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Diverse anelloviruses identified in wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada)
Maya J Saroff1,2, Simona Kraberger2,3, Diego Olivo1,2,3
1School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
Archives of Virology
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Researchers discovered four new anellovirus lineages in wild geladas, expanding the known host range of these persistent, non-disease-causing DNA viruses. This study enhances understanding of anellovirus evolution and primate viromes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Primate Biology
Background:
- Anelloviruses are ubiquitous circular single-stranded DNA viruses causing persistent, asymptomatic infections in mammals and birds.
- Studying anelloviruses in non-human primates provides insights into viral evolution and host-virus interactions.
- Wild primate populations offer a valuable model for understanding natural host-pathogen dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize complete anellovirus genomes in wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada).
- To determine the phylogenetic placement of novel anelloviruses found in geladas.
- To expand the known host range of anelloviruses, particularly within the Alphatorquevirus genus.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing of anelloviruses from blood samples of wild geladas.
- Bioinformatic analysis to assemble and annotate complete viral genomes.
- Phylogenetic analysis of viral sequences, focusing on the ORF1 (capsid protein) gene.
Main Results:
- Six complete anellovirus genomes were identified in wild geladas from Ethiopia.
- These genomes represent four new anellovirus species-level lineages.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed these novel viruses within the Alphatorquevirus genus.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first complete anellovirus genomes identified in geladas.
- It expands the known host diversity for the Alphatorquevirus genus and anelloviruses.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of primate viromes and anellovirus evolution.
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