Genomic Analysis of Lassa Virus during an Increase in Cases in Nigeria in 2018

Siddle, Katherine J.; Eromon, Philomena; Barnes, Kayla G.; Mehta, Samar B.; Oguzie, Judith; Odia, Ikponmwosa; Schaffner, Stephen F.; Winnicki, S; Shah, Rickey R.; Qu, James; Wohl, Shirlee; Brehio, Patrick; Iruolagbe, Christopher Ojemiega; Aiyepada, John; Uyigue, Eghosa; Akhilomen, Patience; Okonofua, Grace; Ye, Simon; Kayode, Adeyemi T.; Ajogbasile, Fehintola V.; Uwanibe, Jessica N.; Gaye, Amy; Momoh, Mambu; Chak, Bridget; Kotliar, Dylan; Carter, Amber; Gladden-Young, Adrianne; Freije, Catherine A.; Omoregie, Omigie; Blessing, Osiemi; Muoebonam, Ekene; Airende, Michael; Enigbe, Rachael; Ebo, Benevolence; Nosamiefan, Iguosadolo; Oluniyi, Paul E.; Nekoui, Mahan; Ogbaini-Emovon, Ephraim; Garry, Robert F.; Andersen, Kristian G.; Park, Daniel J.; Yozwiak, Nathan L.; Akpede, George O.; Ihekweazu, Chikwe; Tomori, Oyewale; Okogbenin, Sylvanus; Folarin, Onikepe A.; Okokhere, Peter O; MacInnis, Bronwyn; Sabeti, Pardis C.; Happi, Christian T.

doi:10.1056/nejmoa1804498

Cited by 147 publications

(197 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…During the large Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria in 2018, real-time genomic sequencing provided clear evidence that the rapid increase was not due to a single Lassa virus variant, nor attributable to sustained human-to-human transmission. Rather, the outbreak was characterized by vast viral diversity defined by geography, with major rivers acting as barriers to migration of the rodent reservoir 57 . These findings were crucial in containing the outbreak.…”

Section: Emerging Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new twenty-first century science for effective epidemic response

Bedford

Farrar²,

Ihekweazu

et al. 2019

Nature

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240

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With rapidly changing ecology, urbanization, climate change, increased travel and fragile public health systems, epidemics will become more frequent, more complex and harder to prevent and contain. Here we argue that our concept of epidemics must evolve from crisis response during discrete outbreaks to an integrated cycle of preparation, response and recovery. This is an opportunity to combine knowledge and skills from all over the world-especially at-risk and affected communities. Many disciplines need to be integrated, including not only epidemiology but also social sciences, research and development, diplomacy, logistics and crisis management. This requires a new approach to training tomorrow's leaders in epidemic prevention and response.

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Section: Emerging Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new twenty-first century science for effective epidemic response

Bedford

Farrar²,

Ihekweazu

et al. 2019

Nature

Self Cite

240

204

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“…VSVΔG/LASVGPC has yet to be tested for efficacy against these isolates [29,30]. Nevertheless, these data support the feasibility of effectively protecting against multiple LASV lineages with a single vaccine.…”

Section: Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vector Platformmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…The dramatic increase in cases during the 2018 Nigerian Lassa fever season launched investigations into the possible emergence of a new strain with a higher transmission rate [28,29]. Two sequencing studies, analysing 220 and 120 LASV genomes from infected patients, revealed high variability and derivation from previously circulating viruses rather than from a single dominant strain [29,30]. The data did not indicate phylogenetic clustering of LASV from samples collected at similar time points, which would be expected in the event of increased human-to-human transmission.…”

Section: Genetic Diversity and 2018 Nigerian Outbreakmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The data did not indicate phylogenetic clustering of LASV from samples collected at similar time points, which would be expected in the event of increased human-to-human transmission. Therefore, Lassa virus transmission continues to principally occur via independent cross-species transmission events [29,30]. No clear reason for the increase in Lassa fever cases has been found; changes in the distribution of the rodent reservoir population or improved disease diagnosis and surveillance remain possible explanations [30].…”

Section: Genetic Diversity and 2018 Nigerian Outbreakmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Vaccine platforms for the prevention of Lassa fever

2019

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A B S T R A C TLassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus (LASV), which is endemic throughout much of West Africa. The virus primarily circulates in the Mastomys natalensis reservoir and is transmitted to humans through contact with infectious rodents or their secretions; human-to-human transmission is documented as well. With the exception of Dengue fever, LASV has the highest human impact of any haemorrhagic fever virus. On-going outbreaks in Nigeria have resulted in unprecedented mortality. Consequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed LASV as a high priority pathogen for the development of treatments and prophylactics. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines to protect against LASV infection. Although numerous candidates have demonstrated efficacy in animal models, to date, only a single candidate has advanced to clinical trials. Lassa fever vaccine development efforts have been hindered by the high cost of biocontainment requirements, the absence of established correlates of protection, and uncertainty regarding the extent to which animal models are predictive of vaccine efficacy in humans. This review briefly discusses the epidemiology and biology of LASV infection and highlights recent progress in vaccine development.

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“…Despite the wide distribution of M. natalensis, LASV is endemic only in West African countries, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Benin, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire (Frame et al, 1970, Safronetz et al, 2013. Based on estimates, the number of LASV infections ranges from 300,000 to 500,000 cases in endemic areas (Siddle et al, 2018) with a fatality rate of 1%. (Ogbu et al, 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%