Orthopoxvirus Antibodies in Feral Mammals in Mpox Outbreak Areas, Nigeria, 2021–2022

Emerging infectious diseases 2026 Open access

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Authors: Adeyinka Jeremy Adedeji, Clement Adebajo Meseko, Ismaila Ademola Shittu, Nanven Maurice, Suleiman Ladan, Emmanuel Obishakin, Dennis Kabantiyok, Rimfa Amos Gambo, Masdooq Aliyu, Odianosen Ehiakhamen, Ifeanyi Abali, Kwada Asunduwa Chagwa
+12 more Bitrus Vandi, Seyi Oyetunde, Nicodemus Nnabuike Mkpuma, Dorcas A. Gado, Besong Mathias Ayuk, Obadua Adegboyega, Akinbamidele Akinsorotan, Saleh Muhammad, Audrey M. Matheny, Clint N. Morgan, Yoshinori Nakazawa, Jeffrey B. Doty
DOI: 10.3201/eid3205.251565
Cited by: 1
References: 13

Abstract

We analyzed tissue and serum samples from 124 wild animals from communities with confirmed mpox cases in Nigeria. Tissue samples were PCR-negative, but serum samples from 8 animals (6.45%)-3 feral cats, 4 giant pouched rats, and 1 shrew-revealed Orthopoxvirus antibodies, suggesting these species as probable reservoirs.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Poxvirus research and outbreaks Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Emerging infectious diseases
Publisher
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Volume
32
Issue
5
Pages
763–767
Publication date
29 April 2026
Language
EN