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Identification of a human population infected with simian foamy viruses

W Heneine1, W M Switzer, P Sandstrom

  • 1HIV and Retrovirology Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. WMH2@cdc.gov

Nature Medicine
|April 18, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Simian foamy viruses (SFV) can infect humans through occupational exposure to nonhuman primates. Most identified SFV infections in this study were asymptomatic, suggesting they may be benign.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Public Health
  • Zoonosis

Background:

  • Simian retroviruses pose potential public health risks through zoonotic transmission.
  • Understanding simian retrovirus infections in humans is crucial for assessing their public health impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of simian foamy virus (SFV) infection in humans with occupational exposure to nonhuman primates.
  • To characterize the origins and clinical outcomes of SFV infections in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Serological testing for SFV antibodies.
  • Detection of SFV proviral DNA.
  • Isolation of infectious foamy virus from infected individuals.

Main Results:

  • A prevalence of 1.8% (4/231) SFV infection was identified in occupationally exposed humans.
  • SFV infections were linked to African green monkeys and baboons.
  • Evidence included seropositivity, proviral DNA, and virus isolation.

Conclusions:

  • SFV infections in humans occupationally exposed to nonhuman primates are demonstrable.
  • Identified SFV infections have not caused disease or sexual transmission, indicating potential benign outcomes.

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