Abstract
To determine the specificity of Morogoro virus for its reservoir host, we studied its host range and genetic diversity in Tanzania. We found that 2 rodent species other than Mastomys natalensis mice carry arenaviruses. Analysis of 340 nt of the viral RNA polymerase gene showed sympatric occurrence of 3 distinct arenaviruses.
Highlights
To determine the specificity of Morogoro virus for its reservoir host, we studied its host range and genetic diversity in Tanzania
A 1-step reverse transcription–PCR (RT-PCR) selective for the Morogoro virus RNA polymerase gene was performed as described [6]; it was based on a pan–Old World arenavirus RT-PCR approach [8], but primers were adjusted to detect the Morogoro virus [6]
immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) results were positive for 58 blood samples from M. natalensis, 1 from L. rosalia, and 1 from M. minutoides mice (Table 1)
Summary
To determine the specificity of Morogoro virus for its reservoir host, we studied its host range and genetic diversity in Tanzania. Molecular screening detected a new arenavirus in M. natalensis mice: Morogoro virus, closely related to Mopeia virus [6]. Blood samples (1 punch ≈15μL/rodent) were eluted in 300 μL of phosphate-buffered saline and tested for antibodies to arenaviruses by indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) testing using Morogoro virus as antigen.
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