MULTIPLE TESTING FOR DETECTION OF B-VIRUS ANTIBODY IN SPECIALLY HANDLED RHESUS-MONKEYS AFTER CAPTURE FROM VIRGIN TRAPPING GROUNDS

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (1) , 70-74
Abstract
Eight groups of rhesus monkeys [Macaca mulatta] totaling > 1000 animals were captured in the virgin trapping grounds of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Individual caging and special handling techniques were utilized to prevent cross-contamination during capture, holding and subsequent shipment to quarantine facilities in the USA. Immediately following the arrival of the monkeys, 5 consecutive blood samples were obtained at .apprx. 2-wk intervals, and the sera were tested for neutralizing antibody against Herpesvirus simiae [B virus]. To assure the greatest sensitivity possible, sera were not heat-inactivated and were tested against only 10 TCID50 [median tissue culture infective dose] units of virus in addition to the more commonly used 100 TCID50 units. The 1st test detected 80-90% of the positive animals within each group, and only 1 seroconversion was noted after the 2nd test. Seventy-three percent of the adults, 36.6% of the young adults, and 12.4% of the juvenile macaques were antibody-positive. Considering the measures employed to prevent cross contamination, these percentages probably reflect the true prevalence of B virus infection in these rhesus monkeys at the time of their capture in the wild. [B virus can be transmitted to man and thus represents an occupational hazard to caretakers and investigators in contact with the infected monkeys.].