Emerging Infectious Diseases (Apr 2016)

Arenavirus Diversity and Phylogeography of Mastomys natalensis Rodents, Nigeria

  • Ayodeji Olayemi,
  • Adeoba Obadare,
  • Akinlabi Oyeyiola,
  • Joseph Igbokwe,
  • Ayobami Fasogbon,
  • Felix Igbahenah,
  • Daniel Ortsega,
  • Danny Asogun,
  • Prince Umeh,
  • Innocent Vakkai,
  • Chukwuyem Abejegah,
  • Meike Pahlman,
  • Beate Becker-Ziaja,
  • Stephan Günther,
  • Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2204.150155
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 4
pp. 694 – 697

Abstract

Read online

Mastomys natalensis rodents are natural hosts for Lassa virus (LASV). Detection of LASV in 2 mitochondrial phylogroups of the rodent near the Niger and Benue Rivers in Nigeria underlines the potential for LASV emergence in fresh phylogroups of this rodent. A Mobala-like sequence was also detected in eastern Nigeria.

Keywords