Our epidemiologic studies of both viruses in Africa, indicate a curious geographic distribution of these two related viruses. Senegal is a country with such populations and the collaboration we have had for the past 15 years provides a strong base for continued research. Similarly, we have utilized quantitative PCR to determine proviral and viral titers of sequentially evaluated HIV infected individuals. HIV-1 but plasma viral titers are at least 30 fold lower suggesting quiescent infection.
Further studies seek to identify the viral or host factors critical for virus containment.
Barin F, Mboup S, Denis F, Kanki P, Allan JS, Lee TH , and Essex M . Serological evidence for virus related to Simian T-Lymphotropic Retrovirus III in residents of West Africa. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, in press.