Emerging Infectious Diseases (Dec 2009)

Mopeia Virus–related Arenavirus in Natal Multimammate Mice, Morogoro, Tanzania

  • Stephan Günther,
  • Guy Hoofd,
  • Remi Charrel,
  • Christina Röser,
  • Beate Becker-Ziaja,
  • Graham Lloyd,
  • Christopher Sabuni,
  • Ron Verhagen,
  • Guido van der Groen,
  • Jan Kennis,
  • Abdul Katakweba,
  • Rhodes Makundi,
  • Herwig Leirs

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1512.090864
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 12
pp. 2008 – 2010

Abstract

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A serosurvey involving 2,520 small mammals from Tanzania identified a hot spot of arenavirus circulation in Morogoro. Molecular screening detected a new arenavirus in Natal multimammate mice (Mastomys natalensis), Morogoro virus, related to Mopeia virus. Only a small percentage of mice carry Morogoro virus, although a large proportion shows specific antibodies.

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