Rodents as Reservoirs of Zoonotic Diseases in Guinea: Implications for Surveillance and Public Health

In the Republic of Guinea, rodents are an important reservoir and vector for numerous zoonoses. However, the mechanisms of transmission and the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to analyse the dynamics of circulation of rodent-borne zoonotic agents in order to propose effective strategies for the surveillance, prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging diseases. Between 10 July 2023 and 15 August 2024, an inventory of small mammal fauna was carried out in several prefectures of the country (N’Zérékoré, Lola, Yomou, Beyla, Macenta, Gueckédou, Faranah, Kindia, Kankan, Siguiri, Labé, Dalaba and Dubréka). A total of 1855 individuals belonging to 18 species, including Rattus rattus, Mus musculus and Mastomys natalensis, were captured using Sherman and Formizon traps. The specimens collected underwent biometric and pathological analyses, supplemented by blood and tissue samples subjected to molecular investigations (PCR, centrifugation and sequencing). The results revealed the presence of Lassa virus RNA in Mastomys natalensis, as well as Coxiella burnetii infections in Xerus erythropus, representing a potential risk to human health. In addition, Borrelia spp., Leptospira spp., Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. were detected, indicating active circulation of these pathogens within the rodent populations studied. These results highlight the need to strengthen surveillance of small mammals in Guinea and to adopt appropriate biosecurity measures, particularly in areas of high interaction between wildlife and human communities.