PARV4 found in wild chimpanzee faeces: an alternate route of transmission?

Arch Virol. 2019 Feb;164(2):573-578. doi: 10.1007/s00705-018-4073-6. Epub 2018 Oct 20.

Abstract

Human parvovirus 4 (PARV4, family Parvoviridae, genus Tetraparvovirus) displays puzzling features, such as uncertain clinical importance/significance, unclear routes of transmission, and discontinuous geographical distribution. The origin, or the general reservoir, of human PARV4 infection is unknown. We aimed to detect and characterize PARV4 virus in faecal samples collected from two wild chimpanzee populations and 19 species of captive non-human primates. We aimed to investigate these species as a potential reservoir and alternate route of transmission on the African continent. From almost 500 samples screened, a single wild Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii sample tested positive. Full genome analysis, as well as single ORF phylogenies, confirmed species-specific PARV4 infection.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / virology
  • Feces / virology*
  • Female
  • Genome, Viral
  • Male
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Pan troglodytes
  • Parvoviridae Infections / transmission
  • Parvoviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Parvoviridae Infections / virology
  • Parvovirinae / classification
  • Parvovirinae / genetics
  • Parvovirinae / isolation & purification*
  • Phylogeny
  • Primate Diseases / transmission
  • Primate Diseases / virology*