Foamy virus zoonotic infections

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Retroviruses
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Foamy viruses (FV) represent a distinct subfamily (Spumaretrovirinae) of complex retroviruses, differing from orthoretroviruses like HIV and MLV.
• FV are widespread in natural hosts including cows, cats, and nonhuman primates (NHP), primarily transmitted via saliva.
• Although typically nonpathogenic, FV can exacerbate other infections in coinfections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss current knowledge of FV infections in natural hosts.
• To emphasize the understanding of zoonotic FV infections, particularly simian foamy viruses (SFV).
• To consider the implications of FV recombination and mutation for pathogenesis and gene therapy applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review summarizing existing studies on FV infections.
• Analysis of data regarding the transmission and persistence of FV, especially SFV, in humans.
• Consideration of potential FV pathogenesis through mutation and recombination.

Main Results:

• Simian foamy viruses (SFV) from NHP are frequently transmitted to humans through close contact.
• SFV establish persistent infections in humans, unlike bovine and feline foamy viruses which rarely do.
• The potential for FV to cause disease through genetic changes is considered.

Conclusions:

• Zoonotic SFV infections in humans are well-documented and establish persistent infections.
• The ability of SFV to infect humans, despite appearing nonpathogenic, highlights the need for further research.
• Understanding zoonotic SFV infections is crucial for evaluating their potential use in human gene therapy vectors.