Maternal Transmission of Type D Simian Retrovirus (SRV‐2) in Pigtailed Macaques

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Abstract
Pregnant macaques were used as a natural model for maternal‐infant transmission of SRV‐2 retrovirus. Fifty‐one pregnant females were placed into one of four virus/antibody groups. Nonviremic mothers produced 100% virus‐negative offspring at birth. In contrast, viremic mothers produced offspring which were 17% virus‐negative and 83% virus‐positive at birth. SRV‐2 infection occurred principally in utero by the transplacental route. Infants born to viremic mothers exhibited low birth weight, prematurity, high perinatal death, and increased incidence of SAIDS.
Funding Information
  • U.S. Public Health Service
  • National Institutes of Health (RR00166, NO1‐AI‐62526)