Frequent and Recent Human Acquisition of Simian Foamy Viruses Through Apes' Bites in Central Africa

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002306
• Publication Date: 2011-10-27T20:55:13Z
• Authors: Edouard Betsem; Réjane Rua; Patricia Tortevoye; Alain Froment; Antoine Gessain
• Keywords: Simian; Gorilla

Human infection by simian foamy viruses (SFV) can be acquired persons occupationally exposed to non-human primates (NHP) or in natural settings. This study aimed at getting better knowledge on SFV transmission dynamics, risk factors for such a zoonotic and, searching intra-familial dissemination and the level of peripheral blood (pro)viral loads infected individuals. We studied 1,321 people from general adult population (mean age 49 yrs, 640 women 681 men) 198 individuals, mostly men, all whom had encountered NHP with resulting bite scratch. All these, either Pygmies (436) Bantus (1085) live villages South Cameroon. A specific Western blot was used two nested PCRs (polymerase, LTR) were done positive/borderline samples serology. In population, 2/1,321 (0.2%) found infected. second group, 37/198 (18.6%) positive. They apes (37/39) FV (mainly gorilla). Infection monkey less frequent (2/39). The viral origin amplified sequences matched history reported hunters, most which (83%) are aged 20 40 years during last twenty years. load 33 individuals gorilla quite low (<1 145 copies per 105 cells) leucocytes. Of 30 wives 12 children families persons, only one woman seropositive WB without subsequent DNA amplification. demonstrate high recent SFVs humans settings specifically following severe bites hunting activities. virus persist over several years, persons. Secondary remains an open question.