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Widespread human exposure to ledanteviruses in Uganda: A population study
James G Shepherd1, Shirin Ashraf1, Jesus F Salazar-Gonzalez2
1Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|July 8, 2024
Summary
Le Dantec virus (LDV), undetected since the 1970s, has been detected in Uganda. High seroprevalence suggests Ledantevirus infections are common but geographically varied.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Le Dantec virus (LDV), a Rhabdoviridae family member, has been linked to human illness but not detected since the 1970s.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of previously undetected viruses is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and characterize Le Dantec virus (LDV) in a human case of undifferentiated fever in Uganda.
- To assess the seroprevalence of Ledantevirus infections in the Ugandan population.
- To identify potential animal reservoirs for Ledanteviruses.
Main Methods:
- Metagenomic sequencing for viral detection.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serological response.
- Pseudotype neutralization assays for cross-reactivity.
- Screening of 997 individuals for seroprevalence.
- Viral detection in rodent blood samples.
Main Results:
- LDV was detected in a human case of undifferentiated fever using metagenomic sequencing.
- A significant serological response to LDV was demonstrated.
- 76% of individuals in Western Uganda showed seropositivity to ledanteviruses, with lower rates elsewhere.
- Serological cross-reactivity was specific to ledanteviruses.
- A related ledantevirus was discovered in the rodent Mastomys erythroleucus.
Conclusions:
- Ledantevirus infections are common in Uganda, exhibiting geographical heterogeneity.
- Population seropositivity may indicate exposure to LDV or related viruses.
- Further research is needed to determine the role of these emerging viruses in febrile illnesses.
