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Mayaro virus fever in French Guiana: isolation, identification, and seroprevalence
A Talarmin1, L J Chandler, M Kazanji
1Centre National de Référence pour la Surveillance des Arboviroses, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana.
Abstract:
This paper reports the first isolation of Mayaro (MAY) virus from a patient infected in French Guiana. The identification was initially performed using immunofluorescent antibody testing with specific mouse antibody, and confirmed by plaque-reduction neutralization testing and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. To determine if MAY virus infection is widespread in French Guiana, a serosurvey was performed to determine the prevalence of antibody to this virus in various ethnic groups and areas of French Guiana. Human sera (n = 1,962) were screened using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. To determine whether MAY virus circulates in the rain forest, a serosurvey in monkey populations was performed. Monkey sera (n = 150) were also screened for antibody to MAY virus using HI testing. Of the human sera tested, 6.3% were positive for anti-MAY virus antibodies. Significant differences in MAY virus seroprevalence between different age groups were observed. Seroprevalence rates increased with age, with a large increase in people 10-19 years of age in comparison with those less than 10 years of age. After adjustment for age, significant differences were also found between places of residence. The prevalence of anti-MAY virus antibody was higher in people living in contact with the forest, especially in the Haut Oyapock area (odds ratio [OR] = 97.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 48.2-197.9) and along the Maroni River (OR = 39.7, 95% CI = 20.6-76.6). The ethnic differences observed in this study were probably due to differences in residence. Among monkeys, higher seroprevalence rates were found in Alouatta seniculus (66.0%) than in Saguinus midas (18.2%). Among Alouatta, the seroprevalence increased significantly with weight (and therefore with age). This study indicates that MAY virus is present in French Guiana, and human infections occur in areas where people live near the tropical rain forest.
Insights
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is present in French Guiana, with 6.3% of humans and higher rates in certain monkeys showing antibodies. Proximity to tropical rainforests increases human infection risk, particularly in the Haut Oyapock and Maroni River areas.
Area of Science:
- Arbovirology
- Medical Entomology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arbovirus known to cause febrile illness in South America.
- Limited data exists on MAYV circulation and prevalence in French Guiana.
Observation:
- The first isolation of MAYV from a patient in French Guiana is reported.
- Human sera (n=1,962) and monkey sera (n=150) were tested for MAYV antibodies using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays.
- Serosurveys were conducted across different ethnic groups, age demographics, and geographic locations.
Findings:
- 6.3% of the human population tested positive for anti-MAYV antibodies.
- Seroprevalence increased with age, with a notable rise in the 10-19 age group.
- Higher prevalence was observed in individuals residing near the tropical rainforest, especially in the Haut Oyapock and Maroni River regions.
- Among monkeys, Alouatta seniculus (66.0%) showed higher seroprevalence than Saguinus midas (18.2%).
Implications:
- MAYV is actively circulating in French Guiana, posing a public health risk.
- Human MAYV infections are associated with proximity to rainforest environments.
- Further research into MAYV transmission dynamics and vector ecology in the region is warranted.