AIDS as a zoonosis: scientific and public health implications
Evidence of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection has been reported for 26 different
species of African nonhuman primates. Two of these viruses, SIVcpz from chimpanzees and
SIVsm from sooty mangabeys, are the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS) in humans. Together, they have been transmitted to humans on at least seven
occasions. The implications of human infection by a diverse set of SIVs and of exposure to a
plethora of additional human immunodeficiency virus–related viruses are discussed.
species of African nonhuman primates. Two of these viruses, SIVcpz from chimpanzees and
SIVsm from sooty mangabeys, are the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS) in humans. Together, they have been transmitted to humans on at least seven
occasions. The implications of human infection by a diverse set of SIVs and of exposure to a
plethora of additional human immunodeficiency virus–related viruses are discussed.
Evidence of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection has been reported for 26 different species of African nonhuman primates. Two of these viruses, SIVcpz from chimpanzees and SIVsm from sooty mangabeys, are the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in humans. Together, they have been transmitted to humans on at least seven occasions. The implications of human infection by a diverse set of SIVs and of exposure to a plethora of additional human immunodeficiency virus–related viruses are discussed.
AAAS