Working With Nonhuman Primate Tissue

Working with Nonhuman Primate Tissue Employees working with nonhuman primate tissue have a more controlled environment, thus reduced risk for infection from nonhuman primate contact. Most contact is due to accidents in the laboratory. Therefore, it is recommended that universal precautions be practiced at all times. Thorough hand washing should be done before and after gloving. Nonhuman primate tissue should not be handled without gloves. Eye protection should be worn to prevent exposure from splashes. In some cases, clothing covers should also be utilized. All researchers working with nonhuman primate tissue must be evaluated and educated at an occupational health service. Tissue, blood, and body fluids from nonhuman primates pose numerous problems. Cercopithecine Herpes virus-1 or B Virus is a member of the herpes family occurring naturally in macaque, rhesus, cynomolgus, and possibly other old world monkeys. It can be found in neurologic tissue, CSF, ocular, oral, or genital fluid secretions. B virus has never been cultured in blood. Due to the extreme morbidity and mortality of this infection in humans, special effort is taken to ensure prompt evaluation and first aid following potential exposure to B Virus. Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) commonly persists without clinical manifestations in nonhuman primates. Type D Retroviruses (Simian retroviruses [SRV]) may infect some nonhuman primates. However, there is no current evidence on humans being infected with the type D retroviruses. Injuries involving contact with nonhuman primate blood are potentially hazardous. Each researcher working with NHP or their tissues is required to store serum for future reference. Description of Common Non-Human Primate Procedures at BUMC and Required Eye/Face Personal Protective Equipment Procedure Eye/Face/Mucous Membrane Protection NHP Cage Changing goggles and surgical mask NHP dental cleaning NHP Live Animal Transport or Removal to Transport Cage Anesthetized NHP Animal transport goggles and surgical mask Alternative, if available safety glasses, face shield and surgical mask n/a goggles and surgical mask safety glasses, face shield and surgical mask goggles and surgical mask safety glasses, face shield and surgical mask NHP Surgery on Anesthetized Animal using Surgical Microscope Safety Glasses (prescription if needed) with Surgical Loupes, Surgical Mask for Lead Surgeon, All surgical assistants in room should wear goggles and surgical mask Lead surgeon currently wearing prescription eyeglasses with side shields and surgical loupes over the glasses with a surgical mask. Alternatively, surgical assistants can wear safety glasses, face shield, and surgical mask NHP Surgery on Anesthetized Animal using Surgical Loupes Safety Glasses (prescription if needed) with Surgical Loupes, Surgical Mask for Lead Surgeon, All surgical assistants in room should wear goggles and surgical mask Lead surgeon currently wearing prescription eyeglasses with side shields and surgical loupes over the glasses with a surgical mask. Alternatively, surgical assistants can wear safety glasses, face shield, and surgical mask Tracheal Tube Insertion and Removal during the beginning and end of NHP Surgery goggles and surgical mask safety glasses (prescription if needed), face shield and surgical mask Perfusion of NHP at Termination Surgery Completed in Fume Hood by Lead Surgeon: Involves slicing of heart ventricles, NHP anesthetized Completed in Fume Hood by Lead Surgeon: Currently wears prescription eyeglasses and surgical loupes and surgical mask Magnetic Resonance Imaging of NHP Anesthetized Animal Anesthetized animals in sealed microisolator cage, safety glasses and surgical mask should be worn n/a