Viral persistence of simian type D retrovirus (SRV-2/W) in naturally infected pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina).

To elucidate sites of SRV-2/W persistence, tissue DNA from three groups of naturally infected Macaca nemestrina was analyzed for provirus: vertically transmitted, viremic, seronegative macaques; horizontally transmitted, viremic, seronegative macaques, and nonviremic seropositive macaques. In viremic animals infected vertically, provirus was found in many tissues, whereas in those infected horizontally, proviral DNA was limited. In V-Ab+ macaques, provirus was detected in bone marrow and/or ileocecal junction, confirming the presence of provirus in V-Ab+ animals.