Two viruses from the infamous retrovirus family found
scientists from the us Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Johns Hopkins University have discovered two viruses in Cameroon, Africa, that belong to the retrovirus family, which causes several illnesses, including aids. The two -- human t -cell lymphotropic virus 3 (htlv-3) and htlv-4 -- are closely related to the known viruses, htlv-1 and htlv-2. These are implicated in cancers such as leukaemia and can cause inflammatory or neurological diseases. "The viruses are being monitored, as they or similar retroviruses might spawn another epidemic," the scientists said at the 12th Annual Retrovirus Conference that concluded in Boston on February 25.
The viruses were found among people who hunt monkeys and other primates. Several scientists believe that hiv emerged from a mutated simian virus that was similarly transmitted from primates to hunters and then spread widely through sex and contaminated needles.
Nathan Wolfe, at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, us , who led the blood-screening study, says 13 out of 930 people tested were found to be infected with simian retroviruses, and two with the new human strains.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.