ABSTRACT
Africa green monkeys (AGMs, Chlorocebus aethiops) (Gray, 1870) and olive baboons
(Papio anubis anubis) (Lesson, 1827) are common non-human primates (NHPs) found within
major urban centres in Kenya. The widely distributed AGMs are naturally infected with simian
immunodeficiency virus (SIV) of the genus Lentivirus. While a baboon specific SIV has not
been reported so far, studies have demonstrated that baboons are non-receptive to SIV infection
leading to low prevalence in these species. Due to enhanced human-wildlife interactions, SIV
can potentially infect humans during aggressive encounters resulting in injuries from bites and
scratches and potential exposure to infected blood and other body fluids making SIV a virus of
medical importance. Despite its zoonotic potential, a comprehensive investigation of SIVs in
free-ranging Kenyan monkeys has not been undertaken. Therefore, this study sought to
investigate the diversity of SIV strains infecting AGMs and olive baboons found within
selected Kenyan urban centres using molecular approaches. Free-ranging NHPs (124 AGMs
and 65 olive baboons) from within Mombasa, Kisumu, and Naivasha towns were trapped, and
SIV identified by PCR targeting a partial pol and env gene fragments. Polymerase chain
reaction-high resolution melt (PCR-HRM) analysis of pol amplicons revealed distinct melt
profiles illustrating diverse virus strains. Detected SIV genetic fragments were further
characterised by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We detected SIV in 32% (39/124) and
3% (2/65) of AGMs and baboons, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the pol and env gene
sequences demonstrated that diverse host species-specific SIV (SIVagm) strains infect AGMs
populations without definite phylogeographical groupings. Moreover, analysis of the
evolutionary selection demonstrated signatures of episodic and pervasive diversification on the
env gene suggesting continuous SIV evolution within the natural host which is crucial for a
virus to be able to cross the species barrier and infect a new host. Notably, for the first time,
this study partially characterised a strain of SIVagm infecting olive baboons indicating putative
cross-infection among sympatric NHP species. Additional elaborate studies are required to
conclusively decipher the prevalence, pathogenesis and immunological response associated
with SIVagm infection of baboons. Better understanding of prevalence and diversity of
potentially zoonotic SIV strains circulating in NHP hosts is crucial in controlling emergence
of infections in human.
RICHARD, N (2021). Prevalence And Genetic Diversity Of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infecting Free-Ranging Non-Human Primates In Kenyan Urban Centres. Afribary. Retrieved from https://tracking.afribary.com/works/prevalence-and-genetic-diversity-of-simian-immunodeficiency-virus-infecting-free-ranging-non-human-primates-in-kenyan-urban-centres
RICHARD, NYAMOTA "Prevalence And Genetic Diversity Of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infecting Free-Ranging Non-Human Primates In Kenyan Urban Centres" Afribary. Afribary, 15 May. 2021, https://tracking.afribary.com/works/prevalence-and-genetic-diversity-of-simian-immunodeficiency-virus-infecting-free-ranging-non-human-primates-in-kenyan-urban-centres. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
RICHARD, NYAMOTA . "Prevalence And Genetic Diversity Of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infecting Free-Ranging Non-Human Primates In Kenyan Urban Centres". Afribary, Afribary, 15 May. 2021. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. < https://tracking.afribary.com/works/prevalence-and-genetic-diversity-of-simian-immunodeficiency-virus-infecting-free-ranging-non-human-primates-in-kenyan-urban-centres >.
RICHARD, NYAMOTA . "Prevalence And Genetic Diversity Of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infecting Free-Ranging Non-Human Primates In Kenyan Urban Centres" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 21, 2024. https://tracking.afribary.com/works/prevalence-and-genetic-diversity-of-simian-immunodeficiency-virus-infecting-free-ranging-non-human-primates-in-kenyan-urban-centres