Small mammal diversity and dynamics within Nigeria, with emphasis on reservoirs of the lassa virus

Olayemi, Ayodeji; Obadare, Adeoba; Oyeyiola, Akinlabi; Fasogbon, Samuel Ayobami; Igbokwe, Joseph; Igbahenah, Felix; Ortsega, Daniel; Günther, Stephan; Verheyen, Erik; Fichet‐Calvet, Elisabeth

doi:10.1080/14772000.2017.1358220

Cited by 24 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…In a similar study within Nigeria, LASV prevalence did not fluctuate significantly between rainy and dry seasons in the rodent M. natalensis in the highly endemic Edo area, Nigeria (likely due to inadequate sample size) [21]. Nevertheless, specimens collectively across various localities had a statistically higher distribution indoors over outdoor habitats throughout the year [22]. This shows that the commensality of M. natalensis plays a central role in LASV rodent-to-human transmission.…”

Section: Fluctuation In Lasv Prevalence and M Natalensis Abundancementioning

confidence: 74%

Systematics, Ecology, and Host Switching: Attributes Affecting Emergence of the Lassa Virus in Rodents across Western Africa

Olayemi

Fichet‐Calvet

2020

Viruses

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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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Section: Fluctuation In Lasv Prevalence and M Natalensis Abundancementioning

confidence: 74%

Systematics, Ecology, and Host Switching: Attributes Affecting Emergence of the Lassa Virus in Rodents across Western Africa

Olayemi

Fichet‐Calvet

2020

Viruses

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“…In addition to these 9 localities, trapping was conducted in 2 sites within eastern Nigeria (Abakaliki and Ndubia) during November 2015. Based on the published research literature [ 15 – 20 ] 7 of the 11 localities sampled are regarded as sited within the endemic area for Lassa fever within Nigeria, where epidemics are frequent (Fig. 1 , Table 1 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… a PCR-positive results in all cases represent LASV infection except in Mayo Ranewo, where M. natalensis was PCR-positive for a Mobala-like arenavirus Adapted from [ 2 , 14 , 20 ] …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Widespread arenavirus occurrence and seroprevalence in small mammals, Nigeria

et al. 2018

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BackgroundLassa fever, killing thousands of people annually, is the most reported viral zoonotic disease in Nigeria. Recently, different rodent species carrying diverse lineages of the Lassa virus (LASV) in addition to a novel Mobala-like genetic sequence were detected within the country. Here, screening 906 small mammal specimens from 11 localities for IgG antibodies and incorporating previous PCR detection data involving the same populations, we further describe arenavirus prevalence across Nigeria in relation to host species and geographical location.MethodsSmall mammals were trapped during the period 2011–2015 according to geographical location (endemic and non-endemic zones for Lassa fever), season (rainy and dry seasons between 2011 and 2012 for certain localities) and habitat (indoors, peridomestic settings and sylvatic vegetation). Identification of animal specimens from genera such as Mastomys and Mus (Nannomys) was assisted by DNA sequencing. Small mammals were tested for LASV IgG antibody using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA).ResultsSmall mammals were infected in both the endemic and non-endemic zones for Lassa fever, with a wider range of species IgG-positive (n = 8) than those which had been previously detected to be PCR-positive (n = 3). IgG-positive species, according to number of infected individuals, were Mastomys natalensis (n = 40), Mastomys erythroleucus (n = 15), Praomys daltoni (n = 6), Mus baoulei (n = 5), Rattus rattus (n = 2), Crocidura spp. (n = 2), Mus minutoides (n = 1) and Praomys misonnei (n = 1). Multimammate mice (Mastomys natalensis and M. erythroleucus) were the most ubiquitously infected, with animals testing positive by either PCR or IgG in 7 out of the 11 localities sampled. IgG prevalence in M. natalensis ranged from 1% in Abagboro, 17–36 % in Eguare Egoro, Ekpoma and Ngel Nyaki, up to 52 % in Mayo Ranewo. Prevalence according to locality, season and age was not, however, statistically significant for M. natalensis in Eguare Egoro and Ekpoma, localities that were sampled longitudinally.ConclusionsOverall, our study demonstrates that arenavirus occurrence is probably more widely distributed geographically and in extent of host taxa than is currently realized. This expanded scope should be taken into consideration in Lassa fever control efforts. Further sampling should also be carried out to isolate and characterize potential arenaviruses present in small mammal populations we found to be seropositive.

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“…For many years, the Natal multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis , was considered to be the sole reservoir of the virus [ 16 , 17 ]; however, a recent study in Guinea and Nigeria showed that two other species, the Guinea multimammate mouse, Mastomys erythroleucus , and the African wood mouse, Hylomyscus pamfi , can also serve as reservoirs [ 18 , 19 ]. Humans can be infected by touching objects contaminated with rodent urine, breathing aerosolized particles, being bitten by rodents or consuming rodents [ 20 – 24 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rodent control to fight Lassa fever: Evaluation and lessons learned from a 4-year study in Upper Guinea

et al. 2018

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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.

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Small mammal diversity and dynamics within Nigeria, with emphasis on reservoirs of the lassa virus

Cited by 24 publications

References 30 publications

Systematics, Ecology, and Host Switching: Attributes Affecting Emergence of the Lassa Virus in Rodents across Western Africa

Systematics, Ecology, and Host Switching: Attributes Affecting Emergence of the Lassa Virus in Rodents across Western Africa

Widespread arenavirus occurrence and seroprevalence in small mammals, Nigeria

Rodent control to fight Lassa fever: Evaluation and lessons learned from a 4-year study in Upper Guinea

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