University of Wisconsin–Madison

Virology Services

The WNPRC Virology Services Unit provides expert support to investigators performing virological research in nonhuman primates. Our services include highly sensitive molecular diagnostics, production and titration of virus stocks suitable for in-vitro and/or in-vivo studies, generation of custom virus mutants by reverse genetics, virus isolation and more. Our clients include investigators studying the nonhuman primate AIDS viruses simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV), influenza, Zika virus and dengue, among other viruses.

Services Supported

Detection of viral RNA or DNA by ultra-sensitive quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) or quantitative PCR (qPCR). Viral targets include:

  • SIV/SHIV
  • Simultaneous quantification of wild-type SIV and nef deletion mutants
  • Cytomegalovirus (from rhesus and cynomolgus macaques)
  • Mpox clade IIb
  • Influenza viruses
  • Zika virus
  • Dengue virus
  • Yellow fever virus 17D
  • Simian arteriviruses
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Simian parvoviruses

Production of characterized virus stocks:

  • Production of custom SIV mutants
  • Isolation of nonhuman primate viruses in tissue culture

Virus distribution

Viruses can be purchased from existing stocks on a per-vial basis. We can also produce large-scale stocks to order. 

Assays to measure the latent reservoir of SIV:

Intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA)

  • Intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA)
  • Quantitative viral outgrowth assay (QVOA)
  • Quantification of cell-associated SIV RNA or DNA by RT-qPCR/qPCR