Sequence conservation of repeat 3 region of the gene coding for the 15 kDapolyprotein within human and simian Loa loa

The human and simian strains of Lon loci microfilariae are morphologically identical even though their periodicities vary. When using primate models ( ,Mandrillus sphinx) of human loaisis for vaccination trials, the absence of any ongoing simian L. loci infection must be demonstrated. Nested primers derived from a human strain of L. loa (targeted on the repeat 3 region of t he gene encoding the 15 kDa polyprotein: 15r3) amplified at 366 bp sequence from simian L. loa genomic DNA and blood lysates from mandrills infected w ith simian L. loa. This nested-PCR assay has been tested on 12 amicrofilare mic (AMF) mandrills (without filarial microfilariae) and was positive in fo ur mandrills. The nested-PCR product derived from simian L. loa genomic DNA and from three of four AMF mandrills has been sequenced. No difference was observed between the four sequences, which, in addition, were 99.18% ident ical to the 15r3 of human L. loa. Therefore, the 15r3 sequence is conserved within human and simian L. loa. These results suggest that the four PCR-pu sitive mandrills without circulating microfilariae had occult simian L. loa infections. The study demonstrates the ability of a nested-PCR assay to id entify animals naturally infected with simian L. loa.