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A gorilla reservoir for human T-lymphotropic virus type 4
Matthew LeBreton1, William M Switzer2, Cyrille F Djoko3
1Mosaic, (Environment, Health, Data, Technology) , Yaoundé, Cameroon ; Global Viral Cameroon , BP 7039 Yaounde, Cameroon ; Metabiota , San Francisco, CA 94104, USA.
Emerging Microbes & Infections
|June 4, 2015
Summary
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 4 (HTLV-4) likely originated in gorillas, not ancient humans. This study identified simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 4 (STLV-4) in gorillas, suggesting they are the animal reservoir for HTLV-4.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Primate Health
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 4 (HTLV-4) is the only known human retrovirus without an identified animal reservoir.
- Understanding the origins of zoonotic retroviruses is crucial for public health and disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen a large cohort of non-human primates (NHPs) for simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 4 (STLV-4) to identify the animal reservoir of HTLV-4.
- To investigate the evolutionary origins and transmission dynamics of HTLV-4/STLV-4.
Main Methods:
- Conducted the largest screening of captive and wild NHPs in Cameroon for STLV-4 using HTLV-4-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
- Performed detailed phylogenetic analyses on partial and full viral genomes.
Main Results:
- STLV-4 infection was exclusively detected in gorillas among 1107 examined NHPs (681 wild, 426 captive).
- Phylogenetic analyses support STLV-4 being endemic to gorillas.
- Evidence suggests HTLV-4 emerged from a gorilla reservoir, likely via human contact during hunting and butchering.
Conclusions:
- Gorillas serve as the natural reservoir for STLV-4, indicating HTLV-4 is a zoonotic virus originating from gorillas.
- Recommendations include managing human contact with wild gorillas, developing better detection assays, and monitoring STLV-4 in gorillas and potential human zoonosis.