Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection in Nonhuman Primate, Guatemala, 2023

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Arbovirology
• Primate Health

Background:

• Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) poses a significant threat to both animal and human health.
• Understanding VEEV transmission dynamics is crucial for effective disease control.
• Spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are potential hosts and indicators of arboviral activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the isolation of VEEV subtype IE from a non-human primate in Guatemala.
• To assess the phylogenetic relationship of the isolated VEEV strain.
• To inform surveillance strategies for VEEV in North America.

Main Methods:

• Virus isolation from a spider monkey.
• Phylogenetic analysis of the VEEV isolate.
• Serologic testing of a cohort of monkeys.

Main Results:

• Isolation of VEEV subtype IE from a spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) in Guatemala.
• Phylogenetic analysis indicated the isolate was related to Gulf Coast strains.
• No additional VEEV infections were detected in 118 tested monkeys.

Conclusions:

• The presence of VEEV subtype IE in a primate suggests ongoing enzootic transmission.
• Primate infections warrant enhanced surveillance of VEEV transmission cycles.
• Findings emphasize the importance of monitoring arboviruses in wildlife populations, especially in regions with potential VEEV circulation.