New Adenovirus Linked to Severe Pneumonia in Titi Monkeys
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Eunice C., Yagi Shigeo, Kelly Kristi R., Mendoza Sally P., Maninger Nicole, Rosenthal Ann, Spinner Abigail, Bales Karen L., Schnurr David P., Lerche Nicholas W., Chiu Charles Y.
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
Can a novel adenovirus cause severe respiratory illness in titi monkeys and potentially infect humans?
Conclusion
The study identified a new adenovirus, TMAdV, responsible for a deadly pneumonia outbreak in titi monkeys, with evidence suggesting potential zoonotic transmission to humans.
Supporting Evidence
- 23 out of 65 titi monkeys developed severe respiratory symptoms.
- 19 of the 23 infected monkeys died or were euthanized, indicating a high case fatality rate of 83%.
- TMAdV was successfully cultivated in human lung cells but not in monkey kidney cells.
- Two family members of a researcher who worked with the monkeys also showed signs of infection.
Takeaway
A new virus called TMAdV made titi monkeys very sick and even caused some to die, and it might have made a human sick too.
Methodology
The Virochip microarray was used to identify the adenovirus, followed by whole-genome sequencing and serological testing.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of serological data due to the limited sample size of human sera.
Limitations
The study could not definitively establish the natural reservoir of TMAdV or the exact transmission route to humans.
Participant Demographics
The study involved a closed colony of New World titi monkeys and a small number of human contacts.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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