Genomics-based re-examination of the taxonomy and phylogeny of human and simian Mastadenoviruses: an evolving whole genomes approach, revealing putative zoonosis, anthroponosis, and amphizoonosis.

With the advent of high-resolution and cost-effective genomics and bioinformatics tools and methods contributing to a large database of both human (HAdV) and simian (SAdV) adenoviruses, a genomics-based re-evaluation of their taxonomy is warranted. Interest in these particular adenoviruses is growing in part due to the applications of both in gene transfer protocols, including gene therapy and vaccines, as well in oncolytic protocols. In particular, the re-evaluation of SAdVs as appropriate vectors in humans is important as zoonosis precludes the assumption that human immune system may be naïve to these vectors. Additionally, as important pathogens, adenoviruses are a model organism system for understanding viral pathogen emergence through zoonosis and anthroponosis, particularly among the primate species, along with recombination, host adaptation, and selection, as evidenced by one long-standing human respiratory pathogen HAdV-4 and a recent re-evaluation of another, HAdV-76. The latter reflects the insights on amphizoonosis, defined as infections in both directions among host species including "other than human", that are possible with the growing database of nonhuman adenovirus genomes. HAdV-76 is a recombinant that has been isolated from human, chimpanzee, and bonobo hosts. On-going and potential impacts of adenoviruses on public health and translational medicine drive this evaluation of 174 whole genome sequences from HAdVs and SAdVs archived in GenBank. The conclusion is that rather than separate HAdV and SAdV phylogenetic lineages, a single, intertwined tree is observed with all HAdVs and SAdVs forming mixed clades. Therefore, a single designation of "primate adenovirus" (PrAdV) superseding either HAdV and SAdV is proposed, or alternatively, keeping HAdV for human adenovirus but expanding the SAdV nomenclature officially to include host species identification as in ChAdV for chimpanzee adenovirus, GoAdV for gorilla adenovirus, BoAdV for bonobo adenovirus, and ad libitum.

First evidence of a new simian adenovirus clustering with Human mastadenovirus F viruses.

BACKGROUND: Adenoviruses play an important role as human pathogens, though most infections are believed to be asymptomatic. The over 100 human adenovirus types are classified into seven species (A-G), some of which include simian adenoviruses. Recent findings have highlighted that simian adenoviruses have a zoonotic potential and that some human adenoviruses are likely the result of relatively recent spillover events. METHODS: In order to evaluate the risks associated with primates hunted and sold as bushmeat, multiple samples from 24 freshly killed monkeys were collected in the Republic of the Congo and tested for adenovirus DNA by PCRs targeting the conserved DNA polymerase and hexon genes. RESULTS: The DNA of a novel simian adenovirus was detected in a moustached monkey (Cercopithecus cephus) by the DNA polymerase PCR, but not by the hexon PCR. The 275 nucleotide amplicon was most closely related to members of the Human mastadenovirus F species (93% HAdV-40 and 89% HAdV-41 amino acid identity), rather than to other known simian adenoviruses. CONCLUSIONS: The phylogenetic clustering with Human mastadenovirus F sequences suggests a common ancestor, more recent than the last common ancestor of humans and moustached monkeys. The findings increase concerns about the zoonotic potential of simian adenoviruses and highlight the need for more research and surveillance on the issue.

New adenoviruses from new primate hosts - growing diversity reveals taxonomic weak points.

The knowledge of the closest human relatives of human adenoviruses (AdVs) such as adenoviruses found in nonhuman primates is still limited, despite the growing importance of adenoviruses in vaccine development, gene and cancer therapy. We examined 153 stool samples of 17 non-human primate species and detected adenoviral DNA sequences of DNA polymerase (DPOL) gene in 54 samples (35%), originating from 12 out of 17 primate species. We further sequenced 15 hexon gene fragments and based on the phylogenetic analysis we propose two new provisional species SAdV-H and SAdV-I. Our study shows extensive diversity of adenoviral strains forming separate clades often from closely related host species from old world monkeys suggesting the existence of new species of AdVs and shows the necessity for clear ICTV guidelines for final establishment of so far provisional AdV species.

Genome analysis of four Old World monkey adenoviruses supports the proposed species classification of primate adenoviruses and reveals signs of possible homologous recombination.

Within the family Adenoviridae, presently Simian mastadenovirus A is the single species approved officially for monkey adenoviruses (AdVs), whilst the establishment of six further species (Simian mastadenovirus B to Simian mastadenovirus G) has been proposed in the last few years. We examined the genetic content and phylogenetic relationships of four Old World monkey (OWM) AdV types [namely simian AdV (SAdV)-8, -11, -16 and -19] for which it had been proposed that they should be classified into different AdV species: SAdV-11 to Human mastadenovirus G, and the other three viruses into three novel species. By full genome sequencing, we identified gene contents characteristic for the genus Mastadenovirus. Among the 36 ORFs, 2 genes of different lengths, predicted to encode the adenoviral cellular attachment protein (the fibre), were found. The E3 regions contained six genes, present in every OWM AdV, but lacked the E3 19K gene, which has seemingly appeared only in the ape (hominid) AdV lineages during evolution. For the first time in SAdVs, two other exons belonging to the gene of the so-called U exon protein were also predicted. Phylogenetic calculations, based on the fibre-1 and the major capsid protein, the hexon, implied that recombination events might have happened between different AdV species. Phylogeny inference, based on the viral DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and the penton base protein, further supported the species classification proposed earlier.

Taxonomy proposal for Old World monkey adenoviruses: characterisation of several non-human, non-ape primate adenovirus lineages.

A species classification regarding Old World monkey adenoviruses is proposed. We determined the nucleotide sequences of PCR-amplified fragments from the genes of the IVa2, DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, penton base, and hexon proteins from every simian adenovirus (SAdV) serotype that originated from Old World monkeys for which the full genome sequence had not yet been published. We confirmed that the majority of Old Word monkey SAdVs belong to two previously established species. Interestingly, one is the most recently established human AdV species, Human mastadenovirus G, which includes a single human virus, HAdV-52, as well as SAdV-1, -2, -7, -11, -12, and -15. The other approved species, Simian mastadenovirus A includes SAdV-3, -4, -6, -9, -10, -14, and -48. Several SAdVs (SAdV-5, -8, -49, -50) together with baboon AdV-1 and rhesus monkey AdV strains A1139, A1163, A1173, A1258, A1285, A1296, A1312, A1327 and A1335 have been proposed to be classified into an additional species, Simian mastadenovirus B. Another proposed species, Simian mastadenovirus C has been described for SAdV-19, baboon AdV-2/4 and -3. Our study revealed the existence of four additional AdV lineages. The corresponding new candidate species are Simian mastadenovirus D (for SAdV-13), Simian mastadenovirus E (for SAdV-16), Simian mastadenovirus F (for SAdV-17 and -18), and Simian mastadenovirus G (for SAdV-20). Several biological and genomic properties, such as the host origin, haemagglutination profile, number of fibre genes, and G+C content of the genome, strongly support this classification. Three SAdV strains originating from the American Type Culture Collection turned out to be mixtures of at least two virus types, either of the same species (SAdV-12 and -15 types from Human mastadenovirus G) or of two different species (SAdV-5 types from Simian mastadenovirus B and Human mastadenovirus G).

The genome sequence of a novel simian adenovirus in a chimpanzee reveals a close relationship to human adenoviruses.

Recently, several reports have revealed that some simian adenoviruses (AdVs) strains show a close relationship to human AdVs. In the present study, a simian AdV strain named SAdV-ch1 was detected in chimpanzees in China, and its complete genome was determined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed SAdV-ch1 clustering in a clade that was separate from all of the other simian AdVs but genetically close to a human AdV strain, HAdV-18 (GenBank no. GU191019), sharing 92.5 % sequence identity with it. Recombination analysis provided evidence that a recombination event had occurred between SAdV-ch1 and HAdV-61 (JF964962), where SAdV-ch1 exchanged partial of its hexon gene segment with HAdV-61, leading to the recombinant HAdV-31 (AM749299).

Adenoviruses in fecal samples from asymptomatic rhesus macaques, United States.

Adenoviruses can cause infectious diarrheal disease or respiratory infections in humans; 2 recent reports have indicated probable human infection with simian adenoviruses (SAdVs). To assess the possibility of animal-to-human transmission of SAdVs, we tested fecal samples from asymptomatic rhesus macaques housed in 5 primate facilities in the United States and cultured 23 SAdV isolates. Of these, 9 were purified and completely sequenced; 3 SAdV samples from the American Type Culture Collection (SAdV-6, SAdV-18, and SAdV-20) were also completely sequenced. The sequence of SAdV-18 was closely related to that of human adenovirus F across the whole genome, and the new isolates were found to harbor 2 fiber genes similar to those of human adenovirus (HAdV) strains HAdV-40 and HAdV-41, which can cause infectious diarrhea. The high prevalence of adenoviruses in fecal samples from asymptomatic rhesus macaques and the similarity of the isolates to human strains indicates the possibility of animal-to-human transmission of SAdVs.

Adenovirus-based vaccines: comparison of vectors from three species of adenoviridae.

In order to better understand the broad applicability of adenovirus (Ad) as a vector for human vaccine studies, we compared four adenovirus (Ad) vectors from families C (Ad human serotype 5 [HAdV-5; here referred to as AdHu5]), D (HAdV-26; here referred to as AdHu26), and E (simian serotypes SAdV-23 and SAdV-24; here referred to as chimpanzee serotypes 6 and 7 [AdC6 and AdC7, respectively]) of the Adenoviridae. Seroprevalence rates and titers of neutralizing antibodies to the two human-origin Ads were found to be higher than those reported previously, especially in countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Conversely, prevalence rates and titers to AdC6 and AdC7 were markedly lower. Healthy human adults from the United States had readily detectable circulating T cells recognizing Ad viruses, the levels of which in some individuals were unexpectedly high in response to AdHu26. The magnitude of T-cell responses to AdHu5 correlated with those to AdHu26, suggesting T-cell recognition of conserved epitopes. In mice, all of the different Ad vectors induced CD8(+) T-cell responses that were comparable in their magnitudes and cytokine production profiles. Prime-boost regimens comparing different combinations of Ad vectors failed to indicate that the sequential use of Ad vectors from distinct families resulted in higher immune responses than the use of serologically distinct Ad vectors from the same family. Moreover, the transgene product-specific antibody responses induced by the AdHu26 and AdC vectors were markedly lower than those induced by the AdHu5 vector. AdHu26 vectors and, to a lesser extent, AdC vectors induced more potent Ad-neutralizing antibody responses. These results suggest that the potential of AdHu26 as a vaccine vector may suffer from limitations similar to those found for vectors based on other prevalent human Ads.

Development of a targeted gene vector platform based on simian adenovirus serotype 24.

Efforts to develop adenovirus vectors suitable for genetic interventions in humans have identified three major limitations of the most frequently used vector prototype, human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). These limitations--widespread preexisting anti-Ad5 immunity in humans, the high rate of transduction of normal nontarget tissues, and the lack of target-specific gene delivery--justify the exploration of other Ad serotypes as vector prototypes. In this paper, we describe the development of an alternative vector platform using simian Ad serotype 24 (sAd24). We found that sAd24 virions formed unstable complexes with blood coagulation factor X and, because of that, transduced the liver and other organs at low levels when administered intravenously. The overall pattern of biodistribution of sAd24 particles was similar, however, to that of Ad5, and the intravenously injected sAd24 was cleared by Kupffer cells, leading to their depletion. We modified the virus's fiber protein to design a Her2-specific derivative of sAd24 capable of infecting target human tumor cells in vitro. In the presence of neutralizing anti-Ad5 antibodies, Her2-mediated infection with targeted sAd24 compared favorably to that with the Ad5-derived vector. When used to target Her2-expressing tumors in animals, this fiber-modified vector achieved a higher level of gene transfer to metastasis-containing murine lungs than to tumor-free lungs. In aggregate, these studies provide important insights into sAd24 biology, identify its advantages and limitations as a vector prototype, and are thus essential for further development of an sAd24-based gene delivery platform.

Isolation of a novel monkey adenovirus reveals a new phylogenetic clade in the evolutionary history of simian adenoviruses.

Adenoviruses of primates include human (HAdV) and simian (SAdV) isolates classified into 8 species (Human Adenovirus A to G, and Simian Adenovirus A). In this study, a novel adenovirus was isolated from a colony of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and subcultured in VERO cells. Its complete genome was purified and a region encompassing the hexon gene, the protease gene, the DNA binding protein (DBP) and the 100 kDa protein was amplified by PCR and sequenced by primer walking. Sequence analysis of these four genes showed that the new isolate had 80% identity to other primate adenoviruses and lacked recombination events. The study of the evolutionary relationships of this new monkey AdV based on the combined sequences of the four genes supported a close relationship to SAdV-3 and SAdV-6, lineages isolated from Rhesus monkeys. The clade formed by these three types is separated from the remaining clades and establishes a novel branch that is related to species HAdV-A, F and G. However, the genetic distance corresponding to the newly isolated monkey AdV considerably differs from these as to belong to a new, not yet established species. Results presented here widen our knowledge on SAdV and represents an important contribution to the understanding of the evolutionary history of primate adenoviruses.

A high infectious simian adenovirus type 23 vector based vaccine efficiently protects common marmosets against Zika virus infection.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread in many countries or territories causing severe neurologic complications with potential fatal outcomes. The small primate common marmosets are susceptible to ZIKV, mimicking key features of human infection. Here, a novel simian adenovirus type 23 vector-based vaccine expressing ZIKV pre-membrane-envelope proteins (Sad23L-prM-E) was produced in high infectious titer. Due to determination of immunogenicity in mice, a single-dose of 3×108 PFU Sad23L-prM-E vaccine was intramuscularly inoculated to marmosets. This vaccine raised antibody titers of 104.07 E-specific and 103.13 neutralizing antibody (NAb), as well as robust specific IFN-γ secreting T-cell response (1,219 SFCs/106 cells) to E peptides. The vaccinated marmosets, upon challenge with a high dose of ZIKV (105 PFU) six weeks post prime immunization, reduced viremia by more than 100 folds, and the low level of detectable viral RNA (<103 copies/ml) in blood, saliva, urine and feces was promptly eliminated when the secondary NAb (titer >103.66) and T-cell response (>726 SFCs/106 PBMCs) were acquired 1-2 weeks post exposure to ZIKV, while non-vaccinated control marmosets developed long-term high titer of ZIKV (105.73 copies/ml) (P<0.05). No significant pathological lesions were observed in marmoset tissues. Sad23L-prM-E vaccine was detectable in spleen, liver and PBMCs at least 4 months post challenge. In conclusion, a prime immunization with Sad23L-prM-E vaccine was able to protect marmosets against ZIKV infection when exposed to a high dose of ZIKV. This Sad23L-prM-E vaccine is a promising vaccine candidate for prevention of ZIKV infection in humans.

A Novel Vaccine Strategy Employing Serologically Different Chimpanzee Adenoviral Vectors for the Prevention of HIV-1 and HCV Coinfection.

Background: Nearly 3 million people worldwide are coinfected with HIV and HCV. Affordable strategies for prevention are needed. We developed a novel vaccination regimen involving replication-defective and serologically distinct chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAd3, ChAd63) vector priming followed by modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) boosts, for simultaneous delivery of HCV non-structural (NSmut) and HIV-1 conserved (HIVconsv) region immunogens. Methods: We conducted a phase I trial in which 33 healthy volunteers were sequentially enrolled and vaccinated via the intramuscular route as follows: 9 received ChAd3-NSmut [2.5 × 1010 vp] and MVA-NSmut [2 × 108 pfu] at weeks 0 and 8, respectively; 8 received ChAdV63.HIVconsv [5 × 1010 vp] and MVA.HIVconsv [2 × 108 pfu] at the same interval; 16 were co-primed with ChAd3-NSmut [2.5 × 1010 vp] and ChAdV63.HIVconsv [5 × 1010 vp] followed at week 8 by MVA-NSmut and MVA.HIVconsv [both 1 × 108 pfu]. Immunogenicity was assessed using peptide pools in ex vivo ELISpot and intracellular cytokine assays. Vaccine-induced whole blood transcriptome changes were assessed by microarray analysis. Results: All vaccines were well tolerated and no vaccine-related serious adverse events occurred. Co-administration of the prime-boost vaccine regimens induced high magnitude and broad T cell responses that were similar to those observed following immunization with either regimen alone. Median (interquartile range, IQR) peak responses to NSmut were 3,480 (2,728-4,464) and 3,405 (2,307-7,804) spot-forming cells (SFC)/106 PBMC for single and combined HCV vaccinations, respectively (p = 0.8). Median (IQR) peak responses to HIVconsv were 1,305 (1,095-4,967) and 1,005 (169-2,482) SFC/106 PBMC for single and combined HIV-1 vaccinations, respectively (p = 0.5). Responses were maintained above baseline to 34 weeks post-vaccination. Intracellular cytokine analysis indicated that the responding populations comprised polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Canonical pathway analysis showed that in the single and combined vaccination groups, pathways associated with antiviral and innate immune responses were enriched for upregulated interferon-stimulated genes 24 h after priming and boosting vaccinations. Conclusions: Serologically distinct adenoviral vectors encoding HCV and HIV-1 immunogens can be safely co-administered without reducing the immunogenicity of either vaccine. This provides a novel strategy for targeting these viruses simultaneously and for other pathogens that affect the same populations. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02362217.

Rescue of chimeric adenoviral vectors to expand the serotype repertoire.

The successful use of any adenoviral vectors is predicated upon the use of a serotype that is not neutralized by circulating antibodies. However, efforts to develop a diverse repertoire of serologically distinct adenovirus vectors may be hindered by the necessity to generate cell lines to allow for the successful propagation of vectors deleted of essential genes. A strategy to construct chimeric adenoviruses whereby the rescue and propagation of an E1-deleted HAdV-B-derived adenoviral vector can be achieved using existing cell lines such as HEK 293 is reported. It is further shown that this strategy may be more widely applicable.

A novel oncolytic adenovirus based on simian adenovirus serotype 24.

Among the oncolytic virotherapy, an emerging treatment for tumor, adenoviruses are widely used at present in preclinical and clinical trials. Traditionally, oncolytic adenoviruses were developed based on the human adenovirus serotype 5 (AdHu5). However, AdHu5 has the drawbacks of preexisting anti-AdHu5 immunity in most populations, and extensive sequestration of Adhu5 by the liver through hexon, blood coagulation factor X (FX), and FX receptor interactions. To tackle these problems, we explored a novel oncolytic adenovirus AdC7-SP/E1A-ΔE3 for cancer treatment. AdC7-SP/E1A-ΔE3 was constructed by replacing the E1A promoter with tumor specific promoter survivin promoter and deleting E3 region using direct cloning methods based on simian adenovirus serotype 24 (namely AdC7). We showed that AdC7-SP/E1A-ΔE3 significantly killed tumor cell lines NCI-H508 and Huh7, and inhibited tumor growth in both NCI-H508 and Huh7 xenograft tumor models. Importantly, AdC7-SP/E1A-ΔE3 exhibited the antitumor efficacy via systemic administration. Mechanistically, infected cells were killed by AdC7-SP/E1A-ΔE3 via the p53-independent mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in which phosphorylation of BAD markedly declined and the expresses of Bik significantly went up. Therefore, AdC7-SP/E1A-ΔE3 is a promising candidate for liver and colon tumor treatment.

Three serologic types of adenovirus infections of owl monkeys.

From a colony of 131 owl monkeys, adenovirus was isolated 68 times from 433 oropharyngeal and rectal swab sample pairs collected over a 2-year period. A total of 63 of 68 adenovirus isolates were grouped by neutralization into 1 of 3 types designated owl monkey adenovirus types (OMAV Ty) I, II, and III. The OMAV Ty I and Ty II were identified by neutralization with antiserum to squirrel monkey adenovirus type I and adenovirus SV-11, respectively. The OMAV Ty III was partially neutralized by antiserum to OMAV Ty II. The OMAV Ty I was isolated from 8 of 30 newly imported owl monkeys within 3 weeks of arrival. A total of 13 of 26 owl monkeys had a fourfold or greater rise in serum-neutralization (SN) titer with 25 of 27 developing SN titers of greater than or equal to 1:80. A total of 40 of 87 other owl monkeys in the colony had SN titers of greater than or equal to 1:5. The OMAV Ty II was isolated from 51 (12%) of 433 swab samples pairs. Virus was isolated from 26 owl monkeys with 13 having persistent infections. Viral isolations spanned a 10- to 17-month period for five of these owl monkeys. In 114 owl monkeys, 101 (86%) had SN titers to OMAV Ty II greater than or equal to 1:20. The OMAV Ty III was isolated from three owl monkeys. Of 114 owl monkeys, 93 (82%) had SN titers to OMAV Ty III of greater than or equal to 1:20. Although the distribution of SN titers were similar for OMAV Ty II and Ty III, 42 (37%) of 114 owl monkeys had eightfold or greater differences in SN titers between OMAV Ty II and Ty III.

[Identification of a new antigenic variant of simian adenovirus SA7 P]. / Identifikatsiia novogo antigennogo varianta adenovirusa obez'ian SA7 P.

Serological, biological, and physico-chemical properties of a new antigenic variant of simian adenovirus SA7P were studied. Neutralization tests with hyperimmune specific antisera demonstrated the new antigenic variant SA7P to have very significant antigenic similarity with the prototype SA7 strain. Same as the latter, SA7P does not agglutinate rat red blood cells, is highly oncogenic for newborn Syrian hamsters and capable of transforming rat kidney cell cultures. At the same time, the method of heteroduplex analysis showed SA7P DNA to be homologous to DNA of the reference SA7 strain by 85% and to contain 3 non-homologous regions in the right part of the virus genome. Comparison of the physical maps of the 2 virus DNAs by 4 restrictases established considerable differences in the number of recognition sites and their location.

Assessment of chimpanzee adenovirus serotype 63 neutralizing antibodies prior to evaluation of a candidate malaria vaccine regimen based on viral vectors.

Prior to a chimpanzee adenovirus-based (ChAd63) malarial vaccine trial, sera were collected to assess ChAd63-specific neutralizing antibody titers in Banfora (Burkina Faso). The low neutralizing antibody titers reported in both adults and children (median titers, 139.1 and 35.0, respectively) are encouraging for the potential use of ChAd63 as a malarial vaccine vector.

A novel adenovirus species associated with an acute respiratory outbreak in a baboon colony and evidence of coincident human infection.

Adenoviruses (AdVs) are DNA viruses that infect many vertebrate hosts, including humans and nonhuman primates. Here we identify a novel AdV species, provisionally named "simian adenovirus C (SAdV-C)," associated with a 1997 outbreak of acute respiratory illness in captive baboons (4 of 9) at a primate research facility in Texas. None of the six AdVs recovered from baboons (BaAdVs) during the outbreak, including the two baboons who died from pneumonia, were typeable. Since clinical samples from the two fatal cases were not available, whole-genome sequencing of nasal isolates from one sick baboon and three asymptomatic baboons during the outbreak was performed. Three AdVs were members of species SAdV-C (BaAdV-2 and BaAdV-4 were genetically identical, and BaAdV-3), while one (BaAdV-1) was a member of the recently described SAdV-B species. BaAdV-3 was the only AdV among the 4 isolated from a sick baboon, and thus was deemed to be the cause of the outbreak. Significant divergence (<58% amino acid identity) was found in one of the fiber proteins of BaAdV-3 relative to BaAdV-2 and -4, suggesting that BaAdV-3 may be a rare SAdV-C recombinant. Neutralizing antibodies to the other 3 AdVs, but not BaAdV-3, were detected in healthy baboons from 1996 to 2003 and staff personnel from 1997. These results implicate a novel adenovirus species (SAdV-C) in an acute respiratory outbreak in a baboon colony and underscore the potential for cross-species transmission of AdVs between humans and nonhuman primates. IMPORTANCE Adenoviruses (AdVs) are DNA viruses that infect many animals, including humans and monkeys. In 1997, an outbreak of acute respiratory illness from AdVs occurred in a baboon colony in Texas. Here we use whole-genome sequencing and antibody testing to investigate new AdVs in baboons (BaAdVs) during the outbreak, one of which, BaAdV-3, came from a sick animal. By sequence analysis, BaAdV-3 may be a recombinant strain that arose from a related BaAdV found in baboons nearby in the colony (who were not sick) and yet another unknown AdV. We also found antibodies to these new BaAdVs in baboons and staff personnel at the facility. Taken together, our findings of a new AdV species as the cause of an acute respiratory outbreak in a baboon colony underscore the ongoing threat from emerging viruses that may carry the potential for cross-species transmission between monkeys and humans.

Molecular characterization of adenoviruses in fecal samples of captively bred rhesus macaques in China.

In an attempt to study the molecular diversity of simian adenoviruses in nonhuman primate (NHP) populations, we screened a colony of captively bred rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in China for the presence of adenoviral DNA in stool samples. This was done by using the nested PCR method that targeted the adenovirus polymerase gene. Among the 57 animals analyzed, fecal samples from 12 animals were positive for the presence of adenoviral DNA and the PCR fragments were cloned for sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. The results suggested that the viral DNA clones were primarily segregated into two large groups: SAdV-6 (2 non-redundant sequences) and SAdV-7 (9 non-redundant sequences). In addition, there were three clones with more similarity to SAdV-1, SAdV-3 and HAdV-52 respectively. Our data confirmed the prevalence of adenoviral DNA in the feces of NHPs and revealed the heterogeneity and phylogenetics of the adenoviruses in the gastrointestinal tract of the study animals.