Genetic Detection and Characterization of Lujo Virus, a New Hemorrhagic Fever–Associated Arenavirus from Southern Africa

Abstract

Lujo virus (LUJV), a new member of the family Arenaviridae and the first hemorrhagic fever–associated arenavirus from the Old World discovered in three decades, was isolated in South Africa during an outbreak of human disease characterized by nosocomial transmission and an unprecedented high case fatality rate of 80% (4/5 cases). Unbiased pyrosequencing of RNA extracts from serum and tissues of outbreak victims enabled identification and detailed phylogenetic characterization within 72 hours of sample receipt. Full genome analyses of LUJV showed it to be unique and branching off the ancestral node of the Old World arenaviruses. The virus G1 glycoprotein sequence was highly diverse and almost equidistant from that of other Old World and New World arenaviruses, consistent with a potential distinctive receptor tropism. LUJV is a novel, genetically distinct, highly pathogenic arenavirus.

Diseases of the central nervous system caused by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and other arenaviruses

“…The highly sensitive assay targets the GPC and N genes. Lastly, as the most recent transplant- associated cases illustrate, newer unbiased diagnostic methods are becoming available that will not only facilitate improved detection of known viruses but also allow for the identification of wholly new viral pathogens (Palacios et al, 2008;Briese et al, 2009). …”

“…In addition, a new hemorrhagic fever-associated arenavirus was described in South Africa (Briese et al, 2009). Lujo virus was isolated during a human disease outbreak as a result of nosocomial transmission.…”

The New World arenavirus Tacaribe virus induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in infected cells

“…The proteins assemble to produce enveloped particles that are spherical and highly pleomorphic, with a diameter of 50 to 300 nm. Despite their similar attributes with respect to virion architecture and genome arrangement, the members of the Arenaviridae can be further divided into the Old World and New World arenaviruses, reflecting differences in their genetic and antigenic relationships as well as their geographical distribution (Briese et al, 2009;King et al, 2009). Several New World arenaviruses, which are also known as Tacaribe serocomplex viruses, including Junín (JUNV), Machupo, Chapare, Guanarito and Sabiá viruses, cause distinct haemorrhagic fever diseases that are collectively referred to as South American haemorrhagic fevers.…”

Ectoparasitic Viral Zoonoses in the Southern African Context

“…Rift Valley fever has four clinical syndromes and can manifest with bleeding manifestations similar to CCHF [8]. Travellers returning or coming to South Africa can be infected with other regional arboviral infections and/ or viral haemorrhagic fever viruses, as has been documented in the past and the literature (Rift Valley fever, Sindbis, Chikungunya and West Nile viruses are examples) [21].…”