Publication
Title
Detection of Lassa virus in wild rodent feces : implications for Lassa fever burden within households in the endemic region of Faranah, Guinea
Author
Abstract
Lassa arenavirus (LASV) is the cause of Lassa Fever in humans in West Africa. The multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) is a reservoir host of LASV and the primary source of human infections. Humans are assumed to become infected due to contact with this animal or its excretions. Thus far, the available literature does not describe the sampling of feces as a means to detect LASV in M. natalensis populations. More evidence is needed to know if feces of naturally infected M. natalensis can be LASV-positive and an exposure risk to humans. This study sampled feces deposits in households from three villages in the LASV-endemic region of Faranah, Guinea. PCR analysis found 10 out of 88 samples to be positive for LASV, and sequencing showed clustering to previously identified Yarawelia and Dalafilani strains. We conclude that feces sampling is a viable, non-invasive method for the determination and sequencing of LASV strains.
Language
English
Source (journal)
One Health
Publication
2021
ISSN
23527714
2352-7714
DOI
10.1016/J.ONEHLT.2021.100317
Volume/pages
13 (2021) , 4 p.
Article Reference
100317
ISI
000697477900002
Pubmed ID
34522759
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 13.09.2021
Last edited 02.10.2024
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