Work

Mapping the Evidence for Oropouche Virus to Inform Research Prioritisation

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Oropouche virus (OROV) infection has gained increasing public health attention due to the ongoing outbreaks in South and Central America. The World Health Organisation (WHO) lists OROV as a priority pathogen for epidemic and pandemic preparedness. This work aimed to identify and categorise the available evidence on OROV to inform research prioritisation. We conducted a rapid mapping review (search date: up to 5 June 2025) to identify primary studies on OROV and categorised these by area of research, study design, and geographic region using a pre-defined framework. Included studies were displayed in an interactive evidence gap map (EGM) to identify any evidence gaps. In total, 269 primary studies on OROV were included and mapped into the EGM. Of these, the majority of data and findings were reported from South America, Central America and the Caribbean, reflecting the geographical epidemiology of OROV. The majority of studies were observational and descriptive, based on specific outbreaks. Limited evidence was found on vector surveillance, viral pathogenesis, diagnostics and immune correlates of protection. No experimental studies on potential therapeutics or vaccines conducted in humans were identified. The findings from our mapping review and EGM highlight the utility of this methodology to rapidly identify gaps in scientific evidence for emerging or re-emerging pathogens with outbreak potential. The EGM can be used solely, or in conjunction with other prioritisation tools, in order to focus investment and research efforts towards priority topics.

Source: Reviews in Medical Virology

DOI: 10.1002/rmv.70222