirus (SRV), a type D virus and (ii) a lentivirus, Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). Both types represent a serious health threat to animals living in different primate research centres, zoos, medical institutions and in private homes. The sera of 175 monkeys belonging to different species were tested for the presence of antibodies against type D retroviruses and SIV. The Mason-Pfizer monkey virus, the prototype of D retroviruses, and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, designated SIVmac251, were used. None of the sera tested proved to be positive for the presence of type D retroviruses and only one serum of an African green monkey was positive for the presence of antibodies to SIV.