Phylogeography of Lassa Virus in Nigeria-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Phylogeography of Lassa Virus in Nigeria

Published:2019-11 Issue:21 Volume:93 Page:
ISSN:0022-538X
Container-title:Journal of Virology
language:en
Short-container-title:J Virol

Author:

Ehichioya Deborah U.¹²³⁴,Dellicour Simon⁵⁶,Pahlmann Meike¹⁷,Rieger Toni¹⁷,Oestereich Lisa¹⁷,Becker-Ziaja Beate¹⁷,Cadar Daniel¹,Ighodalo Yemisi⁴,Olokor Thomas⁴,Omomoh Emmanuel⁴,Oyakhilome Jennifer⁴,Omiunu Racheal⁴,Agbukor Jacqueline⁴,Ebo Benevolence⁴,Aiyepada John⁴,Ebhodaghe Paulson⁴,Osiemi Blessing⁴,Ehikhametalor Solomon⁴,Akhilomen Patience⁴,Airende Michael⁴,Esumeh Rita⁴,Muoebonam Ekene⁴,Giwa Rosemary⁴,Ekanem Anieno⁴,Igenegbale Ganiyu⁴,Odigie George⁴,Okonofua Grace⁴,Enigbe Racheal⁴,Omonegho Yerumoh Edna⁴,Pallasch Elisa¹⁷,Bockholt Sabrina¹⁷,Kafetzopoulou Liana E.¹⁵⁸⁹,Duraffour Sophie¹⁷,Okokhere Peter O.⁴,Akpede George O.⁴,Okogbenin Sylvanus A.⁴,Odia Ikponmwosa⁴,Aire Chris⁴,Akpede Nosa⁴,Tobin Ekaete⁴,Ogbaini-Emovon Ephraim⁴,Lemey Philippe⁵,Adomeh Donatus I.⁴,Asogun Danny A.⁴,Günther Stephan¹⁷^ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany

2. Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria

3. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria

4. Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria

5. Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

6. Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium

7. German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Hamburg, Germany

8. National Infections Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, United Kingdom

9. NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

Abstract

Lassa virus is the causative agent of Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever with a case fatality rate of approximately 30% in Africa. Previous studies disclosed a geographical pattern in the distribution of Lassa virus strains and a westward movement of the virus across West Africa during evolution. Our study provides a deeper understanding of the geography of genetic lineages and sublineages of the virus in Nigeria. In addition, we modeled how the virus spread in the country. This knowledge allows us to predict into which geographical areas the virus might spread in the future and prioritize areas for Lassa fever surveillance. Our study not only aimed to generate Lassa virus sequences from across Nigeria but also to isolate and conserve the respective viruses for future research. Both isolates and sequences are important for the development and evaluation of medical countermeasures to treat and prevent Lassa fever, such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

Funder

Dr. Ing. Wilhelm und Maria Kirmser Stiftung

Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique

Fonds voor Wetenschlappelijk Onderzoek - Vlandeeren

European Research Council

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme

Wellcome Trust

Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung

Publisher

American Society for Microbiology