Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus virophage seroconversion in travelers returning from Laos

Emerg Infect Dis. 2012 Sep;18(9):1500-2. doi: 10.3201/eid1809.120099.

Abstract

During January 2010, a husband and wife returned from Laos to France with probable parasitic disease. Increased antibodies against an Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus virophage indicated seroconversion. While in Laos, they had eaten raw fish, a potential source of the virophage. This virophage, associated with giant viruses suspected to cause pneumonia, could be an emerging pathogen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Laos
  • Male
  • Mimiviridae / genetics
  • Mimiviridae / immunology*
  • Travel*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Viral Proteins