Transmission and Genetic Diversity of Foamy Viruses in Macaca tonkeana
Author Information
Author(s): Calattini Sara, Wanert Fanélie, Thierry Bernard, Schmitt Christine, Bassot Sylviane, Saib Ali, Herrenschmidt Nicolas, Gessain Antoine
Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
Hypothesis
What are the modes of transmission and genetic diversity of foamy viruses in a Macaca tonkeana colony?
Conclusion
The study found that foamy viruses are primarily transmitted through severe bites, with a high prevalence of infection in adult monkeys.
Supporting Evidence
- 89.5% of adults in the colony exhibited antibodies against foamy viruses.
- Only 4.7% of immatures and 43.7% of sub-adults were found seropositive.
- Six different strains of foamy viruses were identified in the colony.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a type of virus spreads among monkeys and found that they mostly get it from bites, especially when they are older.
Methodology
A longitudinal study was conducted with serological and molecular testing of 141 samples from 56 Macaca tonkeana monkeys over 24 years.
Limitations
The study was limited to a single colony and may not represent other populations of non-human primates.
Participant Demographics
The study included 56 monkeys, consisting of 27 females and 29 males, classified by age: immatures (0-4 years), sub-adults (5-8 years), and adults (>8 years).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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