Introduction: Pathogens don't recognize global boundaries. Viral pathogens impact human and Wild animal population across the world. The mode of transmission of zoonotic viruses varies depending on the type of the pathogens. Viral pathogens like HIV-1, HIV-2 are transmitted through blood and homosexual or heterosexual routes in the human population. The route of transmission can be bidirectional when there is a close man-monkey interaction as seen in India. My research work on 'HIV-1-like' SIV infecting wild Indian primate species supports this phenomenon. Objectives: The aim was to explore if viral pathogens are transmitted from humans to wild Indian rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and langurs (Semnopithecus entellus) in the natural habitat of forested regions of Rajasthan, given the close man-monkey interaction prevalent in India. Scope: Investigations of natural viral infection in wild animals are inherently difficult as opposed to research with captive bred animals, housed in the American National Primate Research Centers. Such investigations do not reflect the actual situation that occurs in the wild animal population. At times wild monkeys get aggressive and scratch and bite humans, making transmission of pathogens between men and monkeys by mixing of primate saliva and infected human blood. Methods Used: The investigation is based on field and laboratory-based studies, carried out in the natural habitat of wild monkeys in India and the laboratory studies in the USA. Results and Discussion: As shown in the Table and Figure, reverse transmission of HIV-1 from humans to wild Indian occurs in Indian natural habitat. Conclusion: Reverse transmission of HIV-1 like SIV from humans to wild monkeys is demonstrated.
Share this page on your timeline