Increased Prevalence of Lassa Fever Virus-Positive Rodents and Diversity of Infected Species Found during Human Lassa Fever Epidemics in Nigeria

Happi, Anise N.; Olumade, Testimony; Ogunsanya, Olusola A.; Sijuwola, Ayotunde E.; Ogunleye, Seto Charles; Oguzie, Judith; Nwofoke, Cecilia; Ugwu, Chinedu; Okoro, Samuel J.; Otuh, Patricia I.; Ngele, Louis N.; Ojo, Oluwafemi O.; Adelabu, Ademola; Adeleye, Roseline F.; Oyejide, Nicholas E.; Njaka, Clinton S.; Heeney, Jonathan L.; Happi, Christian

doi:10.1128/spectrum.00366-22

Cited by 15 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…The causative agent of this zoonotic acute VHF is a singlestranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus belonging to the Arenaviridae family. The major reservoir of Lassa virus is the multimammate rat of the genus Mastomys; also been discovered in other rodents [4][5][6][7]. It accounts for an estimated two million infections, 300,000-500,000 clinical infections, and 10,000 deaths yearly among inhabitants of the West African sub-region, where it remains endemic [8][9][10][11][12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiological trends of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2018–2021

et al. 2022

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Background Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever endemic in Nigeria. Improved surveillance and testing capacity have revealed in an increased number of reported cases and apparent geographic spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria. We described the recent four-year trend of Lassa fever in Nigeria to improve understanding of its epidemiology and inform the design of appropriate interventions. Methods We analysed the national surveillance data on Lassa fever maintained by the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) and described trends, sociodemographic, geographic distribution, and clinical outcomes. We compared cases, positivity, and clinical outcomes in the period January 2018 to December 2021. Results We found Lassa fever to be reported throughout the year with more than half the cases reported within the first quarter of the year, a recent increase in numbers and geographic spread of the virus, and male and adult (>18 years) preponderance. Case fatality rates were worse in males, the under-five and elderly, during off-peak periods, and among low reporting states. Conclusion Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria with a recent increase in numbers and geographical distribution. Sustaining improved surveillance, enhanced laboratory diagnosis and improved case management capacity during off-peak periods should remain a priority. Attention should be paid to the very young and elderly during outbreaks. Further research efforts should identify and address specific factors that determine poor clinical outcomes.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiological trends of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2018–2021

et al. 2022

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“…Three microliters (3 µl) of the isolated RNA from each sample was then used for the detection of LASV nucleic acid using Superscript III Platinum SYBR Green one-step RT-qPCR kit (Life Technologies, CA, USA). Specific primers targeting the nucleoprotein (NP) gene on the S segment of the viral genome (LASV-NG-F – 5′ – YAC AGG GTC YTC TGG WCG ACC – 3′ and LASV-NG-R – 3′ – RAT GAT GCA RCT TGA CCC AAG – 3′), as previously described [ 7 , 21 ] were used. Each sample type was run in duplicate, and the average cycle threshold (Ct) value was recorded.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Serological and viral evidence of LASV infection have been found in other rodents such as roof rats ( Rattus rattus) and house mice ( Mus musculus) [ 6 , 7 , 11 ] . Specifically, Olayemi et al [ 6 ] found that the African wood mouse ( Hylomyscus pamfi) and the reddish-white mastomys ( Mastomys erythroleucus) were positive for LASV by PCR over several years at the same sites and are likely to be legitimate reservoirs and not simply incidental hosts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lassa virus in novel hosts: insights into the epidemiology of lassa virus infections in southern Nigeria

Happi,

Ogunsanya,

Ayinla

et al. 2024

Emerging Microbes & Infections

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Identification 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.

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“…The main host and reservoir of LASV is Mastomys natalensis , a rodent that lives near houses in rural villages. Capture surveys have detected LASV in 3.2–52% of rodents 2 , 5 . LASV is transmitted to humans through aerosolization of viral particles from rodent excrement.…”

Section: Mainmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genome-wide association study identifies human genetic variants associated with fatal outcome from Lassa fever

Kotliar,

Raju,

Tabrizi

et al. 2024

Nat Microbiol

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Infection with Lassa virus (LASV) can cause Lassa fever, a haemorrhagic illness with an estimated fatality rate of 29.7%, but causes no or mild symptoms in many individuals. Here, to investigate whether human genetic variation underlies the heterogeneity of LASV infection, we carried out genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as well as seroprevalence surveys, human leukocyte antigen typing and high-throughput variant functional characterization assays. We analysed Lassa fever susceptibility and fatal outcomes in 533 cases of Lassa fever and 1,986 population controls recruited over a 7 year period in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. We detected genome-wide significant variant associations with Lassa fever fatal outcomes near GRM7 and LIF in the Nigerian cohort. We also show that a haplotype bearing signatures of positive selection and overlapping LARGE1, a required LASV entry factor, is associated with decreased risk of Lassa fever in the Nigerian cohort but not in the Sierra Leone cohort. Overall, we identified variants and genes that may impact the risk of severe Lassa fever, demonstrating how GWAS can provide insight into viral pathogenesis.

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Increased Prevalence of Lassa Fever Virus-Positive Rodents and Diversity of Infected Species Found during Human Lassa Fever Epidemics in Nigeria

Cited by 15 publications

References 25 publications

Epidemiological trends of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2018–2021

Epidemiological trends of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2018–2021

Lassa virus in novel hosts: insights into the epidemiology of lassa virus infections in southern Nigeria

Genome-wide association study identifies human genetic variants associated with fatal outcome from Lassa fever

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