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Enzootic plague foci, Algeria.
M A Malek1, A Hammani2, A Beneldjouzi3
1Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM 63, UMR_S 1095 UMR 7278, 13385 Marseille, France ; Laboratoire VALCORE, Faculté des Sciences, Université M'Hamed Bougara Boumerdès (UMBB), Boumerdès, Algeria.
New Microbes and New Infections
|April 3, 2015
Summary
Yersinia pestis was detected in Algerian rodents, revealing new plague sites and a novel Orientalis variant. Enhanced rodent surveillance is crucial for managing reemerging plague in the region.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Zoology
Background:
- Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, remains a public health concern with reemerging foci globally.
- Algeria has historically reported plague cases, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and genetic characteristics of Yersinia pestis in Algerian rodent populations.
- To identify potential new plague foci and understand the circulating strains.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) sequencing of specific Yersinia pestis genes (pla, glpD, rpoB).
- Multiple spacer typing for genetic analysis of isolates.
- Rodent species identification and sampling across different regions.
Main Results:
- Yersinia pestis was identified in 18 out of 237 rodents (8%) across five species.
- Apodemus sylvaticus was identified as a host species for Yersinia pestis, previously undescribed.
- Three new plague foci were discovered, and a new Orientalis variant was confirmed through molecular typing.
Conclusions:
- The findings highlight the presence of reemerging plague in Algeria, with novel foci and strains.
- Reinforced rodent surveillance programs are essential for effective plague control and prevention in Algeria.
- Understanding rodent host dynamics is critical for predicting and mitigating plague outbreaks.
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