1
|
Bangura U, Davis C, Lamin J, Bangura J, Soropogui B, Davison AJ, Nichols J, Vucak M, Dawson M, Ansumana R, Sondufu D, Cadar D, Rieger T, Thomson E, Sahr F, Magassouba N, Ghersi B, Bird BH, Fichet-Calvet E. Spatio-temporal spread of Lassa virus and a new rodent host in the Mano River Union area, West Africa. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2290834. [PMID: 38047354 PMCID: PMC10919312 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2290834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The spread of Lassa virus (LASV) in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, which together are named the Mano River Union (MRU) area, was examined phylogeographically. To provide a reliable evolutionary scenario, new rodent-derived, whole LASV sequences were included. These were generated by metatranscriptomic next-generation sequencing from rodents sampled between 2003 and 2020 in 21 localities of Guinea and Sierra Leone. An analysis was performed using BEAST to perform continuous phylogeographic inference and EvoLaps v36 to visualize spatio-temporal spread. LASV was identified as expected in its primary host reservoir, the Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis), and also in two Guinean multimammate mice (Mastomys erythroleucus) in northern Sierra Leone and two rusty-bellied brush-furred mice (Lophuromys sikapusi) in southern Sierra Leone. This finding is consistent with the latter two species being secondary host reservoirs. The strains in these three species were very closely related in LASV lineage IV. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the most recent common ancestor of lineage IV existed 316-374 years ago and revealed distinct, well-supported clades from Sierra Leone (Bo, Kabala and Kenema), Guinea (Faranah, Kissidougou-Guekedou and Macenta) and Liberia (Phebe-Ganta). The phylogeographic scenario suggests southern Guinea as the point of origin of LASV in the MRU area, with subsequent spread to towards Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone at a mean speed of 1.6 to 1.1 km/year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umaru Bangura
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Joyce Lamin
- Mercy Hospital Research Laboratory, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - James Bangura
- University of Makeni and University of California, Davis One Health Program, Makeni, Sierra Leone
| | - Barré Soropogui
- Laboratoire des Fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Conakry, Guinea
| | | | - Jenna Nichols
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matej Vucak
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Dániel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Toni Rieger
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emma Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Foday Sahr
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Bruno Ghersi
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brian H. Bird
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Madueme PGU, Chirove F. A systematic review of mathematical models of Lassa fever. Math Biosci 2024; 374:109227. [PMID: 38844262 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2024.109227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review, conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, scrutinizes mathematical models employed in the study of Lassa fever. The analysis revealed the inherent heterogeneity in both models and data, posing significant challenges to parameter estimation. While health and behavioral interventions exhibit promise in mitigating the disease's spread, their efficacy is contingent upon contextual factors. Identified through this review are critical gaps, limitations, and avenues for future research, necessitating increased harmonization and standardization in modeling approaches. The considerations of seasonal and spatial variations emerge as crucial elements demanding targeted investigation. The perpetual threat of emerging diseases, coupled with the enduring public health impact of Lassa fever, underscores the imperative for sustained research endeavors and investments in mathematical modeling. The conclusion underscored that while mathematical modeling remains an invaluable tool in the combat against Lassa fever, its optimal utilization mandates multidisciplinary collaboration, refined data collection methodologies, and an enriched understanding of the intricate disease dynamics. This comprehensive approach is essential for effectively reducing the burden of Lassa fever and safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Praise-God Uchechukwu Madueme
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Faraimunashe Chirove
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hashizume M, Takashima A, Iwasaki M. An mRNA-LNP-based Lassa virus vaccine induces protective immunity in mice. J Virol 2024; 98:e0057824. [PMID: 38767352 PMCID: PMC11237644 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00578-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammarenavirus Lassa virus (LASV) causes the life-threatening hemorrhagic fever disease, Lassa fever. The lack of licensed medical countermeasures against LASV underscores the urgent need for the development of novel LASV vaccines, which has been hampered by the requirement for a biosafety level 4 facility to handle live LASV. Here, we investigated the efficacy of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP)-based vaccines expressing the LASV glycoprotein precursor (LASgpc) or nucleoprotein (LCMnp) of the prototypic mammarenavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), in mice. Two doses of LASgpc- or LCMnp-mRNA-LNP administered intravenously (i.v.) protected C57BL/6 mice from a lethal challenge with a recombinant (r) LCMV expressing a modified LASgpc (rLCMV/LASgpc2m) inoculated intracranially. Intramuscular (i.m.) immunization with two doses of LASgpc- or LCMnp-mRNA-LNP significantly reduced the viral load in C57BL/6 mice inoculated i.v. with rLCMV/LASgpc2m. High levels of viremia and lethality were observed in CBA mice inoculated i.v. with rLCMV/LASgpc2m, which were abrogated by i.m. immunization with two doses of LASgpc-mRNA-LNP. The protective efficacy of two i.m. doses of LCMnp-mRNA-LNP was confirmed in a lethal hemorrhagic disease model of FVB mice i.v. inoculated with wild-type rLCMV. In all conditions tested, negligible and high levels of LASgpc- and LCMnp-specific antibodies were detected in mRNA-LNP-immunized mice, respectively, but robust LASgpc- and LCMnp-specific CD8+ T cell responses were induced. Accordingly, plasma from LASgpc-mRNA-LNP-immunized mice did not exhibit neutralizing activity. Our findings and surrogate mouse models of LASV infection, which can be studied at a reduced biocontainment level, provide a critical foundation for the rapid development of mRNA-LNP-based LASV vaccines.IMPORTANCELassa virus (LASV) is a highly pathogenic mammarenavirus responsible for several hundred thousand infections annually in West African countries, causing a high number of lethal Lassa fever (LF) cases. Despite its significant impact on human health, clinically approved, safe, and effective medical countermeasures against LF are not available. The requirement of a biosafety level 4 facility to handle live LASV has been one of the main obstacles to the research and development of LASV countermeasures. Here, we report that two doses of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle-based vaccines expressing the LASV glycoprotein precursor (LASgpc) or nucleoprotein (LCMnp) of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a mammarenavirus genetically closely related to LASV, conferred protection to recombinant LCMV-based surrogate mouse models of lethal LASV infection. Notably, robust LASgpc- and LCMnp-specific CD8+ T cell responses were detected in mRNA-LNP-immunized mice, whereas no virus-neutralizing activity was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hashizume
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayako Takashima
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaharu Iwasaki
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and Drug Delivery System, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- RNA Frontier Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Eskew EA, Bird BH, Ghersi BM, Bangura J, Basinski AJ, Amara E, Bah MA, Kanu MC, Kanu OT, Lavalie EG, Lungay V, Robert W, Vandi MA, Fichet-Calvet E, Nuismer SL. Reservoir displacement by an invasive rodent reduces Lassa virus zoonotic spillover risk. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3589. [PMID: 38678025 PMCID: PMC11055883 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The black rat (Rattus rattus) is a globally invasive species that has been widely introduced across Africa. Within its invasive range in West Africa, R. rattus may compete with the native rodent Mastomys natalensis, the primary reservoir host of Lassa virus, a zoonotic pathogen that kills thousands annually. Here, we use rodent trapping data from Sierra Leone and Guinea to show that R. rattus presence reduces M. natalensis density within the human dwellings where Lassa virus exposure is most likely to occur. Further, we integrate infection data from M. natalensis to demonstrate that Lassa virus zoonotic spillover risk is lower at sites with R. rattus. While non-native species can have numerous negative effects on ecosystems, our results suggest that R. rattus invasion has the indirect benefit of decreasing zoonotic spillover of an endemic pathogen, with important implications for invasive species control across West Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan A Eskew
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
| | - Brian H Bird
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bruno M Ghersi
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | | | - Andrew J Basinski
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | | | - Mohamed A Bah
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott L Nuismer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kotliar D, Raju S, Tabrizi S, Odia I, Goba A, Momoh M, Sandi JD, Nair P, Phelan E, Tariyal R, Eromon PE, Mehta S, Robles-Sikisaka R, Siddle KJ, Stremlau M, Jalloh S, Gire SK, Winnicki S, Chak B, Schaffner SF, Pauthner M, Karlsson EK, Chapin SR, Kennedy SG, Branco LM, Kanneh L, Vitti JJ, Broodie N, Gladden-Young A, Omoniwa O, Jiang PP, Yozwiak N, Heuklom S, Moses LM, Akpede GO, Asogun DA, Rubins K, Kales S, Happi AN, Iruolagbe CO, Dic-Ijiewere M, Iraoyah K, Osazuwa OO, Okonkwo AK, Kunz S, McCormick JB, Khan SH, Honko AN, Lander ES, Oldstone MBA, Hensley L, Folarin OA, Okogbenin SA, Günther S, Ollila HM, Tewhey R, Okokhere PO, Schieffelin JS, Andersen KG, Reilly SK, Grant DS, Garry RF, Barnes KG, Happi CT, Sabeti PC. Genome-wide association study identifies human genetic variants associated with fatal outcome from Lassa fever. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:751-762. [PMID: 38326571 PMCID: PMC10914620 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01589-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Infection with Lassa virus (LASV) can cause Lassa fever, a haemorrhagic illness with an estimated fatality rate of 29.7%, but causes no or mild symptoms in many individuals. Here, to investigate whether human genetic variation underlies the heterogeneity of LASV infection, we carried out genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as well as seroprevalence surveys, human leukocyte antigen typing and high-throughput variant functional characterization assays. We analysed Lassa fever susceptibility and fatal outcomes in 533 cases of Lassa fever and 1,986 population controls recruited over a 7 year period in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. We detected genome-wide significant variant associations with Lassa fever fatal outcomes near GRM7 and LIF in the Nigerian cohort. We also show that a haplotype bearing signatures of positive selection and overlapping LARGE1, a required LASV entry factor, is associated with decreased risk of Lassa fever in the Nigerian cohort but not in the Sierra Leone cohort. Overall, we identified variants and genes that may impact the risk of severe Lassa fever, demonstrating how GWAS can provide insight into viral pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Kotliar
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Siddharth Raju
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shervin Tabrizi
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ikponmwosa Odia
- Institute of Lassa Fever, Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Augustine Goba
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mambu Momoh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Eastern Polytechnic College, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - John Demby Sandi
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Parvathy Nair
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Philomena E Eromon
- Institute of Lassa Fever, Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Samar Mehta
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Refugio Robles-Sikisaka
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Katherine J Siddle
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Simbirie Jalloh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Sarah Winnicki
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bridget Chak
- Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephen F Schaffner
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Elinor K Karlsson
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Genomics and Computational Biology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sarah R Chapin
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sharon G Kennedy
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Lansana Kanneh
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Joseph J Vitti
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nisha Broodie
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adrianne Gladden-Young
- Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Nathan Yozwiak
- Gene and Cell Therapy Institute, Mass General Brigham, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shannon Heuklom
- San Francisco Community Health Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lina M Moses
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - George O Akpede
- Institute of Lassa Fever, Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - Danny A Asogun
- Department of Community Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - Kathleen Rubins
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Anise N Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | | | - Mercy Dic-Ijiewere
- Department of Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Kelly Iraoyah
- Department of Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Omoregie O Osazuwa
- Department of Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | | | - Stefan Kunz
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joseph B McCormick
- UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Brownsville Campus, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - S Humarr Khan
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Anna N Honko
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric S Lander
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael B A Oldstone
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Hensley
- National Institutes of Health Integrated Research Facility, Frederick, MA, USA
| | - Onikepe A Folarin
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Sylvanus A Okogbenin
- Institute of Lassa Fever, Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Stephan Günther
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna M Ollila
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Peter O Okokhere
- Institute of Lassa Fever, Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - John S Schieffelin
- Section of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kristian G Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Steven K Reilly
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Donald S Grant
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert F Garry
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kayla G Barnes
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christian T Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria.
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dwalu E, Jetoh RW, Shobayo BI, Pewu I, Taweh F, Wilson-Sesay HW, Akpan GE, Shannon F, Joseph BO, Umeokonkwo CD, Adewuyi P, Amo-Addae M, Nagbe TK, Gilayeneh J, MaCauley JA. Trend of Lassa fever cases and factors associated with mortality in Liberia, 2016 - 2021: a secondary data analysis. Pan Afr Med J 2024; 47:22. [PMID: 38558556 PMCID: PMC10979808 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.22.42156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lassa fever (LF) is endemic in Liberia and is immediately reportable. Suspected cases are confirmed at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory. However, there is limited information on the trend and factors associated with mortality. We described the epidemiological characteristics of LF cases and determined factors associated with mortality in Liberia from 2016 to 2021. Methods we reviewed 867 case-based LF surveillance data from 2016 to 2021 obtained from the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). The cases that met the suspected LF case definition were tested with RT-PCR. Using Epi Info 7.2.5.0. We conducted univariate, bivariate, and multivariate and analysis. We calculated frequencies, proportions. Positivity rate, case fatality rate, and factors associated with LF mortality using chi-square statistics and logistics regression at 5% level of significance. Results eighty-five percent (737/867) of the suspected cases were tested and 26.0% (192/737) were confirmed LF positive. The median age of confirmed LF cases was 21(IQR: 12-34) years. Age 10-19 years accounted for 24.5% (47/192) and females 54.2% (104/192). Bong 33.9% (65/192), Grand Bassa 31.8% (61/192), and Nimba counties, 21.9% (42/192) accounted for most of the cases. The median duration from symptom onset to hospital admission was 6 (IQR: 3-9) days. A majority, 66% (126/192) of the cases were reported during the dry season (October-March) and annual incidence was highest at 12 cases per 1,000,000 population in 2019 and 2020. The overall case fatality rate was 44.8%. Non-endemic counties, Margibi, 77.8% and Montserrado, 66.7% accounted for the highest case fatality rate (CFR), while 2018, 66.7% and 2021, 60.0% recorded the highest CFR during the period. Age ≥30 years (aOR=2.1,95% CI: 1.08-4.11, p=0.027) and residing in Grand Bassa County (aOR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.13-0.73, p=0.007) were associated with LF mortality. Conclusion Lassa fever was endemic in three of the fifteen counties of Liberia, case fatality rate remained generally high and widely varied. The high fatality of LF has been reported to the NPHIL and is currently being further investigated. There is a need to continuously train healthcare workers, especially in non-endemic counties to improve the LF treatment outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Dwalu
- National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Ralph Weah Jetoh
- National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Irene Pewu
- National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Fahn Taweh
- National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Himiede Wede Wilson-Sesay
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Godwin Etim Akpan
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Fulton Shannon
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Babalola Obafemi Joseph
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Chukwuma David Umeokonkwo
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Peter Adewuyi
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Maame Amo-Addae
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Thomas Knue Nagbe
- National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
- Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cadmus S, Taiwo OJ, Akinseye V, Cadmus E, Famokun G, Fagbemi S, Ansumana R, Omoluabi A, Ayinmode A, Oluwayelu D, Odemuyiwa S, Tomori O. Ecological correlates and predictors of Lassa fever incidence in Ondo State, Nigeria 2017-2021: an emerging urban trend. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20855. [PMID: 38012226 PMCID: PMC10682180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47820-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is prevalent in many West African countries, including Nigeria. Efforts to combat LF have primarily focused on rural areas where interactions between rodents and humans are common. However, recent studies indicate a shift in its occurrence from rural to urban areas. We analysed secondary data of reported LF outbreaks from 2017 to 2021 in Ondo State, Nigeria to identify the distribution pattern, ecological variations, and other determinants of disease spread from the ward level using nearest neighbour statistics and regression analysis. Data utilised include LF incidence, ecological variables involving population, nighttime light intensity, vegetation, temperature, market presence, road length, and building area coverage. ArcGIS Pro 3.0 software was employed for spatial analysis. Results revealed spatio-temporal clustering of LF incidents between 2017 and 2021, with an increasing trend followed by a decline in 2021. All wards in Owo Local Government Area were identified as LF hotspots. The ecological variables exhibited significant correlations with the number of LF cases in the wards, except for maximum temperature. Notably, these variables varied significantly between wards with confirmed LF and those without. Therefore, it is important to prioritise strategies for mitigating LF outbreaks in urban areas of Nigeria and other LF-endemic countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Cadmus
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
- Damien Foundation Genomics and Mycobacteria Research and Training Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | | | - Victor Akinseye
- Damien Foundation Genomics and Mycobacteria Research and Training Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Eniola Cadmus
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Gboyega Famokun
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Stephen Fagbemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Rashid Ansumana
- School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Adekunle Ayinmode
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Oluwayelu
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Solomon Odemuyiwa
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Oyewale Tomori
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fellin E, Varin M, Millien V. Risky business: human-related data is lacking from Lyme disease risk models. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1113024. [PMID: 38026346 PMCID: PMC10662633 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1113024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Used as a communicative tool for risk management, risk maps provide a service to the public, conveying information that can raise risk awareness and encourage mitigation. Several studies have utilized risk maps to determine risks associated with the distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causal agent of Lyme disease in North America and Europe, as this zoonotic disease can lead to severe symptoms. This literature review focused on the use of risk maps to model distributions of B. burgdorferi and its vector, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), in North America to compare variables used to predict these spatial models. Data were compiled from the existing literature to determine which ecological, environmental, and anthropic (i.e., human focused) variables past research has considered influential to the risk level for Lyme disease. The frequency of these variables was examined and analyzed via a non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis to compare different map elements that may categorize the risk models performed. Environmental variables were found to be the most frequently used in risk spatial models, particularly temperature. It was found that there was a significantly dissimilar distribution of variables used within map elements across studies: Map Type, Map Distributions, and Map Scale. Within these map elements, few anthropic variables were considered, particularly in studies that modeled future risk, despite the objective of these models directly or indirectly focusing on public health intervention. Without including human-related factors considering these variables within risk map models, it is difficult to determine how reliable these risk maps truly are. Future researchers may be persuaded to improve disease risk models by taking this into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Fellin
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mathieu Varin
- Centre d'Enseignement et de Recherche en Foresterie (CERFO), Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Virginie Millien
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Layman NC, Basinski AJ, Zhang B, Eskew EA, Bird BH, Ghersi BM, Bangura J, Fichet-Calvet E, Remien CH, Vandi M, Bah M, Nuismer SL. Predicting the fine-scale spatial distribution of zoonotic reservoirs using computer vision. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:1974-1986. [PMID: 37737493 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases threaten human health worldwide and are often associated with anthropogenic disturbance. Predicting how disturbance influences spillover risk is critical for effective disease intervention but difficult to achieve at fine spatial scales. Here, we develop a method that learns the spatial distribution of a reservoir species from aerial imagery. Our approach uses neural networks to extract features of known or hypothesized importance from images. The spatial distribution of these features is then summarized and linked to spatially explicit reservoir presence/absence data using boosted regression trees. We demonstrate the utility of our method by applying it to the reservoir of Lassa virus, Mastomys natalensis, within the West African nations of Sierra Leone and Guinea. We show that, when trained using reservoir trapping data and publicly available aerial imagery, our framework learns relationships between environmental features and reservoir occurrence and accurately ranks areas according to the likelihood of reservoir presence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Layman
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, USA
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Andrew J Basinski
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Boyu Zhang
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Brian H Bird
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Bruno M Ghersi
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Bangura
- University of Makeni and University of California, Davis One Health Program, Makeni, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Christopher H Remien
- Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Mohamed Vandi
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mohamed Bah
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Scott L Nuismer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hackbart M, López CB. S RNA Intergenic Deletions Drive Viral Interference during Arenavirus Infections. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.31.564889. [PMID: 37961573 PMCID: PMC10635013 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.564889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Arenaviruses, a family of negative-sense RNA viruses spread by rodents, are a leading cause of severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Due to a paucity of antivirals and vaccines for arenaviruses, there is a need to identify new mechanisms for interfering with arenavirus replication. In several negative-sense RNA viruses, natural viral interference results from the production of non-standard viral genomes (nsVGs) that activate the innate immune system and/or compete for essential viral products. Although it is well established that arenaviruses produce strong interfering activities, it is unknown if they produce interfering nsVGs. Here we show that arenaviruses produce deletions within the intergenic region of their Small (S) RNA genome, which prevents the production of viral mRNA and protein. These deletions are more abundant when arenaviruses are grown in high-interfering conditions and are associated with inhibited viral replication. Overall, we found that arenaviruses produce internal deletions within the S RNA intergenic region that are produced by arenaviruses and can block viral replication. These natural arenavirus interfering molecules provide a new target for the generation of antivirals as well as an alternative strategy for producing attenuated arenaviruses for vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hackbart
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. MO
| | - Carolina B. López
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. MO
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McKendrick JQ, Tennant WSD, Tildesley MJ. Modelling seasonality of Lassa fever incidences and vector dynamics in Nigeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011543. [PMID: 37956170 PMCID: PMC10681316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (Lf) is a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa and is caused by the Lassa mammarenavirus. The rodent Mastomys natalensis serves as the primary reservoir and its ecology and behaviour have been linked to the distinct spatial and temporal patterns in the incidence of Lf. Nigeria has experienced an unprecedented epidemic that lasted from January until April of 2018, which has been followed by subsequent epidemics of Lf in the same period every year since. While previous research has modelled the case seasonality within Nigeria, this did not capture the seasonal variation in the reproduction of the zoonotic reservoir and its effect on case numbers. To this end, we introduce an approximate Bayesian computation scheme to fit our model to the case data from 2018-2020 supplied by the NCDC. In this study we used a periodically forced seasonal nonautonomous system of ordinary differential equations as a vector model to demonstrate that the population dynamics of the rodent reservoir may be responsible for the spikes in the number of observed cases in humans. The results show that in December through to March, spillover from the zoonotic reservoir drastically increases and spreads the virus to the people of Nigeria. Therefore to effectively combat Lf, attention and efforts should be concentrated during this period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Q. McKendrick
- MathSys, Mathematical Institute, Zeeman Building, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Warren S. D. Tennant
- Zeeman Institute: SBIDER, School of Life Sciences and Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Tildesley
- Zeeman Institute: SBIDER, School of Life Sciences and Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
AROMOLARAN OLUKEMI, SAMSON TIMOTHYKAYODE, FALODUN OLUTAYOISRAEL. Knowledge and practices associated with Lassa fever in rural Nigeria: Implications for prevention and control. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2001. [PMID: 37908393 PMCID: PMC10615167 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a haemorrhagic illness endemic in West Africa, which can be attributed to poor rat control and poor sanitation, especially in the rural communities. Increasing awareness and education about LF has been advocated for its prevention and control. This study investigated the level of awareness and knowledge associated with LF among the residents of Iwo and Oluponna areas of Osun State, southwest Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the adult residents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data. In total, 534 (79.11%) respondents had heard about LF, but only 15.4% had good knowledge of the disease. Their main source of information was the media (46.3%, P=0.002, P<0.01), while only 21.2% got information from health workers. About 45% of respondents have rats in their houses. Respondents from Iwo were better informed than Oluponna. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated location to be significantly associated with awareness (OR=1.62, C.I=1.078-2.433, P<0.05), knowledge of prevention (OR=5.88, C.I=2.807-12.317, P=0.000, P<0.01) and treatment (OR=1.648, C.I=1.122-2.420, P=0.011, P<0.05). Although the residents of Iwo are better informed about LF than Oluponna residents, the knowledge of the disease is poor in both areas. Health workers should be well informed, and the government should increase enlightenment programmes about LF, especially in rural communities of Nigeria, so as to curtail the spread and prevent outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - TIMOTHY KAYODE SAMSON
- Statistics Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Naeem A, Zahid S, Hafeez MH, Bibi A, Tabassum S, Akilimali A. Re-emergence of Lassa fever in Nigeria: A new challenge for public health authorities. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1628. [PMID: 37885466 PMCID: PMC10598329 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Lassa virus is an RNA virus belonging to the Arenaviridae family. It is responsible for Lassa fever, an acute viral zoonosis of the severe hemorrhagic fever type with manifestations of fever, muscle pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and chest and abdominal pain. Lassa fever is endemic in West Africa, where the first case was reported in 1969 in Lassa, a town in Nigeria, more than 50 years ago, and it is estimated that nearly 5000 deaths occur in West Africa each year. Nigeria is one of the endemic hotspots and has experienced numerous recurrent outbreaks of Lassa fever due to the increased multiplication of the host reservoir, Mastomys natalensis. For the Lassa epidemics in 2022 and January 2023 alone, Nigeria accounts for a quarter of the annual deaths from this disease. Poor lifestyle and hygiene, difficulty in diagnosis due to nonspecific symptomatology, lack of effective treatment based on clinical evidence, an ineffective human immunization program combined with a health system that is not adapted or equipped to control and prevent recurrent deadly epidemics, and an outdated regional disease surveillance system in West Africa are some of the challenges that must be overcome to rapidly and effectively eradicate this disease, whose area of spread is constantly expanding as a result of the movement of populations in the context of economic and socio-cultural activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aroma Naeem
- Faculty of MedicineKing Edward Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | - Shafaq Zahid
- Faculty of MedicineKing Edward Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | | | - Arifa Bibi
- Faculty of MedicineFatima Jinnah Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | | | - Aymar Akilimali
- Faculty of MedicineLa Sapientia Catholic UniversityGomaNorth KivuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of ResearchMedical Research Circle (MedReC)BukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sessions Z, Bobrowski T, Martin HJ, Beasley JMT, Kothari A, Phares T, Li M, Alves VM, Scotti MT, Moorman NJ, Baric R, Tropsha A, Muratov EN. Praemonitus praemunitus: can we forecast and prepare for future viral disease outbreaks? FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad048. [PMID: 37596064 PMCID: PMC10532129 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the origins of past and present viral epidemics is critical in preparing for future outbreaks. Many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have led to significant consequences not only due to their virulence, but also because we were unprepared for their emergence. We need to learn from large amounts of data accumulated from well-studied, past pandemics and employ modern informatics and therapeutic development technologies to forecast future pandemics and help minimize their potential impacts. While acknowledging the complexity and difficulties associated with establishing reliable outbreak predictions, herein we provide a perspective on the regions of the world that are most likely to be impacted by future outbreaks. We specifically focus on viruses with epidemic potential, namely SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, DENV, ZIKV, MAYV, LASV, noroviruses, influenza, Nipah virus, hantaviruses, Oropouche virus, MARV, and Ebola virus, which all require attention from both the public and scientific community to avoid societal catastrophes like COVID-19. Based on our literature review, data analysis, and outbreak simulations, we posit that these future viral epidemics are unavoidable, but that their societal impacts can be minimized by strategic investment into basic virology research, epidemiological studies of neglected viral diseases, and antiviral drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Sessions
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Tesia Bobrowski
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Holli-Joi Martin
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Jon-Michael T Beasley
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Aneri Kothari
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Trevor Phares
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
- School of Chemistry, University of Louisville, 2320 S Brook St, Louisville, KY 40208, United States
| | - Michael Li
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Vinicius M Alves
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Marcus T Scotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraiba, Campus I Lot. Cidade Universitaria, PB, 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Nathaniel J Moorman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, 116 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Ralph Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 401 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Alexander Tropsha
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Eugene N Muratov
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, 301 Pharmacy Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Grant DS, Samuels RJ, Garry RF, Schieffelin JS. Lassa Fever Natural History and Clinical Management. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023. [PMID: 37106159 DOI: 10.1007/82_2023_263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Lassa fever is caused by Lassa virus (LASV), an Old World Mammarenavirus that is carried by Mastomys natalensis and other rodents. It is endemic in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and other countries in West Africa. The clinical presentation of LASV infection is heterogenous varying from an inapparent or mild illness to a fatal hemorrhagic fever. Exposure to LASV is usually through contact with rodent excreta. After an incubation period of 1-3 weeks, initial symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue develop that may progress to sore throat, retrosternal chest pain, conjunctival injection, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe illness, including hypotension, shock, and multiorgan failure, develops in a minority of patients. Patient demographics and case fatality rates are distinctly different in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Laboratory diagnosis relies on the detection of LASV antigens or genomic RNA. LASV-specific immunoglobulin G and M assays can also contribute to clinical management. The mainstay of treatment for Lassa fever is supportive care. The nucleoside analog ribavirin is commonly used to treat acute Lassa fever but is considered useful only if treatment is begun early in the disease course. Drugs in development, including a monoclonal antibody cocktail, have the potential to impact the management of Lassa fever.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald S Grant
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert J Samuels
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert F Garry
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, 21703, USA
- Global Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - John S Schieffelin
- School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Garry RF. Lassa Virus Structural Biology and Replication. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023. [PMID: 37100973 DOI: 10.1007/82_2023_262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of Lassa fever, an often-fatal hemorrhagic fever that is endemic in West Africa. LASV virions are enveloped and contain two single-stranded RNA genome segments. Both segments are ambisense and encode two proteins. The nucleoprotein associates with viral RNAs forming ribonucleoprotein complexes. The glycoprotein complex mediates viral attachment and entry. The Zinc protein serves as the matrix protein. Large is a polymerase that catalyzes viral RNA transcription and replication. LASV virion entry occurs via a clathrin-independent endocytic pathway usually involving alpha-dystroglycan and lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 as surface and intracellular receptors, respectively. Advances in understanding LASV structural biology and replication have facilitated development of promising vaccine and drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Garry
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
- Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, 21703, USA.
- Global Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Utunen H, Tokar A, Dancante M, Piroux C. Online learning for WHO priority diseases with pandemic potential: evidence from existing courses and preparing for Disease X. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:61. [PMID: 37085922 PMCID: PMC10119537 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OpenWHO is the open-access learning platform of the World Health Organization (WHO) that provides online learning for health emergencies with essential health knowledge for emergencies. There is emphasis for courses on severe emerging diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential to help frontline health workers prevent, control and respond to infectious diseases. This research addresses the question of how the existing OpenWHO online courses on infectious disease were used in the countries of disease occurrence and how to prepare for disease X, a novel or unknown pathogen with pandemic potential. METHODS OpenWHO collects self-declared demographic data from learners among which there is data on geographical location of learners. Data in infectious disease courses use on OpenWHO was collected and examined and additionally information languages used in the outbreak locations was collected. RESULTS For most diseases in focus the online learning materials were used in countries with burden of disease. This suggests the learning material production needs to be targeted for outbreak and epidemic events. CONCLUSIONS Findings inform the use of learning materials in disease outbreaks. Further, this use case data confirms learning providers need to add offerings in languages spoken in outbreak impacted areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heini Utunen
- Learning and Capacity Development Unit, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anna Tokar
- Learning and Capacity Development Unit, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mafalda Dancante
- Learning and Capacity Development Unit, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Corentin Piroux
- Learning and Capacity Development Unit, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tschismarov R, Van Damme P, Germain C, De Coster I, Mateo M, Reynard S, Journeaux A, Tomberger Y, Withanage K, Haslwanter D, Terler K, Schrauf S, Müllner M, Tauber E, Ramsauer K, Baize S. Immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of a recombinant measles-vectored Lassa fever vaccine: a randomised, placebo-controlled, first-in-human trial. Lancet 2023; 401:1267-1276. [PMID: 36934733 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lassa fever is a substantial health burden in west Africa. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a recombinant, live-attenuated, measles-vectored Lassa fever vaccine candidate (MV-LASV). METHODS This first-in-human phase 1 trial-consisting of an open-label dose-escalation stage and an observer-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled treatment stage-was conducted at a single site at the University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, and involved healthy adults aged 18-55 years. Participants in the dose-escalation stage were sequentially assigned to a low-dose group (two intramuscular doses of MV-LASV at 2 × 104 times the median tissue culture infectious dose) or a high-dose group (two doses at 1 × 105 times the median tissue culture infectious dose). Participants in the double-blinded treatment stage were randomly assigned in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive low dose, high dose, or placebo. The primary endpoint was the rate of solicited and unsolicited adverse events up to study day 56 and was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of investigational product. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04055454, and the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database, 2018-003647-40, and is complete. FINDINGS Between Sept 26, 2019, and Jan 20, 2020, 60 participants were enrolled and assigned to receive placebo (n=12) or MV-LASV (n=48). All 60 participants received at least one study treatment. Most adverse events occurred during the treatment phase, and frequencies of total solicited or unsolicited adverse events were similar between treatment groups, with 96% of participants in the low-dose group, 100% of those in the high-dose group, and 92% of those in the placebo group having any solicited adverse event (p=0·6751) and 76% of those in the low-dose group, 70% of those in the high-dose group, and 100% of those in the placebo group having any unsolicited adverse event (p=0·1047). The only significant difference related to local solicited adverse events, with higher frequencies observed in groups receiving MV-LASV (24 [96%] of 25 participants in the low-dose group; all 23 [100%] participants in the high-dose group) than in the placebo group (6 [50%] of 12 participants; p=0·0001, Fisher-Freeman-Halton test). Adverse events were mostly of mild or moderate severity, and no serious adverse events were observed. MV-LASV also induced substantial concentrations of LASV-specific IgG (geometric mean titre 62·9 EU/ml in the low-dose group and 145·9 EU/ml in the high-dose group on day 42). INTERPRETATION MV-LASV showed an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, and immunogenicity seemed to be unaffected by pre-existing immunity against the vector. MV-LASV is therefore a promising candidate for further development. FUNDING Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roland Tschismarov
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA.
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Center for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Clara Germain
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ilse De Coster
- Center for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Mateo
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Stephanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandra Journeaux
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
| | - Yvonne Tomberger
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Kanchanamala Withanage
- Center for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Denise Haslwanter
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Katherine Terler
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Sabrina Schrauf
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Matthias Müllner
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Erich Tauber
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Katrin Ramsauer
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li Y. Genetic basis underlying Lassa fever endemics in the Mano River region, West Africa. Virology 2023; 579:128-136. [PMID: 36669329 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF), a haemorrhagic fever disease caused by Lassa virus (LASV), is a serious public health burden in West Africa. The Mano River region (Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d'Ivoire) has been an endemic focus of the disease over the past decades. Here, we deciphered the genetic basis underlying LF endemics in this region. Clade model and type I functional divergence analyses revealed that the major LASV group, Kenema sub-clade, which is currently circulating in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, has been affected by different selective pressure compared to isolates from the other areas with effects on the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L protein) and probably nucleoprotein (NP). Further, contingency analysis showed that, in the early endemic, the sub-clade has undergone adaptive diversification via acceleration of amino acid substitutions in L protein. These findings highlight the key viral factor and local adaptation regarding the endemicity of LF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mammarenavirus Genetic Diversity and Its Biological Implications. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 439:265-303. [PMID: 36592249 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-15640-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Members of the family Arenaviridae are classified into four genera: Antennavirus, Hartmanivirus, Mammarenavirus, and Reptarenavirus. Reptarenaviruses and hartmaniviruses infect (captive) snakes and have been shown to cause boid inclusion body disease (BIBD). Antennaviruses have genomes consisting of 3, rather than 2, segments, and were discovered in actinopterygian fish by next-generation sequencing but no biological isolate has been reported yet. The hosts of mammarenaviruses are mainly rodents and infections are generally asymptomatic. Current knowledge about the biology of reptarenaviruses, hartmaniviruses, and antennaviruses is very limited and their zoonotic potential is unknown. In contrast, some mammarenaviruses are associated with zoonotic events that pose a threat to human health. This review will focus on mammarenavirus genetic diversity and its biological implications. Some mammarenaviruses including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) are excellent experimental model systems for the investigation of acute and persistent viral infections, whereas others including Lassa (LASV) and Junin (JUNV) viruses, the causative agents of Lassa fever (LF) and Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), respectively, are important human pathogens. Mammarenaviruses were thought to have high degree of intra-and inter-species amino acid sequence identities, but recent evidence has revealed a high degree of mammarenavirus genetic diversity in the field. Moreover, closely related mammarenavirus can display dramatic phenotypic differences in vivo. These findings support a role of genetic variability in mammarenavirus adaptability and pathogenesis. Here, we will review the molecular biology of mammarenaviruses, phylogeny, and evolution, as well as the quasispecies dynamics of mammarenavirus populations and their biological implications.
Collapse
|
21
|
Tahmo NB, Wirsiy FS, Brett-Major DM. Modeling the Lassa fever outbreak synchronously occurring with cholera and COVID-19 outbreaks in Nigeria 2021: A threat to Global Health Security. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001814. [PMID: 37192152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nigeria struggles with seasonal outbreaks of Lassa fever (LF), with 70 to 100% of its states affected annually. Since 2018, the seasonal dynamics have changed with a stark increase in infections, though the pattern in 2021 differed from the other years. Nigeria had three outbreaks of Lassa Fever in 2021. In that year, Nigeria also experienced substantial burdens from COVID-19 and Cholera. There is potential that these three outbreak events interacted with each other. This may have been from community disruption and so changes in how people access the health system, how the health system responds, or overlapping biological interactions, misclassification, social factors, misinformation, and pre-existing disparities and vulnerabilities. We assessed the syndemic potential of Lassa Fever, COVID-19, and Cholera through modeling their interactions across the 2021 calendar year employing a Poisson regression model. We included the number of states affected and the month of the year. We used these predictors to forecast the progression of the outbreak using a Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model. The Poisson model prediction for the confirmed number of Lassa fever cases was significantly dependent on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the number of states affected, and the month of the year (p-value < 0.001), and the SARIMA model was a good fit, accounting for 48% of the change in the number of cases of Lassa fever (p-value < 0.001) with parameters ARIMA (6, 1, 3) (5, 0, 3). Lassa Fever, COVID-19, and Cholera 2021 case curves have mirrored dynamics and likely interact. Further research into common, intervenable aspects of those interactions should be performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy B Tahmo
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Amref Health Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lübbert C, Ermisch J, Kellner N. Lassafieber. ZEITSCHRIFT FÜR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1985-1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
23
|
Opara NU, Nwagbara UI, Hlongwana KW. The COVID-19 Impact on the Trends in Yellow Fever and Lassa Fever Infections in Nigeria. Infect Dis Rep 2022; 14:932-941. [PMID: 36412749 PMCID: PMC9680345 DOI: 10.3390/idr14060091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) and yellow fever (YF) belong to a group of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). These viruses have common features and damages the organs and blood vessels; they also impair the body's homeostasis. Some VHFs cause mild disease, while some cause severe disease and death such as in the case of Ebola or Marburg. LF virus and YF virus are two of the most recent emerging viruses in Africa, resulting in severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Lassa fever virus is continuously on the rise both in Nigeria and neighboring countries in West Africa, with an estimate of over 500,000 cases of LF, and 5000 deaths, annually. YF virus is endemic in temperate climate regions of Africa, Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador), and South America (such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Chile) with an annual estimated cases of 200,000 and 30,000 deaths globally. This review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trend in epidemiology of these two VHFs to delineate responses that are associated with protective or pathogenic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nnennaya U. Opara
- Institute for Academic Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV 25304, USA
- Department of Health Administration, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ugochinyere I. Nwagbara
- Department of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Khumbulani W. Hlongwana
- Cancer and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Luna Virus and Helminths in Wild Mastomys natalensis in Two Contrasting Habitats in Zambia: Risk Factors and Evidence of Virus Dissemination in Semen. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111345. [DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission dynamics and the maintenance of mammarenaviruses in nature are poorly understood. Using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and RT-PCR, we investigated the presence of mammarenaviruses and co-infecting helminths in various tissues of 182 Mastomys natalensis rodents and 68 other small mammals in riverine and non-riverine habitats in Zambia. The Luna virus (LUAV) genome was the only mammarenavirus detected (7.7%; 14/182) from M. natalensis. Only one rodent from the non-riverine habitat was positive, while all six foetuses from one pregnant rodent carried LUAV. LUAV-specific mNGS reads were 24-fold higher in semen than in other tissues from males. Phylogenetically, the viruses were closely related to each other within the LUAV clade. Helminth infections were found in 11.5% (21/182) of M. natalensis. LUAV–helminth co-infections were observed in 50% (7/14) of virus-positive rodents. Juvenility (OR = 9.4; p = 0.018; 95% CI: 1.47–59.84), nematodes (OR = 15.5; p = 0.001; 95% CI: 3.11–76.70), cestodes (OR = 10.8; p = 0.025; 95% CI: 1.35–86.77), and being male (OR = 4.6; p = 0.036; 95% CI: 1.10–18.90) were associated with increased odds of LUAV RNA detection. The role of possible sexual and/or congenital transmission in the epidemiology of LUAV infections in rodents requires further study, along with the implications of possible helminth co-infection.
Collapse
|
25
|
Klitting R, Kafetzopoulou LE, Thiery W, Dudas G, Gryseels S, Kotamarthi A, Vrancken B, Gangavarapu K, Momoh M, Sandi JD, Goba A, Alhasan F, Grant DS, Okogbenin S, Ogbaini-Emovo E, Garry RF, Smither AR, Zeller M, Pauthner MG, McGraw M, Hughes LD, Duraffour S, Günther S, Suchard MA, Lemey P, Andersen KG, Dellicour S. Predicting the evolution of the Lassa virus endemic area and population at risk over the next decades. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5596. [PMID: 36167835 PMCID: PMC9515147 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by a zoonotic virus that repeatedly spills over to humans from its rodent reservoirs. It is currently not known how climate and land use changes could affect the endemic area of this virus, currently limited to parts of West Africa. By exploring the environmental data associated with virus occurrence using ecological niche modelling, we show how temperature, precipitation and the presence of pastures determine ecological suitability for virus circulation. Based on projections of climate, land use, and population changes, we find that regions in Central and East Africa will likely become suitable for Lassa virus over the next decades and estimate that the total population living in ecological conditions that are suitable for Lassa virus circulation may drastically increase by 2070. By analysing geotagged viral genomes using spatially-explicit phylogeography and simulating virus dispersal, we find that in the event of Lassa virus being introduced into a new suitable region, its spread might remain spatially limited over the first decades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Klitting
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Liana E. Kafetzopoulou
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wim Thiery
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gytis Dudas
- grid.6441.70000 0001 2243 2806Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Evolutionary Ecology group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.20478.390000 0001 2171 9581Vertebrate group, Directorate Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anjali Kotamarthi
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Bram Vrancken
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karthik Gangavarapu
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Mambu Momoh
- grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone ,grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - John Demby Sandi
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Augustine Goba
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Alhasan
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Donald S. Grant
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone ,grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Sylvanus Okogbenin
- grid.508091.5Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria ,grid.411357.50000 0000 9018 355XFaculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | | | - Robert F. Garry
- grid.265219.b0000 0001 2217 8588Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA ,grid.505518.c0000 0004 5901 1919Zalgen Labs, LCC, Frederick, MD 21703 USA ,grid.475149.aGlobal Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Allison R. Smither
- grid.265219.b0000 0001 2217 8588Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Mark Zeller
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Matthias G. Pauthner
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Michelle McGraw
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Laura D. Hughes
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Sophie Duraffour
- grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.452463.2German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Günther
- grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.452463.2German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc A. Suchard
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Philippe Lemey
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristian G. Andersen
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA ,grid.214007.00000000122199231Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP160/12 50, av. FD Roosevelt, 1050, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Nuismer SL, Basinski AJ, Schreiner C, Whitlock A, Remien CH. Reservoir population ecology, viral evolution and the risk of emerging infectious disease. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221080. [PMID: 36100013 PMCID: PMC9470272 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ecology and life history of wild animals influences their potential to harbour infectious disease. This observation has motivated studies identifying empirical relationships between traits of wild animals and historical patterns of spillover and emergence into humans. Although these studies have identified compelling broad-scale patterns, they are generally agnostic with respect to underlying mechanisms. Here, we develop mathematical models that couple reservoir population ecology with viral epidemiology and evolution to clarify existing verbal arguments and pinpoint the conditions that favour spillover and emergence. Our results support the idea that average lifespan influences the likelihood of an animal serving as a reservoir for human infectious disease. At the same time, however, our results show that the magnitude of this effect is sensitive to the rate of viral mutation. Our results also demonstrate that viral pathogens causing persistent infections or a transient immune response within the reservoir are more likely to fuel emergence. Genetically explicit stochastic simulations enrich these mathematical results by identifying relationships between the genetic basis of transmission and the risk of spillover and emergence. Together, our results clarify the scope of applicability for existing hypotheses and refine our understanding of emergence risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott L. Nuismer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Andrew J. Basinski
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Courtney Schreiner
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Alexander Whitlock
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Christopher H. Remien
- Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Understanding Host–Virus Interactions: Assessment of Innate Immune Responses in Mastomys natalensis Cells after Arenavirus Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091986. [PMID: 36146793 PMCID: PMC9506377 DOI: 10.3390/v14091986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastomys natalensis is the natural host of various arenaviruses, including the human-pathogenic Lassa virus. Homologous arenaviruses, defined here as those having M. natalensis as a natural host, can establish long-lasting infection in M. natalensis, while these animals rapidly clear arenaviruses having another rodent species as a natural host (heterologous viruses). Little is known about the mechanisms behind the underlying arenavirus–host barriers. The innate immune system, particularly the type I interferon (IFN) response, might play a role. In this study, we developed and validated RT-PCR assays to analyse the expression of M. natalensis interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). We then used these assays to study if homologous and heterologous viruses induce different IFN responses in M. natalensis cells. Infection experiments were performed with the homologous Lassa and Morogoro viruses and the related but heterologous Mobala virus. Compared to the direct induction with IFN or Poly(I:C), arenaviruses generally induced a weak IFN response. However, the ISG-expression profiles of homologous and heterologous viruses were similar. Our data indicate that, at least in M. natalensis cells, the IFN system is not a major factor in the virus–host barrier for arenaviruses. Our system provides a valuable tool for future in vivo investigation of arenavirus host restrictions at the level of the innate immune response.
Collapse
|
28
|
Musa SS, Yusuf A, Bakare EA, Abdullahi ZU, Adamu L, Mustapha UT, He D. Unravelling the dynamics of Lassa fever transmission with differential infectivity: Modeling analysis and control strategies. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:13114-13136. [PMID: 36654038 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Epidemic models have been broadly used to comprehend the dynamic behaviour of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, predict future trends, and assess intervention strategies. The symptomatic and asymptomatic features and environmental factors for Lassa fever (LF) transmission illustrate the need for sophisticated epidemic models to capture more vital dynamics and forecast trends of LF outbreaks within countries or sub-regions on various geographic scales. This study proposes a dynamic model to examine the transmission of LF infection, a deadly disease transmitted mainly by rodents through environment. We extend prior LF models by including an infectious stage to mild and severe as well as incorporating environmental contributions from infected humans and rodents. For model calibration and prediction, we show that the model fits well with the LF scenario in Nigeria and yields remarkable prediction results. Rigorous mathematical computation divulges that the model comprises two equilibria. That is disease-free equilibrium, which is locally-asymptotically stable (LAS) when the basic reproduction number, $ {\mathcal{R}}_{0} $, is $ < 1 $; and endemic equilibrium, which is globally-asymptotically stable (GAS) when $ {\mathcal{R}}_{0} $ is $ > 1 $. We use time-dependent control strategy by employing Pontryagin's Maximum Principle to derive conditions for optimal LF control. Furthermore, a partial rank correlation coefficient is adopted for the sensitivity analysis to obtain the model's top rank parameters requiring precise attention for efficacious LF prevention and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salihu S Musa
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Mathematics, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Abdullahi Yusuf
- Department of Computer Engineering, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emmanuel A Bakare
- Department of Mathematics, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria
- Biomathematics and Applied Mathematical Modelling Research Group, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Zainab U Abdullahi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina, Nigeria
| | - Lukman Adamu
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Umar T Mustapha
- Department of Mathematics, Science Faculty, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa, Nigeria
| | - Daihai He
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Establishment of Recombinant Trisegmented Mopeia Virus Expressing Two Reporter Genes for Screening of Mammarenavirus Inhibitors. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091869. [PMID: 36146676 PMCID: PMC9505675 DOI: 10.3390/v14091869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic Arenaviruses, like the Lassa Virus (LASV), pose a serious public health threat in affected countries. Research and development of vaccines and therapeutics are urgently needed but hampered by the necessity to handle these pathogens under biosafety level 4 conditions. These containment restrictions make large-scale screens of antiviral compounds difficult. Therefore, the Mopeia virus (MOPV), closely related to LASV, is often used as an apathogenic surrogate virus. We established for the first time trisegmented MOPVs (r3MOPV) with duplicated S segments, in which one of the viral genes was replaced by the reporter genes ZsGreen (ZsG) or Renilla Luciferase (Rluc), respectively. In vitro characterization of the two trisegmented viruses (r3MOPV ZsG/Rluc and r3MOPV Rluc/ZsG), showed comparable growth behavior to the wild type virus and the expression of the reporter genes correlated well with viral titer. We used the reporter viruses in a proof-of-principle in vitro study to evaluate the antiviral activity of two well characterized drugs. IC50 values obtained by Rluc measurement were similar to those obtained by virus titers. ZsG expression was also suitable to evaluate antiviral effects. The trisegmented MOPVs described here provide a versatile and valuable basis for rapid high throughput screening of broadly reactive antiviral compounds against arenaviruses under BSL-2 conditions.
Collapse
|
30
|
Beyond Lassa Fever: Systemic and structural barriers to disease detection and response in Sierra Leone. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010423. [PMID: 35587495 PMCID: PMC9159599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lassa fever (LF) often presents clinically as undifferentiated febrile illness. Lassa Fever cases in Sierra Leone have been falling since the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic. Data from other LF endemic countries suggest that this is not a true reflection of local epidemiological decline, but rather a function of either health seeking behaviour or the health/referral system. In Sierra Leone, many other diseases present with a similar early clinical picture, including COVID-19 and Marburg Disease (which has recently emerged in neighbouring Guinea). This empirical study explores the implementation of health system processes associated with International Health Regulations (IHR) requirements for early detection and timely and effective responses to the spread of febrile disease, through the case study of LF in Sierra Leone. Methodology/Principal findings This study used a qualitative approach to analyse local policy and guidance documents, key informant interviews with policy and practice actors, and focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health care workers (HCWs) and community health workers (CHWs) in Kenema District to examine the ways in which undifferentiated fever surveillance and response policies and processes were implemented in the post-Ebola period. Multiple challenges were identified, including: issues with the LF case definition, approaches to differential diagnosis, specimen transport and the provision of results, and ownership of laboratory data. These issues lead to delays in diagnosis, and potentially worse outcomes for individual patients, as well as affecting the system’s ability to respond to outbreak-prone disease. Conclusions/Significance Identification of ways to improve the system requires balancing vertical disease surveillance programmes against other population health needs. Therefore, health system challenges to early identification of LF specifically have implications for the effectiveness of the wider Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system in Sierra Leone more generally. Sentinel surveillance or improved surveillance at maternity facilities would help improve viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) surveillance, as well as knowledge of LF epidemiology. Strengthening surveillance for vertical disease programmes, if correctly targeted, could have downstream benefits for COVID-19 surveillance and response as well as the wider health system—and therefore patient outcomes more generally. Lassa fever (LF) often presents clinically as undifferentiated febrile illness. Lassa Fever cases in Sierra Leone have been falling since the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic. Data from other LF-endemic countries suggest the drop in case numbers reflects reduced health seeking behaviour or issues within the surveillance, response and health systems. In Sierra Leone, many other diseases present with a similar early clinical picture, including COVID-19, meaning that findings from a case study of LF have wider applicability. There are no recent empirical studies of the functionality of Sierra Leone’s disease surveillance and response system. Qualitative analysis of policy documents and primary data collected from within the health system identified multiple challenges including: issues with the LF case definition, approaches to differential diagnosis, specimen transport and the provision of results, and ownership of laboratory data. These issues lead to delays in diagnosis, and potentially worse outcomes for individual patients, as well as affecting the system’s ability to respond to outbreak-prone disease.
Collapse
|
31
|
Njuguna C, Vandi M, Liyosi E, Githuku J, Wurie A, Njeru I, Raftery P, Amuzu C, Maruta A, Musoke R, Fahnbulleh M, Bunting J, Gbandeh S, Talisuna A, Yoti Z. A challenging response to a Lassa fever outbreak in a non endemic area of Sierra Leone in 2019 with export of cases to The Netherlands. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 117:295-301. [PMID: 35167968 PMCID: PMC8948091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction On November 20, 2019, the Sierra Leone International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point was notified of an exported case of Lassa fever in The Netherlands, by a Dutch doctor who previously practiced in a rural hospital in Sierra Leone. This report describes the extent of the outbreak, possible sources of infection, and the outbreak response measures taken. Methods Response measures implemented to control the outbreak included coordination across multiple countries and cities, outbreak investigation, active case finding, contact tracing and monitoring, laboratory investigation, and isolation and treatment of cases. Results We report a hospital-associated outbreak that resulted in 3 confirmed cases (health workers) and 2 probable cases (patients). The case fatality rate was 60%, whereas the secondary attack rate was 14%. Two cases involved exportations to The Netherlands. Failure to detect the index case and poor adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols contributed to disease spread. Pregnancy status and nonspecific signs and symptoms of the index case contributed to failure in early case detection. Conclusions Rapid activation of national and subnational incident management systems resulted in rapid outbreak control. We recommend regular training for clinicians on surveillance and IPC protocols and strengthening in-country Lassa virus diagnostic capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evans Liyosi
- World Health Organization Country office, Sierra Leone
| | - Jane Githuku
- World Health Organization Country office, Sierra Leone
| | - Alie Wurie
- Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation
| | - Ian Njeru
- World Health Organization Country office, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | - Anna Maruta
- World Health Organization Country office, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert Musoke
- World Health Organization Country office, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | | | - Ambrose Talisuna
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville
| | - Zabulon Yoti
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
A New Numerical Scheme for Time Fractional Diffusive SEAIR Model with Non-Linear Incidence Rate: An Application to Computational Biology. FRACTAL AND FRACTIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fractalfract6020078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a modified fractional diffusive SEAIR epidemic model with a nonlinear incidence rate. A constructed model of fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) is more general than the corresponding model of fractional ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The Caputo fractional derivative is considered. Linear stability analysis of the disease-free equilibrium state of the epidemic model (ODEs) is presented by employing Routh–Hurwitz stability criteria. In order to solve this model, a fractional numerical scheme is proposed. The proposed scheme can be used to find conditions for obtaining positive solutions for diffusive epidemic models. The stability of the scheme is given, and convergence conditions are found for the system of the linearized diffusive fractional epidemic model. In addition to this, the deficiencies of accuracy and consistency in the nonstandard finite difference method are also underlined by comparing the results with the standard fractional scheme and the MATLAB built-in solver pdepe. The proposed scheme shows an advantage over the fractional nonstandard finite difference method in terms of accuracy. In addition, numerical results are supplied to evaluate the proposed scheme’s performance.
Collapse
|
33
|
Raab M, Pfadenhauer LM, Doumbouya D, Froeschl G. Clinical presentations, diagnostics, treatments and treatment costs of children and adults with febrile illness in a tertiary referral hospital in south-eastern Guinea: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262084. [PMID: 35007283 PMCID: PMC8746772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Febrile illness is frequent among patients in the tropics. It is caused by a wide variety of common diseases such as malaria or gastrointestinal infections but also by less common but highly contagious pathogens with epidemic potential. This study describes the clinical features of adult and paediatric patients with febrile illness in in the largest tertiary referral hospital in south-eastern Guinea, a region at high risk for viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks. The study further compares their diagnostic characteristics, treatments and outcomes with non-febrile patients in order to contribute to the local epidemiology of febrile illness. Methods We used retrospective data collection to record demographic and clinical data of all incoming patients during a study period of three months. For the follow-up study of inpatients, we retrospectively reviewed patient charts for diagnostic characteristics, diagnoses and outcomes. Results Of the 4317 incoming patients during the study period, 9.5% had a febrile illness. The most used diagnostic measures to identify causative agents in febrile patients were point-of-care tests and most treatments relied on antibiotics. Most common discharge diagnoses for febrile inpatients were malaria (9.6% adults, 56.7% children), salmonella gastroenteritis/typhoid (10.6% adults, 7.8% children) and respiratory infection/pneumonia (5.3% adults, 18.7% children). Inpatient mortality for children was significantly higher in febrile than non-febrile children (18.5% vs. 5.1%, p<0.001) and considerably higher in febrile than non-febrile adults (29.8% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.404). Conclusions Malaria, respiratory infection and gastroenteritis are considered the main causes for febrile illness. The wide reliance on rapid diagnostic tests to diagnose febrile patients not only risks to over- or under-diagnose certain diseases but also leaves the possibility of highly infectious diseases in febrile patients unexplored. Furthermore, the heavy reliance on antibiotics risks to cause antimicrobial resistance. High mortality rates in febrile patients, especially children, should be of concern to public health authorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Raab
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital (LMU), Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Lisa M. Pfadenhauer
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dansira Doumbouya
- Paediatric Service, Hôpital Régional de Nzérékoré, Nzérékoré, Guinea
| | - Guenter Froeschl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital (LMU), Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Clark J, Yakob L, Douno M, Lamine J, Magassouba N'F, Fichet-Calvet E, Mari-Saez A. Domestic risk factors for increased rodent abundance in a Lassa fever endemic region of rural Upper Guinea. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20698. [PMID: 34667210 PMCID: PMC8526584 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a viral haemorrhagic fever endemic in West Africa and spread primarily by the multimammate rat, Mastomys natalensis. As there is no vaccine, reduction of rodent-human transmission is essential for disease control. As the household is thought to be a key site of transmission, understanding domestic risk factors for M. natalensis abundance is crucial. Rodent captures in conjunction with domestic surveys were carried out in 6 villages in an area of rural Upper Guinea with high LF endemicity. 120 rodent traps were set in rooms along a transect in each village for three nights, and the survey was administered in each household on the transects. This study was able to detect several domestic risk factors for increased rodent abundance in rural Upper Guinea. Regression analysis demonstrated that having > 8 holes (RR = 1.8 [1.0004-3.2, p = 0.048), the presence of rodent burrows (RR = 2.3 [1.6-3.23, p = 0.000003), and being in a multi-room square building (RR = 2.0 [1.3-2.9], p = 0.001) were associated with increased rodent abundance. The most addressable of these may be rodent burrows, as burrow patching is a relatively simple process that may reduce rodent entry. Further study is warranted to explicitly link domestic rodent abundance to LF risk, to better characterize domestic risk factors, and to evaluate how household rodent-proofing interventions could contribute to LF control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Clark
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Laith Yakob
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Moussa Douno
- Projet des Fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Laboratoire de Recherche en Virologie, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Joseph Lamine
- Mercy Hospital Research Laboratory, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - N 'Faly Magassouba
- Projet des Fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Laboratoire de Recherche en Virologie, Conakry, Guinea
| | | | - Almudena Mari-Saez
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Geographical drivers and climate-linked dynamics of Lassa fever in Nigeria. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5759. [PMID: 34599162 PMCID: PMC8486829 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25910-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever is a longstanding public health concern in West Africa. Recent molecular studies have confirmed the fundamental role of the rodent host (Mastomys natalensis) in driving human infections, but control and prevention efforts remain hampered by a limited baseline understanding of the disease's true incidence, geographical distribution and underlying drivers. Here, we show that Lassa fever occurrence and incidence is influenced by climate, poverty, agriculture and urbanisation factors. However, heterogeneous reporting processes and diagnostic laboratory access also appear to be important drivers of the patchy distribution of observed disease incidence. Using spatiotemporal predictive models we show that including climatic variability added retrospective predictive value over a baseline model (11% decrease in out-of-sample predictive error). However, predictions for 2020 show that a climate-driven model performs similarly overall to the baseline model. Overall, with ongoing improvements in surveillance there may be potential for forecasting Lassa fever incidence to inform health planning.
Collapse
|
36
|
The Influence of War and Conflict on Infectious Disease: A Rapid Review of Historical Lessons We Have Yet to Learn. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su131910783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Armed conflicts degrade established healthcare systems, which typically manifests as a resurgence of preventable infectious diseases. While 70% of deaths globally are now from non-communicable disease; in low-income countries, respiratory infections, diarrheal illness, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDs are all in the top 10 causes of death. The burden of these infectious diseases is exacerbated by armed conflict, translating into even more dramatic long-term consequences. This rapid evidence review searched electronic databases in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Of 381 identified publications, 73 were included in this review. Several authors indicate that the impact of infectious diseases increases in wars and armed conflicts due to disruption to surveillance and response systems that were often poorly developed to begin with. Although the true impact of conflict on infectious disease spread is not known and requires further research, the link between them is indisputable. Current decision-making management systems are insufficient and only pass the baton to the next unwary generation.
Collapse
|
37
|
Jonkmans N, D'Acremont V, Flahault A. Scoping future outbreaks: a scoping review on the outbreak prediction of the WHO Blueprint list of priority diseases. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e006623. [PMID: 34531189 PMCID: PMC8449939 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO's Research and Development Blueprint priority list designates emerging diseases with the potential to generate public health emergencies for which insufficient preventive solutions exist. The list aims to reduce the time to the availability of resources that can avert public health crises. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic illustrates that an effective method of mitigating such crises is the pre-emptive prediction of outbreaks. This scoping review thus aimed to map and identify the evidence available to predict future outbreaks of the Blueprint diseases. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science related to the evidence predicting future outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg virus, Zika virus, Lassa fever, Nipah and Henipaviral disease, Rift Valley fever, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome and Disease X. Prediction methods, outbreak features predicted and implementation of predictions were evaluated. We conducted a narrative and quantitative evidence synthesis to highlight prediction methods that could be further investigated for the prevention of Blueprint diseases and COVID-19 outbreaks. RESULTS Out of 3959 articles identified, we included 58 articles based on inclusion criteria. 5 major prediction methods emerged; the most frequent being spatio-temporal risk maps predicting outbreak risk periods and locations through vector and climate data. Stochastic models were predominant. Rift Valley fever was the most predicted disease. Diseases with complex sociocultural factors such as Ebola were often predicted through multifactorial risk-based estimations. 10% of models were implemented by health authorities. No article predicted Disease X outbreaks. CONCLUSIONS Spatiotemporal models for diseases with strong climatic and vectorial components, as in River Valley fever prediction, may currently best reduce the time to the availability of resources. A wide literature gap exists in the prediction of zoonoses with complex sociocultural and ecological dynamics such as Ebola, COVID-19 and especially Disease X.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Jonkmans
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Barua S, Dénes A, Ibrahim MA. A seasonal model to assess intervention strategies for preventing periodic recurrence of Lassa fever. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07760. [PMID: 34430743 PMCID: PMC8367792 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa haemorrhagic fever is listed in WHO's Blueprint priority list of diseases and pathogens prioritized for research and development, affecting several hundreds of thousands of people each year. Lassa fever is spread via infected Natal multimammate mice and also through human-to-human contacts and it is a particular threat to pregnant women. Despite its importance, relatively few mathematical models have been established for modelling Lassa fever transmission up to now. We establish and study a new compartmental model for Lassa fever transmission including asymptomatic carriers, quarantine and periodic coefficients to model annual weather changes. We determine parameter values providing the best fit to data from Nigerian states Edo and Ondo from 2018–20. We perform uncertainty analysis and PRCC analysis to assess the importance of different parameters and numerical simulations to estimate the possible effects of control measures in eradicating the disease. The results suggest that the most important parameter which might be subject of control measures is death rate of mice, while mouse-to-human and human-to-human transmission rates also significantly influence the number of infected. However, decreasing the latter two parameters seems insufficient to eradicate the disease, while a parallel application of decreasing transmission rates and increasing mouse death rate might be able to stop the epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saumen Barua
- Bolyai Institute, University of Szeged, Aradi vértanúk tere 1., Szeged, 6720, Hungary
| | - Attila Dénes
- Bolyai Institute, University of Szeged, Aradi vértanúk tere 1., Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- Corresponding author.
| | - Mahmoud A. Ibrahim
- Bolyai Institute, University of Szeged, Aradi vértanúk tere 1., Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mateo M, Reynard S, Journeaux A, Germain C, Hortion J, Carnec X, Picard C, Baillet N, Borges-Cardoso V, Merabet O, Vallve A, Barron S, Jourjon O, Lacroix O, Duthey A, Dirheimer M, Jouvion G, Moreau PH, Fellmann L, Carbonnelle C, Raoul H, Tangy F, Baize S. A single-shot Lassa vaccine induces long-term immunity and protects cynomolgus monkeys against heterologous strains. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/597/eabf6348. [PMID: 34108251 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf6348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A safe and protective Lassa virus vaccine is crucially needed in Western Africa to stem the recurrent outbreaks of Lassa virus infections in Nigeria and the emergence of Lassa virus in previously unaffected countries, such as Benin and Togo. Major challenges in developing a Lassa virus vaccine include the high diversity of circulating strains and their reemergence from 1 year to another. To address each of these challenges, we immunized cynomolgus monkeys with a measles virus vector expressing the Lassa virus glycoprotein and nucleoprotein of the prototypic Lassa virus strain Josiah (MeV-NP). To evaluate vaccine efficacy against heterologous strains of Lassa virus, we challenged the monkeys a month later with heterologous strains from lineage II or lineage VII, finding that the vaccine was protective against these strains. A second cohort of monkeys was challenged 1 year later with the homologous Josiah strain, finding that a single dose of MeV-NP was sufficient to protect all vaccinated monkeys. These studies demonstrate that MeV-NP can generate both long-lasting immune responses and responses that are able to protect against diverse strains of Lassa virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Mateo
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Stéphanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Alexandra Journeaux
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Clara Germain
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Jimmy Hortion
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Carnec
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Caroline Picard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Baillet
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Virginie Borges-Cardoso
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Othmann Merabet
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Audrey Vallve
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Barron
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Ophélie Jourjon
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Orianne Lacroix
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Aurélie Duthey
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Manon Dirheimer
- INSERM, Délégation Régionale Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Gregory Jouvion
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité d'Histologie et d'Anatomie Pathologique, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.,Dynamic Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Lyne Fellmann
- SILABE, Université de Strasbourg, Fort Foch, 67207 Niederhausbergen, France
| | | | - Hervé Raoul
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Tangy
- Viral Genomics and Vaccination, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR-3569, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France. .,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hasan MM, Costa ACDS, Xenophontos E, Mohanan P, Bassey EE, Ahmad S, Essar MY. Lassa fever and COVID-19 in Africa: A double crisis on the fragile health system. J Med Virol 2021; 93:5707-5709. [PMID: 34191292 PMCID: PMC8427126 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh.,Division of Infectious Diseases, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Eleni Xenophontos
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Cyprus Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Parvathy Mohanan
- Department of General Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Esther Edet Bassey
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
| | - Shoaib Ahmad
- Department of Medicine and General Surgery, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Simo Tchetgna H, Descorps-Declère S, Selekon B, Kwasiborski A, Vandenbogaert M, Manuguerra JC, Gessain A, Caro V, Nakouné E, Berthet N. Molecular characterization of a new highly divergent Mobala related arenavirus isolated from Praomys sp. rodents. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10188. [PMID: 33986310 PMCID: PMC8119949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88046-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Arenaviruses represent a family of viruses that are naturally present in rodents belonging to subfamily Murinae, Neotominae or Sigmodontinae. Except for Lassa virus, little information is available on other Old-World arenaviruses. Here, we describe strain AnRB3214, a virus isolated from a presumed Praomys sp. rodent in the Central African Republic in 1981 and assigned to Ippy virus based on antigenic similarity. The strain was simultaneously sequenced on Illumina NovaSeq 6000 and MinION Mk1B devices and analysed with various bioinformatics tools. We show that the best genome coverage and depth were obtained with the Kaiju and Minimap2 classification and identification tools, on either the MinION or the Illumina reads. The genetic analysis of AnRB3214 fragments showed 68% to 79% similarity with the Mobala and Gairo mammarenaviruses at the nucleic acid level. Strain AnRB3214 had a truncated nucleoprotein smaller than that of other Old World arenaviruses. Molecular clock analysis suggests that this strain diverged from Mobala virus at least 400 years ago. Finally, this study illustrates the importance of genomics in the identification of archived viruses and expands on the diversity of African arenaviruses, because strain AnRB3214 is either a variant or a close relative of Mobala virus, and not Ippy virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huguette Simo Tchetgna
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Discovery and Molecular Characterization of Pathogens, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Stephane Descorps-Declère
- Center of Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Integrative Biology (C3BI), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Aurelia Kwasiborski
- Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence, Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Paris, France
| | - Mathias Vandenbogaert
- Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence, Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Claude Manuguerra
- Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence, Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Gessain
- Unité d'Epidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Département de Virologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR3569, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Caro
- Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence, Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Paris, France
| | | | - Nicolas Berthet
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Discovery and Molecular Characterization of Pathogens, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence, Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hoffmann C, Wurr S, Pallasch E, Bockholt S, Rieger T, Günther S, Oestereich L. Experimental Morogoro Virus Infection in Its Natural Host, Mastomys natalensis. Viruses 2021; 13:851. [PMID: 34067011 PMCID: PMC8151005 DOI: 10.3390/v13050851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural hosts of most arenaviruses are rodents. The human-pathogenic Lassa virus and several non-pathogenic arenaviruses such as Morogoro virus (MORV) share the same host species, namely Mastomys natalensis (M. natalensis). In this study, we investigated the history of infection and virus transmission within the natural host population. To this end, we infected M. natalensis at different ages with MORV and measured the health status of the animals, virus load in blood and organs, the development of virus-specific antibodies, and the ability of the infected individuals to transmit the virus. To explore the impact of the lack of evolutionary virus-host adaptation, experiments were also conducted with Mobala virus (MOBV), which does not share M. natalensis as a natural host. Animals infected with MORV up to two weeks after birth developed persistent infection, seroconverted and were able to transmit the virus horizontally. Animals older than two weeks at the time of infection rapidly cleared the virus. In contrast, MOBV-infected neonates neither developed persistent infection nor were able to transmit the virus. In conclusion, we demonstrate that MORV is able to develop persistent infection in its natural host, but only after inoculation shortly after birth. A related arenavirus that is not evolutionarily adapted to M. natalensis is not able to establish persistent infection. Persistently infected animals appear to be important to maintain virus transmission within the host population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Hoffmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (C.H.); (S.W.); (E.P.); (S.B.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Stephanie Wurr
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (C.H.); (S.W.); (E.P.); (S.B.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Elisa Pallasch
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (C.H.); (S.W.); (E.P.); (S.B.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Sabrina Bockholt
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (C.H.); (S.W.); (E.P.); (S.B.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Toni Rieger
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (C.H.); (S.W.); (E.P.); (S.B.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Stephan Günther
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (C.H.); (S.W.); (E.P.); (S.B.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Lisa Oestereich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (C.H.); (S.W.); (E.P.); (S.B.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Plewe MB, Gantla VR, Sokolova NV, Shin YJ, Naik S, Brown ER, Fetsko A, Zhang L, Kalveram B, Freiberg AN, Henkel G, McCormack K. Discovery of a novel highly potent broad-spectrum heterocyclic chemical series of arenavirus cell entry inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 41:127983. [PMID: 33965007 PMCID: PMC10187606 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We identified and explored the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a novel heterocyclic chemical series of arenavirus cell entry inhibitors. Optimized lead compounds, including diphenyl-substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines, benzimidazoles, and benzotriazoles exhibited low to sub-nanomolar potency against both pseudotyped and infectious Old and New World arenaviruses, attractive metabolic stability in human and most nonhuman liver microsomes as well as a lack of hERG K + channel or CYP enzyme inhibition. Moreover, the straightforward synthesis of several lead compounds (e.g., the simple high yield 3-step synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine 37) could provide a cost-effective broad-spectrum arenavirus therapeutic that may help to minimize the cost-prohibitive burdens associated with treatments for emerging viruses in economically challenged geographical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Plewe
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States
| | - Vidyasagar Reddy Gantla
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States
| | - Nadezda V Sokolova
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States
| | - Young-Jun Shin
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States
| | - Shibani Naik
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States
| | - Eric R Brown
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States
| | - Alexandra Fetsko
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, TX, United States
| | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Pathology, and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, TX, United States
| | - Alexander N Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, TX, United States
| | - Greg Henkel
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States
| | - Ken McCormack
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 104, San Diego 92121, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Arruda LB, Haider N, Olayemi A, Simons D, Ehichioya D, Yinka-Ogunleye A, Ansumana R, Thomason MJ, Asogun D, Ihekweazu C, Fichet-Calvet E, Kock RA. The niche of One Health approaches in Lassa fever surveillance and control. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2021; 20:29. [PMID: 33894784 PMCID: PMC8067790 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-021-00431-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF), a zoonotic illness, represents a public health burden in West African countries where the Lassa virus (LASV) circulates among rodents. Human exposure hinges significantly on LASV ecology, which is in turn shaped by various parameters such as weather seasonality and even virus and rodent-host genetics. Furthermore, human behaviour, despite playing a key role in the zoonotic nature of the disease, critically affects either the spread or control of human-to-human transmission. Previous estimations on LF burden date from the 80s and it is unclear how the population expansion and the improvement on diagnostics and surveillance methods have affected such predictions. Although recent data have contributed to the awareness of epidemics, the real impact of LF in West African communities will only be possible with the intensification of interdisciplinary efforts in research and public health approaches. This review discusses the causes and consequences of LF from a One Health perspective, and how the application of this concept can improve the surveillance and control of this disease in West Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liã Bárbara Arruda
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Najmul Haider
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Ayodeji Olayemi
- Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
| | - David Simons
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Deborah Ehichioya
- Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria.,Department of Microbiology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | | | - Rashid Ansumana
- School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Margaret J Thomason
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Danny Asogun
- Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Richard A Kock
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a lethal hemorrhagic disease primarily concentrated in the tropical savannah regions of Nigeria and the Mano River Union countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. Endemic hotspots within these countries have had recurrent exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) via continual spillover from the host reservoir Mastomys natalensis. Increased trade and travel throughout the region have spread the virus to previously unexposed countries, including Ghana, Benin, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire. In the absence of effective treatment or vaccines to LASV, preventative measures against Lassa fever rely heavily on reducing or eliminating rodent exposure, increasing the knowledge base surrounding the virus and disease in communities, and diminishing the stigmas faced by Lassa fever survivors.
Collapse
|
46
|
Yadouleton A, Picard C, Rieger T, Loko F, Cadar D, Kouthon EC, Job EO, Bankolé H, Oestereich L, Gbaguidi F, Pahlman M, Becker-Ziaja B, Journeaux A, Pannetier D, Mély S, Mundweiler S, Thomas D, Kohossi L, Saizonou R, Kakaï CG, Da Silva M, Kossoubedie S, Kakonku AL, M'Pelé P, Gunther S, Baize S, Fichet-Calvet E. Lassa fever in Benin: description of the 2014 and 2016 epidemics and genetic characterization of a new Lassa virus. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 9:1761-1770. [PMID: 32723007 PMCID: PMC7473144 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1796528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We report two outbreaks of Lassa fever that occurred in Benin in 2014 and 2016 with 20 confirmed cases and 50% (10/20) mortality. Benin was not previously considered to be an endemic country for Lassa fever, resulting in a delay to diagnose the disease and its human transmission. Molecular investigations showed the viral genomes to be similar to that of the Togo strain, which is genetically very different from other known strains and confirms the existence of a new lineage. Endemic circulation of Lassa virus in a new territory and the genetic diversity thus confirm that this virus represents a growing threat for West African people. Given the divergence of the Benin strain from the prototypic Josiah Sierra Leone strain frequently used to generate vaccine candidates, the efficacy of vaccine candidates should also be demonstrated with this strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Picard
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur CNR des fièvres hémorragiques virales (CNR FHV), Lyon, France
| | - Toni Rieger
- Virology Department, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Cadar
- Virology Department, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Lisa Oestereich
- Virology Department, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Meike Pahlman
- Virology Department, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Beate Becker-Ziaja
- Virology Department, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Stéphane Mély
- INSERM - Jean Mérieux BSL4Laboratory, CNR FHV, Lyon, France
| | | | - Damien Thomas
- INSERM - Jean Mérieux BSL4Laboratory, CNR FHV, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephan Gunther
- Virology Department, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Laboratoire des Fièvres Hémorragiques Virales, Cotonou, Benin
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Douno M, Asampong E, Magassouba N, Fichet-Calvet E, Almudena MS. Hunting and consumption of rodents by children in the Lassa fever endemic area of Faranah, Guinea. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009212. [PMID: 33730025 PMCID: PMC7968712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As a consequence of the Ebola outbreak, human-animal contact has gained importance for zoonotic transmission surveillance. In Faranah (Upper Guinea), daily life is intertwined with rodents, such as the Natal multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis; a reservoir for Lassa virus (LASV). However, this contact is rarely perceived as a health risk by residents, although Lassa fever (LF) is known to be endemic to this region. Conversely, these observations remain a great concern for global health agendas. Drawing on ethnographic research involving interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, and informal discussions over four months, we first identified factors that motivated children to hunt and consume rodents in Faranah villages, and thereafter, explored the knowledge of LF infection in children and their parents. Furthermore, we studied two dimensions of human-rodent encounters: 1) space-time of interaction and 2) factors that allowed the interaction to occur and their materiality. This approach allowed us to contextualize child-rodent contacts beyond domestic limits in the fallow fields, swamps, and at other times for this practice. A close look at these encounters provided information on rodent trapping, killing, and manipulation of cooking techniques and the risk these activities posed for the primary transmission of LASV. This research facilitated the understanding of children's exposure to M. natalensis during hunting sessions and the importance of rodent hunting, which is a part of their boyish identity in rural areas. Determination of when, where, why, and how children, rodents, and environments interacted allowed us to understand the exposures and risks important for human and animal surveillance programs in the Lassa-endemic region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Douno
- Projet des Fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Centre de Recherche en Virologie, Université de Conakry, Guinée
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - Emmanuel Asampong
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - N’Faly Magassouba
- Projet des Fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Centre de Recherche en Virologie, Université de Conakry, Guinée
| | | | - Marí Sáez Almudena
- Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Shaffer JG, Schieffelin JS, Momoh M, Goba A, Kanneh L, Alhasan F, Gbakie M, Engel EJ, Bond NG, Hartnett JN, Nelson DKS, Bush DJ, Boisen ML, Heinrich ML, Rowland MM, Branco LM, Samuels RJ, Garry RF, Grant DS. Space-Time Trends in Lassa Fever in Sierra Leone by ELISA Serostatus, 2012-2019. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030586. [PMID: 33809204 PMCID: PMC8000031 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a viral hemorrhagic disease found in Sub-Saharan Africa and is responsible for up to 300,000 cases and 5000 deaths annually. LF is highly endemic in Sierra Leone, particularly in its Eastern Province. Kenema Government Hospital (KGH) maintains one of only a few LF isolation facilities in the world with year-round diagnostic testing. Here we focus on space-time trends for LF occurring in Sierra Leone between 2012 and 2019 to provide a current account of LF in the wake of the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic. Data were analyzed for 3277 suspected LF cases and classified as acute, recent, and non-LF or prior LF exposure using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Presentation rates for acute, recent, and non-LF or prior LF exposure were 6.0% (195/3277), 25.6% (838/3277), and 68.4% (2244/3277), respectively. Among 2051 non-LF or prior LF exposures, 33.2% (682/2051) tested positive for convalescent LF exposure. The overall LF case-fatality rate (CFR) was 78.5% (106/135). Both clinical presentations and confirmed LF cases declined following the Ebola epidemic. These declines coincided with an increased duration between illness onset and clinical presentation, perhaps suggesting more severe disease or presentation at later stages of illness. Acute LF cases and their corresponding CFRs peaked during the dry season (November to April). Subjects with recent (but not acute) LF exposure were more likely to present during the rainy season (May to October) than the dry season (p < 0.001). The findings here suggest that LF remains endemic in Sierra Leone and that caseloads are likely to resume at levels observed prior to the Ebola epidemic. The results provide insight on the current epidemiological profile of LF in Sierra Leone to facilitate LF vaccine studies and accentuate the need for LF cohort studies and continued advancements in LF diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence: (J.G.S.); (J.S.S.); (D.S.G.); Tel.: +1-504-988-1142 (J.G.S.); +1-504-988-5117 (D.S.G.)
| | - John S. Schieffelin
- Sections of Infectious Disease, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (E.J.E.); (N.G.B.)
- Correspondence: (J.G.S.); (J.S.S.); (D.S.G.); Tel.: +1-504-988-1142 (J.G.S.); +1-504-988-5117 (D.S.G.)
| | - Mambu Momoh
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone; (M.M.); (A.G.); (L.K.); (F.A.); (M.G.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Augustine Goba
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone; (M.M.); (A.G.); (L.K.); (F.A.); (M.G.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Lansana Kanneh
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone; (M.M.); (A.G.); (L.K.); (F.A.); (M.G.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Foday Alhasan
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone; (M.M.); (A.G.); (L.K.); (F.A.); (M.G.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Michael Gbakie
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone; (M.M.); (A.G.); (L.K.); (F.A.); (M.G.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Emily J. Engel
- Sections of Infectious Disease, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (E.J.E.); (N.G.B.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.N.H.); (R.F.G.)
| | - Nell G. Bond
- Sections of Infectious Disease, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (E.J.E.); (N.G.B.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.N.H.); (R.F.G.)
| | - Jessica N. Hartnett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.N.H.); (R.F.G.)
| | - Diana K. S. Nelson
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA; (D.K.S.N.); (D.J.B.); (M.L.B.); (M.L.H.); (M.M.R.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Duane J. Bush
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA; (D.K.S.N.); (D.J.B.); (M.L.B.); (M.L.H.); (M.M.R.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Matthew L. Boisen
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA; (D.K.S.N.); (D.J.B.); (M.L.B.); (M.L.H.); (M.M.R.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Megan L. Heinrich
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA; (D.K.S.N.); (D.J.B.); (M.L.B.); (M.L.H.); (M.M.R.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Megan M. Rowland
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA; (D.K.S.N.); (D.J.B.); (M.L.B.); (M.L.H.); (M.M.R.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Luis M. Branco
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA; (D.K.S.N.); (D.J.B.); (M.L.B.); (M.L.H.); (M.M.R.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Robert J. Samuels
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone; (M.M.); (A.G.); (L.K.); (F.A.); (M.G.); (R.J.S.)
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TE 37203, USA
| | - Robert F. Garry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (J.N.H.); (R.F.G.)
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA; (D.K.S.N.); (D.J.B.); (M.L.B.); (M.L.H.); (M.M.R.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Donald S. Grant
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone; (M.M.); (A.G.); (L.K.); (F.A.); (M.G.); (R.J.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.G.S.); (J.S.S.); (D.S.G.); Tel.: +1-504-988-1142 (J.G.S.); +1-504-988-5117 (D.S.G.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Basinski AJ, Fichet-Calvet E, Sjodin AR, Varrelman TJ, Remien CH, Layman NC, Bird BH, Wolking DJ, Monagin C, Ghersi BM, Barry PA, Jarvis MA, Gessler PE, Nuismer SL. Bridging the gap: Using reservoir ecology and human serosurveys to estimate Lassa virus spillover in West Africa. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008811. [PMID: 33657095 PMCID: PMC7959400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Forecasting the risk of pathogen spillover from reservoir populations of wild or domestic animals is essential for the effective deployment of interventions such as wildlife vaccination or culling. Due to the sporadic nature of spillover events and limited availability of data, developing and validating robust, spatially explicit, predictions is challenging. Recent efforts have begun to make progress in this direction by capitalizing on machine learning methodologies. An important weakness of existing approaches, however, is that they generally rely on combining human and reservoir infection data during the training process and thus conflate risk attributable to the prevalence of the pathogen in the reservoir population with the risk attributed to the realized rate of spillover into the human population. Because effective planning of interventions requires that these components of risk be disentangled, we developed a multi-layer machine learning framework that separates these processes. Our approach begins by training models to predict the geographic range of the primary reservoir and the subset of this range in which the pathogen occurs. The spillover risk predicted by the product of these reservoir specific models is then fit to data on realized patterns of historical spillover into the human population. The result is a geographically specific spillover risk forecast that can be easily decomposed and used to guide effective intervention. Applying our method to Lassa virus, a zoonotic pathogen that regularly spills over into the human population across West Africa, results in a model that explains a modest but statistically significant portion of geographic variation in historical patterns of spillover. When combined with a mechanistic mathematical model of infection dynamics, our spillover risk model predicts that 897,700 humans are infected by Lassa virus each year across West Africa, with Nigeria accounting for more than half of these human infections. The 2019 emergence of SARS-CoV-2 is a grim reminder of the threat animal-borne pathogens pose to human health. Even prior to SARS-CoV-2, the spillover of pathogens from animal reservoirs was a persistent problem, with pathogens such as Ebola, Nipah, and Lassa regularly but unpredictably causing outbreaks. Machine-learning models that anticipate when and where pathogen transmission from animals to humans is likely to occur would help guide surveillance efforts and preemptive countermeasures like information campaigns or vaccination programs. We develop a novel machine learning framework that uses datasets describing the distribution of a virus within its host and the range of its animal host, along with data on spatial patterns of human immunity, to infer rates of animal-to-human transmission across a region. By training the model on data from the animal host alone, our framework allows rigorous validation of spillover predictions using human data. We apply our framework to Lassa fever, a viral disease of West Africa that is spread to humans by rodents, and use the predictions to update estimates of Lassa virus infections in humans. Our results suggest that Nigeria is most at risk for the emergence of Lassa virus, and should be prioritized for outbreak-surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Basinski
- Department of Mathematics, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Anna R. Sjodin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Tanner J. Varrelman
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Christopher H. Remien
- Department of Mathematics, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Nathan C. Layman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Brian H. Bird
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - David J. Wolking
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Corina Monagin
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Bruno M. Ghersi
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Peter A. Barry
- Center for Comparative Medicine, California National Primate Research Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Jarvis
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Paul E. Gessler
- College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Scott L. Nuismer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chika-Igwenyi NM, Harrison RE, Psarra C, Gil-Cuesta J, Gulamhusein M, Onwe EO, Onoh RC, Unigwe US, Ajayi NA, Nnadozie UU, Ojide CK, Nwidi DU, Ezeanosike O, Sampson E, Adeke AS, Ugwu CN, Anebonam U, Tshiang JK, Maikere J, Reid A. Early onset of neurological features differentiates two outbreaks of Lassa fever in Ebonyi state, Nigeria during 2017-2018. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009169. [PMID: 33684118 PMCID: PMC7984835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness with various non-specific clinical manifestations. Neurological symptoms are rare at the early stage of the disease, but may be seen in late stages, in severely ill patients.The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological evolution, socio-demographic profiles, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients seen during two Lassa fever outbreaks in Ebonyi State, between December 2017 and December 2018. Routinely collected clinical data from all patients admitted to the Virology Centre of the hospital during the period were analysed retrospectively. Out of a total of 83 cases, 70(84.3%) were RT-PCR confirmed while 13 (15.7%) were probable cases. Sixty-nine (83.1%) patients were seen in outbreak 1 of whom 53.6% were urban residents, while 19%, 15%, and 10% were farmers, students and health workers respectively. There were 14 (16.8%) patients, seen in second outbreak with 92.9% rural residents. There were differences in clinical symptoms, signs and laboratory findings between the two outbreaks. The case fatality rates were 29.9% in outbreak 1 and 85.7% for outbreak 2. Neurological features and abnormal laboratory test results were associated with higher mortality rate, seen in outbreak 2. This study revealed significant differences between the two outbreaks. Of particular concern was the higher case fatality during the outbreak 2 which may be from a more virulent strain of the Lassa virus. This has important public health implications and further molecular studies are needed to better define its characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nneka M. Chika-Igwenyi
- Department of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | | | - Christina Psarra
- Médecins sans Frontières Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julita Gil-Cuesta
- Médecins sans Frontières Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Gulamhusein
- Médecins sans Frontières Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emeka O. Onwe
- Department of Paediatrics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Robinson C. Onoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Uche S. Unigwe
- Department of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
- University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Nnennaya A. Ajayi
- Department of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Ugochukwu U. Nnadozie
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Chiedozie K. Ojide
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
- Virology Laboratory, Virology Centre,AlexEkwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Damian U. Nwidi
- Department of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Obumneme Ezeanosike
- Department of Paediatrics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Emeka Sampson
- Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Azuka S. Adeke
- Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakiliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Collins N. Ugwu
- Department of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Reid
- Médecins sans Frontières Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Operational Centre Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|