Scientists have identified the first reported case in Asia of primate-to-human transmission of simian foamy virus (SFV), a retrovirus found in macaques and other primates that so far has not been shown to cause disease in humans. The transmission of the virus from a monkey to a human took place at a monkey temple in Bali, Indonesia, the researchers report in the July issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. Even though this particular virus jumping to humans may not prove dangerous, the scientists warn that the dense human and primate populations in Asia could lead to other primate-borne viruses jumping the species barrier and causing human disease.

"The issue of primate-to-human viral transmission has been studied extensively in Africa, largely because that is where HIV originated," explains Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel, lead author of the study and a research scientist in the Division of International Programs at the Washington National Primate Research Center. "But there has not been much work on the topic in Asia, which has huge primate diversity and large human populations."

Jones-Engel and her co-authors also argue for more research on diverse contexts of human-primate contact. The vast majority of previous viral transmission research focused on bushmeat hunting and consumption, a practice in which local residents hunt monkeys for food. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS in humans, is believed to have originated as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and jumped the species barrier to humans when African bushmeat hunters came into contact with blood from infected animals.

Though bushmeat hunting and consumption may be a significant factor in viral transmission in Africa, Jones-Engel says, people in Asia have many other contexts in which they come into contact with primates, including animal markets, primate pet ownership, urban performing primates, and zoos. In addition, monkeys are significant symbols in both Buddhism and Hinduism, and mon
'"/>

Contact: Justin Reedy
jreedy@u.washington.edu
206-685-0382
University of Washington
13-Jul-2005

Page: 1 2 3
Related biology news :

1. Which came first: Primates ability to see colorful food or see colorful sex?
2. Primates take weather into account when searching for fruits
3. Tulane Primate Center thrives and grows
4. Primates on the brink
5. Features of replication suggest viruses have common themes, vulnerabilities
6. Marijuana component opens the door for virus that causes Kaposis sarcoma
7. Discovery in plant virus may help prevent HIV and similar viruses
8. Detecting transmissibility of avian influenza virus in human households
9. CTRC enrolls first patients in novel phase II study for sarcoma -- living virus destroys cancer cell
10. Expert to provide update after worst tomato virus hits California
11. University of Colorado licenses two influenza virus detection discoveries to Quidel Corp.