Intestivirid Acquisition Increases Across Infancy in a Wild Primate Population

Research on geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in Ethiopia's Simien National Park reveals that intestivirid viruses, which infect Bacteroidales bacteria in the gut, significantly increase during infancy, peaking around weaning at 18 months. These viruses, closely related to human crAssphages, show a strong link with seasonal rainfall and dietary shifts, suggesting their role in shaping microbiome dynamics during critical developmental stages. The study analyzed fecal samples from infants and mothers, identifying six unique intestivirid variants and highlighting the interaction between viral acquisition, environmental factors, and host diet.

Schneider‐Crease, I. A., Moya, I. L., Chiou, K. L., Baniel, A., Haile, A. A., Kebede, F., Abebe, B., Lu, A., Bergman, T. J., Snyder‐Mackler, N., & Varsani, A. (2025). Intestivirid Acquisition Increases Across Infancy in a Wild Primate Population. Molecular Ecology, 34(12). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17801