Emerging Infectious Diseases (Dec 2011)

Novel Multiplexed HIV/Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Antibody Detection Assay

  • Steve Ahuka-Mundeke,
  • Ahidjo Ayouba,
  • Placide Mbala-Kingebeni,
  • Florian Liegeois,
  • Amandine Esteban,
  • Octavie Lunguya-Metila,
  • Didace Demba,
  • Guy Bilulu,
  • Valentin Mbenzo-Abokome,
  • Bila-Isia Inogwabini,
  • Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum,
  • Eric Delaporte,
  • Martine Peeters

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1712.110783
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 12
pp. 2277 – 2286

Abstract

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Like most emerging infectious disease viruses, HIV is also of zoonotic origin. To assess the risk for cross-species transmission of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) from nonhuman primates to humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we collected 330 samples derived from nonhuman primate bushmeat at 3 remote forest sites. SIV prevalences were estimated by using a novel high-throughput assay that included 34 HIV and SIV antigens in a single well. Overall, 19% of nonhuman primate bushmeat was infected with SIVs, and new SIV lineages were identified. Highest SIV prevalences were seen in red-tailed guenons (25%) and Tshuapa red colobus monkeys (24%), representing the most common hunted primate species, thus increasing the likelihood for cross-species transmission. Additional studies are needed to determine whether other SIVs crossed the species barrier. With the newly developed assay, large-scale screening against many antigens is now easier and faster.

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