Neutralizing antibodies to simian papovavirus SA12 in old world primates in laboratory colonies: High prevalence in baboons

Sera from 517 laboratory-housed nonhuman primates representing five genera and from 13 laboratory workers were examined for the presence of neutralizing antibodies to SA12 virus. The antibody prevalences were as follows: baboons, 66%; patas and vervet monkeys, 24%; macaques, 8% and chimpanzees, 2%. The serum of one laboratory worker had antibodies. These results suggest that SA12 virus is a common infection of nonhuman primates in laboroatory colonies, especially baboons.