Army Ants in Gabon Reveal Thousands of Unknown Viruses, Aiding in Zoonotic Disease Research
An international team of researchers is making groundbreaking discoveries in the fight against zoonotic diseases by analyzing army ants in the forests of northeastern Gabon. Scientists are hoping to gain a better understanding of these diseases and how they spread, particularly in Africa where outbreaks have been on the rise.
Zoonotic diseases, such as Ebola, monkeypox, and Marburg virus, have been wreaking havoc across Africa. The World Health Organization reports a 63% increase in outbreaks of these diseases between 2012 and 2022, largely due to deforestation and increased human contact with wildlife.
To combat this growing threat, researchers have set up a research project called Ebo-Sursy. This ambitious initiative aims to understand, predict, and prevent future epidemics by studying the viruses present in the animal world. The project is a collaboration between the World Organization for Animal Health, the Research Institute for Development, the Pasteur Institute, and the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development.
However, conducting scientific research in the dense forests of Gabon and the Republic of Congo is no easy feat. The forests are difficult to access, especially during the rainy season, and many areas remain unexplored. Collecting samples from animals’ internal organs is also challenging and often requires killing the animals, which is not ideal for conservation efforts.
This is where army ants, specifically those belonging to the genus Dorylus, come in. These ants play a crucial role in the researchers’ work because they consume a variety of animals, including arthropods, invertebrates, reptiles, and even the carcasses of larger animals. Importantly, they retain genetic material from the animals they eat, including the viruses infecting them.
In July 2019, the international team collected 209 army ants from a forest in Gabon and analyzed their DNA for viral genetic sequences. The results were astounding. The researchers discovered nearly 50,000 different viral sequences, belonging to 157 virus genera from 56 virus families. Shockingly, more than half of these viral sequences were previously unknown to scientists, potentially representing more than 25,000 previously undiscovered viruses.
Studying these viral sequences will vastly expand our knowledge of the virome, which encompasses all the viruses in an ecosystem. Currently, only a tiny fraction of viruses in these ecosystems are known. By mapping and understanding the viruses present, scientists can better prevent the spread of diseases, manage cases effectively, and inform the public about potential dangers.
The research also provides insights into the animal reservoirs of zoonotic viruses. By analyzing the genetic material from the ants’ diet, the researchers can identify which animal species are likely carriers of these dangerous viruses.
This groundbreaking research is invaluable in the fight against zoonotic diseases. It paves the way for early detection systems and proactive measures to prevent the emergence and spread of these diseases. By collaborating with virologists, epidemiologists, sociologists, and others, the researchers hope to develop effective strategies that combine science and public awareness to control and manage zoonotic diseases.
As the threat of zoonotic diseases continues to increase, understanding their origins, mode of operation, and animal reservoirs is crucial. Armed with this knowledge, we can take steps to limit the spread of these diseases and protect human health. The research conducted by the international team of scientists studying army ants in Gabon represents a significant leap forward in our understanding of these complex and deadly diseases.
With further funding and support, these researchers aim to expand their research and continue studying the viruses circulating in animals in these forests. Their valuable work has the potential to save countless lives and prevent future epidemics, making the world a safer place for humans and wildlife alike.
