Molecular detection of monkeypox virus in wild rodents and humans in Ibadan, Nigeria; a crosssectional study

Abstract

Introduction: monkeypox, a rare viral disease, was discovered in 1958 in Denmark and sporadically affects humans in Central and West  Africa rainforests with a mortality rate of 1-10%. This study in Ibadan, Nigeria, aimed to detect the virus in wild rodents near Human- Wildlife Hotspot interfaces. A molecular detection method was employed to assess the incidence of the monkeypox virus in hunting  communities.

Methods: organ and blood samples were collected from wild rodents and hunters, respectively, in Ibadan, Nigeria, to  detect the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from the samples and tested using a TaqMan-based  assay targeting the Orthopoxvirus DNA polymerase gene to detect a wide range of orthopoxviruses. An additional assay using two MGB  Eclipse probes targeting two envelope protein genes (F3L and N3R) was used to detect MPXV specifically. A questionnaire was administered to the hunters to collect demographic data.

Results: TaqMan-based and probe assays (F3L-F290, F3L-R396, N3R-F319, and  N3R-R457) failed to detect Variola, orthopoxviruses, or nonpox viral rash diseases in wild rodents or hunters in Ibadan, Nigeria. None of  the samples tested positive for West African MPXV strains. However, 41% of hunters reported MPXV infection in the past based on clinical  symptoms.

Conclusion: monkeypox virusspecific primers and gene proteins failed to detect MPXV in wild animals and hunters in Nigeria. Individuals should be informed about MPXV and report any fever and widespread pustular rash with smaller lesions, especially within  10-14 days of contact with wild animals such as African giant rats, squirrels, and monkeys.