학술논문
Lassa virus in novel hosts: insights into the epidemiology of lassa virus infections in southern Nigeria
Document Type
article
Author
Anise Nkenjop Happi; Olusola Akinola Ogunsanya; Akeemat Opeyemi Ayinla; Ayotunde Elijah Sijuwola; Femi Mudasiru Saibu; Kazeem Akano; Cecilia Nwofoke; Obineche Tobias Elias; Olivia Achonduh-Atijegbe; Richard Olumide Daodu; Oluwatobi Abel Adedokun; Abraham Adeyemo; Kehinde Ebenezer Ogundana; Omolola Zaheedat Lawal; Edyth Parker; Iguosadolo Nosamiefan; Johnson Okolie; Zahra F. Parker; Melanie D. McCauley; Leigh Anne Eller; Kara Lombardi; Abdulwasiu Bolaji Tiamiyu; Michael Iroezindu; Edward Akinwale; Thierry Lamare Fouapon Assedi Njatou; Tsedal Mebrahtu; Erica Broach; Anastasia Zuppe; Petra Prins; Jenny Lay; Mihret Amare; Kayvon Modjarrad; Natalie D. Collins; Sandhya Vasan; Cynthia Tucker; Sharon Daye; Christian Tientcha Happi
Source
Emerging Microbes and Infections, Vol 13, Iss 1 (2024)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
22221751
2222-1751
2222-1751
Abstract
ABSTRACTIdentification of the diverse animal hosts responsible for spill-over events from animals to humans is crucial for comprehending the transmission patterns of emerging infectious diseases, which pose significant public health risks. To better characterize potential animal hosts of Lassa virus (LASV), we assessed domestic and non-domestic animals from 2021–2022 in four locations in southern Nigeria with reported cases of Lassa fever (LF). Birds, lizards, and domestic mammals (dogs, pigs, cattle and goats) were screened using RT-qPCR, and whole genome sequencing was performed for lineage identification on selected LASV positive samples. Animals were also screened for exposure to LASV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among these animals, lizards had the highest positivity rate by PCR. Genomic sequencing of samples in most infected animals showed sub-lineage 2 g of LASV. Seropositivity was highest among cattle and lowest in pigs. Though the specific impact these additional hosts may have in the broader virus-host context are still unknown – specifically relating to pathogen diversity, evolution, and transmission – the detection of LASV in non-rodent hosts living in proximity to confirmed human LF cases suggests their involvement during transmission as potential reservoirs. Additional epidemiological data comparing viral genomes from humans and animals, as well as those circulating within the environment will be critical in understanding LASV transmission dynamics and will ultimately guide the development of countermeasures for this zoonotic health threat.