Neutralizing Antibodies Against Simian Viruses SV5 and SV20 in Human Sera.

SummarySera from 267 infants, children, and adults living in 2 markedly different eco-logic settings, New Guinea and the United States, were examined for presence of neutralizing antibodies to monkey myxovirus SV5 and monkey adenovirus SV20. SV20 neutralizing antibody in titers of 1:10 to 1:160 were present in New Guinea in 70% of ½-to 5-year olds; in 72% of 6- to 18-year olds; and in 78% of adults. This antibody was absent in the U. S. in individuals in the ½-to 5-year old age group, but was present in titers of 1:10 to 1:80 in 33% of 6- to 18-year olds and in 22% of adults. None of the New Guinea sera and only 8% of the U. S. sera possessed SV5 neutralizing antibody. These data suggest the possibility that SV5 and SV20, or agents antigenically related to them, might be infectious for man.