Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus Virophage Seroconversion in Travelers Returning from Laos

Abstract

During January 2010, a husband and wife returned from Laos to France with probable parasitic disease. Increased antibodies against an Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus virophage indicated seroconversion. While in Laos, they had eaten raw fish, a potential source of the virophage. This virophage, associated with giant viruses suspected to cause pneumonia, could be an emerging pathogen.

Keywords

• Mimivirus
• giant virus
• amoeba
• ameba
• virophage
• viruses