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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.
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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
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2
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Moore KA, Ostrowsky JT, Mehr AJ, Johnson RA, Ulrich AK, Moua NM, Fay PC, Hart PJ, Golding JP, Benassi V, Preziosi MP, Adetifa IM, Akpede GO, Ampofo WK, Asogun DA, Barrett ADT, Bausch DG, de Coster I, Emperador DM, Feldmann H, Fichet-Calvet E, Formenty PBH, Garry RF, Grant DS, Günther S, Gupta SB, Jaspard M, Mazzola LT, Okogbenin SA, Roth C, Schmaljohn CS, Osterholm MT. Lassa fever research priorities: towards effective medical countermeasures by the end of the decade. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:S1473-3099(24)00229-9. [PMID: 38964363 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
In 2016, WHO designated Lassa fever a priority disease for epidemic preparedness as part of the WHO Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics. One aspect of preparedness is to promote development of effective medical countermeasures (ie, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines) against Lassa fever. Diagnostic testing for Lassa fever has important limitations and key advancements are needed to ensure rapid and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, the only treatment available for Lassa fever is ribavirin, but controversy exists regarding its effectiveness. Finally, no licensed vaccines are available for the prevention and control of Lassa fever. Ongoing epidemiological and behavioural studies are also crucial in providing actionable information for medical countermeasure development, use, and effectiveness in preventing and treating Lassa fever. This Personal View provides current research priorities for development of Lassa fever medical countermeasures based on literature published primarily in the last 5 years and consensus opinion of 20 subject matter experts with broad experience in public health or the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for Lassa fever. These priorities provide an important framework to ensure that Lassa fever medical countermeasures are developed and readily available for use in endemic and at-risk areas by the end of the decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine A Moore
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Julia T Ostrowsky
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Angela J Mehr
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rebecca A Johnson
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Angela K Ulrich
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicolina M Moua
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Petra C Fay
- Infectious Disease Strategic Programme, Wellcome Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter J Hart
- Infectious Disease Strategic Programme, Wellcome Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - George O Akpede
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Institute of Viral and Emergent Pathogens Control and Research (formerly, Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control), Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Alan D T Barrett
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel G Bausch
- FIND, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ilse de Coster
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Robert F Garry
- Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, USA; Global Viral Network, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald S Grant
- Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Stephan Günther
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Swati B Gupta
- lnternational AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marie Jaspard
- The Alliance for International Medical Action, Dakar, Senegal; Saint-Antoine Hospital, Infectious Disease Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; INSERM Unit 1136 Institut Pierre Louis D'Epidémiologie et de Sante Publique, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Cathy Roth
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London, UK
| | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael T Osterholm
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - TIMOTHY KAYODE SAMSON
- Statistics Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo
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4
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Aloke C, Obasi NA, Aja PM, Emelike CU, Egwu CO, Jeje O, Edeogu CO, Onisuru OO, Orji OU, Achilonu I. Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Viruses 2023; 15:146. [PMID: 36680186 PMCID: PMC9864412 DOI: 10.3390/v15010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne disease that threatens human health in the sub-region of West Africa where the zoonotic host of Lassa virus (LASV) is predominant. Currently, treatment options for LF are limited and since no preventive vaccine is approved for its infectivity, there is a high mortality rate in endemic areas. This narrative review explores the transmission, pathogenicity of LASV, advances, and challenges of different treatment options. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity among the different strains of LASV and their ability to circumvent the immune system poses a critical challenge to the development of LASV vaccines/therapeutics. Thus, understanding the biochemistry, physiology and genetic polymorphism of LASV, mechanism of evading host immunity are essential for development of effective LASV vaccines/therapeutics to combat this lethal viral disease. The LASV nucleoprotein (NP) is a novel target for therapeutics as it functions significantly in several aspects of the viral life cycle. Consequently, LASV NP inhibitors could be employed as effective therapeutics as they will potentially inhibit LASV replication. Effective preventive control measures, vaccine development, target validation, and repurposing of existing drugs, such as ribavirin, using activity or in silico-based and computational bioinformatics, would aid in the development of novel drugs for LF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere Aloke
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Nwogo Ajuka Obasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Bushenyi, Ishaka P.O. Box 71, Uganda
| | - Chinedum Uche Emelike
- Department of Physiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olamide Jeje
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Chuks Oswald Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan Olugbenga Onisuru
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Obasi Uche Orji
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
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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.
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6
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Geldenhuys M, Weyer J, Kearney T, Markotter W. Host-Associated Distribution of Two Novel Mammarenaviruses in Rodents from Southern Africa. Viruses 2022; 15:99. [PMID: 36680139 PMCID: PMC9861163 DOI: 10.3390/v15010099] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammarenaviruses are hosted by several rodent species, a small number of which have been known to be zoonotic. Host surveillance among small mammals has identified a large diversity of previously undescribed mammarenaviruses. Intensified biosurveillance is warranted to better understand the diversity of these agents. Longitudinal host surveillance involving non-volant small mammals at a site in the Limpopo province, South Africa, was conducted. The study reports on the screening results of 563 samples for the presence of mammarenavirus RNA. PCR-positive samples were subjected to sequencing using Miseq amplicon sequencing. Sequences with close similarity to Mariental and Lunk viruses were identified from two rodent species, Micaelamys namaquensis and Mus minutoides. This represents the first description of these viruses from South Africa. The genomic sequences reported here partially satisfied the requirements put forward by the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses' criteria for species delineation, suggesting that these may be new strains of existing species. The known distribution of these mammarenaviruses is thus expanded further south in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike Geldenhuys
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Weyer
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Teresa Kearney
- Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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7
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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.
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Mateo M, Hortion J, Perthame E, Picard C, Reynard S, Journeaux A, Germain C, Carnec X, Baillet N, Borges-Cardoso V, Pietrosemoli N, Vallve A, Barron S, Jourjon O, Lacroix O, Duthey A, Dirheimer M, Daniau M, Legras-Lachuer C, Jouvion G, Carbonnelle C, Raoul H, Baize S. Pathogenesis of recent Lassa virus isolates from lineages II and VII in cynomolgus monkeys. Virulence 2022; 13:654-669. [PMID: 35437094 PMCID: PMC9037461 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2060170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The area of Lassa virus (LASV) circulation is expanding, with the emergence of highly pathogenic new LASV lineages. Benin recently became an endemic country for LASV and has seen the emergence of a new LASV lineage (VII). The first two outbreaks in 2014 and 2016 showed a relatively high mortality rate compared to other outbreaks. We infected cynomolgus monkeys with two strains belonging to lineage II and lineage VII that were isolated from deceased patients during the 2016 outbreak in Benin. The lineage VII strain (L7) caused uniform mortality. Death was associated with uncontrolled viral replication, unbalanced inflammatory responses characterized by increased concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and the absence of efficient immune responses, resembling the pathogenesis associated with the prototypic Josiah strain in monkeys. The lineage II strain (L2) showed apparently lower virulence than its counterpart, with a prolonged time to death and a lower mortality rate. Prolonged survival was associated with better control of viral replication, a moderate inflammatory response, and efficient T-cell responses. Transcriptomic analyses also highlighted important differences in the immune responses associated with the outcome. Both strains caused strong inflammation in several organs. Notably, meningitis and encephalitis were observed in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum in all monkeys, independently of the outcome. Due to their apparently high pathogenicity, emerging strains from lineage VII should be considered in preclinical vaccine testing. Lineage II would also be beneficial in pathogenesis studies to study the entire spectrum of Lassa fever severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Mateo
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Jimmy Hortion
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Emeline Perthame
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Picard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Stéphanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Alexandra Journeaux
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Clara Germain
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Xavier Carnec
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Nicolas Baillet
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Virginie Borges-Cardoso
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Natalia Pietrosemoli
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Paris, 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, Bron, France
| | | | | | - Gregory Jouvion
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité d'Histologie et d'Anatomie Pathologique, Maisons-Alfort, France.,Dynamic Research Group, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaired'Alfort, USC ANSES, Université Paris Est Créteil, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Hervé Raoul
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
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9
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Preiser W, Engelbrecht S, Maponga T. No point in travel bans if countries with poor surveillance are ignored. Lancet 2022; 399:1224. [PMID: 35339220 PMCID: PMC8947807 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)00363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Tygerberg, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
| | - Susan Engelbrecht
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Tygerberg, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Tongai Maponga
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Tygerberg, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
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10
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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.
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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
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11
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Olschewski S, Thielebein A, Hoffmann C, Blake O, Müller J, Bockholt S, Pallasch E, Hinzmann J, Wurr S, Neddersen N, Rieger T, Günther S, Oestereich L. Validation of Inactivation Methods for Arenaviruses. Viruses 2021; 13:968. [PMID: 34073735 PMCID: PMC8225210 DOI: 10.3390/v13060968] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several of the human-pathogenic arenaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever and have to be handled under biosafety level 4 conditions, including Lassa virus. Rapid and safe inactivation of specimens containing these viruses is fundamental to enable downstream processing for diagnostics or research under lower biosafety conditions. We established a protocol to test the efficacy of inactivation methods using the low-pathogenic Morogoro arenavirus as surrogate for the related highly pathogenic viruses. As the validation of chemical inactivation methods in cell culture systems is difficult due to cell toxicity of commonly used chemicals, we employed filter devices to remove the chemical and concentrate the virus after inactivation and before inoculation into cell culture. Viral replication in the cells was monitored over 4 weeks by using indirect immunofluorescence and immunofocus assay. The performance of the protocol was verified using published inactivation methods including chemicals and heat. Ten additional methods to inactivate virus in infected cells or cell culture supernatant were validated and shown to reduce virus titers to undetectable levels. In summary, we provide a robust protocol for the validation of chemical and physical inactivation of arenaviruses in cell culture, which can be readily adapted to different inactivation methods and specimen matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Olschewski
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Anke Thielebein
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Chris Hoffmann
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Olivia Blake
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Jonas Müller
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Sabrina Bockholt
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elisa Pallasch
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hinzmann
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wurr
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Neele Neddersen
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Toni Rieger
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Stephan Günther
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Oestereich
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.O.); (A.T.); (C.H.); (O.B.); (J.M.); (S.B.); (E.P.); (J.H.); (S.W.); (N.N.); (T.R.); (S.G.)
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
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12
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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.
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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
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13
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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.
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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
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14
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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.
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15
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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.
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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
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16
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Zhu X, Liu Y, Guo J, Cao J, Wang Z, Xiao G, Wang W. Effects of N-Linked Glycan on Lassa Virus Envelope Glycoprotein Cleavage, Infectivity, and Immune Response. Virol Sin 2021; 36:774-783. [PMID: 33689141 PMCID: PMC7945000 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00358-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) belongs to the Mammarenavirus genus (family Arenaviridae) and causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. The glycoprotein complex (GPC) contains eleven N-linked glycans that play essential roles in GPC functionalities such as cleavage, transport, receptor recognition, epitope shielding, and immune response. We used three mutagenesis strategies (asparagine to glutamine, asparagine to alanine, and serine/tyrosine to alanine mutants) to abolish individual glycan chain on GPC and found that all the three strategies led to cleavage inefficiency on the 2nd (N89), 5th (N119), or 8th (N365) glycosylation motif. To evaluate N to Q mutagenesis for further research, it was found that deletion of the 2nd (N89Q) or 8th (N365Q) glycan completely inhibited the transduction efficiency of pseudotyped particles. We further investigated the role of individual glycan on GPC-mediated immune response by DNA immunization of mice. Deletion of the individual 1st (N79Q), 3rd (N99Q), 5th (N119Q), or 6th (N167Q) glycan significantly enhanced the proportion of effector CD4+ cells, whereas deletion of the 1st (N79Q), 2nd (N89Q), 3rd (N99Q), 4th (N109Q), 5th (N119Q), 6th (N167Q), or 9th (N373Q) glycan enhanced the proportion of CD8+ effector T cells. Deletion of specific glycan improves the Th1-type immune response, and abolishment of glycan on GPC generally increases the antibody titer to the glycan-deficient GPC. However, the antibodies from either the mutant or WT GPC-immunized mice show little neutralization effect on wild-type LASV. The glycan residues on GPC provide an immune shield for the virus, and thus represent a target for the design and development of a vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Junyuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zonglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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17
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Suu-Ire RD, Obodai E, Bonney JHK, Bel-Nono SO, Ampofo W, Kelly TR. Viral Zoonoses of National Importance in Ghana: Advancements and Opportunities for Enhancing Capacities for Early Detection and Response. J Trop Med 2021; 2021:8938530. [PMID: 33574853 PMCID: PMC7860970 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8938530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases have devastating impacts on human and animal health, livelihoods, and economies. Addressing the complex web of interrelated factors leading to zoonotic disease emergence and spread requires a transdisciplinary, cross-sectoral approach, One Health. The One Health approach, which considers the linkages between the health of people, animals, and their shared environment, presents opportunities to reduce these impacts through a more holistic coordinated strategy to understanding and mitigating disease risks. Understanding the linkages between animal, human, and environmental health risks and outcomes is critical for developing early detection systems and risk reduction strategies to address known and novel zoonotic disease threats. Nearly 70 countries across the world, including Ghana, have signed on to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), which is facilitating multisectoral approaches to strengthen country capacities in the prevention and early detection of and respond to infectious disease threats. Currently, Ghana has not yet formalized a national One Health policy. The lack of a clearly defined multisectoral platform and limited collaboration among key Ghanaian Ministries, Departments, and Agencies has impacted the country's ability to effectively mitigate and respond to emerging and reemerging zoonoses. Many of these emerging zoonoses are caused by viruses, which, because of their diversity and evolutionary properties, are perceived to pose the greatest threat to global health security. Here, we review viral zoonoses of national importance and priority in Ghana, highlight recent advancements in One Health capacities, and discuss opportunities for implementing One Health approaches to mitigate zoonotic disease threats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - J. H. Kofi Bonney
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - William Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Terra R. Kelly
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, CA 95616, USA
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Systemic viral spreading and defective host responses are associated with fatal Lassa fever in macaques. Commun Biol 2021; 4:27. [PMID: 33398113 PMCID: PMC7782745 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic in West Africa and induces a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) with up to 30% lethality among clinical cases. The mechanisms involved in control of Lassa fever or, in contrast, the ensuing catastrophic illness and death are poorly understood. We used the cynomolgus monkey model to reproduce the human disease with asymptomatic to mild or fatal disease. After initial replication at the inoculation site, LASV reached the secondary lymphoid organs. LASV did not spread further in nonfatal disease and was rapidly controlled by balanced innate and T-cell responses. Systemic viral dissemination occurred during severe disease. Massive replication, a cytokine/chemokine storm, defective T-cell responses, and multiorgan failure were observed. Clinical, biological, immunological, and transcriptomic parameters resembled those observed during septic-shock syndrome, suggesting that similar pathogenesis is induced during Lassa fever. The outcome appears to be determined early, as differentially expressed genes in PBMCs were associated with fatal and non-fatal Lassa fever outcome very early after infection. These results provide a full characterization and important insights into Lassa fever pathogenesis and could help to develop early diagnostic tools.
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Klitting R, Mehta SB, Oguzie JU, Oluniyi PE, Pauthner MG, Siddle KJ, Andersen KG, Happi CT, Sabeti PC. Lassa Virus Genetics. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2020. [PMID: 32418034 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In a pattern repeated across a range of ecological niches, arenaviruses have evolved a compact four-gene genome to orchestrate a complex life cycle in a narrow range of susceptible hosts. A number of mammalian arenaviruses cross-infect humans, often causing a life-threatening viral hemorrhagic fever. Among this group of geographically bound zoonoses, Lassa virus has evolved a unique niche that leads to significant and sustained human morbidity and mortality. As a biosafety level 4 pathogen, direct study of the pathogenesis of Lassa virus is limited by the sparse availability, high operating costs, and technical restrictions of the high-level biocontainment laboratories required for safe experimentation. In this chapter, we introduce the relationship between genome structure and the life cycle of Lassa virus and outline reverse genetic approaches used to probe and describe functional elements of the Lassa virus genome. We then review the tools used to obtain viral genomic sequences used for phylogeny and molecular diagnostics, before shifting to a population perspective to assess the contributions of phylogenetic analysis in understanding the evolution and ecology of Lassa virus in West Africa. We finally consider the future outlook and clinical applications for genetic study of Lassa virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Klitting
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samar B Mehta
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith U Oguzie
- African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Paul E Oluniyi
- African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Matthias G Pauthner
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Kristian G Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Christian T Happi
- African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Systems Biology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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20
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Olayemi A, Fichet-Calvet E. Systematics, Ecology, and Host Switching: Attributes Affecting Emergence of the Lassa Virus in Rodents across Western Africa. Viruses 2020; 12:E312. [PMID: 32183319 PMCID: PMC7150792 DOI: 10.3390/v12030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since it was established that rodents serve as reservoirs of the zoonotic Lassa virus (LASV), scientists have sought to answer the questions: which populations of rodents carry the virus? How do fluctuations in LASV prevalence and rodent abundance influence Lassa fever outbreaks in humans? What does it take for the virus to adopt additional rodent hosts, proliferating what already are devastating cycles of rodent-to-human transmission? In this review, we examine key aspects of research involving the biology of rodents that affect their role as LASV reservoirs, including phylogeography, demography, virus evolution, and host switching. We discuss how this knowledge can help control Lassa fever and suggest further areas for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Olayemi
- Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife HO220005, Nigeria;
| | - Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet
- Department of Virology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
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21
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Escalera-Antezana JP, Rodriguez-Villena OJ, Arancibia-Alba AW, Alvarado-Arnez LE, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Rodríguez-Morales AJ. Clinical features of fatal cases of Chapare virus hemorrhagic fever originating from rural La Paz, Bolivia, 2019: A cluster analysis. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 36:101589. [PMID: 32061859 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2003 an emerging mammarenavirus (formerly arenaviruses) was discovered in Bolivia and named Chapare (CHAPV). It was associated with severe and fatal hemorrhagic fever, being similar in clinical features to Machupo (MACV). In mid-2019, CHAPV was the cause of a cluster of five cases, two of them laboratory confirmed, three of them fatal. Here, we report the main clinical findings, epidemiological features and the potential ecological aspects, of that cluster of cases in rural La Paz, Bolivia. METHODS For this observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study, information was obtained from the Hospitals and the Ministry of Health for the cases that were laboratory-diagnosed and related, during 2019. RT-PCR was used for the detection of the RNA of CHAPV in the blood samples. RESULTS Two cases were RT-PCR + for CHAPV. The median age of patients was 42 y-old (IQR 25-45), four out of five were male. All patients were hospitalized, admitted to the ICU and had fever, upper digestive hemorrhage, with two of them, presenting ARDS, and requiring mechanical ventilation. Three patients died (case fatality rate, CFR 60%). CONCLUSIONS Mammarenaviruses led to a high fatality rate. These cases occurred in areas with suitable ecoepidemiological conditions for rodent-borne diseases, including CHAPV infection. Socioenvironmental and occupational factors in rural areas of Bolivia may contribute with the risk of zoonotic spillover and transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Omar J Rodriguez-Villena
- Emergency Department and Emergency Medical Residency Program Coordination, Hospital Obrero N1, Caja Nacional de Salud, La Paz, Bolivia
| | | | | | - D Katterine Bonilla-Aldana
- Incubator in Zoonosis (SIZOO), Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Research Group (BIOECOS), Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Sede Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia; Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Alfonso J Rodríguez-Morales
- Universidad Franz Tamayo/UNIFRANZ, Cochabamba, Bolivia; Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia.
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22
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Mateo M, Picard C, Sylla Y, Kamo E, Odegue D, Journeaux A, Kan SK, Money M, Coulibaly DN, Koffi E, Meite S, Akran V, Kadjo H, Adjogoua E, Kakou SN, Baize S, Dosso M. Fatal Case of Lassa Fever, Bangolo District, Côte d'Ivoire, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 25:1753-1756. [PMID: 31441759 PMCID: PMC6711234 DOI: 10.3201/eid2509.190239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever has not been reported in Côte d’Ivoire. We performed a retrospective analysis of human serum samples collected in Côte d’Ivoire in the dry seasons (January–April) during 2015–2018. We identified a fatal human case of Lassa fever in the Bangolo District of western Côte d’Ivoire during 2015.
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23
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E3 Ligase ITCH Interacts with the Z Matrix Protein of Lassa and Mopeia Viruses and Is Required for the Release of Infectious Particles. Viruses 2019; 12:v12010049. [PMID: 31906112 PMCID: PMC7019300 DOI: 10.3390/v12010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) and Mopeia virus (MOPV) are two closely related, rodent-born mammarenaviruses. LASV is the causative agent of Lassa fever, a deadly hemorrhagic fever endemic in West Africa, whereas MOPV is non-pathogenic in humans. The Z matrix protein of arenaviruses is essential to virus assembly and budding by recruiting host factors, a mechanism that remains partially defined. To better characterize the interactions involved, a yeast two-hybrid screen was conducted using the Z proteins from LASV and MOPV as a bait. The cellular proteins ITCH and WWP1, two members of the Nedd4 family of HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases, were found to bind the Z proteins of LASV, MOPV and other arenaviruses. The PPxY late-domain motif of the Z proteins is required for the interaction with ITCH, although the E3 ubiquitin-ligase activity of ITCH is not involved in Z ubiquitination. The silencing of ITCH was shown to affect the replication of the old-world mammarenaviruses LASV, MOPV, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and to a lesser extent Lujo virus (LUJV). More precisely, ITCH was involved in the egress of virus-like particles and the release of infectious progeny viruses. Thus, ITCH constitutes a novel interactor of LASV and MOPV Z proteins that is involved in virus assembly and release.
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24
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Baumann J, Knüpfer M, Ouedraogo J, Traoré BY, Heitzer A, Kané B, Maiga B, Sylla M, Kouriba B, Wölfel R. Lassa and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Mali. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:999-1002. [PMID: 31002054 PMCID: PMC6478234 DOI: 10.3201/eid2505.181047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report detection of Lassa virus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infections in the area of Bamako, the capital of Mali. Our investigation found 2 cases of infection with each of these viruses. These results show the potential for both of these viruses to be endemic to Mali.
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25
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Takamatsu Y, Kajikawa J, Muramoto Y, Nakano M, Noda T. Microtubule-dependent transport of arenavirus matrix protein demonstrated using live-cell imaging microscopy. Microscopy (Oxf) 2019; 68:450-456. [PMID: 31722015 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfz034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV), belonging to the family Arenaviridae, causes severe haemorrhagic manifestations and is associated with a high mortality rate in humans. Thus, it is classified as a biosafety level (BSL)-4 agent. Since countermeasures for LASV diseases are yet to be developed, it is important to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the life cycle of the virus, including its viral and host cellular protein interactions. These underlying molecular mechanisms may serve as the key for developing novel therapeutic options. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a close relative of LASV, is usually asymptomatic and is categorized as a BSL-2 agent. In the present study, we visualized the transport of viral matrix Z protein in LCMV-infected cells using live-cell imaging microscopy. We demonstrated that the transport of Z protein is mediated by polymerized microtubules. Interestingly, the transport of LASV Z protein showed characteristics similar to those of Z protein in LCMV-infected cells. The live-cell imaging system using LCMV provides an attractive surrogate measure for studying arenavirus matrix protein transport in BSL-2 laboratories. In addition, it could be also utilized to analyze the interactions between viral matrix proteins and the cellular cytoskeleton, as well as to evaluate the antiviral compounds that target the transport of viral matrix proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Takamatsu
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan.,Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
| | - Junichi Kajikawa
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Yukiko Muramoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakano
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
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26
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Salu OB, James AB, Bankolé HS, Agbla JM, Da Silva M, Gbaguidi F, Loko CF, Omilabu SA. Molecular confirmation and phylogeny of Lassa fever virus in Benin Republic 2014-2016. Afr J Lab Med 2019; 8:803. [PMID: 31534915 PMCID: PMC6739551 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v8i1.803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The changing epidemiology of the Lassa virus from endemic areas to other parts of West Africa has been reported. However, there have been no documented Lassa fever transmission chains in the Benin Republic. Two outbreaks of Lassa fever (November 2014 and January 2016) in the Benin Republic were characterised by a high number of deaths (more than 50%) among 27 confirmed and other unconfirmed cases. OBJECTIVES We report the detection, confirmation and relatedness of the Lassa virus strains from the Benin Republic with other isolates within the West African Sub-region. METHODS A total of 70 blood samples (16 from 2014 and 54 from 2016) from suspected cases with signs and symptoms suggestive of viral haemorrhagic fever were received for molecular analysis at the Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. With the detection of the Lassa virus RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed using the Sanger dideoxy sequencing technology platform and the MEGA6 software. RESULTS S segments of the Lassa virus RNA genome were detected in 5 (7.1%) of the 70 samples analysed. Sequencing and a phylogenetic tree construction confirmed that the strain of Lassa virus had close relationships with strains previously isolated from Nigeria. CONCLUSION We confirmed the presence of the Lassa virus in the Benin Republic, with 2 strains having molecular epidemiological links with Lineage I and II strains from Nigeria. To reduce the likelihood of outbreaks, there is a need for heightened awareness and strengthened surveillance systems about Lassa fever, particularly in the sub-region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olumuyiwa B Salu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology, Central Research Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ayorinde B James
- Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology, Central Research Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Honoré S Bankolé
- Department of Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin, Benin
- National Laboratory of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Benin, Benin
| | - Jijoho M Agbla
- National Laboratory of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Benin, Benin
| | - Magloire Da Silva
- National Laboratory of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Benin, Benin
| | - Fernand Gbaguidi
- National Laboratory of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Benin, Benin
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Christian F Loko
- De la Pharmacie, du Medicament et des Explorations Diagnostiques, Ministére de la Santé, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Sunday A Omilabu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology, Central Research Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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Autophagy Promotes Infectious Particle Production of Mopeia and Lassa Viruses. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030293. [PMID: 30909570 PMCID: PMC6466445 DOI: 10.3390/v11030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) and Mopeia virus (MOPV) are two closely related Old-World mammarenaviruses. LASV causes severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality in humans, whereas no case of MOPV infection has been reported. Comparing MOPV and LASV is a powerful strategy to unravel pathogenic mechanisms that occur during the course of pathogenic arenavirus infection. We used a yeast two-hybrid approach to identify cell partners of MOPV and LASV Z matrix protein in which two autophagy adaptors were identified, NDP52 and TAX1BP1. Autophagy has emerged as an important cellular defense mechanism against viral infections but its role during arenavirus infection has not been shown. Here, we demonstrate that autophagy is transiently induced by MOPV, but not LASV, in infected cells two days after infection. Impairment of the early steps of autophagy significantly decreased the production of MOPV and LASV infectious particles, whereas a blockade of the degradative steps impaired only MOPV infectious particle production. Our study provides insights into the role played by autophagy during MOPV and LASV infection and suggests that this process could partially explain their different pathogenicity.
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Schaeffer J, Reynard S, Carnec X, Pietrosemoli N, Dillies MA, Baize S. Non-Pathogenic Mopeia Virus Induces More Robust Activation of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells than Lassa Virus. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030287. [PMID: 30901952 PMCID: PMC6466290 DOI: 10.3390/v11030287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) causes a viral haemorrhagic fever in humans and is a major public health concern in West Africa. An efficient immune response to LASV appears to rely on type I interferon (IFN-I) production and T-cell activation. We evaluated the response of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) to LASV, as they are an important and early source of IFN-I. We compared the response of primary human pDCs to LASV and Mopeia virus (MOPV), which is very closely related to LASV, but non-pathogenic. We showed that pDCs are not productively infected by either MOPV or LASV, but produce IFN-I. However, the activation of pDCs was more robust in response to MOPV than LASV. In vivo, pDC activation may support the control of viral replication through IFN-I production, but also improve the induction of a global immune response. Therefore, pDC activation could play a role in the control of LASV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Schaeffer
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), 69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Stéphanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), 69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Xavier Carnec
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), 69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Natalia Pietrosemoli
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique⁻C3BI, Institut Pasteur, USR 3756 CNRS, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Marie-Agnès Dillies
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique⁻C3BI, Institut Pasteur, USR 3756 CNRS, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France.
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), 69007 Lyon, France.
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Mazzola LT, Kelly-Cirino C. Diagnostics for Lassa fever virus: a genetically diverse pathogen found in low-resource settings. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001116. [PMID: 30899575 PMCID: PMC6407561 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever virus (LASV) causes acute viral haemorrhagic fever with symptoms similar to those seen with Ebola virus infections. LASV is endemic to West Africa and is transmitted through contact with excretions of infected Mastomys natalensis rodents and other rodent species. Due to a high fatality rate, lack of treatment options and difficulties with prevention and control, LASV is one of the high-priority pathogens included in the WHO R&D Blueprint. The WHO LASV vaccine strategy relies on availability of effective diagnostic tests. Current diagnostics for LASV include in-house and commercial (primarily research-only) laboratory-based serological and nucleic acid amplification tests. There are two commercially available (for research use only) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and a number of multiplex panels for differential detection of LASV infection from other endemic diseases with similar symptoms have been evaluated. However, a number of diagnostic gaps remain. Lineage detection is a challenge due to the genomic diversity of LASV, as pan-lineage sensitivity for both molecular and immunological detection is necessary for surveillance and outbreak response. While pan-lineage ELISA and RDTs are commercially available (for research use only), validation and external quality assessment (EQA) is needed to confirm detection sensitivity for all known or relevant strains. Variable sensitivity of LASV PCR tests also highlights the need for improved validation and EQA. Given that LASV outbreaks typically occur in low-resource settings, more options for point-of-care testing would be valuable. These requirements should be taken into account in target product profiles for improved LASV diagnostics.
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30
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Lukashevich IS, Paessler S, de la Torre JC. Lassa virus diversity and feasibility for universal prophylactic vaccine. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 30774934 PMCID: PMC6357994 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.16989.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a highly prevalent mammarenavirus in West Africa and is maintained in nature in a persistently infected rodent host, Mastomys natalensis, which is widely spread in sub-Saharan Africa. LASV infection of humans can cause Lassa fever (LF), a disease associated with high morbidity and significant mortality. Recent evidence indicates an LASV expansion outside its traditional endemic areas. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) included LASV in top-priority pathogens and released a Target Product Profile (TPP) for vaccine development. Likewise, in 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration added LF to a priority review voucher program to encourage the development of preventive and therapeutics measures. In this article, we review recent progress in LASV vaccine research and development with a focus on the impact of LASV genetic and biological diversity on the design and development of vaccine candidates meeting the WHO's TPP for an LASV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor S Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Juan Carlos de la Torre
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology IMM-6, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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Monette A, Mouland AJ. T Lymphocytes as Measurable Targets of Protection and Vaccination Against Viral Disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 342:175-263. [PMID: 30635091 PMCID: PMC7104940 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Continuous epidemiological surveillance of existing and emerging viruses and their associated disorders is gaining importance in light of their abilities to cause unpredictable outbreaks as a result of increased travel and vaccination choices by steadily growing and aging populations. Close surveillance of outbreaks and herd immunity are also at the forefront, even in industrialized countries, where previously eradicated viruses are now at risk of re-emergence due to instances of strain recombination, contractions in viral vector geographies, and from their potential use as agents of bioterrorism. There is a great need for the rational design of current and future vaccines targeting viruses, with a strong focus on vaccine targeting of adaptive immune effector memory T cells as the gold standard of immunity conferring long-lived protection against a wide variety of pathogens and malignancies. Here, we review viruses that have historically caused large outbreaks and severe lethal disorders, including respiratory, gastric, skin, hepatic, neurologic, and hemorrhagic fevers. To observe trends in vaccinology against these viral disorders, we describe viral genetic, replication, transmission, and tropism, host-immune evasion strategies, and the epidemiology and health risks of their associated syndromes. We focus on immunity generated against both natural infection and vaccination, where a steady shift in conferred vaccination immunogenicity is observed from quantifying activated and proliferating, long-lived effector memory T cell subsets, as the prominent biomarkers of long-term immunity against viruses and their associated disorders causing high morbidity and mortality rates.
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Schaeffer J, Carnec X, Reynard S, Mateo M, Picard C, Pietrosemoli N, Dillies MA, Baize S. Lassa virus activates myeloid dendritic cells but suppresses their ability to stimulate T cells. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007430. [PMID: 30419076 PMCID: PMC6258464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is responsible for a viral hemorrhagic fever in humans and the death of 3,000 to 5,000 people every year. The immune response to LASV is poorly understood, but type I interferon (IFN-I) and T-cell responses appear to be critical for the host. We studied the response of myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) to LASV, as mDCs are involved in both IFN-I production and T-cell activation. We compared the response of primary human mDCs to LASV and Mopeia virus (MOPV), which is similar to LASV, but non-pathogenic. We showed that mDCs produced substantial amounts of IFN-I in response to both LASV and MOPV. However, only MOPV-infected mDCs were able to activate T cells. More surprisingly, coculture with T cells completely inhibited the activation of LASV-infected mDCs. These differences between LASV and MOPV were mostly due to the LASV nucleoprotein, which has major immunosuppressive properties, but the glycoprotein was also involved. Overall, these results suggest that mDCs may be important for the global response to LASV and play a role in the outcome of Lassa fever. Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever and a major public health issue in West Africa. Lassa virus, the causative agent of Lassa fever, is listed by the World Health Organization as one of the emerging pathogens likely to cause severe outbreaks in the near future. Indeed, there is currently no vaccine and no treatment against Lassa virus. Determinants of Lassa virus high pathogenicity are not completely understood. However, it has been shown that rapid type I interferon response and efficient T cell response were critical to survive Lassa fever. Dendritic cells are at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity. Their direct response to viral infection includes type I interferon production. They can also present viral antigens, initiating the T cell responses. We decided to investigate how dendritic cells respond to Lassa virus to evaluate their importance in the global immune response. We showed that primary human myeloid dendritic cells are activated by Lassa virus infection, and produce type I interferon. However, Lassa virus-infected dendritic cells were not able to activate T cells. We also elucidated the roles of viral proteins in the modulation of dendritic cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Schaeffer
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Carnec
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), Lyon, France
| | - Stéphanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), Lyon, France
| | - Mathieu Mateo
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), Lyon, France
| | - Caroline Picard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), Lyon, France
| | - Natalia Pietrosemoli
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Centre de Bioinformatique Biostatistique et Biologie Intégrative (C3BI, USR 3756, IP CNRS), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Agnès Dillies
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Centre de Bioinformatique Biostatistique et Biologie Intégrative (C3BI, USR 3756, IP CNRS), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (INSERM, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Lyon I), Lyon, France
- * E-mail:
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Mari Saez A, Cherif Haidara M, Camara A, Kourouma F, Sage M, Magassouba N, Fichet-Calvet E. Rodent control to fight Lassa fever: Evaluation and lessons learned from a 4-year study in Upper Guinea. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006829. [PMID: 30399142 PMCID: PMC6219765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by an arenavirus. The disease is endemic in West African countries, including Guinea. The rodents Mastomys natalensis and Mastomys erythroleucus have been identified as Lassa virus reservoirs in Guinea. In the absence of a vaccine, rodent control and human behavioural changes are the only options to prevent Lassa fever in highly endemic areas. We performed a 4 year intervention based on chemical rodent control, utilizing anticoagulant rodenticides in 3 villages and evaluating the rodent abundance before and after treatment. Three additional villages were investigated as controls. Analyses to assess the effectiveness of the intervention, bait consumption and rodent dynamics were performed. Anthropological investigations accompanied the intervention to integrate local understandings of human–rodent cohabitation and rodent control intervention. Patterns of bait consumption showed a peak at days 5–7 and no consumption at days 28–30. There was no difference between Bromadiolone and Difenacoum bait consumption. The main rodent species found in the houses was M. natalensis. The abundance of M. natalensis, as measured by the trapping success, varied between 3.6 and 16.7% before treatment and decreased significantly to 1–2% after treatment. Individuals in treated villages welcomed the intervention and trapping because mice are generally regarded as a nuisance. Immediate benefits from controlling rodents included protection of food and belongings. Before the intervention, local awareness of Lassa fever was non-existent. Despite their appreciation for the intervention, local individuals noted its limits and the need for complementary actions. Our results demonstrate that chemical treatment provides an effective tool to control local rodent populations and can serve as part of an effective, holistic approach combining rodent trapping, use of local rodenticides, environmental hygiene, house repairs and rodent-proof storage. These actions should be developed in collaboration with local stakeholders and communities. In the absence of a Lassa fever vaccine, rodent control is the primary prevention option. An effective rodent control intervention must understand human behaviour towards the rodent such as: human–rodent interactions, cohabitation, and local rodent control measures. We conducted a rodent control intervention at community level in a Lassa Virus endemic area in Upper Guinea (Guinea) accompanied by an anthropological study on people’s perceptions and recommendations on the intervention. Based on our results we seek to broaden the rodent control intervention by including environmental hygiene, house repairs and rodent-proof storage. Chemical treatment has proven effective for rodent control but other factors involved in human-rodent interactions should also be addressed. Our findings highlight the need for Lassa fever prevention and rodent control initiatives to work in collaboration with communities and undertake a holistic approach towards rodent control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Mari Saez
- Global Health and Biosecurity Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Mory Cherif Haidara
- Projet des fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Laboratoire de Virologie, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Amara Camara
- Projet des fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Laboratoire de Virologie, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Fodé Kourouma
- Projet des fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Laboratoire de Virologie, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Mickaël Sage
- CD Eau Environnement, Maizières, France and Faune Environment Expertise, Besancon, France
| | - N'Faly Magassouba
- Projet des fièvres Hémorragiques en Guinée, Laboratoire de Virologie, Conakry, Guinea
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Isere EE, Fatiregun AA, Ilesanmi O, Ijarotimi I, Egube B, Adejugbagbe A, Famokun GA. Lessons Learnt from Epidemiological Investigation of Lassa Fever Outbreak in a Southwest State of Nigeria December 2015 to April 2016. PLOS CURRENTS 2018; 10. [PMID: 30094105 PMCID: PMC6063375 DOI: 10.1371/currents.outbreaks.bc4396a6650d0ed1985d731583bf5ded] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: An outbreak of Lassa Fever (LF) reported and confirmed in Ondo state, Southwest Nigeria in January 2016 was investigated. This paper provides the epidemiology of the LF and lessons learnt from the investigation of the outbreak. Methods: The incidence management system (IMS) model was used for the outbreak coordination. Cases and deaths were identified through the routine surveillance system using standard definitions for suspected and confirmed cases and deaths respectively. Blood specimens collected from suspect cases were sent for confirmation at a WHO accredited laboratory. Active case search was intensified, and identified contacts of confirmed cases were followed up for the maximum incubation period of the disease. Other public health responses included infection prevention and control, communication and advocacy as well as case management. Data collected were analysed using SPSS 20, by time, place and persons and important lessons drawn were discussed. Results: We identified 90 suspected LF cases of which 19 were confirmed by the laboratory. More than half (52.6%) of the confirmed cases were females with majority (73.7%) in the age group ≥ 15 years. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 63.2% among the laboratory-confirmed positive cases where 9 of 19 cases died, was significantly higher compared to the laboratory confirmed negative cases where 6 of the 65 cases died ( CFR; 8.5%) p ≤ 0.05. Two hundred and eighty-seven contacts of the confirmed cases were identified, out of which 267(93.0%) completed the follow-up without developing any symptoms and 2 (0.7%) developed symptoms consistent with LF and were confirmed by the laboratory. More than half of the contacts were females (64.5%) with most of them (89.2%) in the age group ≥ 25 years. Discussion: One key lesson learnt from the investigation was that the confirmed cases were mainly primary cases; hence the needs to focus on measures of breaking the chain of transmission in the animal-man interphase during Lassa fever epidemic preparedness and response. In addition, the high case fatality rate despite early reporting and investigation suggested the need for a review of the case management policy and structure in the State. Key Words: Lassa fever, Outbreak Response, Incident Management System, Nigeria
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Development and evaluation of antibody-capture immunoassays for detection of Lassa virus nucleoprotein-specific immunoglobulin M and G. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006361. [PMID: 29596412 PMCID: PMC5892945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The classical method for detection of Lassa virus-specific antibodies is the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using virus-infected cells as antigen. However, IFA requires laboratories of biosafety level 4 for assay production and an experienced investigator to interpret the fluorescence signals. Therefore, we aimed to establish and evaluate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using recombinant Lassa virus nucleoprotein (NP) as antigen. Methodology/Principal findings The IgM ELISA is based on capturing IgM antibodies using anti-IgM, and the IgG ELISA is based on capturing IgG antibody–antigen complexes using rheumatoid factor or Fc gamma receptor CD32a. Analytical and clinical evaluation was performed with 880 sera from Lassa fever endemic (Nigeria) and non-endemic (Ghana and Germany) areas. Using the IFA as reference method, we observed 91.5–94.3% analytical accuracy of the ELISAs in detecting Lassa virus-specific antibodies. Evaluation of the ELISAs for diagnosis of Lassa fever on admission to hospital in an endemic area revealed a clinical sensitivity for the stand-alone IgM ELISA of 31% (95% CI 25–37) and for combined IgM/IgG detection of 26% (95% CI 21–32) compared to RT-PCR. The specificity of IgM and IgG ELISA was estimated at 96% (95% CI 93–98) and 100% (95% CI 99–100), respectively, in non-Lassa fever patients from non-endemic areas. In patients who seroconverted during follow-up, Lassa virus-specific IgM and IgG developed simultaneously rather than sequentially. Consistent with this finding, isolated IgM reactivity, i.e. IgM in the absence of IgG, had no diagnostic value. Conclusions/Significance The ELISAs are not equivalent to RT-PCR for early diagnosis of Lassa fever; however, they are of value in diagnosing patients at later stage. The IgG ELISA may be useful for epidemiological studies and clinical trials due its high specificity, and the higher throughput rate and easier operation compared to IFA. Lassa fever is endemic in several West African countries. However, only few hospitals and laboratories in the region have the capacity to conduct molecular or serological Lassa fever diagnostics. One reason is that the classical serological technique for Lassa fever—the immunofluorescence assay (IFA)—requires biosafety level 4 laboratories, which are not available in the Lassa fever endemic countries. In addition, IFA does not feature an objective read-out. Therefore, we established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for detection of Lassa virus-specific IgM and IgG in 96-well format, which do not require expensive equipment and can be implemented in diagnostic laboratories in West Africa. The ELISAs are based on recombinant antigen facilitating future production according to industry standards. In our evaluation, the ELISAs have shown a performance comparable to IFA. They allow in particular the diagnosis of Lassa fever patients at later stages of the acute illness. In addition, reliable serological assays, such as those described here, are urgently needed to conduct large-scale epidemiological investigations to better understand the epidemiology of Lassa fever across West Africa as well as for clinical trials evaluating novel medical countermeasures including vaccines and drugs.
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Hossain MU, Omar TM, Oany AR, Kibria KMK, Shibly AZ, Moniruzzaman M, Ali SR, Islam MM. Design of peptide-based epitope vaccine and further binding site scrutiny led to groundswell in drug discovery against Lassa virus. 3 Biotech 2018; 8:81. [PMID: 29430345 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is responsible for an acute viral hemorrhagic fever known as Lassa fever. Sequence analyses of LASV proteome identified the most immunogenic protein that led to predict both T-cell and B-cell epitopes and further target and binding site depiction could allow novel drug findings for drug discovery field against this virus. To induce both humoral and cell-mediated immunity peptide sequence SSNLYKGVY, conserved region 41-49 amino acids were found as the most potential B-cell and T-cell epitopes, respectively. The peptide sequence might intermingle with 17 HLA-I and 16 HLA-II molecules, also cover 49.15-96.82% population coverage within the common people of different countries where Lassa virus is endemic. To ensure the binding affinity to both HLA-I and HLA-II molecules were employed in docking simulation with suggested epitope sequence. Further the predicted 3D structure of the most immunogenic protein was analyzed to reveal out the binding site for the drug design against Lassa Virus. Herein, sequence analyses of proteome identified the most immunogenic protein that led to predict both T-cell and B-cell epitopes and further target and binding site depiction could allow novel drug findings for drug discovery field against this virus.
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Safronetz D, Sogoba N, Diawara SI, Bane S, Rosenke K, Maiga O, Boisen M, Garry RF, Branco LM, Lindsay LR, Traoré SF, Feldmann H, Doumbia S. Annual Incidence of Lassa Virus Infection in Southern Mali. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:944-946. [PMID: 28093544 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPreviously, we reported a high seroprevalence rate of Lassa virus antibodies in inhabitants of three villages in southern Mali where infected rodents have been demonstrated. Herein, we report a 1-year follow-up study in which we were able to collect a second blood samples from 88.7% of participants of the same cohort. We identified 23 seroconversions for IgG antibodies reactive against Lassa virus, representing an incidence of 6.3% (95% confidence interval = 3.8-8.8%). Seroconversion was frequently seen in preteenage children (12/23, 51.7%) and two household/familial clusters were identified. These results confirm active transmission of Lassa virus is occurring in southern Mali and appropriate diagnostic testing should be established for this etiological agent of severe viral hemorrhagic fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Safronetz
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Nafomon Sogoba
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Sidy Bane
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kyle Rosenke
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Ousmane Maiga
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | | | - L Robbin Lindsay
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sékou F Traoré
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
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Sogoba N, Rosenke K, Adjemian J, Diawara SI, Maiga O, Keita M, Konaté D, Keita AS, Sissoko I, Boisen M, Nelson D, Oottamasathien D, Millett M, Garry RF, Branco LM, Traoré SF, Doumbia S, Feldmann H, Safronetz D. Lassa Virus Seroprevalence in Sibirilia Commune, Bougouni District, Southern Mali. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:657-63. [PMID: 26981786 PMCID: PMC4806955 DOI: 10.3201/eid2204.151814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The high rate documented in this study highlights the need for increased surveillance. Lassa Virus Seroprevalence, Mali Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic to several nations in West Africa. In Mali, LASV was unknown until an exported case of Lassa fever was reported in 2009. Since that time, rodent surveys have found evidence of LASV-infected Mastomys natalensis rats in several communities in southern Mali, near the border with Côte d’Ivoire. Despite increased awareness, to date only a single case of Lassa fever has been confirmed in Mali. We conducted a survey to determine the prevalence of LASV exposure among persons in 3 villages in southern Mali where the presence of infected rodents has been documented. LASV IgG seroprevalence ranged from 14.5% to 44% per village. No sex bias was noted; however, seropositivity rates increased with participant age. These findings confirm human LASV exposure in Mali and suggest that LASV infection/Lassa fever is a potential public health concern in southern Mali.
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Pharmacogenomic implications of the evolutionary history of infectious diseases in Africa. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2016; 17:112-120. [PMID: 27779243 PMCID: PMC5380847 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2016.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As the common birthplace of all human populations, modern humans have lived longer on the African continent than in any other geographical region of the world. This long history, along with the evolutionary need to adapt to environmental challenges such as exposure to infectious agents, has led to greater genetic variation in Africans. The vast genetic variation in Africans also extends to genes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of pharmaceuticals. Ongoing cataloging of these clinically relevant variants reveals huge allele-frequency differences within and between African populations. Here, we examine Africa's large burden of infectious disease, discuss key examples of known genetic variation modulating disease risk, and provide examples of clinically relevant variants critical for establishing dosing guidelines. We propose that a more systematic characterization of the genetic diversity of African ancestry populations is required if the current benefits of precision medicine are to be extended to these populations.
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Wang W, Zhou Z, Zhang L, Wang S, Xiao G. Structure-function relationship of the mammarenavirus envelope glycoprotein. Virol Sin 2016; 31:380-394. [PMID: 27562602 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-016-3815-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammarenaviruses, including lethal pathogens such as Lassa virus and Junín virus, can cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Entry is a key step for virus infection, which starts with binding of the envelope glycoprotein (GP) to receptors on target cells and subsequent fusion of the virus with target cell membranes. The GP precursor is synthesized as a polypeptide, and maturation occurs by two cleavage events, yielding a tripartite GP complex (GPC) formed by a stable signal peptide (SSP), GP1 and GP2. The unique retained SSP interacts with GP2 and plays essential roles in virion maturation and infectivity. GP1 is responsible for binding to the cell receptor, and GP2 is a class I fusion protein. The native structure of the tripartite GPC is unknown. GPC is critical for the receptor binding, membrane fusion and neutralization antibody recognition. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlining the structure-function relationship of the three subunits is the key for understanding their function and can facilitate novel avenues for combating virus infections. This review summarizes the basic aspects and recent research of the structure-function relationship of the three subunits. We discuss the structural basis of the receptor-binding domain in GP1, the interaction between SSP and GP2 and its role in virion maturation and membrane fusion, as well as the mechanism by which glycosylation stabilizes the GPC structure and facilitates immune evasion. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in these aspects will contribute to the development of novel vaccines and treatment strategies against mammarenaviruses infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Zheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shaobo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lassa virus (LASV), the most prominent human pathogen of the Arenaviridae, is transmitted to humans from infected rodents and can cause Lassa Fever (LF). The sizeable disease burden in West Africa, numerous imported LF cases worldwide, and the possibility that LASV can be used as an agent of biological warfare make a strong case for vaccine development. There are no licensed LASV vaccines and the antiviral treatment is limited to an off-label use of ribavirin that is only partially effective. AREAS COVERED LASV vaccine development is hampered by high cost of biocontainment requirement, the absence of appropriate small animal models, genetic diversity of LASV species, and by high HIV-1 prevalence in LASV endemic areas. Over the past 15 years several vaccine platforms have been developed. Natural history of LASV and pathogenesis of the disease provide strong justification for replication-competent (RC) vaccine as one of the most feasible approaches to control LF. Development of LASV vaccine candidates based on reassortant, recombinant, and alphavirus replicon technologies is covered in this review. Expert commentary: Two lead RC vaccine candidates, reassortant ML29 and recombinant VSV/LASV, have been successfully tested in non-human primates and have been recommended by international vaccine experts for rapid clinical development. Both platforms have powerful molecular tools to further secure safety, improve immunogenicity, and cross-protection. These platforms are well positioned to design multivalent vaccines to protect against all LASV strains citculatrd in West Africa. The regulatory pathway of Candid #1, the first live-attenuated arenaviral vaccine against Argentine hemorrhagic, will be a reasonable guideline for LASV vaccine efficacy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor S Lukashevich
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
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Bonney JH, Nyarko EO, Ohene SA, Amankwa J, Ametepi RK, Nimo-Paintsil SC, Sarkodie B, Agbenohevi P, Adjabeng M, Kyei NN, Bel-Nono S, Ampofo WK. Molecular confirmation of Lassa fever imported into Ghana. Afr J Lab Med 2016; 5:288. [PMID: 28879105 PMCID: PMC5436394 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v5i1.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports have shown an expansion of Lassa virus from the area where it was first isolated in Nigeria to other areas of West Africa. Two Ghanaian soldiers on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia were taken ill with viral haemorrhagic fever syndrome following the death of a sick colleague and were referred to a military hospital in Accra, Ghana, in May 2013. Blood samples from the soldiers and five asymptomatic close contacts were subjected to laboratory investigations. OBJECTIVE We report the results of these investigations to highlight the importance of molecular diagnostic applications and the need for heightened awareness about Lassa fever in West Africa. METHODS We used molecular assays on sera from the two patients to identify the causative organism. Upon detection of positive signals for Lassa virus ribonucleic material by two different polymerase chain reaction assays, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed. RESULTS The presence of Lassa virus in the soldiers' blood samples was shown by L-gene segment homology to be the Macenta and las803792 strains previously isolated in Liberia, with close relationships then confirmed by phylogenetic tree construction. The five asymptomatic close contacts were negative for Lassa virus. CONCLUSIONS The Lassa virus strains identified in the two Ghanaian soldiers had molecular epidemiological links to strains from Liberia. Lassa virus was probably responsible for the outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the military camp. These data confirm Lassa fever endemicity in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H.K. Bonney
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Sally-Ann Ohene
- World Health Organization Ghana Country Office, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Amankwa
- Disease Surveillance Department, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Badu Sarkodie
- Disease Surveillance Department, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Michael Adjabeng
- Disease Surveillance Department, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - William K. Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Kouadio L, Nowak K, Akoua-Koffi C, Weiss S, Allali BK, Witkowski PT, Krüger DH, Couacy-Hymann E, Calvignac-Spencer S, Leendertz FH. Lassa Virus in Multimammate Rats, Côte d'Ivoire, 2013. Emerg Infect Dis 2016. [PMID: 26196447 PMCID: PMC4517737 DOI: 10.3201/eid2108.150312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Lassa Fever in Pregnancy: Report of 2 Cases Seen at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2016; 2016:9673683. [PMID: 27051545 PMCID: PMC4804058 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9673683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF), an acute viral haemorrhagic fever, is an endemic zoonotic viral infection in West Africa countries with up to 15% case fatality rate. Though a rodent-borne infection, it can also be transmitted from person to person during the care of sick relations or more commonly in health care settings as a nosocomial infection. Vertical transmission from mother to child has been documented. We report 2 cases of LF among pregnant women which were managed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, between September and October 2014. Both patients were in their early 20s with only one surviving the disease. Both had supportive therapy but none had antiviral therapy. This report emphasized the importance of early presentation, high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and early commencement of supportive therapy in the management of patients suspected with LF especially in the era of other viral haemorrhagic infections.
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Leski TA, Stockelman MG, Moses LM, Park M, Stenger DA, Ansumana R, Bausch DG, Lin B. Sequence variability and geographic distribution of Lassa virus, Sierra Leone. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 21:609-18. [PMID: 25811712 PMCID: PMC4378485 DOI: 10.3201/eid2104.141469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic to parts of West Africa and causes highly fatal hemorrhagic fever. The multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis) is the only known reservoir of LASV. Most human infections result from zoonotic transmission. The very diverse LASV genome has 4 major lineages associated with different geographic locations. We used reverse transcription PCR and resequencing microarrays to detect LASV in 41 of 214 samples from rodents captured at 8 locations in Sierra Leone. Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of nucleoprotein (NP), glycoprotein precursor (GPC), and polymerase (L) genes showed 5 separate clades within lineage IV of LASV in this country. The sequence diversity was higher than previously observed; mean diversity was 7.01% for nucleoprotein gene at the nucleotide level. These results may have major implications for designing diagnostic tests and therapeutic agents for LASV infections in Sierra Leone.
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The broad-spectrum antiviral favipiravir protects guinea pigs from lethal Lassa virus infection post-disease onset. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14775. [PMID: 26456301 PMCID: PMC4600983 DOI: 10.1038/srep14775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
With up to 500,000 infections annually, Lassa virus (LASV), the cause of Lassa fever, is one of the most prevalent etiological agents of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) in humans. LASV is endemic in several West African countries with sporadic cases and prolonged outbreaks observed most commonly in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. Additionally several cases of Lassa fever have been imported into North America, Europe and Asia making LASV a global threat to public health. Despite this, currently no approved therapeutic or vaccine exists to treat or prevent LASV infections. Here, using a passaged strain of LASV that is uniformly lethal in Hartley guinea pigs, we demonstrate that favipiravir, a broad-spectrum antiviral agent and leading treatment option for influenza, has potent activity against LASV infection. In this model, once daily treatment with favipiravir significantly reduced viral titers in tissue samples and reduced mortality rates when compared with animals receiving vehicle-only or ribavirin, the current standard of care for Lassa fever. Favipiravir remained highly effective against lethal LASV infection when treatments were initiated nine days post-infection, a time when animals were demonstrating advanced signs of disease. These results support the further preclinical evaluation of favipiravir for Lassa fever and other VHFs.
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Manning JT, Forrester N, Paessler S. Lassa virus isolates from Mali and the Ivory Coast represent an emerging fifth lineage. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1037. [PMID: 26483768 PMCID: PMC4589679 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous imported cases of Lassa fever (LF) into the United Kingdom from the Ivory Coast and Mali, as well as the detection of Lassa virus (LASV) among the Mastomys natalensis population within Mali has led to the suggestion that the endemic area for LF is expanding. Initial phylogenetic analyses arrange isolates from Mali and the Ivory Coast separately from the classical lineage IV isolates taken from Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. The availability of full genome sequences continues to increase, allowing for a more complete phylogenetic comparison of the isolates from Mali and the Ivory Coast to the other existing isolates. In this study, we utilized a Bayesian approach to infer the demographic histories of each LASV isolate for which the full sequence was available. Our results indicate that the isolates from Mali and the Ivory Coast group separately from the isolates of lineage IV, comprising a distinct fifth lineage. The split between lineages IV and V is estimated to have occurred around 200–300 years ago, which coincides with the colonial period of West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Manning
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Naomi Forrester
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
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Verma SK, Yadav S, Kumar A. In silico prediction of B- and T- cell epitope on Lassa virus proteins for peptide based subunit vaccine design. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:201. [PMID: 26601089 PMCID: PMC4620608 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.166137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lassa fever is a severe, often-fatal and one of the most virulent disease in primates. However, the mechanism of escape of virus from the T-cell mediated immune response of the host cell is not explained in any studies yet. In our studies we had aimed to predict B- and T- cell epitope of Lassa virus protein, for impaling the futuristic approach of developing preventive measures against this disease, further we can also study its presumed viral- host mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peptide based subunit vaccine was developed from all four protein against Lassa virus. We adopted sequence, 3D structure and fold level in silico analysis to predict B-cell and T-cell epitopes. The 3-D structure was determined for all protein by homology modeling and the modeled structure validated. RESULTS One T-cell epitope from Glycoprotein (WDCIMTSYQ) and one from Nucleoprotein (WPYIASRTS) binds to maximum no of MHC class I and MHC class II alleles. They also specially bind to HLA alleles namely, A*0201, A*2705, DRB*0101 and DRB*0401. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the results indicate the Glycoprotein and nucleoprotein are most suitable vaccine candidates against Lassa virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitansu Kumar Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Soni Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Rama University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Schieffelin J. Treatment of Arenavirus Infections. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-015-0058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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