Yuri Ushijima1, Haruka Abe1, Takehiro Ozeki2, Georgelin N Ondo3, Marien J V M Mbadinga3, Rodrigue Bikangui3, Chimène Nze-Nkogue4, Etienne F Akomo-Okoue4, Ghislain W E Ella4, Lilian B M Koumba4, Branly C B B Nso4, Rodrigue Mintsa-Nguema4, Patrice Makouloutou-Nzassi4, Boris K Makanga4, Fred L M Nguelet4, Vahid R Zadeh2, Shuzo Urata5, Armel V N Mbouna3, Marguerite Massinga-Loembe6, Selidji T Agnandji7, Bertrand Lell8, Jiro Yasuda9. 1. Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. 2. Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. 3. Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon. 4. Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale, Libreville, Gabon. 5. Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. 6. African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Johannesburg, South Africa. 7. Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. 8. Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. 9. Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. Electronic address: j-yasuda@nagasaki-u.ac.jp.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a human pathogenic arenavirus, is distributed worldwide. However, no human cases have been reported in Africa. This study aimed to investigate the current situation and potential risks of LCMV infection in Gabon, Central Africa. METHODS: A total of 492 human samples were screened to detect LCMV genome RNA and anti-LCMV IgG antibodies using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. ELISA-positive samples were further examined using a neutralization assay. Viral RNAs and antibodies were also analyzed in 326 animal samples, including rodents, shrews, and bushmeat. RESULTS: While no LCMV RNA was detected in human samples, the overall seroprevalence was 21.5% and was significantly higher in male and adult populations. The neutralization assay identified seven samples with neutralizing activity. LCMV RNA was detected in one species of rodent (Lophuromys sikapusi) and a porcupine, and anti-LCMV IgG antibodies were detected in four rodents and three shrews. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined for the first time the seroprevalence of LCMV in Gabon, and revealed that local rodents, shrews, and porcupines in areas surrounding semi-urban cities posed an infection risk. Hence, LCMV infection should be considered a significant public health concern in Africa.
OBJECTIVES: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a human pathogenic arenavirus, is distributed worldwide. However, no human cases have been reported in Africa. This study aimed to investigate the current situation and potential risks of LCMV infection in Gabon, Central Africa. METHODS: A total of 492 human samples were screened to detect LCMV genome RNA and anti-LCMV IgG antibodies using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. ELISA-positive samples were further examined using a neutralization assay. Viral RNAs and antibodies were also analyzed in 326 animal samples, including rodents, shrews, and bushmeat. RESULTS: While no LCMV RNA was detected in human samples, the overall seroprevalence was 21.5% and was significantly higher in male and adult populations. The neutralization assay identified seven samples with neutralizing activity. LCMV RNA was detected in one species of rodent (Lophuromys sikapusi) and a porcupine, and anti-LCMV IgG antibodies were detected in four rodents and three shrews. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined for the first time the seroprevalence of LCMV in Gabon, and revealed that local rodents, shrews, and porcupines in areas surrounding semi-urban cities posed an infection risk. Hence, LCMV infection should be considered a significant public health concern in Africa.
Authors: Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Vladimir Savic; Thomas Ferenc; Anna Mrzljak; Ljubo Barbic; Maja Bogdanic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Ivana Ferencak; Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej Journal: Trop Med Infect Dis Date: 2021-05-25