# Viral Testing Core

> **NIH NIH U42** · TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 2020 · $44,966

## Abstract

ABSTRACT - Core 2: Viral Testing Core
 The Viral Testing Core is a critical component for the maintenance of a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF)
Indian Rhesus Macaque Breeding Colony. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) infected with the Simian
Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) are the preferred animal model for AIDS studies and is used used to examine
many aspects of viral pathogenesis, AIDS vaccine development, and exploratory new systemic and mucosal
antiviral therapies, including early events not readily studied in human patients. The presence of certain viruses
can confound the results of AIDS-related investigations. SPF colonies have been developed using state-of-the-
art assays to eliminate animals with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), Type D simian retrovirus (SRV)
simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV-1); and herpes B virus (Macacine herpesvirus-1), which is a potential health
risk for personnel handling the animals.
 The goal of the Viral Testing Core is to provide techniques and expertise to assure the continuing SPF
status of the Indian rhesus macaque breeding colony at the Southwest National Primate Research Center
(SNPRC). In order to fulfill this goal, the following Specific Aims will be completed: Specific Aim 1: to provide
a reliable and sensitive in-house viral screening method. This screening method is intended to produce
reliable results in a fast turnaround time. We will continue to use the Charles River Laboratories (CRL)
Multiplex Fluorescent ImmunoAssay (FMIA) for serological screening of all animals, which represent one of the
current state-of-the-art surveillance techniques. Specific Aim 2: to increase the research value of the SNPRC
Indian rhesus macaque breeding colony by expanding serology testing. In recent years, we extended our
serology testing as to include detection of antibodies against measles virus and Tripanosome cruzi. Presence
of antibodies to measles is used to confirm immune responses to the colony active measles immunization
effort, whereas antibodies to the causative agent of Chagas Disease are used, after confirmatory testing, to
assist animal selection and to determine the prevalence of this infection in the NHP colonies and to improve
and evaluate the effectiveness of our pest control system.
 Following recommendations developed by the “National Primate Research Center Virus Testing Best
Practices” working group, the Viral Testing Core has developed an algorithm that incorporates results from the
serological viral screening with both serological and PCR confirmatory assays. Additionally, the Core will
continue to participate in activities proposed by the Breeding Colony Management Consortium (BCMC), which
frequently distributes serum panels for proficiency testing among its laboratory members with the intent to
monitor and ensure acceptable quality testing algorithms, reagents, methods, equipment, and personnel.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9844008
- **Project number:** 5U42OD010442-19
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Luis David Giavedoni
- **Activity code:** U42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $44,966
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9844008

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9844008, Viral Testing Core (5U42OD010442-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9844008. Licensed CC0.

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