Study of the Viral Flora of the Alimentary Tract of Chimpanzees

摘要

Throat and fecal specimens have been taken from approximately 40 chimpanzees on each of six occasions over a period of 18 months at 3 month intervals and studies for the presence of viruses. Ninety-six chimpanzees have been examined one or more times in this survey. Sixty-nine viral isolates have been recovered from 502 throat and fecal specimens. Forty viruses have been classified as enteroviruses, presumably belonging to the group of enteric cytopathogenic orphan viruses. Nine adenoviruses have been recovered as well as six members of the reovirus group. Five Coxsackie group A viruses were discovered in feces from one collection period. Five viral isolates classified as parainfluenza Type 2 viruses were identified serologically as being related or identical to SV-5 and the existence of the infection by these viruses of the chimpanzee has been demonstrated by the presence of antibody in the homologous chimpanzee sera. Four viruses recovered are presently unclassified. (Author)