New Lassa Virus Strain Imported into Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Stephan Gunther, Petra Emmerich, Thomas Laue, Olaf Kuhle, Marcel Asper, Annegret Jung, Thomas Grewing, Jan ter Meulen, Herbert Schmitz
Primary Institution: Bernhard-Nocht-Institut fur Tropenmedizin
Hypothesis
What are the genetic characteristics of a new Lassa virus strain imported into Germany?
Conclusion
The new Lassa virus strain, designated 'AV', shows considerable genetic differences from known strains and may have implications for vaccine development.
Supporting Evidence
- The new strain AV differs from known strains by approximately 20% at the genetic level.
- Phylogenetic analysis shows strain AV is closely related to strain Josiah from Sierra Leone.
- The study developed a new RT-PCR method for amplifying full-length S RNA from Lassa virus.
Takeaway
A traveler brought a new type of Lassa virus to Germany, and scientists studied its genes to understand how it differs from other types.
Methodology
The study involved isolating and sequencing the S RNA of the Lassa virus from a patient's serum using RT-PCR.
Limitations
The exact geographic origin of the virus and the mode of transmission could not be determined.
Participant Demographics
A 23-year-old German woman who traveled through Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso.
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