Borna disease virus RNA detected in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)

Primates. 2008 Jan;49(1):57-64. doi: 10.1007/s10329-007-0068-8. Epub 2007 Oct 11.

Abstract

We have examined the seroprevalence of BDV in wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in the peninsula (Chiba prefecture), Japan. Serum samples from macaques were examined by the ELISA, Western blot and immunofluorescence assays to detect the presence of serum antibodies that react specifically to BDV antigens. Among 49 investigated individuals, 6 (12.2%) showed positive reaction to BDV antigens. RT-PCR studies detected BDV sequences in brain tissue of one case among four seropositive cases examined. Sequence analysis revealed a high degree of genetic conservation between BDV sequences derived from Japanese macaques and those documented for other animal species. Nevertheless, phylogenetic analysis revealed unique differences between macaque and other species derived BDV sequences.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Western
  • Borna disease virus / genetics*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • DNA Primers
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Japan
  • Macaca / virology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • RNA, Viral