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African Non-Human Primates Host Diverse Enteroviruses.
Illich Manfred Mombo1,2, Alexander N Lukashev3,4, Tobias Bleicker5
1International Center for Medical Research of Franceville, BP769, Franceville, Gabon.
Plos One
|January 13, 2017
Summary
Wild apes and monkeys in Gabon harbor diverse enteroviruses (EVs), including novel types. This research highlights the potential for cross-species transmission and the emergence of new EV variants in non-human primates (NHPs).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Primate Health
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Enteroviruses (EVs) are a significant cause of disease in mammals, including humans and non-human primates (NHPs).
- Simian EVs were first identified in the 1950s, with recent discoveries in wild primates in Cameroon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen wild apes and monkeys in Gabon for the presence of enteroviruses using PCR.
- To characterize the phylogenetic relationships of identified EVs and assess potential cross-species transmission.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to screen 600 fecal samples from wild primates in Gabon.
- Phylogenetic analysis of VP1 and VP2 genes was performed on detected enteroviruses.
Main Results:
- Enteroviruses were detected in 32 out of 600 samples (25 from mandrills, 7 from chimpanzees).
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed EVs in chimpanzees belonged to human EV-A and EV-B species, while mandrill EVs were from human EV-B and simian EV-J species.
- Two novel enterovirus types (EV-B112 and EV-B113) were identified in a chimpanzee and a mandrill, respectively. Human-associated EVs (EV-B107, EV90) and a chimpanzee-derived EV (EV110) were also found, indicating cross-species transmission.
Conclusions:
- Non-human primates, particularly mandrills and chimpanzees, harbor diverse enteroviruses, including novel types.
- The findings suggest NHPs can be reservoirs for new EV types and are involved in cross-species transmission events.
- Further research on EVs in NHPs is crucial for understanding viral emergence and evaluating zoonotic risks.
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