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Non-human primate bites pose a risk factor for HTLV-1 infection
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Zoonotic transmission through the bite of a non-human primate appears to be a major route of infection with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1, according to recent findings.
“[Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1] originated from a simian T-lymphotropic virus type 1,” the researchers wrote. “This retrovirus is endemic to many species of Old-World non-human primates, including a number of apes and monkeys. Adult T-cell leukemia-like disease has been reported in some [simian T-lymphotropic virus type 1]-infected [nonhuman primates].”
In the cross-sectional survey, researchers evaluated 538 residents of a rainforest region of rural Cameroon, 269 of whom reported being bitten by a non-human primate (NHP). The participants completed a standardized questionnaire pertaining to personal demographic data, as well as specific information about contact with bites from NHPs. Blood samples were taken, and human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) serology was conducted through Western blot on plasma samples. PCR was used to screen for HTLV-1 infection.
The researchers found that among those who were bitten, the HTLV-1 prevalence was 8.6%, versus 1.5% in controls who had not been bitten (P < .001). In addition, HTLV-1 infection was associated with the severity of the bites. Of the 23 HTLV-1 positive patients who had been bitten, 17 reported being bitten by a gorilla, three reported being bitten by a chimpanzee, and three were bitten by a small monkey.
Coinfection with a simian foamy virus associated with severe bites was present in 56% of those bitten. In 6 of the HTLV-1-infected bitten individuals, mother-to-child infection was excluded after testing of HTLV-1 infected hunters. Of the HTLV-1-positive hunters bitten by a gorilla or chimpanzee, all were infected with a subtype B strain similar to that seen in apes from the same area. Two of the hunters bitten by small monkeys were infected with a subtype F strain of HTLV that is similar to the simian T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (STLV-1) strains present in this type of monkey.
“In the population studied, individuals bitten by NHPs had a prevalence of HTLV-1 almost 6 times higher than that of the matched non-bitten subjects,” the researchers wrote. “Furthermore, the prevalence of HTLV-1 increased strongly with bite severity. These data thus strongly suggest that STLV-1 can be transmitted to humans via NHP bites.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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