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CNPRC – UC Davis
Davis, CA 95616

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Rhesus Rhadino Virus (RRV)

The Rhadinovirus genus of gamma-2 herpesviruses is divided into two subgroups, RV1 and RV2, based on genomic sequence comparisons. Rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV) is a member of the RV2 subgroup and naturally infects rhesus macaques. The ability to establish both lytic and latent infections, a hallmark of the Herpesviridae family, is observed in rhadinovirus infections. RRV isolates have shown significant sequence similarity to Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpes Virus (KSHV) and Rhesus Fibromatosis Herpes Virus (RFHV).

Rhadinovirus infections are generally subclinical in immune competent natural hosts and overt disease is thought to arise only when hosts are immune-compromised. Experimental co-infection of rhesus macaques with SIV and RRV resulted in a lymphoproliferative disease resembling multicentric Castleman’s Disease, however variations in disease outcome have been reported. Our studies indicate that both RRV and RFHV are highly endemic in socially-housed rhesus macaques, and infection occurs at an early age in a pattern similar to that observed for the betaherpesvirus rhesus cytomegalovirus.

Testing for RRV is offered by Taqman Real Time PCR amplification and detection of the polymerase gene. Antibody methods are still in development.

Primers for Taqman Real Time PCR amplification and detection of RHFV has been developed and is currently in validation. Please contact us for current status.