It was generally thought that apes acquire the infection but do not have the syndrome. A new study reveals that simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) bears the same results as when the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) develops into full-blown AIDS.

A study published in the latest edition of the journal nature dismantles the theory that African primates do not develop the equivalent of the disease of AIDS. They are, ‘naturally infected with over 40 different simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs), two of which have crossed the species barrier and generated human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2).’ The old assumption was that, unlike the virus strain in humans, ‘SIVs do not generally cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in their natural hosts.’

After about a decade of monitoring 94 chimpanzees in the Gombe National Park in Tanzania, the researchers have found that SIVcpz, the immediate precursor of HIV-1, is pathogenic in free-ranging chimpanzees. Also, the females infected with SIVcpz were less likely to give birth and had higher infant mortality rate, as compared to the females that are not infected.

The study discovered ‘significant CD4+ T-cell depletion’ just like in the human virus infection, in all infected individuals and that they are highly capable of transferring the virus. Death from acquired SIVcpz also had findings similar to the characteristics of end-stage AIDS. Both SIVcpz and HIV-1 are characterized by progressive CD4+ T-cell loss, lymphatic tissue destruction, lethargy in the days before death, destruction of the immune system, liver and pancreatic damage, and premature death.

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Via nature

PETA has finally convinced Ad council to make a pledge against use of apes and gorillas in advertisements.  Yes, we owe it to our endangered and abused ancestors!

Good news for aspiring models/actors too.  Chimps were actually stealing the show and job assignments. There was this famous chimp playing drums in a Cadbury ad. There was another one stealing an undergarment in another commercial.  So chimps will lose their jobs and maybe their masters too. Is there any talk about rehab for these used, abused and now dumped chimps and apes? PETA should follow this up.

There are countless other animals often used in commercials. Dogs top the list. Dogs after all are the brand ambassadors of loyality! Even dogs, cats, birds and lesser animals face harsh training sessions to get the shot right. So there should be general ban on use of all animals. None of them have pan-cards and this is gross abuse.

This does not mean end of use of animals in advertising. This will certainly end the abuse and torture. Animal pictures, videos from the wild or pet pictures and videos can be used very effectively to put the same message across.

Via Adfreak