Unique pattern of enzootic primate viruses in Gibraltar macaques

Area of Science:

• Primate Virology
• Wildlife Health
• Zoonotic Disease Research

Background:

• Gibraltar macaques (Macaca sylvanus) have frequent human contact.
• Understanding enzootic primate viral infections in macaques is crucial for public health.
• Assessing viral antibody prevalence informs potential zoonotic transmission risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of specific enzootic primate viruses in Gibraltar's macaque population.
• To evaluate the risk of cross-species viral transmission between macaques and humans in Gibraltar.

Main Methods:

• Antibody assays were performed on serum samples from 79 Gibraltar macaques.
• Testing included antibodies against herpesvirus B, simian T-cell lymphotropic virus, simian retrovirus, simian immunodeficiency virus, and rhesus cytomegalovirus.
• Seroprevalence of simian foamy virus was also determined.

Main Results:

• All 79 macaques were seronegative for herpesvirus B, simian T-cell lymphotropic virus, simian retrovirus, simian immunodeficiency virus, and rhesus cytomegalovirus.
• A high seroprevalence of 88% was observed for simian foamy virus among adult macaques.
• No evidence of antibodies to key pathogenic primate viruses was detected.

Conclusions:

• Gibraltar macaques are largely free from antibodies to several significant primate viruses, suggesting a low risk of transmission to humans.
• The high prevalence of simian foamy virus indicates widespread exposure within the macaque population.
• Further monitoring is recommended, especially given the high simian foamy virus seroprevalence.