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Lassa Virus in Pygmy Mice, Benin, 2016-2017
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 1, 2019
Summary
Lassa virus was found in pygmy mice (Mus baoulei) in Benin. This discovery suggests these mice could be a new reservoir for the virus in West Africa.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Mammalogy
Background:
- Lassa virus is a significant cause of hemorrhagic fever in West Africa.
- The known reservoirs and transmission dynamics of Lassa virus are not fully understood.
- Rodents, particularly the Mastomys natalensis species, are established reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential new reservoirs for Lassa virus.
- To identify the specific rodent species harboring Lassa virus in central Benin.
- To determine the genetic relationship of the identified Lassa virus strains to existing strains.
Main Methods:
- Field collection of small mammals in central Benin.
- Identification of rodent species, specifically targeting pygmy mice (Mus baoulei).
- Molecular analysis of Lassa virus, including sequencing of glycoprotein and nucleoprotein genes.
Main Results:
- Lassa virus was detected in three individuals of the pygmy mouse species, Mus baoulei.
- Genetic sequencing of the Lassa virus isolates revealed clustering with the Togo strain.
- This finding indicates a potential new host for Lassa virus in the region.
Conclusions:
- Mus baoulei represents a newly identified reservoir for Lassa virus.
- This discovery has implications for understanding Lassa virus epidemiology in Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
- Further research is needed to assess the role of Mus baoulei in Lassa virus transmission.
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