Infection of rhesus monkeys with topical instillation of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)B670 into the conjunctival sac

We tested the ability of SIV to cause local and systemic infection in three rhesus monkeys after topical instillation of cell-free virus into the conjunctival cul-de-sac. Conjunctivitis or other signs of infection were monitored after inoculation. Conjunctiva were swabbed for virus culture and biopsied for PCR. Changes in lymphocyte subsets, seroconversion, antigenemia, and virus isolation from PBL were assessed systemically postinoculation. Viral DNA was detected in conjunctival biopsy by PCR in one of three animals that later developed systemic infection. The other two animals remained uninfected. These data demonstrate that the conjunctiva is a route by which SIV (and perhaps HIV) may cause systemic infection.