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Mosquito-Associated Virus Isolation from Field-Collected Mosquitoes
Published on: August 31, 2022
Molecular surveillance of arboviruses in Nigeria
Joseph Ojonugwa Shaibu1,2, Kabiru Olusegun Akinyemi3, Oshilonyah Henry Uzor4
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria. josephshaibu2013@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Arboviral infections are fast becoming a global public health concern as a result of its high fatality rate and sporadic spread. From the outbreak of Zika virus in the Americas, the endemicity of Yellow fever in West Africa and South America, outbreaks of West Nile virus in South Africa to the year-round and national risk of Dengue fever in Mainland China and India. The war against emerging and re-emerging viral infection could probably lead to the next pandemic. To be above the pending possible arboviral pandemic, consistent surveillance of these pathogens is necessary in every society. This study was aimed at conducting a surveillance for Yellow fever virus, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, Dengue virus and Rift Valley fever virus in four states in Nigeria using molecular techniques. A cross-sectional study involving 1600 blood samples collected from febrile patients in Lagos, Kwara, Ondo and Delta States between 2018 and 2021 was conducted using Real time polymerase chain reaction for detection of the pathogens. Extraction and purification of viral RNA were done using Qiagen Viral RNA Mini Kit. Samples were analyzed using One Step PrimeScript III RT-PCR mix (Takara Bio) alongside optimized primers and probes designed in-house. Positive samples were sequenced on MinION platform (Nanopore technologies). Bioinformatic and phylogenetic analysis were performed with DNASTAR Lasergene 17.3. All the RNA extracted from samples collected from the four states were negative for ZIKV RNA, RVFV RNA, CHIKV RNA and DENV RNA. However, twelve of the samples (2%) tested positive for YFV RNA. Three full genomes of sizes 10,751 bp, 10,500 bp and 10,715 bp were generated and deposited in GenBank with accession numbers: ON323052, ON323053 and ON323054 respectively. Phylogenetic analysis shows clustering within lineage 3 of West African genotype. This result shows an active spread of Yellow fever in Delta State, Nigeria. However, there is no emergence of a new genotype There is a need for an intense surveillance of Yellow fever virus in Nigeria to avert a major outbreak.
Insights
Arboviral disease surveillance in Nigeria detected Yellow fever virus (YFV) in 2% of febrile patients. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed YFV spread within the West African genotype, highlighting the need for intensified monitoring to prevent outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- * Public Health Virology
- * Molecular Epidemiology
- * Arbovirology
Background:
- * Arboviral infections, including Zika, Yellow fever, West Nile, and Dengue viruses, pose significant global public health threats due to their high fatality rates and potential for widespread outbreaks.
- * Consistent surveillance is crucial for managing and preventing arboviral pandemics, especially in regions like Nigeria where these diseases are endemic or pose a risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To conduct molecular surveillance for Yellow fever virus (YFV), Zika virus (ZIKV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Dengue virus (DENV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in four Nigerian states.
- * To identify the presence and genetic diversity of these arboviruses in febrile patients between 2018 and 2021.
Main Methods:
- * A cross-sectional study involving 1600 blood samples from febrile patients in Lagos, Kwara, Ondo, and Delta States.
- * Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for pathogen detection after RNA extraction and purification.
- * Positive samples underwent sequencing (MinION) and bioinformatic/phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- * All samples tested negative for ZIKV, RVFV, CHIKV, and DENV RNA.
- * Twelve samples (2%) tested positive for YFV RNA.
- * Three full YFV genomes were sequenced and deposited in GenBank, showing clustering within the West African genotype (lineage 3).
Conclusions:
- * The study indicates an active circulation and spread of Yellow fever virus in Delta State, Nigeria.
- * No evidence of new YFV genotypes emerged during the study period.
- * Intensified surveillance for Yellow fever virus in Nigeria is essential to avert a major epidemic.
