Epidemiological Trends of Lymphochoriomeningitis Virus Infection

Abstract

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) a member of family Arenaviridae genus Mammarenavirus, discovered in 1933 from a patient with meningoencephalitis, persists as a significant zoonotic threat, primarily harbored by house mice and linked to aseptic meningitis in humans. Its global impact ranges from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological complications, particularly perilous in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, leading to fetal abnormalities and mortality. Human transmission primarily occurs through contact with rodents or exposure to contaminated aerosols, highlighting house mice (Mus musculus), especially persistently infected ones, as key agents in human infections. M. musculus and Mus domesticus are the natural and reservoir host of LCMV virus. Except for vertical transmission from infected pregnant women to foetus and organ donation, there is no evidence of human-to-human transfer. The LCMV targets the endothelial and lymphatic cells and replicate there or settle down in lymphatic tissues like spleen or lymph nodes and further replicate there leading to viremia to various organs. In the 1950s virus has been detected about 8% of the patients suffering with neuroinvasive disease. Diagnosis remains challenging due to limited diagnostic tools, Serological tests like IFA and EIA target immunoglobulin M and G, RT-PCR, and viral isolation being employed. Therapeutic options, notably ribavirin, show promise but remain limited, while ongoing vaccine research investigates candidates like reverse genetically altered recombinant LCMV and replicating LCMV-based vectors. LCMV's global prevalence, though constrained by diagnostic limitations, underscores its continued public health impact, necessitating sustained research into diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines to mitigate its multifaceted threats.