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Systematic review on Marburg virus prevalence and persistence in animals
Theophilus Odoom1,2,3, Philip El-Duah1,4, Rexford Mawunyo Dumevi4
1German-West Africa Center for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention, Kumasi, Ghana.
Introduction:
Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a fatal zoonotic disease of humans and nonhuman primates caused by the Marburg virus (MARV) of the Filoviridae family, and presenting as hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. Egyptian fruit bats, Rousettus aegyptiacus, are the principal natural reservoir, with evidence linking them to most human outbreaks.
Methods:
This systematic review evaluated the prevalence of MARV in bats, domestic animals, and rodents, as well as the duration of antibodies and potential routes of viral shedding. A comprehensive search of six (6) scientific databases identified 30 studies meeting the inclusion criteria.
Results:
In bats, seroprevalence ranged from less than 1% to about 54% while MARV genes were detected in 0.8-3% of samples. MARV antibodies persisted for up to 11months in naturally infected bats, while induced or maternal antibodies declined within 5 months. Apart from Rousettus aegyptiacus, occasional seropositivity was detected in other bat species such as Epomops franqueti, Micropteropus pusillus, Hypsignathus monstrosus, and Eidolon helvum, whereas MARV particles were observed in Rousettus aegyptiacus and Hipposideros spp. Even though viral genes were undetected in domestic animals, non-human primates (NPH) and rodents, antibodies were reported in dogs and livestock, and NPH in Ghana and Gabon and Zambia, respectively, indicating a higher probability of non-lethal MARV exposure in these species.
Discussion:
These findings confirm Rousettus aegyptiacus as the primary reservoir but suggest that other bats and domestic animals may contribute to the natural maintenance of MARV. Expanded multispecies surveillance in high-risk regions is essential to clarify reservoirs, host distribution, and transmission dynamics. Understanding these patterns is critical for designing targeted interventions to reduce spillover risk to humans.
Insights
Egyptian fruit bats are the primary reservoir for Marburg virus disease (MVD). Other bats and domestic animals may also contribute to Marburg virus (MARV) maintenance, necessitating broader surveillance to prevent human outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a severe hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus (MARV), a zoonotic pathogen with high fatality rates.
- Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) are identified as the principal natural reservoir, linked to most human Marburg virus outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the prevalence of Marburg virus (MARV) in various animal populations, including bats, domestic animals, and rodents.
- To assess the duration of MARV antibodies and identify potential routes of viral shedding in different host species.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted across six scientific databases.
- Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria for evaluating MARV prevalence, antibody persistence, and viral shedding.
Main Results:
- Seroprevalence of MARV in bats ranged from <1% to 54%, with viral gene detection in 0.8-3% of samples. Antibodies persisted up to 11 months in naturally infected bats.
- While MARV genes were not detected in domestic animals, non-human primates, or rodents, antibodies were found in dogs, livestock, and non-human primates in specific regions, suggesting potential non-lethal exposure.
- Rousettus aegyptiacus bats showed the highest prevalence, but other bat species and domestic animals exhibited seropositivity, indicating broader MARV involvement.
Conclusions:
- Rousettus aegyptiacus bats are confirmed as the primary reservoir for Marburg virus (MARV).
- Other bat species and domestic animals may play a role in the natural maintenance and transmission of MARV.
- Expanded, multi-species surveillance is crucial for understanding MARV reservoirs, host distribution, and transmission dynamics to mitigate human spillover risk.
