Preliminary Study On Some Rodents Of Southern Mauritania As Reservoir Of Human Pathogenic Viruses

In December 1998, 73 rodents belonging to 5 species (Gerbillus tarabuli, Desmodilliscus braueri, Arvicanthis niloticus, Acomys cf. airensis and Jaculus jaculus) were captured in natural, peridomestic or domestic habitats in and around 4 localities near Ayoun El Atrouss (southern Mauritania). The identity of G. tarabuli (2N = 40, NFa = 74) and A. cf. airensis (2N = 42, NFa = 66), was confirmed based on chromosomal data. IgG serologies were done by immunoenzymatic techniques against the following viruses: Rift Valley Fever, Lassa, Hantaan, Puumala, Seoul, Saboya and Gabek Forest. None of the 7 viruses searched for was found on any of the 51 individuals tested.