Analysis of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) and dogs with naturally occurring Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis

The natural occurrence of CJ pollinosis has been found in Japanese monkeys and dogs. These animals have reactivity to CJ major allergens. Monkeys and dogs can serve as a suitable animal model in the study of CJ pollinosis.

Identification of multiple simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-specific CTL epitopes in sooty mangabeys with natural and experimentally acquired SIV infection

Host immune responses to SIV infection in sooty mangabeys are likely to be an important determinant of how such nonhuman primate species maintain asymptomatic lentivirus infection. We have previously described two patterns of asymptomatic SIV infection in sooty mangabeys: low viral loads with vigorous SIV-specific CTL activity in SIVmac239-infected sooty mangabeys, and high viral loads with generally weak or absent SIV-specific CTL activity in naturally infected sooty mangabeys. To define the specificity of the CTL response in SIV-infected mangabeys, we characterized CTL epitopes in two naturally infected and three SIVmac239-infected sooty mangabeys. Compared with that in SIVmac239-infected mangabeys, the yield of SIV-specific CTL clones was significantly lower in naturally infected sooty mangabeys. All CTL clones were phenotypically CD3+ CD8+, and lysis was MHC restricted. Seven SIV CTL epitopes were identified in five sooty mangabeys: one in Gag and three each in Nef and Envelope (Env). The CTL epitopes mapped to conserved regions in the SIV genome and were immunodominant. Several similar or identical CTL epitopes were recognized by both naturally infected and SIVmac239-infected mangabeys that shared class I MHC alleles. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SIV-specific CTL epitopes in sooty mangabeys. Longitudinal studies of viral load and sequence variation in CTL epitopes may provide useful information on the role of CTL in control or persistence of SIV infection in sooty mangabeys.

Herpesvirus papio 2: alternative antigen for use in monkey B virus diagnostic assays

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Serologic testing for antibody to monkey B virus (BV) in macaque sera is problematic due to the biohazardous nature of BV and BV antigens. Herpesvirus papio 2 (HVP2), a herpesvirus of baboons, is more closely related genetically and antigenically to BV than is human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1). The potential for use of HVP2 relative to HSV1 as an alternative test antigen for detection of anti-BV antibody in macaque sera was assessed.

METHODS

Standard ELISA formats were developed, using BV-, HVP2-, and HSV1-infected cell extracts. Performance of the HVP2 and HSV1 tests was assessed relative to that of the BV test.

RESULTS

Using the BV antigen ELISA, 349 sera from 7 macaque species were tested, and results were classified as positive (253), negative (94), or suspect (2). The ELISA using HVP2 antigen detected 98.0% of BV-positive sera (248 of 253), whereas the HSV1-based ELISA detected only 96.0% (243 of 253). All three ELISAs identified the same two samples as suspect, and the HSV1 ELISA identified three additional BV-positive sera as suspect.

CONCLUSIONS

The HVP2 antigen-based ELISA was equal in sensitivity and specificity to the BV antigen-based ELISA and was superior to the HSV1 ELISA for detection of BV-positive macaque sera. In addition, the HVP2 ELISA has greater laboratory safety, compared with BV antigen use for ELISA testing.

Detection of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-specific T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in the peripheral blood from infected cynomolgus monkeys

We have previously demonstrated that peptide immunization restimulates the memory CD4 T-cell response, but fails to induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) in cynomolgus macaques. To examine the nature of protective immunity to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in this study, freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from four infected juvenile cynomolgus macaques and from three uninfected control macaques were assessed for CTL activity monthly for 9 consecutive months, beginning 1 month after detection of infection. Target cells consisted of major histocompatibility (MHC) haploidentical parental PBMC which were stimulated with mitogen and then pulsed with heat-killed SIVcyn. CTL activity was demonstrated in PBMCs from all four infected animals. The effector cells are T cells which mediate cytotoxicity against SIVcyn-pulsed target cells in an MHC-restricted manner. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity is virus specific and predominantly, if not exclusively, mediated by CD8+ T cells; it is also MHC class I restricted. Incubation of target cells with pepstatin A during antigen pulsing prior to the cytotoxic assay inhibited target cell generation, suggesting that viral antigens are processed via an endocytic pathway.

The baboon as a non-human primate model of human schistosome infection

Over the past three decades, intensive studies of murine schistosomiasis have provided important clues to the understanding of the human disease, but growing evidence suggests that these results derived from highly inbred strains of mice might not have direct applicability to the human infection. Recent data based on the baboon indicate that infection in this non-human primate might mirror the human situation. In this review, Mramba Nyindo and Idle Farah demonstrate that baboons provide an excellent non-human primate model that produces pathology and disease closely resembling that observed in humans, and address how studies in baboons can provide insights into mechanisms regulating schistosomiasis mansoni pathology and immunity. They also address, in a general way, issues related to the use of non-human primates in biomedical research.

Morphologic and immunophenotypic characteristics of malignant lymphomas in SIV-infected rhesus macaques

Eight cases of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques, aged 4-9 years, were phenotypically and immunologically characterized, using the updated Kiel classification, in order to determine both the differences and the similarities between these types of lymphoma in immunodeficient rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and man. The high-grade malignant tumors were of B-cell origin, with a predilection for extranodal growth in viscera and periorbital tissues. Immunophenotypical characterization showed that the monkey lymphomas were similar in many aspects to human immunodeficiency virus-associated lymphomas. The number of Ki67 positive cells varied from case to case and ranged from 50 to 90%. A serological screening for the simian equivalent of the Epstein-Barr virus (sEBV) by immunofluorescence assay revealed a prevalence of 92% of the sEBV antibodies in our cohort. The presence of Ebstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA-2) could be demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in four out of eight cases. In situ hybridization revealed the presence of small EBV-encoded RNAs (EBER-1, EBER-2) in six of the eight cases. Further studies should define the precise role of herpesvirus infection for lymphomagenesis in SIV-induced immunodeficiency.

Evaluation of cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) and rhesus (Macaca mulatta) monkeys as experimental models of acute Q fever after aerosol exposure to phase-I Coxiella burnetii

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Q fever is a disease of humans. Vaccines to prevent this disease have demonstrated efficacy in rodents and must also be evaluated for efficacy in a nonhuman primate model. Preliminary to vaccine efficacy experiments, cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys were evaluated as suitable experimental models of acute Q fever.

METHODS

Both species of monkeys were challenged with aerosolized 10(5) virulent phase-I Coxiella burnetii Henzerling strain, and clinical and serologic responses were determined.

RESULTS

Radiographic changes were observed in seven of eight monkeys of both species; however, changes in cynomolgus monkeys tended to be more significant. Between 7 and 10 days after challenge, all rhesus monkeys and 88% of cynomolgus monkeys were bacteremic. Sequential increases in antibody responses to C. burnetii phase-I and phase-II whole cells and phase-I lipopolysaccharide were observed in both species. Although the maximal rectal temperature increase was similar in both species, duration of fever was slightly longer in rhesus monkeys. Clinical features were similar to those described in human acute Q fever patients.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the more pronounced radiographic changes in cynomolgus monkeys, we favor use of this species for future studies of vaccine efficacy.

Immunization of rhesus monkeys with a mucosal prime, parenteral boost strategy protects against infection with Helicobacter pylori

Rhesus monkeys were immunized with recombinant Helicobacter pylori urease vaccine given solely by the parenteral route or preceded by a priming dose given by the oral route. Two groups of monkeys received parenteral urease with either a synthetic glycolipid adjuvant (Bay) or aluminum hydroxide (alum) as adjuvants. A third group of monkeys received a priming dose of oral urease given with the mucosal adjuvant LT (Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin), followed by parenterally administered booster doses of urease adsorbed to alum. Monkeys receiving placebo served as controls. The monkeys received a total of 4 doses of vaccine with the first 3 doses given every 3 weeks and the last booster dose administered 14 weeks later. The monkeys were challenged orally with H. pylori one week after the last vaccine dose and euthanized 10 weeks after challenge, at which time, their stomachs were collected for determination of bacterial colonization and histopathology. Monkeys primed with the oral vaccine and boosted with the parenteral vaccine showed a statistically significant reduction in bacterial colonization when compared to sham-immunized control animals (P = 0.05; Wilcoxon rank sums test). Monkeys receiving parenteral only regimes of urease plus Bay or alum showed no difference in bacterial colonization compared with sham-immunized controls (P = 1.00 and P = 0.33, respectively). The mucosal prime-parenteral boost regime did not cause gastropathy. There was no difference in any of the 3 treatment groups with respect to gastric epithelial changes compared to control animals. There was also no difference in the type and extent of gastric inflammatory cell infiltrates between animals vaccinated by the mucosal prime-parenteral boost strategy and sham immunized controls. However, monkeys receiving the two parenteral-only regimens had slightly elevated gastritis scores.

Longitudinal humoral immune responses of Indian leaf monkey (Presbytis entellus) to Brugia malayi infection

Humoral immune responses of the Indian leaf monkey (Presbytis entellus) experimentally infected with Brugia malayi and exhibiting disease manifestations were studied. Microfilaraemia, filaria-specific IgG and circulating immune complexes (CICs) were determined in the monkeys at different time-points after inoculation of B. malayi 3rd-stage larvae. Sera were analysed for recognition pattern of adult parasite antigen molecules by immunoblotting. More than 60% of the infected monkeys developed episodic or persistent limb oedema with or without fever and with low or no microfilaraemia. While both CIC and filaria specific IgG levels were comparable in animals showing no disease symptoms (asymptomatics) and some animals showing symptoms (symptomatics), IgG levels peaked during pre-patent stage in symptomatics and during latent stage in asymptomatic animals. However, some of the symptomatic animals showed a low level of filaria-specific IgG as compared to asymptomatic and other symptomatic animals. The immunoblot analysis showed non-reactivity of 17 and 55 kDa antigens with sera of symptomatic animals. The results thus suggest that humoral immune responses as measured in the present study do not precede the development of the manifestations. However, 2 non-reactive antigen molecules identified by symptomatic sera need further study to establish their possible involvement, if any, in the development of acute disease manifestations in this model.

The incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis and sensitization to the pollen allergens among Japanese monkeys in a troop

The natural occurrence of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollinosis has been reported in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), an appropriate animal model for developing antipollinosis therapies. However, there has been no study on the incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in monkeys. To evaluate the incidence of CJ pollinosis in Japanese monkeys, we investigated the presence of pollinosis symptoms among monkeys in a troop, and the response to CJ allergens in pollinosis monkeys. We examined the presence of pollinosis symptoms in 272 monkeys in a troop throughout the CJ pollination season (February to April). Of the 272 monkeys, 21 (7.7%) showed pollinosis symptoms during the CJ pollen season. Blood samples were taken from the 21 monkeys that showed pollinosis symptoms and were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody for CJ allergens. All 21 monkeys with CJ pollinosis had anti-CJ IgE. Of the 21 monkeys, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) could be taken from 12, all of which showed CJ allergen-specific PBMC proliferation. The incidence of CJ pollinosis in a troop was 7.7%. The monkeys with CJ pollinosis demonstrated specific IgE and PBMC proliferation for CJ allergens.

The incidence of japanese cedar pollinosis and sensitization to the pollen allergens among Japanese monkeys in a troop

The natural occurrence of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollinosis has been reported in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), an appropriate animal model for developing antipollinosis therapies. However, there has been no study on the incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in monkeys. To evaluate the incidence of CJ pollinosis in Japanese monkeys, we investigated the presence of pollinosis symptoms among monkeys in a troop, and the response to CJ allergens in pollinosis monkeys. We examined the presence of pollinosis symptoms in 272 monkeys in a troop throughout the CJ pollination season (February to April). Of the 272 monkeys, 21 (7.7%) showed pollinosis symptoms during the CJ pollen season. Blood samples were taken from the 21 monkeys that showed pollinosis symptoms and were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody for CJ allergens. All 21 monkeys with CJ pollinosis had anti-CJ IgE. Of the 21 monkeys, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) could be taken from 12, all of which showed CJ allergen-specific PBMC proliferation. The incidence of CJ pollinosis in a troop was 7.7%. The monkeys with CJ pollinosis demonstrated specific IgE and PBMC proliferation for CJ allergens.

Haemobartonellosis in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus): antagonism between Haemobartonella sp. and experimental Plasmodium falciparum malaria

A hemotropic parasite of the genus Haemo bartonella (rickettsial parasite of the Family Anaplasmataceae) is responsible for latent asymptomatic infection in colony-born Saimiri monkeys. Indeed, many of these animals develop a patent Haemobartonella infection following splenectomy. Such patent parasitism is characterized by an intense Haemobartonella parasitemia which peaks between days 12 and 14 after removal of the spleen and then decreases to become undetectable between days 25 and 30. During the resolving phase of parasitemia, a moderate anemia associated with monocytosis and erythrophagocytosis is observed. In certain Saimiri monkeys, Haemobartonella parasitemia remains latent following removal of the spleen. This indicates that the spleen plays a role but is not necessary to maintain latent Haemobartonella parasitism. It also suggests the existence of heterogeneity in the host immune reactivity to the parasite. Latent or patent haemobartonellosis might raise a problem when Saimiri monkeys are used as experimental hosts of Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood stages, as already noticed with "rodent malaria." Thus we investigated the relationship between Haemobartonella and P. falci parum in splenectomized monkeys. When animals harboring latent Haemobartonella sp. were infected with P. falciparum, the former remained latent and exerted no influence on the course of the P. falciparum parasitemia. In constrast, when P. falciparum was initiated in animals which were in the process of developing patent haemobarto nellosis, the course of the former was protracted and either the animal resisted longer, or it self-cleared the P. falciparum infection. Conversely, patent haemobartonellosis was delayed when splenectomy was performed at different times after initiation of P. falciparum infection in intact monkeys. Our results do not allow us to draw conclusions as to the mechanism(s) of the antagonism between the two parasites, but they emphasize the need to monitor the presence of Haemobartonella when splenectomized Saimiri monkeys are used as experimentals hosts for P. falciparum parasitism.

Parasite infection and Japanese cedar pollinosis in monkeys

To evaluate the relationship between helminthic parasite infection and sensitization to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollen allergens in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), we examined the parasite infection, presence of anti-pollen allergen IgE and development of pollinosis. Serum samples and fecal specimens were taken from 169 monkeys in five troops, and the presence of IgE antibody for CJ pollen allergen and of helminthic parasite eggs in their feces was examined. Of the 169 monkeys, helminthic parasite eggs from 138 monkeys were detected. The frequency of anti-CJ IgE (19%) and the level of total IgE did not differ significantly between the monkeys with and without parasite eggs. We examined the presence of anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms in 31 monkeys of a troop; six of the monkeys demonstrated anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms. Five of these six monkeys had parasite eggs. We found that the monkeys that demonstrated anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms had helminthic parasite infections. These data suggest that helminthic parasite infection does not reduce the development of clinical signs of CJ pollinosis in Japanese monkeys.

Immune response of chimpanzees infected with human mycoplasmas

Seven chimpanzees were inoculated intra-articularly with one of three Mycoplasma species. Three chimpanzees were inoculated with clinical synovial isolate 1620, and one was inoculated with type strain PG-21 of M. hominis. The fifth animal was inoculated with clinical synovial isolate 2010B, and the sixth was inoculated with the type strain CO of Ureaplasma urealyticum. The seventh animal was inoculated with clinical isolate PI-1428 of M. pneumoniae. The synovial isolates induced intense antibody responses, antibodies recognized more antigens, and the reactive antigens were distinct from the corresponding type strains. Chimpanzees infected with synovial isolate 1620, but not type strain PG-21, recognized antigens of molecular mass 223, 208, 168, 165, 155, 150, 142, 134, 115, 105, 52, 50, 45, 38, and 36 kDa. The chimpanzee infected with synovial isolate 2010B, but not type strain CO, recognized antigens at about 277, 237, 62, 57, and 43 kDa. The major antibody reactive antigens of M. pneumoniae isolate PI-1428 migrated at about 170, 90, 56, 40, 32, and 30 kDa. The reported biologic activities of antigenic proteins derived from these Mycoplasma species are reviewed.

CD4/GP120mac251 interaction induces phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation in cynomolgus monkey lymphocytes

Cynomolgus monkey are susceptible to infection with select simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). We investigated the early interactions between SIV envelope glycoproteins (gp120mac251) and macaque lymphocytes. Our results demonstrate that the soluble viral glycoprotein induce a specific phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation in lymphocytes through CD4. This PLA2 activation, induced after envelope glycoprotein-CD4 interaction, because of its locally destabilizing membrane effect, may have important implications for preparing the lymphocyte membrane for fusion with the viral particle. However, this effect is not sufficient to accomplish fusion. These data indicate that the specific step of fusion may be downstream from PLA2 activation.

Experimental simian varicella virus infection of St. Kitts vervet monkeys

Experimental simian varicella virus (SVV) infection of St. Kitts vervet monkeys was evaluated as an animal model to investigate human varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections. During the incubation period, viremia disseminated infectious virus throughout the body via infected peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). A vesicular skin rash in the inguinal area, and on the abdomen, extremities, and face appeared on day 7-10 postinfection. Necrosis and hemorrhage in lung and liver tissues from acutely infected monkeys were evident upon histologic analysis. Recovery from simian varicella was accompanied by a rise in the serum neutralizing antibody response to the virus. SVV latency was established in trigeminal ganglia of monkeys which resolved the acute infection. This study indicates that experimental SVV infection of St. Kitts vervets is a useful animal model to investigate SVV and VZV pathogenesis and to evaluate potential antiviral agents and vaccines.

Schistosoma mansoni infection in owl monkeys (Aontus nancymai): evidence for the early elimination of adult worms

Detailed parasitologic, serologic, clinical and histopathologic studies were conducted in owl monkeys (Aotus nancymai) exposed to varying numbers of cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni. All the experimental animals had clinical symptoms suggestive of infection (weight loss diarrhoea, mucus in stools, etc.) which were not seen in uninfected individuals. The only A. vociferans included in this study passed S. mansoni eggs 8 weeks after infection. None of the A. nancymai passed eggs in their faeces. No adult worms were recovered following perfusion of the sacrificed experimental monkeys, suggesting that they were early eliminated. Serological techniques (ELISA-SEA and COPT) allowed diagnosis of infection, starting 9 weeks post challenge, in all but one A. nancymai exposed to 100 cercariae. Granulomas containing eggs were observed predominantly in liver and less extensively in intestine, suggesting that adult worms were mainly lodged in the intrahepatic portal system. We conclude that A. nancymai is susceptible to infection with S. mansoi, with the worms reaching sexual maturity, but being eliminated shortly after oviposition.

Natural isolates of simian virus 40 from immunocompromised monkeys display extensive genetic heterogeneity: new implications for polyomavirus disease

Simian virus 40 (SV40) DNAs in brain tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of eight simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus monkeys with SV40 brain disease were analyzed. We report the detection, cloning, and identification of five new SV40 strains following a quadruple testing-verification strategy. SV40 genomes with archetypal regulatory regions (containing a duplication within the G/C-rich regulatory region segment and a single 72-bp enhancer element) were recovered from seven animal brains, two tissues of which also contained viral genomes with nonarchetypal regulatory regions (containing a duplication within the G/C-rich regulatory region segment as well as a variable duplication within the enhancer region). In contrast, PBMC DNAs from five of six animals had viral genomes with both regulatory region types. It appeared, based on T-antigen variable-region sequences, that nonarchetypal virus variants arose de novo within each animal. The eighth animal exclusively yielded a new type of SV40 strain (SV40-K661), containing a protoarchetypal regulatory region (lacking a duplication within the G/C-rich segment of the regulatory region and containing one 72-bp element in the enhancer region), from both brain tissue and PBMCs. The presence of SV40 in PBMCs suggests that hematogenous spread of viral infection may occur. An archetypal version of a virus similar to SV40 reference strain 776 (a kidney isolate) was recovered from one brain, substantiating the idea that SV40 is neurotropic as well as kidney-tropic. Indirect evidence suggests that maternal-infant transmission of SV40 may have occurred in one animal. These findings provide new insights for human polyomavirus disease.

Simian T cell leukemia virus type I-induced malignant adult T cell leukemia-like disease in a naturally infected African green monkey: implication of CD8+ T cell leukemia

Spontaneous T cell leukemia was found in an African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops, AGM) naturally infected with simian T cell leukemia virus type I (STLV-I). The hematological features and the evidence for monoclonal integration of provirus DNA in the leukemic cells revealed that the leukemia was an ATL-like disease. The expression of surface markers on the leukemic cells indicated that they were defined as an activated CD8+ T cell subset. Together with the finding that seven in vitro spontaneously STLV-I-transformed cell lines were CD4-CD8+, it is likely that CD8+ T cells are transformed by STLV-I in AGMs, in contrast with human ATL. Finally, we assessed characteristics of the CD8 chains on these transformed cells. The result indicated that the leukemic cells expressed only the alpha chains but not the beta chains. However, in the case of in vitro-transformed cell lines the expression pattern of the CD8 chains varied in individual monkeys. Thus, STLV-I may preferentially transform CD8+ (both alphaalpha+ and alphabeta+) T cells in AGMs.

[The principles of the therapy of glanders in monkeys]

The effect of pathogenetic therapy in the normalization of homeostasis disturbances in monkeys has been shown under experimental conditions. Data on the possibility of using hemosorption in the treatment of severe forms of glanders are presented. The conclusion on the necessity of using complex treatment for the effective therapy of glanders in humans has been made.

Characterization of a simian T-lymphotropic virus from a wild-caught orang-utan (Pongo pygmaeus) from Kalimantan, Indonesia

In a recent serological survey among 143 ex-captive orang-utans two individuals were found that reacted positive in an ELISA detecting antibodies which cross-react with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) antigens. Infection of both animals with an HTLV-I or simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV)-like virus was confirmed by Western blot analysis. A third wild-caught animal, which was not part of the original serological survey, was also found to be infected with an HTLV-related virus in a diagnostic PCR assay and Western blot assay. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 709 bp PCR fragment from the tax/rex region of the HTLV/STLV genome confirmed infection of orang-utans with an STLV similar to but clearly distinct from other Asian STLVs.

Lack of reactivation of shigellosis in naturally infected enrofloxacin-treated cynomolgus monkeys after exogenous immunosuppression

Four cynomolgus macaques housed at our facility became acutely ill with dysenteric symptoms. Enteric isolates established an etiologic diagnosis of Shigella flexneri. Enrofloxacin antimicrobial therapy cleared the infection with no perceptible bacterial shedding or clinical signs of disease. High-dose methyl-prednisolone therapy was administered to the four monkeys for 5 weeks. The animals were monitored for signs of shigellosis and bacterial shedding weekly throughout the study, for a total of 7 weeks. Although methylprednisolone therapy induced marked cellular immunosuppression in all four animals, as measured by in vitro assays, no animal had evidence of clinical shigellosis or bacterial shedding. These results suggest that cynomolgus macaques naturally infected with S. flexneri and appropriately treated with enrofloxacin are unlikely to have reactivation of shigellosis and shedding of bacteria in the feces during periods of stress or profound immunosuppression.

Prevalence of Herpesvirus papio 2 in baboons and identification of immunogenic viral polypeptides

The prevalence of Herpesvirus papio 2 (HVP2) in several groups of captive and wild-caught baboons was determined by detection of anti-HVP2 antibodies in 133 sera of adult baboons. Over 90% of newly imported (wild-caught) adult olive baboons (Papio anubis) from Kenya and chacma baboons (P. ursinus) from South Africa were found to have anti-HVP2 titers. Similarly, approximately 85% of captive breeding colony baboons (P. anubis and P. cynocephalus) were seropositive for HVP2. Infected animals were generally easily identifiable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay because anti-HVP2 IgG titers in immune animals were usually high (16,000 to 64,000). There was little variation in the relative reactivity patterns of individual HVP2-immune sera when tested against herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, monkey B virus, H. cercopithecus 2, and HVP2, or against different HVP2 strains. Also, differences were not detected between reactivity of olive and chacma baboon immune sera. Analysis of the polypeptide specificity of immune sera by western blot identified four viral antigens that were consistent targets of immune sera. These antigens were the gB glycoprotein, a pair of unidentified glycoproteins of 80 to 100 kDa, the gD glycoprotein, and a series of smaller capsid proteins. Additional viral proteins were variably recognized by individual immune sera. The results of this study indicate that HVP2 is a common infection of baboons; there is little antigenic variation among HVP2 strains; and there are several HVP2 antigens that represent consistent targets of the anti-HVP2 immune response of baboons.