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Hepatitis B Virus in Gabonese Non-Human Primate: Potential Zoonotic Circulation and Long-Term Strain Persistence
Danielle S Koumba Mavoungou1,2, Larson Boundenga3,4, Sonia E Lekana-Douki1
1Unité Emergence des Maladies Virales, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville BP 769, Gabon.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common in wild great apes in Gabon. A strain genetically similar to a known zoonotic strain was detected, underscoring the need for further research into cross-species transmissions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Primatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Orthohepanaviruses, including Hepatitis B virus (HBV), infect various mammals.
- Previous findings in Gabon revealed HBV strains with genetic recombination between human and ape strains, suggesting cross-species transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HBV DNA in non-human primates (NHPs) in Gabon.
- To compare NHP HBV strains with human strains to assess zoonotic potential.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fecal samples from 1891 NHPs in Gabon.
- Amplification of a portion of the S gene using hemi-nested PCR.
- Sequencing of PCR-positive samples for phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- 51 out of 1891 NHP fecal samples tested PCR-positive for HBV DNA.
- Thirteen of fourteen sequenced strains were closely related to chimpanzee HBV strains.
- One sequence was associated with the previously identified HBV ChBassi strain.
Conclusions:
- HBV infection is endemic in wild-born great apes in Gabon.
- The detection of a strain similar to the zoonotic ChBassi strain highlights potential cross-species transmission risks.
- Further research is crucial for a 'One Health' approach to managing zoonotic viral threats.
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