Abstract
During previous studies of susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HBV DNA was detected in 2/6 wild-caught baboons. In the present study, HBV DNA was amplified from 15/69 wild-caught baboons. All animals were negative for HBV surface antigen and antibody against HBV core antigen. Liver tissue from 1 baboon was immunohistochemically negative for HBV surface antigen but positive for HBV core antigen. The complete HBV genome of an isolate from this liver clustered with subgenotype A2. Reverse transcription PCR of liver RNA amplified virus precore and surface protein genes, indicating replication of virus in baboon liver tissue. Four experimentally naive baboons were injected with serum from HBV DNA–positive baboons. These 4 baboons showed transient seroconversion, and HBV DNA was amplified from serum at various times after infection. The presence of HBV DNA at relatively low levels and in the absence of serologic markers in the baboon, a nonhuman primate, indicates an occult infection.
Highlights
During previous studies of susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HBV DNA was detected in 2/6 wildcaught baboons
HBV DNA could not be amplified with a single-round PCR, indicating that HBV DNA was present at low levels in baboon serum
Using the criterion of >3 of the 4 regions being PCR positive, we found that 11 (22.4%) of 49 adult and 4 (20.0%) of 20 juvenile wild-caught baboons were positive for HBV
Summary
During previous studies of susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HBV DNA was detected in 2/6 wildcaught baboons. Studies involving injection of baboons with HBV-positive serum failed to detect any clinical or biochemical signs of infection in these primates, and initial serologic surveys failed to detect HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum, leading to the conclusion that baboons were not susceptible to HBV infection [14]. This supposed lack of susceptibility of baboons to infection with HBV, and the fact that unlike chimpanzees, baboons are not an endangered species, intimated that baboons were good candidates for sources of liver for xenotransplants. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of HBV in wild baboons, molecularly characterize the virus isolated from these baboons, determine whether the virus replicates in the baboon liver, and demonstrate viral transmission to experimentally naive baboons
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
