Adenovirus and Herpesvirus Diversity in Free-Ranging Great Apes in the Sangha Region of the Republic of Congo

Researchers have uncovered significant diversity among adenoviruses and herpesviruses in free-ranging gorillas and chimpanzees near Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo. The study identified 19 DNA viruses from two viral families, including three previously undescribed herpesviruses, with co-detections of multiple viruses common in both species. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and lymphocryptovirus (LCV) were frequently found together alongside adenoviruses. Viral discovery curves suggest a minimum richness of 23 viruses in the population, with an estimated detection rate of 83%. This is the first description of DNA viral diversity in feces from free-ranging great apes in this region, providing critical insights into the viruses circulating among these endangered species.

Seimon, T. A., Olson, S. H., Lee, K. J., Rosen, G., Ondzie, A., Cameron, K., Reed, P., Anthony, S. J., Joly, D. O., McAloose, D., & Lipkin, W. I. (2015). Adenovirus and Herpesvirus Diversity in Free-Ranging Great Apes in the Sangha Region of the Republic of Congo. Plos One, 10(3), e0118543. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0118543