Susceptibility of Nonhuman Primate Species to Infection by Simian Rotavirus SA-11

SUMMARY Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay examination of sera from three nonhuman primate species demonstrated the presence of antibody reacting with simian rotavirus SA-11 and calf rotavirus C486. The occurrence of this antibody in sera from adult, wild-caught animals suggests natural rotavirus infection. The occurrence of antibody was highest in the chimpanzee and declined, respectively, in the rhesus macaque and in the squirrel monkey. Inoculation of three infant rhesus macaques, a nursery-reared chimpanzee, and a cesarian-derived nursery-reared baboon with SA-11 virus resulted in enteric infection, with virus excretion beginning 48 to 72 hours after oral administration of the virus. Clinical disease, as manifested by diarrhea, was observed only in the chimpanzee. Inoculation of ten squirrel monkeys, from 30 to 191 days old, induced infection only in the monkey inoculated at 30 days of age. This monkey became ill within 48 hours after viral administration and was euthanatized. Necropsy demonstrated a generalized infection, with virus recovered from lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and intestine. The remaining nine inoculated squirrel monkeys failed to develop enteric infection and did not respond with antibody to SA-11 virus.