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TT virus infection in gibbons.
S Noppornpanth1, T Chinchai, P Ratanakorn
1Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|July 19, 2001
Summary
TT virus (TTV), a widespread infectious agent, was detected in gibbons. Phylogenetic analysis revealed gibbon TTV is closely related to human strains from Thailand, distinct from chimpanzee TTV.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Primate Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The TT virus (TTV) is a globally prevalent infectious agent found in both humans and non-human primates.
- Understanding TTV's distribution and evolutionary relationships across species is crucial for public health and comparative virology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and genetic characteristics of TTV in gibbons.
- To determine the phylogenetic relationship between gibbon-derived TTV and known human and other primate TTV strains.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 67 gibbons were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Positive samples underwent nucleotide sequencing.
- Phylogenetic analysis was performed using established TTV sequences.
Main Results:
- TTV was detected in 13.4% (9/67) of the gibbon sera samples.
- Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed gibbon TTV strains are closely related to TTV found in Thai human populations.
- Chimpanzee TTV strains appeared more phylogenetically distant.
Conclusions:
- Gibbons harbor TTV, indicating a broader host range for this virus.
- The findings suggest potential transmission dynamics or shared ancestry between TTV in gibbons and humans, particularly in Southeast Asia.
- Further research is warranted to explore interspecies transmission routes of TTV.