Evidence of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) in domestic mice in Gabon: risk of emergence of LCMV encephalitis in Central Africa

J Virol. 2015 Jan 15;89(2):1456-60. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01009-14. Epub 2014 Nov 5.

Abstract

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can cause acute fatal disease on all continents but was never detected in Africa. We report the first detection of LCMV RNA in a common European house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) in Africa. Phylogenetic analyses show a close relationship with North American strains. These findings suggest that there is a risk of the appearance of LCMV acute encephalitis cases. This is a perfect example of virus dissemination by its natural host that may have dramatic public health consequences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arenaviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Arenaviridae Infections / virology
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Gabon
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / classification
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / genetics
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / isolation & purification*
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Rodent Diseases / virology*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • RNA, Viral

Associated data

  • GENBANK/KM523323
  • GENBANK/KM882857