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Multiple Mammarenaviruses Circulating in Angolan Rodents
Jana Těšíková1,2, Jarmila Krásová1,3, Joëlle Goüy de Bellocq1,4
1Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
Viruses
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Angola is a hotspot for rodent-borne mammarenaviruses, with three new virus strains discovered in Namaqua rock rats and other rodents. This research highlights the region
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Mammalogy
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Rodents are significant reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens.
- Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Angola, remains underexplored for rodent-borne viruses.
- Angola's unique biogeographical position hosts diverse rodent communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and diversity of mammarenaviruses and hantaviruses in Angolan rodents.
- To characterize novel mammarenaviruses and their associated rodent hosts.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 290 small mammals (primarily rodents) for viral RNA.
- Detection of mammarenavirus and hantavirus RNA using molecular methods.
- Whole-genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis of detected viruses.
Main Results:
- No hantaviruses were detected; however, three distinct mammarenaviruses were identified.
- High prevalence of mammarenaviruses found in Namaqua rock rats (Micaelamys namaquensis).
- Characterization of four complete viral genomes, including a divergent Luna virus strain, a novel Okahandja-related virus (Bitu virus), and a novel Mobala-like virus (Kwanza virus).
Conclusions:
- Angola represents a significant hotspot for mammarenavirus diversity.
- The identified novel viruses (Bitu virus and Kwanza virus) expand the known diversity of mammarenaviruses.
- Rodent communities in Angola are crucial for understanding the evolution and spread of rodent-borne viruses.
