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[Epidemiological studies on lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in Japan]
1School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno-Gakuen University.
Abstract:
Human case of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection was not confirmed virologically or serologically in Japan. Existence of the virus in experimental animals was reported in Japan shortly after first isolation of LCMV in U.S.A. In Japan, antibodies against LCMV and the virus were revealed in international sea ports. Using gene analysis, we found LCMV bearing mice would invade into Japan from South Asian countries where Mus musclus castaneus habitats. The antibodies against LCMV were distributed in the territories of M.m. castaneus and M. m. gasuensis in China. This result suggested that gene analysis will be useful tool for tracing the spread of LCMV into certain areas because of polymorphism of the wild hose mouse genes.
Insights
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) was detected in Japan, likely introduced by infected mice from South Asia. Gene analysis aids in tracking LCMV spread through wild mouse populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an emerging zoonotic virus.
- While human LCMV cases were not confirmed in Japan, the virus's presence in experimental animals and antibodies in port cities indicated potential introduction.
- The origin and spread of LCMV in Japan remained unclear.
Purpose:
- To investigate the origin and introduction pathways of Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) into Japan.
- To assess the utility of gene analysis in tracing LCMV transmission dynamics.
- To understand the distribution of LCMV in wild mouse populations.
Summary:
- Gene analysis revealed that LCMV-infected mice, likely originating from South Asian countries inhabited by Mus musculus castaneus, may have introduced the virus to Japan.
- Antibodies against LCMV were found in territories of Mus musculus castaneus and Mus musculus gasuensis in China, supporting the South Asian origin hypothesis.
- The study demonstrated that genetic analysis of wild mouse populations is a valuable tool for tracking LCMV's geographical spread.
Impact:
- Provides crucial insights into the introduction routes of LCMV into Japan, informing future surveillance and control strategies.
- Highlights the importance of genetic surveillance in understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic viruses.
- Establishes gene analysis as a key method for tracing the spread of LCMV and potentially other wildlife-borne pathogens.