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Failure to detect human T-lymphotropic virus antibody in wild-caught New World primates
J E Kaplan1, M U Holland, D B Green
1Retrovirus Diseases Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Abstract:
We conducted a study to look for a simian counterpart of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) in wild-caught monkeys in the Republic of Panama. Serum specimens were obtained from 102 monkeys (Ateles fusciceps, n = 75; Alouatta villosa, n = 18; and Cebus capucinus, n = 9) captured in Panama's Darien rain forest in 1979-1980. Specimens were screened for HTLV antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and reactive specimens were further tested by Western blot. None of the 102 specimens were seropositive for HTLV. Our findings provide no evidence for an HTLV-like virus in New World primates from Panama, but the sample size was small, and further studies are warranted.
Insights
This study found no evidence of a simian counterpart to human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) in wild monkeys from Panama. Further research is needed due to the small sample size of New World primates examined.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Primate Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a retrovirus known to infect humans.
- The existence of simian counterparts to human viruses can provide insights into viral evolution and zoonotic potential.
- Previous research has not extensively investigated HTLV-like viruses in New World primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of a simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV) in wild-caught monkeys in Panama.
- To determine if any New World primates in this region harbor viruses similar to human HTLV.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 102 wild monkeys (Ateles fusciceps, Alouatta villosa, Cebus capucinus) in Panama.
- Samples were screened for HTLV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Reactive samples underwent further confirmation by Western blot analysis.
Main Results:
- All 102 monkey serum specimens tested negative for HTLV antibodies.
- No evidence of serological reactivity to HTLV was detected in the studied primate populations.
- The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot assays did not identify any HTLV-positive individuals.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence of an HTLV-like virus in the examined New World primates from Panama.
- The findings suggest that STLV may not be prevalent in these specific wild monkey populations.
- A small sample size limits definitive conclusions, warranting further investigation with larger cohorts and diverse species.