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Published on: August 15, 2019
Molecular surveillance and phylogenetic analysis of Old World arenaviruses in Zambia
Akihiro Ishii1,2, Yuka Thomas1,2, Ladslav Moonga1
1School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Lusaka province, Zambia.
Abstract:
In order to survey arenaviruses in the Republic of Zambia, we captured 335 rodents from three cities between 2010 and 2011. Eighteen Luna virus (LUNV) and one lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-related virus RNAs were detected by one-step RT-PCR from Mastomys natalensis and Mus minutoides, respectively. Four LUNV strains and one LCMV-related virus were isolated, and the whole genome nucleotide sequence was determined by pyrosequencing. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the LUNV clade consists of two branches that are distinguished by geographical location and that the LCMV-related virus belongs to the LCMV clade, but diverges from the typical LCMVs. Comparison of nucleoprotein amino acid sequences indicated that the LCMV-related virus could be designated a novel arenavirus, which was tentatively named as the Lunk virus. Amino acid sequences of the GP, NP, Z and L proteins showed poor similarity among the three Zambian arenavirus strains, i.e. Luna, Lunk and Lujo virus.
Insights
Researchers surveyed Zambian rodents for arenaviruses, detecting Luna virus (LUNV) and a novel lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-related virus, tentatively named Lunk virus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clades for these Zambian arenaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Arenaviruses pose significant public health threats globally.
- Limited data exists on arenavirus diversity in Zambia.
- Rodents are primary reservoirs for many arenaviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive survey of arenaviruses in rodents in Zambia.
- To identify and characterize novel arenavirus strains.
- To understand the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Zambian arenaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Rodent trapping in three Zambian cities (2010-2011).
- Detection of viral RNA using one-step RT-PCR.
- Isolation and whole-genome sequencing (pyrosequencing) of detected viruses.
- Phylogenetic analysis of viral genetic sequences.
Main Results:
- Detection of eighteen Luna virus (LUNV) and one LCMV-related virus RNA.
- Isolation of four LUNV strains and one LCMV-related virus.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed LUNV into two geographically distinct clades.
- The LCMV-related virus formed a distinct lineage within the LCMV clade, proposed as a novel arenavirus, Lunk virus.
- Poor amino acid similarity was observed among Zambian arenavirus strains (Luna, Lunk, Lujo).
Conclusions:
- This study identified novel arenaviruses, LUNV and Lunk virus, in Zambian rodents.
- The findings highlight the genetic diversity of arenaviruses in Zambia.
- Further research is needed to assess the zoonotic potential and public health implications of these viruses.
