Traore, O. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

Emergence of mpox in Guinea: sporadic clade IIa cases and a clade IIb upsurge

BackgroundMpox virus (MPXV) has caused recurrent outbreaks in West Africa. However, Guinea had not previously reported laboratory-confirmed cases or MPXV genomic data. MethodsSuspected cases were identified in the NZerekore region as well as in the Conakry (Sept 2024- Dec 2025) and confirmed by real-time PCR in regional and central laboratories, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing using nanopore technology was performed in-country, followed by phylogenetic and time-scaled evolutionary analyses. FindingsThe first mpox case was clinically diagnosed in September 2024 in the NZerekore region and laboratory-confirmed by the prefectural laboratory in Gueckedou. In total, seven cases were confirmed in Forest Guinea, of which five complete or almost complete MPXV genomes were recovered. All belonged to MPXV clade IIa. Genomic divergence, ancestral dating, and low APOBEC3-associated mutation frequencies were consistent with multiple independent zoonotic spillover events. In June 2025, one of the first mpox cases of an unfolding outbreak was confirmed in Conakry. Whole genome sequencing revealed MPXV clade IIb lineage G.1. By December 2025, the number of laboratory-confirmed mpox cases nationwide increased to 2,151. A total of nine outbreak strains were sequenced, all belonging to Clade IIb. The genomes clustered with contemporaneous genomes from Sierra Leone and showed high APOBEC3-associated mutation frequencies, suggesting sustained human-to-human transmission in the region. InterpretationThese data demonstrate simultaneous circulation of MPXV clade IIa and IIb strains in Guinea, likely resulting from zoonotic spillover and human-to-human transmission, respectively. Decentralised diagnostics and in-country sequencing facilitated rapid case confirmation and genomic surveillance, highlighting the importance of these critical capacities for outbreak preparedness and response. FundingGerman Federal Ministry of Health and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF).

genomics↗

bioRxiv2018

Molecular detection of virulence and resistance genes in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Paratyphi A, B and C isolated from human diarrhea samples and lettuce in Burkina Faso.

ObjectivesIn Burkina Faso (BF), dirty water, in particular those of the stoppings and the gutter are used for irrigation of vegetables. The aim of this study is to contribute to the knowledge on the molecular level of Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi circulating in the hospitals and environment next to hospitals in BF.\n\nMethodsSalmonella Typhi and Paratyphi strains isolated from patients between 2009 to 2015 and lettuce samples isolated in 2014 in BF were characterized by simple PCR using specific primers.\n\nResultsOut of 100 Salmonella isolated, 53% were from human and 47% from lettuce samples. Globally, the highest prevalence was observed with invA, misL, pipD, orfL and spvR genes in 97%, 96%; 74%; and 21%. Forty of these isolates carried class 1 integron, 31 from clinical samples and 9 from lettuce samples. Sequencing showed seven different gene cassette arrangements, with aadA1 in 13/15 strains, aadA7 and aac(3)-Id in 2/15 strains. Eight percent (8/100) of Salmonella harbored gyrB and parE genes with 6 from clinical and 2 from lettuce isolates. Sequencing showed no mutation in these genes. Three distinct PFGE types were observed from clinical samples with 90-95% similarity in each case. All Salmonella from lettuce had similar pulsotypes.\n\nConclusionThis study showed the diversity virulence and resistance genes harbored of S. Typhi and Paratyphi from both clinical and lettuce samples in BF. Lettuce is a potential source of transmission of Salmonella causing diarrhea among human in BF.

microbiology↗