The Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine announced the start of a research study to understand how Lassa fever survivors fight and overcome Lassa virus infection. The study, titled “Identification and Immunological Characterization of Adult Lassa Fever Survivors in Nigeria,” is a collaboration between CVD, the International Research Center for Human Virology (IHVN) of Nigeria (IRCE), and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi State.
Lassa fever remains one of the most serious and persistent public health threats in Nigeria and other endemic regions of West Africa. It is a zoonotic disease caused by Lassavirus, an Old World arenavirus, whose main host is the rat called Lassavirus. mastomys natalensis. Infection in humans occurs primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) reported that the case fatality rate in 2026 is 25.1%, with outbreaks occurring in 21 of Nigeria’s 37 states, with 85% of cases concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states. Although there is currently no licensed vaccine for Lassa fever, several efforts are underway, including efforts by CEPI, to find an effective vaccine against Lassa fever.
Despite decades of endemic endemic disease with high mortality rates in West Africa, significant gaps remain in our understanding of how natural infection confers immunity to survivors and how vaccine development can benefit from such knowledge. This 12-month collaboration will aim to generate deeper insights into innate immunity following infection. The data generated will serve as an important reference point for current and future Lassa fever vaccine trials.
This research will also work with the community to minimize known risk factors and establish a repository of clinical data and biological samples that will be a valuable long-term scientific resource for the research community. The study will leverage ATBUTH and IHVN’s existing world-class laboratory infrastructure, including an ISO 15189:2022 accredited laboratory (PLAVIREC) located in Jos, Plateau State, and the Institute’s Regional Biorepository Facility (I-HAB) located on the IHVN campus in Abuja.
The Lassa Fever Survivor Study is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under contract HHSN272201700082C with Thomas Jefferson University through collaboration with CVD and the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria (IHVN). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
Why is this research important?
Speaking at the launch, Nigerian lead researcher and IHVN-IRCE Director-General Professor Alashur Abimik said, “This study represents an important step forward in our collective efforts to work better with communities to reduce behaviors and exposures that increase the risk of Lassa virus infection. By studying Lassa fever survivors in Nigeria, we are generating local evidence that will directly inform vaccine development and ultimately save lives.” This research reflects IHVN’s enduring commitment to promoting health through science, strengthening national research capacity, and ensuring that Africans are active participants and beneficiaries of the knowledge generated through research.
ATBUTH Principal Collaborator Dr. Suleiman Yusuf commented, “Lassa fever cases are on the rise in Bauchi State, and clinical and laboratory infrastructure is in place to contribute to knowledge leading to the prevention and treatment of Lassa fever. Additionally, my institution has long-term relationships with local communities to ensure that knowledge on how to prevent the transmission of Lassa fever is maintained in each community, enabling health workers to recognize the clinical symptoms of Lassa fever and intervene quickly.”
We are pleased to work with our colleagues in Nigeria and contribute to the global effort to develop an effective vaccine against Lassa fever. ”
Justin Ortiz, MD, MSc, Professor of Medicine and co-investigator on this study
“Studying the innate immune response in Lassa fever survivors may help identify immune pathways and markers associated with recovery and protection after infection. These findings may provide important scientific context for ongoing efforts to design and evaluate future Lassa fever vaccines,” said Dr. Matthias J. Schnell, Director of the Jefferson Center for Vaccine and Pandemic Preparedness at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Schnell is the principal investigator on the parent agreement with the NIH and the inventor of the Lassa fever vaccine candidate.
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University of Maryland School of Medicine
