Arenavirus Diversity and Phylogeography of Mastomys natalensis Rodents, Nigeria

Emerg Infect Dis. 2016 Apr;22(4):694-7. doi: 10.3201/eid2204.150155.

Abstract

Mastomys natalensis rodents are natural hosts for Lassa virus (LASV). Detection of LASV in 2 mitochondrial phylogroups of the rodent near the Niger and Benue Rivers in Nigeria underlines the potential for LASV emergence in fresh phylogroups of this rodent. A Mobala-like sequence was also detected in eastern Nigeria.

Keywords: Lassa; Mastomys natalensis; Nigeria; West Africa; arenaviruses; hemorrhagic fever; lineages; phylogeography; phylogroups; rodents; viruses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytochromes b / genetics
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Disease Reservoirs
  • Genetic Variation
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Lassa Fever / epidemiology
  • Lassa Fever / transmission
  • Lassa Fever / veterinary*
  • Lassa Fever / virology
  • Lassa virus / classification*
  • Lassa virus / genetics
  • Lassa virus / isolation & purification
  • Mitochondria / chemistry
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Murinae / classification
  • Murinae / genetics
  • Murinae / virology*
  • Nigeria / epidemiology
  • Phylogeny*
  • Phylogeography
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • Rodent Diseases / epidemiology
  • Rodent Diseases / virology
  • Zoonoses

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • RNA, Viral
  • Cytochromes b