Novel Multiplexed HIV/Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Antibody Detection Assay

• Main Authors: 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
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2011-12-01
• Series: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: HIV; simian immunodeficiency virus; SIV; viruses; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Africa
• Online Access: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/17/12/11-0783_article

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.