Woolly monkey hepatitis B virus
The woolly monkey hepatitis B virus (WMHBV) is a viral species of the Orthohepadnavirus genus of the Hepadnaviridae family. Its natural host is the woolly monkey (Lagothrix), an inhabitant of South America categorized as a New World primate. WMHBV, like other hepatitis viruses, infects the hepatocytes, or liver cells, of its host organism. It can cause hepatitis, liver necrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because nearly all species of Lagothrix are threatened or endangered, researching and developing a vaccine and/or treatment for WMHBV is important for the protection of the whole woolly monkey genus.
The woolly monkey, Lagothrix, is known as a New World primate, found across different regions of South America. Most species of Lagothrix are endangered.
The woolly monkeys are the genus Lagothrix of New World monkeys, usually placed in the family Atelidae.
Woolly monkey
Illustration of Lagothrix lagothricha
Image: Cola amarilla
Image: Lagothrix lagotricha (male)