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Determination of natural versus laboratory human infection with Mayaro virus by molecular analysis
T Junt1, J M Heraud, J Lelarge
1Centre National de Référence pour la Surveillance des Arboviroses dans la Région Antilles-Guyane, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana.
Abstract:
A laboratory worker developed clinical signs of infection with Mayaro virus (Togaviridae), an arbovirus of South and Central America, 6 days after preparation of Mayaro viral antigen and 10 days after a trip to a rain forest. There was no evidence of skin lesions during the antigen preparation, and level 3 containment safety measures were followed. Therefore, molecular characterization of the virus was undertaken to identify the source of infection. RT-PCR and DNA sequence comparisons proved the infection was with the laboratory strain. Airborne Mayaro virus contamination is thus a hazard to laboratory personnel.
Insights
A laboratory worker contracted Mayaro virus infection, likely from airborne contamination during antigen preparation. This highlights the airborne transmission risk of Mayaro virus in laboratory settings.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Mayaro virus (Togaviridae) is an arbovirus endemic to South and Central America.
- Laboratory workers preparing viral antigens are potentially at risk of infection.
Observation:
- A laboratory worker exhibited Mayaro virus infection symptoms 6 days post-antigen preparation.
- No skin lesions were observed during the procedure, despite adherence to Level 3 containment measures.
Findings:
- Molecular characterization confirmed the infection was caused by the laboratory strain of Mayaro virus.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and DNA sequencing identified the virus source.
Implications:
- Airborne Mayaro virus poses a significant occupational hazard to laboratory personnel.
- Enhanced safety protocols may be necessary to mitigate airborne transmission risks in viral research settings.