Blood transfusion can transmit new primate virus

Written by CBC News Online staff

TORONTO - Canadian health officials are examining whether extra measures are needed to protect the nation's blood supply from a primate virus. Some people working with primates have tested positive for simian foamy virus (SFV). They have no symptoms and the virus is not believed to cause disease in primates or people.

FROM MARCH 19, 2004: New primate virus infects humans Animal models suggest SFV can be transmitted through blood, according to scientists at the Canadian Public Health Agency.

The research "identifies an emerging issue related to the safety and adequacy of Canada's blood supply," the agency said in a news release. After exposure through fluids including blood or saliva, the virus integrates into the host genome, leading to a lifelong infection. Simian foamy virus is a retrovirus, as is HIV. Scientists believe such viruses cannot jump the species barrier unless humans come into direct contact with infected blood, tissue or fluids. The virus is not a risk for people visiting primates in a zoo or those with pet monkeys, the agency said. Health officials said the discovery could lead to more restrictions on who can give blood.