Retroviruses in Wild-Born Semi-Captive East African Sanctuary Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)~!2010-01-28~!2010-03-24~!2010-04-20~!

Abstract

Information on retroviruses infections in great apes is scarce, especially for apes kept in sanctuaries throughout Africa. To investigate the prevalence of retroviruses and possible transmission of different retroviruses originating from chimpanzees of different origin (Uganda, Congo and Rwanda), 38 wild-born captive orphan chimpanzees residing in a sanctuary on Ngamba Island were analyzed for retroviral infections. Samples from sanctuary chimpanzees were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunoassays and polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Viruses were characterized by phylogenetic analysis. All chimpanzees were negative for antibodies against Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) and Simian T-cell Leukemia Virus (STLV). However, 28/38 (73%) chimpanzees were positive to Simian Foamy Virus (SFV) by analysis of a 425-bp DNA segment obtained by PCR using generic integrase primers homologous to highly conserved portions of the polymerase gene. Phylogenetic analysis of SFV sequences obtained in this study formed four sub clusters within the specific SFV P. t. schweinfurthii clade with significant variability among the new SFVs strains.We provide evidence of on-going cross-transmission of SFV among chimpanzees within the sanctuary mostly likely through horizontal routes. We propose to test all chimpanzees introduced into sanctuaries for retroviral and other infections. This will help avoid the spread also of pathogenic viruses in captive populations.

Comparison of the Distal Gut Microbiota from People and Animals in Africa

“…These animals have been rescued from poachers at a young age (2–5 years) and placed under long term care at the sanctuary in a semi-captive environment which maintains a high level of welfare and husbandry practices that mimic the natural behaviours of the species [36]. The sanctuary is the member of the Pan African Sanctuaries Alliance (PASA) which promotes and monitors high ethical conducts of sanctuaries.…”

Confirmed Infection with Intestinal Schistosomiasis in Semi-Captive Wild-Born Chimpanzees on Ngamba Island, Uganda

“…Further, in humans there is evidence that immunosuppression in patients co-infected with schistosomiasis and human immunodeficiency virus can result in reduced egg excretion, although these studies are contested (Karanja et al 1997, Kallestrup et al 2005. Retroviruses in chimpanzees might have a similar effect; on Ngamba Island, none of the chimpanzees surveyed are infected with simian immunodeficiency virus, but around 70% are infected with simian foamy virus, a closely related retrovirus (Mugisha et al 2010); it is not known what effect this underlying infection might have on egg excretion patterns of schistosomes.…”

High Prevalence, Coinfection Rate, and Genetic Diversity of Retroviruses in Wild Red Colobus Monkeys ( Piliocolobus badius badius ) in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire

“…Many use bushmeat samples, which can vary in their quality and are prone to cross-contamination from butchering and storage with other carcasses. Confiscated primates are also not representative of the situation in the wild since the animals are caught at a young age when the occurrence of different retroviruses may be extremely low (24). The technical possibilities for the detection of various pathogens in noninvasive samples such as urine and feces have greatly improved and are frequently used; however, in general, the sensitivity of detection methods is higher when blood and tissue samples are used (25,32,47).…”