101
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Hernández-Triana LM, de Marco MF, Mansfield KL, Thorne L, Lumley S, Marston D, Fooks AA, Johnson N. Assessment of vector competence of UK mosquitoes for Usutu virus of African origin. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:381. [PMID: 29970149 PMCID: PMC6029037 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2959-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic virus originally from sub-Saharan Africa. It has been introduced into Europe on multiple occasions, causing substantial mortality within the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) population. It is transmitted by the mosquito species Culex pipiens in Europe and Africa. Vector competence studies indicate that European strains of USUV are readily transmitted by indigenous Cx. pipiens. However, there is limited information on the ability of an African strain to infect European mosquitoes. METHODS We evaluated the ability of African strain SAAR-1776 to infect two lines of Cx. pipiens colonised within the United Kingdom (UK). Mosquitoes were fed blood meals containing this virus and maintained at 25 °C for up to 21 days. Individual mosquitoes were tested for the presence of virus in the body, legs and an expectorate saliva sample. Changes to the consensus of the virus genome were monitored in samples derived from infected mosquitoes using amplicon based next generation sequencing. RESULTS Infection, dissemination and the presence of virus in saliva in one mosquito line was observed, but no evidence for dissemination in the second mosquito line. This suggests a strong barrier to infection in UK Cx. pipiens for this strain of USUV. When comparing the genome of input virus within the blood meal with USUV recovered from an infected mosquito, we observed limited changes in the consensus genome sequence. CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of vector competence of UK populations of Cx. pipiens for Usutu virus suggests a limited susceptibility to infection with USUV strain SAAR-1776 of African origin. However, within a single mosquito there was complete dissemination and expectoration of USUV, indicating that infection, and potentially transmission, is possible. Sequence changes were observed that may represent early adaption to the mosquito host and could reflect the early events of USUV establishment in European mosquito populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Hernández-Triana
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Maria Fernández de Marco
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Karen L. Mansfield
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Leigh Thorne
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Sarah Lumley
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 XH UK
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG UK
| | - Denise Marston
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Anthony A. Fooks
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nick Johnson
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 XH UK
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102
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Lühken R, Jöst H, Cadar D, Thomas SM, Bosch S, Tannich E, Becker N, Ziegler U, Lachmann L, Schmidt-Chanasit J. Distribution of Usutu Virus in Germany and Its Effect on Breeding Bird Populations. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:1994-2001. [PMID: 29148399 PMCID: PMC5708248 DOI: 10.3201/eid2312.171257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquitoborne flavivirus with an increasing number of reports from several countries in Europe, where USUV infection has caused high avian mortality rates. However, 20 years after the first observed outbreak of USUV in Europe, there is still no reliable assessment of the large-scale impact of USUV outbreaks on bird populations. In this study, we identified the areas suitable for USUV circulation in Germany and analyzed the effects of USUV on breeding bird populations. We calculated the USUV-associated additional decline of common blackbird (Turdus merula) populations as 15.7% inside USUV-suitable areas but found no significant effect for the other 14 common bird species investigated. Our results show that the emergence of USUV is a further threat for birds in Europe and that the large-scale impact on population levels, at least for common blackbirds, must be considered.
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103
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Mannasse B, Mendelson E, Orshan L, Mor O, Shalom U, Yeger T, Lustig Y. Usutu Virus RNA in Mosquitoes, Israel, 2014-2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:1699-1702. [PMID: 28930008 PMCID: PMC5621534 DOI: 10.3201/eid2310.171017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified Usutu virus (USUV) RNA in 6 pools of mosquitoes trapped in northern Israel during 2014–2015. These Israeli strains were most similar to strains identified in Senegal and Germany, which further elucidates common ancestry and evolutionary dynamics of USUV. Our findings suggest that human infection with USUV might occur in Israel.
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104
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First genetic characterization of Usutu virus from Culex pipiens mosquitoes Serbia, 2014. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 63:58-61. [PMID: 29778766 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since its first appearance in Europe, Usutu virus (USUV) diverged to several different genetic lineages. The virus was reported to date from multiple countries across Europe (Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Belgium). Considering the more frequently published impact of the virus on humans it is crucial to investigate locally circulating genetic variants and trace its evolution. We retrospectively analyzed mosquito samples from Serbia Vojvodina region, collected during 2014. In this study we report the results of the screening of 23,753 female mosquitoes (753 pools) for USUV-specific nucleic-acid. Out of the 753 pools sampled, the presence of USUV RNA was confirmed in 3 pools of Culex pipiens mosquitoes, collected in August. Based on their partial NS5 sequence, all strains were identical, therefore we adjusted one representative strain for complete genome sequencing. Based on phylogenetic analysis the Serbian USUV sequences were most closely related to the virus that emerged in Austria in 2001, in Hungary in 2005 and was circulating until 2015 in Hungary. This data presents a wider geographic distribution of this genetic variant and provides the first genetic data from this region.
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105
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Abstract
Equine populations worldwide are at increasing risk of infection by viruses transmitted by biting arthropods, including mosquitoes, biting midges (Culicoides), sandflies and ticks. These include the flaviviruses (Japanese encephalitis, West Nile and Murray Valley encephalitis), alphaviruses (eastern, western and Venezuelan encephalitis) and the orbiviruses (African horse sickness and equine encephalosis). This review provides an overview of the challenges faced in the surveillance, prevention and control of the major equine arboviruses, particularly in the context of these viruses emerging in new regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Chapman
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - M Baylis
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - D Archer
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J M Daly
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, UK
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106
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Bakonyi T, Jungbauer C, Aberle SW, Kolodziejek J, Dimmel K, Stiasny K, Allerberger F, Nowotny N. Usutu virus infections among blood donors, Austria, July and August 2017 - Raising awareness for diagnostic challenges. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 22. [PMID: 29043962 PMCID: PMC5710119 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.41.17-00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Between July and August 2017, seven of 12,047 blood donations from eastern Austria, reacted positive to West Nile virus (WNV) in the cobas test (Roche). Follow-up investigations revealed Usutu virus (USUV) nucleic acid in six of these. Retrospective analyses of four blood donors diagnosed as WNV-infected in 2016 showed one USUV positive. Blood transfusion services and public health authorities in USUV-endemic areas should be aware of a possible increase of human USUV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Bakonyi
- These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship.,Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christof Jungbauer
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Vienna, Austria.,These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship
| | - Stephan W Aberle
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Dimmel
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Norbert Nowotny
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship.,Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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107
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Integrated analysis of human-animal-vector surveillance: West Nile virus infections in Austria, 2015-2016. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018. [PMID: 29535293 PMCID: PMC5849732 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0021-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The results of integrated human and veterinary surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Austria during the transmission seasons 2015 and 2016 are shown. Altogether WNV nucleic acid was detected in 21 humans, horses, wild birds and mosquito pools. In detail: in four human clinical cases [two cases of West Nile fever (WNF) and two cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND)]; eight blood donors [among 145,541 tested donations], of which three remained asymptomatic and five subsequently developed mild WNF; two horses with WNND, of which one recovered and one had to be euthanized; two wild birds [one goshawk and one falcon, both succumbed to WNND]; and five Culex pipiens mosquito pools. Compared to previous years the number of infections increased remarkably. All infections were recorded in the city of Vienna and neighboring regions of Lower Austria. Sixteen coding-complete WNV sequences were established which were closely related to each other and to other Austrian, Czech and Italian viruses, all belonging to the Central/Southern European cluster of WNV sublineage 2d. However, several genetically slightly different WNV strains seem to co-circulate in the same area, as demonstrated by phylogenetic analysis. Based on detailed sequence analysis, all newly discovered Austrian WNV strains had the potential to cause neurological disease, but no correlation was found between severity of disease and the analyzed genetic virulence/neuroinvasiveness markers. Results of integrated human-animal-vector surveillance presented in this paper provide a comprehensive description of WNV activity in the region and will facilitate proactive public health measures to prevent or mitigate potential outbreaks.
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108
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The Role of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) in Virus Transmission in Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020389. [PMID: 29473903 PMCID: PMC5858458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, a range of mosquito-borne viruses that threaten public and veterinary health have emerged or re-emerged in Europe. Mosquito surveillance activities have highlighted the Culex pipiens species complex as being critical for the maintenance of a number of these viruses. This species complex contains morphologically similar forms that exhibit variation in phenotypes that can influence the probability of virus transmission. Critical amongst these is the choice of host on which to feed, with different forms showing different feeding preferences. This influences the ability of the mosquito to vector viruses and facilitate transmission of viruses to humans and domestic animals. Biases towards blood-feeding on avian or mammalian hosts have been demonstrated for different Cx. pipiens ecoforms and emerging evidence of hybrid populations across Europe adds another level of complexity to virus transmission. A range of molecular methods based on DNA have been developed to enable discrimination between morphologically indistinguishable forms, although this remains an active area of research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of developments in the understanding of the ecology, behaviour and genetics of Cx. pipiens in Europe, and how this influences arbovirus transmission.
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109
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Mosquitoes as Arbovirus Vectors: From Species Identification to Vector Competence. PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH MONOGRAPHS 2018. [PMCID: PMC7122353 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-94075-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes and other arthropods transmit a large number of medically important pathogens, in particular viruses. These arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) include a wide variety of RNA viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family (West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), Dengue virus (DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Zika virus (ZIKV)), the Togaviridae family (Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)), and Bunyavirales order (Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV)) (please refer also to Table 9.1). Arboviral transmission to humans and livestock constitutes a major threat to public health and economy as illustrated by the emergence of ZIKV in the Americas, RVFV outbreaks in Africa, and the worldwide outbreaks of DENV. To answer the question if those viral pathogens also pose a risk to Europe, we need to first answer the key questions (summarized in Fig. 9.1):Who could contribute to such an outbreak? Information about mosquito species resident or imported, potential hosts and viruses able to infect vectors and hosts in Germany is needed. Where would competent mosquito species meet favorable conditions for transmission? Information on the minimum requirements for efficient replication of the virus in a given vector species and subsequent transmission is needed. How do viruses and vectors interact to facilitate transmission? Information on the vector immunity, vector physiology, vector genetics, and vector microbiomes is needed.
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110
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Reusken CB, Ieven M, Sigfrid L, Eckerle I, Koopmans M. Laboratory preparedness and response with a focus on arboviruses in Europe. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017; 24:221-228. [PMID: 29274465 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global health burden of arboviruses is continuously rising, which results in increasing pressure on local and (inter)national laboratory infrastructures. Timely and accurate diagnosis of cases is one of the main pillars for public health and clinical responses to an arbovirus emergence. AIMS AND SOURCES This narrative review aims to summarize recent advances and to identify needs in laboratory preparedness and response activities, with a focus on viruses transmitted by arthropods in Europe. The review is based on evidence extracted from PubMed searches, Public Health and clinical laboratory experiences from the authors and the authors' opinions substantiated by peer-reviewed scientific literature. CONTENT We illustrate the importance of inter-epidemic laboratory preparedness activities to ensure adequate Public Health and clinical responses. We describe the status of arbovirus endemicity and emergence in Europe thereby highlighting the need for preparedness for these viruses. We discuss the components and pitfalls of an adequate laboratory preparedness and response and the broader context of the current landscape of international research, clinical and laboratory preparedness networks. The complexity of arbovirus laboratory preparedness and response is described. IMPLICATIONS Outbreak preparedness plans need to look beyond national reference laboratories, to include first-line responding onsite hospital laboratories and plans for strengthening of such local capacity and capability as required depending on the nature of the outbreak. In particular, the diagnosis of arbovirus infections is complicated by the existence of geographic overlap of circulation of numerous arboviruses, the overlap in clinical manifestation between many arboviruses and other aetiologies and the existence of cross-reactivity between related arboviruses in serology testing. Inter-epidemic preparedness activities need strong national and international networks addressing these issues. However, the current mushrooming of European preparedness networks requires governance to bring the European preparedness and response to a next level.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Reusken
- Department of Viroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for Arboviruses and Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - M Ieven
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium; Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Sigfrid
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Dept. of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - I Eckerle
- Institut für Virologie. Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for Arboviruses and Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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111
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Bakonyi T, Erdélyi K, Brunthaler R, Dán Á, Weissenböck H, Nowotny N. Usutu virus, Austria and Hungary, 2010-2016. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e85. [PMID: 29018253 PMCID: PMC5658768 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV, Flaviviridae) was first reported in Europe in Austria in 2001, where it caused wild bird (mainly blackbird) mortality until 2005. Since 2006 no further USUV cases were diagnosed in the country. However, the virus emerged in other European countries (Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany and the Czech Republic) between 2005 and 2011. In 2016, widespread USUV-associated wild bird mortality was observed in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In this study, we report the results of passive monitoring for USUV in Austria and Hungary between 2010 and 2016. In Hungary, USUV caused sporadic cases of wild bird mortality between 2010 and 2015 (altogether 18 diagnosed cases), whereas in summer and autumn 2016 the number of cases considerably increased to 12 (ten blackbirds, one Eurasian jay and one starling). In Austria, USUV was identified in two blackbirds in 2016. Phylogenetic analyses of coding-complete genomes and partial regions of the NS5 protein gene revealed that USUVs from Hungary between 2010 and 2015 are closely related to the virus that emerged in Austria in 2001 and in Hungary in 2005, while one Hungarian sequence from 2015 and all sequences from Hungary and Austria from 2016 clustered together with USUV sequences reported from Italy between 2009 and 2010. The results of the study indicate continuous USUV circulation in the region and exchange of USUV strains between Italy, Austria and Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Bakonyi
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.,Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungária krt. 23-25, 1143 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Károly Erdélyi
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, 1149 Budapest, Hungary
| | - René Brunthaler
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ádám Dán
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, 1149 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 505055, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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112
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Evidence of exposure of laughing doves (Spilopelia senegalensis) to West Nile and Usutu viruses in southern Tunisian oases. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:2808-2816. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817001789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYIt has previously been suggested that southern Tunisian oases may be suitable areas for the circulation of flaviviruses. In order to anticipate and prevent possible epidemiological spread of flaviviruses in humans and domestic animals, the ecology of their transmission in the oasis system needs to be better understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-flavivirus antibodies in the laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), an abundant resident bird in Tunisian oases. Anti-flavivirus antibodies were detected in 17% of sampled doves. Ten per cent of the total tested doves were West Nile virus (WNV) seropositive and 4% were Usutu virus (USUV) seropositive, which provides the first evidence of USUV circulation in Tunisian birds. We also found that the occurrence probability of anti-flavivirus antibodies in dove plasma increased with decreasing distance to coast, suggesting that doves inhabiting coastal oases were more exposed to flaviviruses compared with those inhabiting inland oases. We also found significantly higher antibody occurrence probability in adult doves compared with young doves, which underlines the effect of exposure time. Overall, our results suggest that the laughing dove may be used for WNV and USUV surveillance in southern Tunisia. They also stress the need for investigations combining data on birds and mosquitoes to better understand the ecological factors governing the circulation of flaviviruses in this area.
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113
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Palanisamy N, Lennerstrand J. Computational Prediction of Usutu Virus E Protein B Cell and T Cell Epitopes for Potential Vaccine Development. Scand J Immunol 2017; 85:350-364. [PMID: 28273384 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (family Flaviviridae), once confined to Africa, has emerged in Europe a decade ago. The virus has been spreading throughout Europe at a greater pace mostly affecting avian species. While most bird species remain asymptomatic carriers of this virus, few bird species are highly susceptible. Lately, Usutu virus (USUV) infections in humans were reported sporadically with severe neuroinvasive symptoms like meningoencephalitis. As so much is unknown about this virus, which potentially may cause severe diseases in humans, there is a need for more studies of this virus. In this study, we have used computational tools to predict potential B cell and T cell epitopes of USUV envelope (E) protein. We found that amino acids between positions 68 and 84 could be a potential B cell epitope, while amino acids between positions 53 and 69 could be a potential major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I- and class II-restricted T cell epitope. By homology 3D modeling of USUV E protein, we found that the predicted B cell epitope was predominantly located in the coil region, while T cell epitope was located in the beta-strand region of the E protein. Additionally, the potential MHC class I T cell epitope (LAEVRSYCYL) was predicted to bind to nearly 24 human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) (IC50 ≤5000 nm) covering nearly 86.44% of the Black population and 96.90% of the Caucasoid population. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate the predicted epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Palanisamy
- Section of Clinical Virology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Lennerstrand
- Section of Clinical Virology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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114
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Lim SM, Geervliet M, Verhagen JH, Müskens GJDM, Majoor FA, Osterhaus ADME, Martina BEE. Serologic evidence of West Nile virus and Usutu virus infections in Eurasian coots in the Netherlands. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 65:96-102. [PMID: 28688117 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are arboviruses that are maintained in enzootic transmission cycles between mosquitoes and birds and are occasionally transmitted to mammals. As arboviruses are currently expanding their geographic range and emerging in often unpredictable locations, surveillance is considered an important element of preparedness. To determine whether sera collected from resident and migratory birds in the Netherlands as part of avian influenza surveillance would also represent an effective source for proactive arbovirus surveillance, a random selection of such sera was screened for WNV antibodies using a commercial ELISA. In addition, sera of jackdaws and carrion crows captured for previous experimental infection studies were added to the selection. Of the 265 screened serum samples, 27 were found to be WNV-antibody-positive, and subsequent cross-neutralization experiments using WNV and USUV confirmed that five serum samples were positive for only WNV-neutralizing antibodies and seven for only USUV. The positive birds consisted of four Eurasian coots (Fulica atra) and one carrion crow (Corvus corone) for WNV, of which the latter may suggest local presence of the virus, and only Eurasian coots for USUV. As a result, the screening of a small selection of serum samples originally collected for avian influenza surveillance demonstrated a seroprevalence of 1.6% for WNV and 2.8% for USUV, suggesting that this sustained infrastructure could serve as a useful source for future surveillance of arboviruses such as WNV and USUV in the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Lim
- Artemis One Health Research Foundation, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - M Geervliet
- Artemis One Health Research Foundation, Delft, the Netherlands.,Animal Sciences, Cell Biology and Immunology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J H Verhagen
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Ecology and Evolution for Microbial Model Systems Zoonotic Ecology and Epidemiology, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - G J D M Müskens
- Wageningen Environmental Research (Alterra), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - F A Majoor
- Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A D M E Osterhaus
- Artemis One Health Research Foundation, Delft, the Netherlands.,Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - B E E Martina
- Artemis One Health Research Foundation, Delft, the Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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115
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Gaibani P, Rossini G. An overview of Usutu virus. Microbes Infect 2017; 19:382-387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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116
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Holbrook MR. Historical Perspectives on Flavivirus Research. Viruses 2017; 9:E97. [PMID: 28468299 PMCID: PMC5454410 DOI: 10.3390/v9050097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The flaviviruses are small single-stranded RNA viruses that are typically transmitted by mosquito or tick vectors. These "arboviruses" are found around the world and account for a significant number of cases of human disease. The flaviviruses cause diseases ranging from mild or sub-clinical infections to lethal hemorrhagic fever or encephalitis. In many cases, survivors of neurologic flavivirus infections suffer long-term debilitating sequelae. Much like the emergence of West Nile virus in the United States in 1999, the recent emergence of Zika virus in the Americas has significantly increased the awareness of mosquito-borne viruses. The diseases caused by several flaviviruses have been recognized for decades, if not centuries. However, there is still a lot that is unknown about the flaviviruses as the recent experience with Zika virus has taught us. The objective of this review is to provide a general overview and some historical perspective on several flaviviruses that cause significant human disease. In addition, available medical countermeasures and significant gaps in our understanding of flavivirus biology are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Holbrook
- NIAID Integrated Research Facility, 8200 Research Plaza, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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117
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Heitmann A, Jansen S, Lühken R, Leggewie M, Badusche M, Pluskota B, Becker N, Vapalahti O, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Tannich E. Experimental transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes from central Europe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 22:30437. [PMID: 28106528 PMCID: PMC5404485 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.2.30437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes collected in Germany in 2016, including Culex pipiens pipiens biotype pipiens, Culex torrentium and Aedes albopictus, as well as Culex pipiens pipiens biotype molestus (in colony since 2011) were experimentally infected with Zika virus (ZIKV) at 18 °C or 27 °C. None of the Culex taxa showed vector competence for ZIKV. In contrast, Aedes albopictus were susceptible for ZIKV but only at 27 °C, with transmission rates similar to an Aedes aegypti laboratory colony tested in parallel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Heitmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mayke Leggewie
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marlis Badusche
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Norbert Becker
- Institute for Dipterology (IfD), Speyer, Germany.,University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
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118
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Cadar D, Lühken R, van der Jeugd H, Garigliany M, Ziegler U, Keller M, Lahoreau J, Lachmann L, Becker N, Kik M, Oude Munnink BB, Bosch S, Tannich E, Linden A, Schmidt V, Koopmans MP, Rijks J, Desmecht D, Groschup MH, Reusken C, Schmidt-Chanasit J. Widespread activity of multiple lineages of Usutu virus, western Europe, 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 22:30452. [PMID: 28181903 PMCID: PMC5388094 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.4.30452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In the summer of 2016, Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands reported widespread Usutu virus (USUV) activity based on live and dead bird surveillance. The causative USUV strains represented four lineages, of which two putative novel lineages were most likely recently introduced into Germany and spread to other western European countries. The spatial extent of the outbreak area corresponded with R0 values > 1. The occurrence of the outbreak, the largest USUV epizootic registered so far in Europe, allowed us to gain insight in how a recently introduced arbovirus with potential public health implications can spread and become a resident pathogen in a naïve environment. Understanding the ecological and epidemiological factors that drive the emergence or re-emergence of USUV is critical to develop and implement timely surveillance strategies for adequate preventive and control measures. Public health authorities, blood transfusion services and clinicians in countries where USUV was detected should be aware of the risk of possible USUV infection in humans, including in patients with unexplained encephalitis or other neurological impairments, especially during late summer when mosquito densities peak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Henk van der Jeugd
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,Vogeltrekstation - Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mutien Garigliany
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ute Ziegler
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Lars Lachmann
- Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABSeV), Speyer, Germany.,University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marja Kik
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bas B Oude Munnink
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Bosch
- Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annick Linden
- Belgian Wildlife Health Surveillance Network, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for birds and reptiles, University Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marion P Koopmans
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolianne Rijks
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Desmecht
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Martin H Groschup
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Chantal Reusken
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
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119
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Verna F, Modesto P, Radaelli MC, Francese DR, Monaci E, Desiato R, Grattarola C, Peletto S, Mosca A, Savini G, Chianese R, Demicheli V, Prearo M, Chiavacci L, Pautasso A, Casalone C. Control of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Northwestern Italy: Preparedness from One Season to the Next. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:331-339. [PMID: 28437184 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) are spreading worldwide due to globalization and climate change, representing a threat for both humans and animals. Of great concern are the infections caused by viruses belonging to the Flavivirus genus as West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) transmitted by Culex sp. or Dengue virus and Zika virus (ZIKV), transmitted by Aedes sp. This work describes the surveillance protocol enforced in Piedmont (Northwestern Italy) to control MBDs spread, focusing on the activities performed on mosquitoes during the 2015 vector season. MATERIALS AND METHODS From July to October, mosquitoes were fortnightly sampled in 50 selected sites according to risk factors with CDC dry ice-baited traps and BG-Sentinel traps baited with BG-Lure and dry ice. Adults were counted, identified to species level, pooled, and screened for flaviviruses using different reverse transcription-PCR protocols and sequencing. Finally, phylogenetic analysis was performed on a dataset including 2014 and 2015 WNV sequences and reference sequences retrieved from GenBank. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 17,000 mosquitoes, grouped in 730 pools, were tested. Five pools of Culex pipiens were positive for WNV Lineage 2 in Novara, Alessandria, Vercelli, and Torino Provinces. One pool of C. pipiens and one pool of Anopheles maculipennis s.l. were positive for USUV in Vercelli and Alessandria Provinces. In Vercelli Province one pool of C. pipiens resulted positive both for WNV and USUV. Control measures were quickly implemented. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the WNV Lin 2 sequences from Piedmont region cluster with those circulating in Northeastern Italy in the previous years. Given the positive trend in WNV activity compared to 2014 and the emergence caused by other flavivirus as ZIKV, the level of attention for the 2016 vector season may be increased and this surveillance protocol could represent an important tool for public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Verna
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Modesto
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Radaelli
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Monaci
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosanna Desiato
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Grattarola
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Peletto
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Mosca
- 2 Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l'Ambiente (IPLA) , Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- 3 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise , "G. Caporale," Teramo, Italy
| | - Rosa Chianese
- 4 Centro Regionale Sangue del Piemonte presso ASL TO4 Ospedale di Ivrea , Ivrea, Italy
| | - Vittorio Demicheli
- 5 Servizio Sovrazonale di Epidemiologia-SEREMI presso ASL , Alessandria, Italy
| | - Marino Prearo
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Chiavacci
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pautasso
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Casalone
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
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120
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Rijks JM, Kik ML, Slaterus R, Foppen R, Stroo A, IJzer J, Stahl J, Gröne A, Koopmans M, van der Jeugd HP, Reusken C. Widespread Usutu virus outbreak in birds in the Netherlands, 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 21:30391. [PMID: 27918257 PMCID: PMC5144937 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2016.21.45.30391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We report a widespread Usutu virus outbreak in birds in the Netherlands. Viral presence had been detected through targeted surveillance as early as April 2016 and increased mortality in common blackbirds and captive great grey owls was noticed from August 2016 onwards. Usutu virus infection was confirmed by post-mortem examination and RT-PCR. Extensive Usutu virus activity in the Netherlands in 2016 underlines the need to monitor mosquito activity and mosquito-borne infections in 2017 and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Rijks
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,These authors contributed equally to the work
| | - M L Kik
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,These authors contributed equally to the work.,Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre (VPDC), Division of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Slaterus
- Sovon, Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rpb Foppen
- Sovon, Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Animal Ecology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Stroo
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), National Reference Centre (NRC), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J IJzer
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre (VPDC), Division of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Stahl
- Sovon, Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Gröne
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre (VPDC), Division of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mgp Koopmans
- ErasmusMC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H P van der Jeugd
- Vogeltrekstation - Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cbem Reusken
- ErasmusMC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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121
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Calzolari M, Chiapponi C, Bonilauri P, Lelli D, Baioni L, Barbieri I, Lavazza A, Pongolini S, Dottori M, Moreno A. Co-circulation of two Usutu virus strains in Northern Italy between 2009 and 2014. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 51:255-262. [PMID: 28341546 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus is an arbovirus closely related to West Nile virus (genus Flavivirus), which circulates between mosquitoes and wild birds. This virus has been increasingly reported in Europe, raising concerns for its possible pathogenic potential for wild birds and humans. This study reports the whole genome sequences of 15 strains of USUV, isolated between 2010 and 2014 from mosquitoes and wild birds in the course of West Nile virus surveillance in the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions of Northern Italy. Both whole and 656 partial genome sequences, obtained from isolated viruses and field samples (mosquitoes and wild birds), were analyzed to describe the temporal and geographical spread of USUV in the surveyed area. The detected sequences belonged to two groups, with one circulating primarily in the northwestern part of the area and the other in the southeastern part. This pattern is likely the result of different routes of introduction from the North (over the Alps) and from the East, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of obtained sequences and other European sequences demonstrated that the majority of European strains belonged to one main clade, while less common strains, mainly from Western Europe, fell in other two clades. This analysis strongly suggested an autochthonous evolution process of strains of the main clade from a common ancestor with an estimated time of arrival in Europe at the beginning of the 1990s. In addition to causing mass mortality in wild birds, Usutu virus can infect humans and can sporadically cause disease. These factors and the endemization of the Usutu virus in a large area of Europe, sustained by the obtained data, strongly support the need to adequately survey Usutu virus in areas in which its circulation is detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Chiapponi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Laura Baioni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Barbieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Stefano Pongolini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Michele Dottori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Ana Moreno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "B. Ubertini", Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
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122
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European Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens Are Competent Vectors for Japanese Encephalitis Virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005294. [PMID: 28085881 PMCID: PMC5268654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the causative agent of Japanese encephalitis, the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. JEV transmission cycle involves mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts. The detection of JEV RNA in a pool of Culex pipiens caught in 2010 in Italy raised the concern of a putative emergence of the virus in Europe. We aimed to study the vector competence of European mosquito populations, such as Cx. pipiens and Aedes albopictus for JEV genotypes 3 and 5. Findings After oral feeding on an infectious blood meal, mosquitoes were dissected at various times post-virus exposure. We found that the peak for JEV infection and transmission was between 11 and 13 days post-virus exposure. We observed a faster dissemination of both JEV genotypes in Ae. albopictus mosquitoes, when compared with Cx. pipiens mosquitoes. We also dissected salivary glands and collected saliva from infected mosquitoes and showed that Ae. albopictus mosquitoes transmitted JEV earlier than Cx. pipiens. The virus collected from Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens saliva was competent at causing pathogenesis in a mouse model for JEV infection. Using this model, we found that mosquito saliva or salivary glands did not enhance the severity of the disease. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated that European populations of Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens were efficient vectors for JEV transmission. Susceptible vertebrate species that develop high viremia are an obligatory part of the JEV transmission cycle. This study highlights the need to investigate the susceptibility of potential JEV reservoir hosts in Europe, notably amongst swine populations and local water birds. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. JEV is maintained in a cycle involving mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts, mainly pigs and wading birds. Humans can be infected when bitten by an infected mosquito. Culex tritaeniorhynchus is the main vector of the disease in tropical and subtropical areas. The recent detection of JEV in birds and mosquitoes collected in Northern Italy has led us to evaluate the putative emergence of this arboviral disease in Europe. For this purpose, we have tested the competence of European populations of Cx. pipiens and Aedes albopictus to transmit this virus in a laboratory setting. We showed that these local mosquitoes could be infected and were capable of transmitting a pathogenic virus to mice. It is thus urgent to evaluate the risks of JEV emergence in European regions displaying a favorable environment for mosquito vectors, susceptible pigs and wading birds.
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123
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Samanta I, Bandyopadhyay S. Infectious Diseases. PET BIRD DISEASES AND CARE 2017. [PMCID: PMC7121861 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3674-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The chapter describes bacerial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections commonly detected in pet birds. The chapter includes history, etiology, susceptible hosts, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, lesion, diagnosis, zoonosis, Treatment and control strategy of Tuberculosis, Salmonellosis, Chlamydiosis, Campylobacteriosis, Lyme disease, other bacterial infection, Newcastle disease, Avian Influenza infection, West Nile Virus infection, Usutu virus infection, Avian Borna Virus infection, Beak and feather disease, other viral infection, Toxoplasmosis, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidiosis, other parasitic infection, Cryptococcosis, Aspergillosis, Other fungal infections.
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124
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Börstler J, Jöst H, Garms R, Krüger A, Tannich E, Becker N, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Lühken R. Host-feeding patterns of mosquito species in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:318. [PMID: 27259984 PMCID: PMC4893232 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquito-borne pathogens are of growing importance in many countries of Europe including Germany. At the same time, the transmission cycles of most mosquito-borne pathogens (e.g. viruses or filarial parasites) are not completely understood. There is especially a lack of knowledge about the vector capacity of the different mosquito species, which is strongly influenced by their host-feeding patterns. While this kind of information is important to identify the relevant vector species, e.g. to direct efficient control measures, studies about the host-feeding patterns of mosquito species in Germany are scarce and outdated. Methods Between 2012 and 2015, 775 blood-fed mosquito specimens were collected. Sampling was conducted with Heavy Duty Encephalitis Vector Survey traps, Biogents Sentinel traps, gravid traps, hand-held aspirators, sweep nets, and human-bait collection. The host species for each mosquito specimen was identified with polymerase chain reactions and subsequent Sanger sequencing of the cytochrome b gene. Results A total of 32 host species were identified for 23 mosquito species, covering 21 mammalian species (including humans) and eleven bird species. Three mosquito species accounted for nearly three quarters of all collected blood-fed mosquitoes: Aedes vexans (363 specimens, 46.8 % of all mosquito specimens), Culex pipiens pipiens form pipiens (100, 12.9 %) and Ochlerotatus cantans (99, 12.8 %). Non-human mammals dominated the host species (572 specimens, 73.8 % of all mosquito specimens), followed by humans (152, 19.6 %) and birds (51, 6.6 %). The most common host species were roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; 258 mosquito specimens, 33.3 % of all mosquito specimens, 65 % of all mosquito species), humans (Homo sapiens; 152, 19.6 %, 90 %), cattle (Bos taurus; 101, 13.0 %, 60 %), and wild boar (Sus scrofa; 116, 15.0 %, 50 %). There were no statistically significant differences in the spatial-temporal host-feeding patterns of the three most common mosquito species. Conclusions Although the collected blood-fed mosquito species had a strong overlap of host species, two different host-feeding groups were identified with mosquito species feeding on (i) non-human mammals and humans or (ii) birds, non-human mammals, and humans, which make them potential vectors of pathogens only between mammals or between mammals and birds, respectively. Due to the combination of their host-feeding patterns and wide distribution in Germany, Cx. pipiens pipiens form pipiens and Cx. torrentium are potentially most important vectors for pathogens transmitted from birds to humans and the species Ae. vexans for pathogens transmitted from non-human mammals to humans. Finally, the presented study indicated a much broader host range compared to the classifications found in the literature for some of the species, which highlights the need for studies on the host-feeding patterns of mosquitoes to further assess their vector capacity and the disease ecology in Europe. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1597-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Börstler
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Garms
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Krüger
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Institute for Dipterology, Speyer, Germany.,University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.
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125
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A recombinant DNA vaccine protects mice deficient in the alpha/beta interferon receptor against lethal challenge with Usutu virus. Vaccine 2016; 34:2066-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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126
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Pautasso A, Radaelli MC, Ballardini M, Francese DR, Verna F, Modesto P, Grattarola C, Desiato R, Bertolini S, Vitale N, Ferrari A, Rossini I, Accorsi A, Mosca A, Monaco F, Savini G, Prearo M, Mignone W, Chiavacci L, Casalone C. Detection of West Nile and Usutu Viruses in Italian Free Areas: Entomological Surveillance in Piemonte and Liguria Regions, 2014. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:292-4. [PMID: 26862776 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus and Usutu virus have established in different parts of Italy over the past 10 years. Piemonte and Liguria Regions (Northwestern Italy) are known to be nonendemic areas, despite the presence of competent vectors and environmental conditions conducive to maintaining infection. This work evidences for the first time, through an entomological surveillance implemented on the basis of risk factor approach, the presence of West Nile and Usutu viruses in Piemonte and Liguria Regions (Northwestern Italy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pautasso
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Radaelli
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Ballardini
- 2 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Imperia, Italy
| | | | - Federica Verna
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Modesto
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Grattarola
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosanna Desiato
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Bertolini
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo Ferrari
- 3 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
| | - Irene Rossini
- 4 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, La Spezia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Accorsi
- 3 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Mosca
- 5 Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l'Ambiente , Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Monaco
- 6 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise , "G. Caporale," Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- 6 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise , "G. Caporale," Teramo, Italy
| | - Marino Prearo
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Walter Mignone
- 2 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Imperia, Italy
| | - Laura Chiavacci
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Casalone
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
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127
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Rudolf I, Bakonyi T, Šebesta O, Mendel J, Peško J, Betášová L, Blažejová H, Venclíková K, Straková P, Nowotny N, Hubálek Z. Co-circulation of Usutu virus and West Nile virus in a reed bed ecosystem. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:520. [PMID: 26459018 PMCID: PMC4604097 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1139-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquito-borne flaviviruses are a major public health threat in many countries worldwide. In Central Europe, West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV), both belonging to the Japanese encephalitis virus group (Flaviviridae) have emerged in the last decennium. Surveillance of mosquito vectors for arboviruses is a sensitive tool to evaluate virus circulation and consequently to estimate the public health risk. Methods Mosquitoes (Culicidae) were collected at South-Moravian (Czech Republic) fishponds between 2010 and 2014. A total of 61,770 female Culex modestus Ficalbi mosquitoes, pooled to 1,243 samples, were examined for flaviviruses by RT-PCR. Results One pool proved positive for USUV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that this Czech USUV strain is closely related to Austrian and other Central European strains of the virus. In addition, nine strains of WNV lineage 2 were detected in Cx. modestus collected in the same reed bed ecosystem. Conclusions This is the first detection of USUV in Cx. modestus. The results indicate that USUV and WNV may co-circulate in a sylvatic cycle in the same habitat, characterised by the presence of water birds and Cx. modestus mosquitoes, serving as hosts and vectors, respectively, for both viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Tamás Bakonyi
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary. .,Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Oldřich Šebesta
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Mendel
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Juraj Peško
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Betášová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Blažejová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristýna Venclíková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Petra Straková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Zdenek Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic.
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