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Novel polyomaviruses of nonhuman primates: genetic and serological predictors for the existence of multiple unknown polyomaviruses within the human population

  • 0Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Plos Pathogens +

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July 3, 2013

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July 3, 2013

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers discovered novel polyomaviruses in nonhuman primates, with evidence suggesting some chimpanzee polyomaviruses may also circulate in humans, indicating greater viral diversity.

Area Of Science

  • Virology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background

  • Polyomaviruses are small DNA viruses linked to human diseases and cancers.
  • Twelve human polyomaviruses are currently known.
  • Understanding polyomavirus diversity is crucial for public health.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the diversity of polyomaviruses in nonhuman primates (NHPs).
  • To identify potential novel human polyomaviruses related to NHP species.
  • To explore the serological relationship between NHP and human polyomaviruses.

Main Methods

  • Degenerate primer-based PCR for polyomavirus identification in NHPs.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of NHP polyomavirus sequences.
  • Serological analysis (ELISA) of human sera against NHP polyomavirus antigens.

Main Results

  • Identified twenty novel polyomaviruses in great apes, Old World monkeys, and New World monkeys.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed limited human counterparts for most novel chimpanzee polyomaviruses.
  • Human sera frequently showed seropositivity for chimpanzee polyomaviruses, suggesting human circulation.

Conclusions

  • The study identified a significant number of novel polyomaviruses in NHPs.
  • Evidence suggests that some chimpanzee polyomaviruses may circulate in the human population.
  • Further research is warranted to fully characterize these novel human-associated polyomaviruses.