Genetic Detection and Characterization of Lujo Virus, a New Hemorrhagic Fever–Associated Arenavirus from Southern Africa

TLDR

Lujo virus (LUJV) is the first hemorrhagic fever–associated arenavirus discovered in the Old World in three decades, isolated during a South African outbreak with nosocomial spread and an 80 % case‑fatality rate. Unbiased pyrosequencing of RNA from patient serum and tissues enabled rapid identification and detailed phylogenetic characterization of LUJV within 72 hours of sample receipt. Genome analysis shows LUJV to be a unique, highly pathogenic arenavirus that branches from the ancestral Old World node, with a highly divergent G1 glycoprotein suggesting a distinct receptor tropism.

Abstract

Lujo virus (LUJV), a new member of the family Arenaviridae and the first hemorrhagic fever–associated arenavirus from the Old World discovered in three decades, was isolated in South Africa during an outbreak of human disease characterized by nosocomial transmission and an unprecedented high case fatality rate of 80% (4/5 cases). Unbiased pyrosequencing of RNA extracts from serum and tissues of outbreak victims enabled identification and detailed phylogenetic characterization within 72 hours of sample receipt. Full genome analyses of LUJV showed it to be unique and branching off the ancestral node of the Old World arenaviruses. The virus G1 glycoprotein sequence was highly diverse and almost equidistant from that of other Old World and New World arenaviruses, consistent with a potential distinctive receptor tropism. LUJV is a novel, genetically distinct, highly pathogenic arenavirus.