Increased Prevalence of Lassa Fever Virus-Positive Rodents and Diversity of Infected Species Found during Human Lassa Fever Epidemics in Nigeria
Anise N. Happi, Testimony Olumade, Olusola Ogunsanya, Ayotunde E. Sijuwola, Seto Charles Ogunleye, Judith U. Oguzie, Cecilia Nwofoke, Chinedu Ugwu, Samuel J. Okoro, Patricia Otuh, Louis N. Ngele, Oluwafemi O. Ojo, Ademola Adelabu, Roseline F. Adeleye, Nicholas Oyejide, Clinton S. Njaka, Jonathan L. Heeney, Christian Happi
Abstract
spp. Our findings also indicate the abundance of LASV-infected small rodents in houses, with probable interspecies transmission through vertical and horizontal coitus routes. Consequently, we suggest that the abundance of different reservoir species for LASV may fuel the epizootic outbreaks of LF in affected human communities. The high prevalence of LASV with the diversity of affected rodents has direct implications for our understanding of the transmission risk, mitigation, and ultimately, the prevention of LF in humans. Optimal tissues for LASV detection in rodents are also presented.