Foamy Virus of Monkeys

Abstract

Foamy virus has occurred in 40-60% of vervet, rhesus and cynomolgus monkey kidney tissue cultures, but has been absent from Erythrocebus patas cultures. Factors influencing its passage in tissue culture have been investigated. The virus is sensitive to ether and chloroform. Ultracentrifugation indicated a particle size of greater than 70 m[mu]. No haemagglutination or haemadsorption could be demonstrated with erythrocytes from a variety of animals. No reduction in titre resulted from eleven months'' storage of a serum-free suspension at -20[degree]. Stability at other temperatures was determined.