PARV4 found in wild chimpanzee faeces: an alternate routeof transmission?

Abstract

AbstractHuman parvovirus 4 (PARV4, family Parvoviridae, genus Tetraparvovirus) displays puzzling features, such as uncertainclinical 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 faecalsamples collected from two wild chimpanzee populations and 19 species of captive non-human primates. We aimed toinvestigate these species as a potential reservoir and alternate route of transmission on the African continent. From almost500 samples screened, a single wild Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii sample tested positive. Full genome analysis, as well assingle ORF phylogenies, confirmed species-specific PARV4 infection