Simian T-cell lymphotropic/leukemia virus (STLV) type 3

Test code: S0028 - Qualitative detection of STLV Type 3 by polymerase chain reaction

The human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) is divided into two serologically and genetically distinct types (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2). Both types have a simian relative: HTLV-1 is related to simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (STLV-1) and HTLV-2 is related to STLV-2. STLV-1 infects a wide range of wild nonhuman primates (NHPs). Natural infection with STLV-1 can be found among macaques, guenons, mangabeys, baboons, and apes in Asia and Africa. However, STLV-2 has only been identified in captive bonobos (Pan paniscus). The natural occurrence of STLV-2 is still unknown. HTLVs and STLVs are collectively called primate T-cell leukemia virus (PTLV).

Recently, a third type of the STLV group (STLV-L or STLV-3) was isolated from captive hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) in Belgium . The prototype strain of STLV-L (PH969) was serologically more closely related to STLV-2. Very recently, a few other STLV-3 strains were characterized in different wild-caught monkey species living either in East (Ethiopia) or Central (Cameroon) Africa. These divergent viruses were found in two Cercocebus species (strains STLV-3/CTO-604 and STLV-3/CTO-602) and in two Cercopithecus species (strains STLV-3 CNI-227 and STLV-3 CNI-217). Regarding East Africa, a serological survey in wilderness-dwelling nonhuman primates performed in Ethiopia reported a high prevalence of STLV-3 and the result was confirmed by PCR analysis.

Although virus isolation can be used to diagnose STLV-3 virus infection and determine carrier status, a long period of time is required to obtain results. Viral culture is not very sensitive or specific, and it increases the potential risk of laboratorians contacting this virus. Serological testing for STLV-3 is difficult because of the close antigenic relation between surface antigens among the PTLV family.

STLV-3 detection by PCR is the most rapid, sensitive and specific method for diagnosis of this infection and confirmation of carrier status.

Utilities:

• Help confirm the disease causing agent
• Help ensure that animal colonies are free of STLV-3
• Early prevention of spread of this virus among a colony
• Minimize personnel exposure to this virus
• Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines that derive from primates

Specimen requirement: 0.2 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) tube.

Contact Zoologix if advice is needed to determine an appropriate specimen type for a specific diagnostic application. For specimen types not listed here, please contact Zoologix to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodologies: Qualitative PCR

Normal range: Nondetected