Vaccinia Virus Infection in Monkeys in Brazil
Author Information
Author(s): Abrahão Jônatas S., Silva-Fernandes André T., Lima Larissa S., Campos Rafael K., Guedes Maria I.M.C., Cota Marcela M.G., Assis Felipe L., Borges Iara A., Souza-Júnior Milton F., Lobato Zélia I.P., Bonjardim Cláudio A., Ferreira Paulo C.P., Trindade Giliane S., G. Erna
Primary Institution: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Hypothesis
To detect orthopoxvirus in the Brazilian Amazon, we conducted a serosurvey of wild animals.
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of orthopoxvirus antibodies among capuchin and black-howling monkeys in the Brazilian Amazon.
Supporting Evidence
- Neutralizing antibodies against orthopoxvirus were detected in 84 serum samples.
- 68 out of 269 capuchin monkeys tested positive for orthopoxvirus antibodies.
- 13 out of 27 black-howling monkeys tested positive for orthopoxvirus antibodies.
- 18 of 344 serum samples were positive in PCR assays.
Takeaway
Scientists checked wild animals in Brazil to see if they had a virus called vaccinia, and they found that many monkeys were infected.
Methodology
A serosurvey was conducted where 344 wild mammals were captured, and serum samples were tested for orthopoxvirus antibodies using plaque-reduction neutralization tests.
Limitations
Clinical data for pox lesions in animals tested were not well documented.
Participant Demographics
The study included various wild mammal species, primarily capuchin and black-howling monkeys.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website