Genomic characterization uncovers transmission dynamics of Marburg Virus in Rwanda following a single zoonotic spillover event
Butera, Y.; Mutesa, L.; Parker, E.; Muvunyi, R.; Umumararungu, E.; Ayitewala, A.; Musabyimana, J. P.; Olono, A.; Sesonga, P.; Ogunsanya, O.; Kabalisa, E.; Adedokun, O.; Gahima, N.; Irankunda, L.; Mutezemariya, C.; Niyonkuru, R.; Uwituze, A.; Uwizera, I.; Kagame, J.; Umugwaneza, A.; Rwabuhihi, J.; Umwanankabandi, F.; Mbonitegeka, V.; Ntagwabira, E.; Kayigi, E.; Izuwayo, G.; Murenzi, H.; Mukankwiro, T.; Tuyiringire, N.; Uwimana, J. M. V.; Gasengayire, A.; Sindayiheba, R.; Onyeugo, G.-U.; Aragaw, M.; Gitundu, L.; Bigirimana, R.; Fallah, M.; Ejikeme, A.; Sembuche, S.; Kabanda, A.; Mugisha, J. C.;
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The ongoing outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda marks the third largest historically, though it has exhibited the lowest fatality rate. Genomic analysis has identified a lineage with limited internal diversity most closely related to a genome sequence from a sporadic case sampled in 2014 in Uganda, though the lineages have diverged from a common ancestor that was circulating for decades in the animal reservoir. Notably, the data also provide evidence that the outbreak resulted from a single zoonotic transmission event with limited human-to-human transmission, rather than multiple independent zoonotic transmission events. The Rwandan MVD outbreak prompted a thorough investigation that included contact tracing, clinical assessment, travel history, sequencing, and serology testing, to trace the viruss origin. Results of investigations linked the index case to a mining cave inhabited by Rousettus aegyptiacus (the Egyptian fruit bat), where three individuals tested seropositive for IgG and IgM, further supporting the zoonotic origin of the outbreak through human-animal interactions.
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