Udahemuka, J. C. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2026

Persistent circulation of Rift Valley fever virus lineage C in Rwanda, 2022-2025

Rwanda has experienced recurrent Rift Valley fever virus outbreaks in the last decade. In this study, we investigated whether these outbreaks resulted from repeated introductions or sustained local circulation. We generated RVFV whole-genome sequences from livestock samples collected between 2022 and 2025 using Nanopore sequencing. Genomic analyses indicated the outbreaks resulted from sustained local circulation of lineage C rather than repeated introductions, suggesting ongoing transmission likely driven by sporadic spillover. This study underscores the importance of continuous genomic surveillance in endemic settings.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

In Silico Epitope Prediction And VP1 Modelling For Foot-And-Mouth Serotype SAT 2 For Vaccine Design In East Africa

Foot and Mouth Disease Virus has seven distinct, geographically localized, serotypes and a vaccination targeting one serotype does not confer immunity against another serotype. The use of inactivated vaccines is not safe and confers an immunity with a relatively shorter time. Using the VP1 sequences isolated in East Africa, we have predicted epitopes able to induce humoral and cell-mediated immunity in cattle. The Wu-Kabat variability index calculated in this study reflects the variable, including the known GH loop, and conserved regions, with the latter being good candidates for region-tailored vaccine design. Furthermore, we modelled the identified epitopes on a 3D model (PDB ID:5aca) to represent the epitopes structurally. This study can be used for in vitro and in vivo experiments.

immunology↗