Postdoc Prince Baffour Tonto in the Herrera Lab at the Rutgers Global Health Institute along with Senegalese colleagues investigated the seroprevalence of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and O'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) in Senegal, West Africa, using samples from 470 non-febrile subjects. The research utilized ELISA and microneutralization assays to assess antibody presence and neutralizing capabilities, revealing an overall alphavirus seroprevalence of 38.5% but varying significantly by region and age. Notably, cross-reactivity between the viruses was observed, with a substantial percentage of CHIKV cases showing a neutralizing response to ONNV and vice versa. Risk factor analysis indicated that older age and specific geographic locations, such as Thies for CHIKV and Kedougou for ONNV, were associated with higher odds of infection. The findings confirm the co-circulation of these viruses in Senegal, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted public health strategies. This research highlights the importance of considering both geographic and demographic factors in mitigating the impact of alphavirus infections.
Tonto PB, Sy M, Ndiaye IM, Toure M, Gaye A, Aidara M, Mbaye AM, Dia AK, Diallo MA, Gomis JF, Yade MS, Diedhiou Y, Dieye B, Diongue K, Seck MC, Badiane AS, Herrera BB, Ndiaye D. Seroprevalence of Chikungunya and O'nyong-nyong Viruses in Senegal, West Africa. J Med Virol. 2025 Mar;97(3):e70282. doi: 10.1002/jmv.70282. PMID: 40028687. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.70282
Comments