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Human infection with foamy viruses
W Heneine1, M Schweizer, P Sandstrom
1HIV and Retrovirology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop G19, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. Wmh2@cdc.gov
Abstract:
Virtually all nonhuman primate species investigated thus far including prosimians, New World and Old World monkeys and apes all harbor distinct and species-specific clades of simian foamy virus (SFV). However, evidence supporting the existence of a human-specific foamy virus (FV) is not yet available. Early reports describing widespread infection of healthy and sick humans with FV could not be confirmed. In contrast, all FV infections documented in humans are of zoonotic origin and are identified in persons occupationally exposed to nonhuman primates. The introduction of SFV into humans raises several public health questions regarding disease outcomes and potential for human-to-human transmissibility. The available data from a very limited number of SFV-infected humans suggest that these infections are nonpathogenic and are not easily transmissible. Additional studies are needed to better define the prevalence and natural history of SFV in humans.
Insights
Simian foamy virus (SFV) infects most nonhuman primates. Human FV infections are rare, zoonotic, and linked to occupational primate exposure, with no evidence of human-to-human spread.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Primate Health
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Simian foamy virus (SFV) exists in distinct, species-specific clades across virtually all nonhuman primate species.
- No evidence for a human-specific foamy virus (FV) has been established.
- Previous reports of widespread human FV infection remain unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and characteristics of foamy virus infections in humans.
- To address public health concerns regarding SFV zoonosis, including pathogenicity and transmissibility.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and case reports on human FV infections.
- Analysis of data from individuals occupationally exposed to nonhuman primates.
Main Results:
- All documented human FV infections are of zoonotic origin, primarily in individuals with occupational primate contact.
- Current data suggest SFV infections in humans are nonpathogenic.
- Evidence indicates limited human-to-human transmissibility of SFV.
Conclusions:
- Human FV infections are exclusively zoonotic, originating from nonhuman primates.
- SFV infections in humans appear to be nonpathogenic and poorly transmissible between people.
- Further research is necessary to determine the prevalence and natural history of SFV in human populations.