Adenoviruses, known for causing cold-like symptoms, are not exclusive to humans and also affect primates. In a recent study conducted by Arizona State University, researchers examined the transmission of these viruses among monkeys in Ethiopia.
In their findings, the researchers discovered that adenoviruses predominantly infected gelada monkeys under the age of six months, a critical period when they begin social interactions. This suggests that the young monkeys likely contracted the virus from their mothers.
As monkeys aged, there was a notable decrease in the viruses detected in their fecal samples. This reduction implies that older monkeys may have developed immunity from previous exposure to the virus.
For humans, the concept of virus transmission and subsequent immunity is common knowledge. However, this study offers valuable insights into the behavior of viruses in natural settings and their potential evolutionary pathways.
The research was published in the journal Microbial Genomics.
