Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Molecular epidemiology of simian immunodeficiency virus infection in wild-living gorillas
Author(s)
Neel, C.;Etienne, L.;Li, Y.;Takehisa, J.;Rudicell, R. S.;Bass, I. N.;Moudindo, J.;Mebenga, A.;Esteban, A.;Van Heuverswyn, F.;Liegeois, F.;Kranzusch, P. J.;Walsh, P. D.;Sanz, C. M.;Morgan, D. B.;Ndjango, J. B. N.;Plantier, J. C.;Locatelli, S.;Gonder, M. K.;Leendertz, F. H.;Boesch, C.;Todd, A.;Delaporte, E.;Mpoudi-Ngole, E.;Hahn, B. H.;Peeters, M.
Published
2010
Publisher
Journal of Virology
Abstract
Chimpanzees and gorillas are the only nonhuman primates known to harbor viruses closely related to HIV-1. Phylogenetic analyses showed that gorillas acquired the simian immunodeficiency virus SIVgor from chimpanzees, and viruses from the SIVcpz/SIVgor lineage have been transmitted to humans on at least four occasions, leading to HIV-1 groups M, N, O, and P. To determine the geographic distribution, prevalence, and species association of SIVgor, we conducted a comprehensive molecular epidemiological survey of wild gorillas in Central Africa. Gorilla fecal samples were collected in the range of western lowland gorillas (n = 2,367) and eastern Grauer gorillas (n = 183) and tested for SIVgor antibodies and nucleic acids. SIVgor antibody-positive samples were identified at 2 sites in Cameroon, with no evidence of infection at 19 other sites, including 3 in the range of the Eastern gorillas. In Cameroon, based on DNA and microsatellite analyses of a subset of samples, we estimated the prevalence of SIVgor to be 1.6% (range, 0% to 4.6%), which is significantly lower than the prevalence of SIVcpzPtt in chimpanzees (5.9%; range, 0% to 32%). All newly identified SIVgor strains formed a monophyletic lineage within the SIVcpz radiation, closely related to HIV-1 groups O and P, and clustered according to their field site of origin. At one site, there was evidence for intergroup transmission and a high intragroup prevalence. These isolated hot spots of SIVgor-infected gorilla communities could serve as a source for human infection. The overall low prevalence and sporadic distribution of SIVgor could suggest a decline of SIVgor in wild populations, but it cannot be excluded that SIVgor is still more prevalent in other parts of the geographical range of gorillas. Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB14401