Neglected OrthonairoViruses: Elucidating the vector-animal-human interface in Cameroon

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Emerging diseases caused by arboviruses are of worldwide public health concern. However, our knowledge on the epidemiology, prevalence and distribution of many arboviral and particularly tick-borne infections in the sub-Saharan African region is limited. Besides Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), considered the most impactful, tick-borne orthonairovirus, a number of other and putatively novel orthonairoviruses are known or at least suspected to circulate in Africa. However, their impact on veterinary and public health is understudied or entirely unknown.In this project, we aim to focus on the presence and distribution of known and potentially novel orthonairoviruses in Cameroon. To shed light on their veterinary and public health importance, we will combine elaborate field studies with laboratory-based experiments. Through sampling of vectors and incidental hosts including ruminants and humans, we aim to study the maintenance and potential transmission pathways of these tick-borne viruses at the vector-animal-human interface. Apart from serological and state-of-the-art molecular assays including virus sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, we intend to investigate the pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of known and novel orthonairovirus isolates using in-vitro and in-vivo animal experiments. Capacity building (personnel, laboratories, academic infrastructures) will be carried out by the German and two Cameroonian partners in close cooperation with two Cameroonian universities (Ngaoundere and Yaounde). Topics will cover novel diagnostic technologies (serology, qPCR, on-site next generation sequencing as well as biosafety measures.