UQ vaccine researcher Dr Keith Chappell discovers retrovirus among Gold Coast koala population
One of Queensland’s leading Covid-19 vaccine researchers has made a world first discovery on the Gold Coast - one which could explain why they’re so endangered.
Gold Coast
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ONE of Queensland’s leading Covid-19 vaccine researchers has set his sights on helping the Gold Coast’s koala population in the fight to save the endangered native species.
University of Queensland’s Associate Professor Keith Chappell was co-leader of the university’s Covid-19 vaccine program, which produced one of the first vaccine trials just six months after the beginning of the pandemic.
Now the molecular virologist has discovered an AIDS-like virus is plaguing koalas, leaving them extremely vulnerable to chlamydia and other life-threatening health conditions.
The retrovirus destroys the koala’s immune system, leaving them at a 200 per cent higher risk of other diseases.
Dr Chappell and fellow UQ scientist Dr Michaela Blyton made the discovery after studying more than 150 koalas admitted to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital (CWH).
He said the revelation could help save the embattled species.
“We know Queensland and New South Wales koala populations are heavily impacted by chlamydia infections and a retrovirus, but until now a clear link between the two has not been conclusively established,” he said.
“Our research has found that the amount of retrovirus circulating within an animal’s blood was strongly associated with chlamydia and symptoms like cystitis and conjunctivitis, as well as overall poor health.
“It’s a double whammy for already-endangered koalas.”
The Gold Coast’s koala population has been devastated by dog attacks, road trauma and disease, with 333 admitted to the wildlife hospital in 2021.
Of those 124 were suffering from chlamydia.
CWH senior veterinarian Michael Pyne said: “This is a major step forward in understanding how retroviruses can affect koalas and the link with other disease.
“It’s a perfect example of the importance of research when saving endangered species.”
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