Molecular Epidemiology of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Wild-Living Gorillas

作者：Neel Cecile; Etienne Lucie; Li Yingying; Takehisa Jun; Rudicell Rebecca S; Bass Innocent Ndong; Moudindo Joseph; Mebenga Aime; Esteban Amandine; Van Heuverswyn Fran; Liegeois Florian; Kranzusch Philip J; Walsh Peter D; Sanz Crickette M; Morgan David B; Ndjango Jean Bosco N; Plantier Jean Christophe; Locatelli Sabrina; Gonder Mary K; Leendertz Fabian H; Boesch Christophe; Todd Angelique; Delaporte Eric; Mpoudi Ngole Eitel; Hahn Beatrice H; Peeters Martine^*

来源：Journal of Virology, 2010, 84(3): 1464-1476.

DOI：10.1128/JVI.02129-09

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.

• 出版日期2010-2