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

530-752-8249

Simian T Cell Lymphotropic Virus (STLV)

Simian T-cell Lymphotropic Virus (STLV) is a C-type member of the oncornavirus subgroup of retroviruses. It is endemic in non-human primates originating in Africa and Asia. Reports of STLV seroprevalence vary from 0-80% depending on the test algorithm used; and the species, age, and sex of animals tested. Estimates in captive populations of macaques housed in the USA have ranged from 3-12%. An apparent long interval (years) to seroconversion has been observed in long-term follow-up of STLV serongeative colonies. Although there are reports of etiologic links between STLV and malignant lymphomas and lymphoproliferative diseases in some primate species most STLV infection is inapparent, as the monkeys remain clinically healthy and asymptomatic. However, altered cytokine profiles have been reported.

There is a 90-95% homology between the structural proteins of STLV and Human T-cell Lymphotropic virus, type 1 (HTLV-1), the etiologic agent of adult t-cell leukemia/lymphoma and the progressive neurologic disease, Spastic Paraparesis.

Testing for proviral DNA is available by Taqman real-time PCR which targets the tax gene. Antibody screening using 2 different STLV cross reactive HTLV purified virus antigens in our MMIA is included in our Antibody Screening Panel (AbScn). Confirmatory testing by Western blot prepared with HTLV virus is also available.