Sylvatic Transmission of Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya Viruses in Thailand and Cambodia

Arboviral epidemics continue to emerge suddenly and spread of disease is unpredictable. The 2015-16 Zika epidemic resulted in a high case number in Thailand, but not in neighboring Cambodia. It is known that nonhuman primates (NHPs) are important reservoirs of arboviruses, but the importance of their epidemiological role in the transmission of arboviruses is not clearly understood. While transmission dynamics are complex and require consideration of many variables, primate reservoirs are not routinely sampled, particularly in Southeast Asia, because of the level of operational complexity and skill required.

Here, we propose a serological survey for evidence of Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus (DENV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) exposure in long-tailed macaques and human adults who live or work in close proximity to these monkeys in Thailand and Cambodia. We hypothesize that ZIKV seroprevalence in both humans and macaques will be higher in Thailand than Cambodia. With the current rise of arboviral diseases around the world, we hope the results of this study contribute to better understanding of the epidemiology and burden of arboviral diseases in this region.

• INCLUSION CRITERIA:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

• Provision of signed and dated ICF
• Able to provide informed consent
• Stated willingness to comply with study procedures
• Male or female, aged 18-55 years
• Live/work within approximately 10 km of the Wat Amphae Phnom monkey habitat for minimum of 2 years
• In good general health as evidenced by screening medical history
• Willing to allow biological samples to be stored for future research

Exclusion criteria

• Any underlying, chronic, or current medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with participation in the study (e.g., inability or great difficulty in drawing blood)