Abstract: Objectives To establish simian cytomegalovirus (SCMV) specific nested PCR detection method, and to investigate SCMV infectious status in monkeys and related biological products. Methods Designed primers based on SCMV sequences and different monkey species and biological products were used to optimize the experiment. Results The established nested PCR detection method for SCMV can distinct SCMV from HCMV, MCMV, HSV and CHV, the test sensitivity is to viral DNA 18 pg/mL. By this nested PCR method, SCMV positive results were detected in monkeys and biological products, which suggested the high infection rate existed in monkeys and its biological products. Conclusions Nested PCR detection method has a good accuracy and sensitivity. It is found that high prevalence in Chinese primate colony. It is necessary to enhance detection for SCMV in monkeys and relevant biological products and to avoid potential risk of infecting in human.

Key words: Simian cytomegalovirus (SCMV), Nested PCR, Detection and application