An overview of koala retrovirus epidemiology in Australia

Tarlinton, Rachael E.

Abstract

Koala retrovirus (KoRV) epidemiology varies across koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations with distinct differences in viral prevalence, sequence diversity, and disease impact. Curiously the more genetically restricted southern populations are less impacted by KoRV with the virus not endogenized in its replication competent form in these animals. These southern animals do, however, have replication defective recKoRV variants in their genomes indicating historical exposure to KoRV and recKoRV. Whether southern animals are inherently resistant to KoRV infection and endogenization is not clear. It is also not clear whether the current regional epidemiological patterns will persist or whether exposure to animals with infectious KoRV or cross-breeding between different genetic populations will change the KoRV prevalence with time.

Citation

Tarlinton, R. E. (2023). An overview of koala retrovirus epidemiology in Australia. Technical Reports of the Australian Museum (online), 38, 3-6. https://doi.org/10.3853/j.1835-4211.38.2023.1831

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 5, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jun 21, 2023
• Publication Date: Jun 21, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 22, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 22, 2023
• Journal: Technical Reports of the Australian Museum online
• Electronic ISSN: 1835-4211
• Publisher: Australian Museum
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Pages: 3-6
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3853/j.1835-4211.38.2023.1831
• Keywords: General Earth and Planetary Sciences, General Environmental Science
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/22181565
• Publisher URL: https://journals.australian.museum/tarlinton-2023-tech-rep-aust-mus-online-38-36/