Noninvasive Monitoring of Respiratory Viruses in Wild Chimpanzees

摘要: To diagnose respiratory disease among wild great apes, there is a need for noninvasive diagnostic methods. Therefore, we analyzed fecal samples from habituated chimpanzees Tai National Park, Cote d’Ivoire. Samples had been collected during four distinct outbreaks: two with known aetiology (March 2004 and February 2006) unknown (October August 2005). Fecal were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the presence of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) syncytial virus (HRSV), paramyxoviruses previously found in lung tissue that died due to disease. In March outbreak, 72% tested individuals positive HMPV, 2006 epidemic, 25% HRSV-positive. outbreaks where no causative pathogen was known, either HRSV or showing reinfection occurred. Virus sequences generated compared tissue; nearly identical both found. These results demonstrate outbreak times can be used phylogenetic analysis HMPV HRSV. Using such tools, systematic investigation apes becomes possible. The methods presented here may also applied further acute diseases other species.