Evidence for continuing cross-species transmission of SIVsmm to humans: Characterization of a new HIV-2 lineage in rural Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

HIV types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) are the result of multiple cross-species transmissions of their simian counterparts (SIVs) to humans. We studied whether new SIVs lineages have been transmitted to humans in rural Côte d'Ivoire and identified a novel HIV-2 variant (HIV-2-07IC-TNP03) not related to any of the previously defined HIV-2 groups. This finding shows that sooty mangabey viruses continue to be transmitted to humans, causing new zoonotic outbreaks. © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.