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Road 98 & Hutchison
CNPRC – UC Davis
Davis, CA 95616

530-752-8249

Simian Foamy Virus (SFV)

Foamy viruses are highly prevalent in virtually all species of nonhuman primates, approaching 100% in adult animals in many populations. At least 12 serotypes or genetic variants are currently recognized. SFV appears to be nonpathogenic in all primate hosts. SFV establishes latent infection in many different tissues, while replication appears to be restricted to the mucosae of the naso- and oral- pharynx. SFV appears to produce no lesions in vivo, however reactivation of latent virus in cultures of primary cells from nonhuman primates produces a highly cytolytic infection with rapid cell death. Little is known regarding the more subtle effects of SFV infection that might adversely affect primate studies. Unlike other retrovirus infections, SFV appears not to induce an increased interferon-g response. SFV infection does, however, alter cell surface markers, inducing increased MHC class I expression.

Testing for proviral DNA is available by Taqman real-time PCR which targets the SFV pol gene. Antibody screening using SFV purified virus in our MMIA is included in our Antibody Screening Panel (AbScn). Confirmatory testing by Western blot and Immunofluorescence is under development. Please contact us for current status.