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Nonhuman primate spumavirus infections among persons with occupational exposure--United States, 1996
Abstract:
Nonhuman primate (NHP) species used in biomedical research may be infected with a variety of retroviruses including simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian spumaviruses (i.e., simian foamy viruses [SPV]), simian T-lymphotrophic viruses (STLV), and/or simian type D retroviruses. All of these retroviruses cause life-long infections in NHPs, and some are transmissible through sexual contact, blood, or breast-feeding. Following the detection of SIV infection in a worker with occupational exposure to SIV, in 1993 CDC and the National Institutes of Health conducted an anonymous serosurvey using stored specimens collected from U.S. workers with similar exposures. SIV seroreactivity was present in three (0.6%) of 427 stored serum samples. As a result of this finding, in 1993 CDC implemented a voluntary testing and counseling surveillance program to link specific exposures or health outcomes with the SIV serostatus of persons with potential occupational exposure to SIV. In 1995, the linked surveillance program was expanded to include voluntary testing and counseling for exposure to SFV, STLV and simian type D retroviruses. As of November 20, 1996, samples from 231 of the participating volunteer workers had been tested for SFV; infection was documented in three (1.3%). This report presents laboratory findings and case descriptions of these three infections, which indicate that SFV from NHPs can persistently infect exposed humans and may or may not cause disease or be transmitted among humans.
Insights
Simian foamy viruses (SFV) from nonhuman primates can infect humans, causing persistent infections. Three workers exposed to SFV showed infection, highlighting potential occupational risks and transmission routes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Occupational Health
- Primate Retroviruses
Background:
- Nonhuman primates (NHPs) harbor various retroviruses like simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian foamy viruses (SFV), simian T-lymphotrophic viruses (STLV), and simian type D retroviruses.
- These retroviruses cause lifelong infections in NHPs and can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood, or breastfeeding.
- Previous SIV detection in an occupationally exposed worker prompted surveillance programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of SFV infection in humans occupationally exposed to NHPs.
- To report laboratory findings and case descriptions of SFV infections in exposed workers.
- To investigate the persistence, disease potential, and transmission of SFV in humans.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous serosurvey of stored serum samples from U.S. workers with potential occupational retroviral exposure.
- Voluntary testing and counseling surveillance program for SIV, SFV, STLV, and simian type D retroviruses.
- Laboratory testing of samples from participating workers for SFV infection.
Main Results:
- SIV seroreactivity was found in 0.6% of 427 workers in an initial survey.
- SFV infection was documented in three (1.3%) of 231 workers tested as of November 20, 1996.
- Case descriptions of these three SFV infections were presented.
Conclusions:
- SFV from NHPs can persistently infect humans.
- SFV infections in humans may or may not lead to disease.
- Human-to-human transmission of SFV is a possibility that warrants further investigation.