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McMillen CM, Boyles DA, Kostadinov SG, Hoehl RM, Schwarz MM, Albe JR, Demers MJ, Hartman AL. Congenital Rift Valley fever in Sprague Dawley rats is associated with diffuse infection and pathology of the placenta. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010898. [PMID: 36315601 PMCID: PMC9648853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a disease of animals and humans associated with abortions in ruminants and late-gestation miscarriages in women. Here, we use a rat model of congenital RVF to identify tropisms, pathologies, and immune responses in the placenta during vertical transmission. Infection of late-gestation pregnant rats resulted in vertical transmission to the placenta and widespread infection throughout the decidua, basal zone, and labyrinth zone. Some pups from infected dams appeared normal while others had gross signs of teratogenicity including death. Histopathological lesions were detected in placenta from pups regardless of teratogenicity, while teratogenic pups had widespread hemorrhage throughout multiple placenta layers. Teratogenic events were associated with significant increases in placental pro-inflammatory cytokines, type I interferons, and chemokines. RVFV displays a high degree of tropism for all placental tissue layers and the degree of hemorrhage and inflammatory mediator production is highest in placenta from pups with adverse outcomes. Given the potential for RVFV to emerge in new locations and the recent evidence of emerging viruses, like Zika and SARS-CoV-2, to undergo vertical transmission, this study provides essential understanding regarding the mechanisms by which RVFV crosses the placenta barrier. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infections cause human health and economical burdens given its ability to induce high rates of abortions in ruminants and possible contributions towards late-term miscarriages in women. In this study, we have identified important structures in the placenta targeted by this emerging bunyavirus. Inflammation was associated with more severe fetal outcomes such as death and fetal deformities. The striking similarities between the pathologies of the placenta in the rat model of congenital RVF and those observed in naturally infected ruminants highlight the utility of this rodent model. These findings may be further translated towards understanding the mechanisms involved in vertical transmission of RVFV in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M. McMillen
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Devin A. Boyles
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Stefan G. Kostadinov
- Department of Pathology, Magee Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Hoehl
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Madeline M. Schwarz
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Joseph R. Albe
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Demers
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Amy L. Hartman
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Islam K, Carlsson M, Enquist PA, Qian W, Marttila M, Strand M, Ahlm C, Evander M. Structural Modifications and Biological Evaluations of Rift Valley Fever Virus Inhibitors Identified from Chemical Library Screening. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:6854-6868. [PMID: 35252679 PMCID: PMC8892858 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging high-priority pathogen endemic in Africa with pandemic potential. There is no specific treatment or approved antiviral drugs for the RVFV. We previously developed a cell-based high-throughput assay to screen small molecules targeting the RVFV and identified a potential effective antiviral compound (1-N-(2-(biphenyl-4-yloxy)ethyl)propane-1,3-diamine) as a lead compound. Here, we investigated how structural modifications of the lead compound affected the biological properties and the antiviral effect against the RVFV. We found that the length of the 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl chain of the compound was important for the compound to retain its antiviral activity. The antiviral activity was similar when the 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl chain was replaced with a butyl piperazine chain. However, we could improve the cytotoxicity profile of the lead compound by changing the phenyl piperazine linker from the para-position (compound 9a) to the meta-position (compound 13a). Results from time-of-addition studies suggested that compound 13a might be active during virus post-entry and/or the replication phase of the virus life cycle and seemed to affect the K+ channel. The modifications improved the properties of our lead compound, and our data suggest that 13a is a promising candidate to evaluate further as a therapeutic agent for RVFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushikul Islam
- Department
of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå 901 85, Sweden
| | - Marcus Carlsson
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå 901 87, Sweden
| | | | - Weixing Qian
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå 901 87, Sweden
| | - Marko Marttila
- Department
of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå 901 85, Sweden
| | - Mårten Strand
- Department
of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå 901 85, Sweden
| | - Clas Ahlm
- Department
of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå 901 85, Sweden
| | - Magnus Evander
- Department
of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå 901 85, Sweden
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3
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Rift Valley Fever: a Threat to Pregnant Women Hiding in Plain Sight? J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.01394-19. [PMID: 33597209 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01394-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential for emerging mosquito-borne viruses to cause fetal infection in pregnant women was overlooked until the Zika fever outbreak several years ago. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging arbovirus with a long history of fetal infection and death in pregnant livestock. The effect of RVFV infection on pregnant women is not well understood. This Gem examines the effects that this important emerging pathogen has during pregnancy, its potential impact on pregnant women, and the current research efforts designed to understand and mitigate adverse effects of RVFV infection during pregnancy.
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Javelle E, Lesueur A, Pommier de Santi V, de Laval F, Lefebvre T, Holweck G, Durand GA, Leparc-Goffart I, Texier G, Simon F. The challenging management of Rift Valley Fever in humans: literature review of the clinical disease and algorithm proposal. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:4. [PMID: 31969141 PMCID: PMC6977312 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-0346-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus with a complex cycle of transmission that makes difficult the prediction of its expansion. Recent outbreaks outside Africa have led to rediscover the human disease but it remains poorly known. The wide spectrum of acute and delayed manifestations with potential unfavorable outcome much complicate the management of suspected cases and prediction of morbidity and mortality during an outbreak. We reviewed literature data on bio-clinical characteristics and treatments of RVF human illness. We identified gaps in the field and provided a practical algorithm to assist clinicians in the cases assessment, determination of setting of care and prolonged follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Javelle
- Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, CS500413384, Marseille Cedex 13, France. .,IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.
| | - Alexandre Lesueur
- Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, CS500413384, Marseille Cedex 13, France
| | - Vincent Pommier de Santi
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,French Armed Forces Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESPA), Marseille, France
| | - Franck de Laval
- French Armed Forces Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESPA), Marseille, France.,INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Thibault Lefebvre
- French Military Health Service, RSMA Medical Unit, Paris, Mayotte, France
| | - Guillaume Holweck
- Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, CS500413384, Marseille Cedex 13, France
| | - Guillaume André Durand
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA)-CNR des arbovirus-IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, AP-HM, UVE, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Leparc-Goffart
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA)-CNR des arbovirus-IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, AP-HM, UVE, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Gaëtan Texier
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,French Armed Forces Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESPA), Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Simon
- Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, CS500413384, Marseille Cedex 13, France.,IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, AP-HM, UVE, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
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5
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Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that was first discovered in Kenya in 1930 and is now endemic throughout multiple African countries and the Arabian Peninsula. RVF virus primarily infects domestic livestock (sheep, goats, cattle) causing high rates of neonatal mortality and abortion, with human infection resulting in a wide variety of clinical outcomes, ranging from self-limiting febrile illness to life-threatening haemorrhagic diatheses, and miscarriage in pregnant women. Since its discovery, RVF has caused many outbreaks in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula with major impacts on human and animal health. However, options for the control of RVF outbreaks are limited by the lack of licensed human vaccines or therapeutics. For this reason, RVF is prioritized by the World Health Organization for urgent research and development of countermeasures for the prevention and control of future outbreaks. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of RVF, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and status of vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wright
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas A. Bowden
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - George M. Warimwe
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
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6
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Rift Valley fever in animals and humans: Current perspectives. Antiviral Res 2018; 156:29-37. [PMID: 29857007 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an ecologically complex emerging arboviral disease that causes significant illness in both livestock and people. This review article is designed to assist the reader in understanding the varied aspects of RVF disease in animals and humans. The historical facets of RVF disease, including the evolution of human outbreaks, are presented and discussed. The different clinical presentations of human RVF disease and the underlying causes are then addressed. We explore the exposure and transmission potential of RVF in animals and people. In the concluding section, we discuss the historical role of RVF as a biological weapon. We conclude with an outline of the important unanswered questions for ongoing research into this important zoonotic disease.
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7
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Baudin M, Jumaa AM, Jomma HJE, Karsany MS, Bucht G, Näslund J, Ahlm C, Evander M, Mohamed N. Association of Rift Valley fever virus infection with miscarriage in Sudanese women: a cross-sectional study. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2016; 4:e864-e871. [PMID: 27692776 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(16)30176-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rift Valley fever virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that causes infections in animals and human beings in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Outbreaks of Rift Valley fever lead to mass abortions in livestock, but such abortions have not been identified in human beings. Our aim was to investigate the cause of miscarriages in febrile pregnant women in an area endemic for Rift Valley fever. METHODS Pregnant women with fever of unknown origin who attended the governmental hospital of Port Sudan, Sudan, between June 30, 2011, and Nov 17, 2012, were sampled at admission and included in this cross-sectional study. Medical records were retrieved and haematological tests were done on patient samples. Presence of viral RNA as well as antibodies against a variety of viruses were analysed. Any association of viral infections, symptoms, and laboratory parameters to pregnancy outcome was investigated using Pearson's χ2 test. FINDINGS Of 130 pregnant women with febrile disease, 28 were infected with Rift Valley fever virus and 31 with chikungunya virus, with typical clinical and laboratory findings for the infection in question. 15 (54%) of 28 women with an acute Rift Valley fever virus infection had miscarriages compared with 12 (12%) of 102 women negative for Rift Valley fever virus (p<0·0001). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, haemorrhagic disease, and chikungunya virus infection, an acute Rift Valley fever virus infection was an independent predictor of having a miscarriage (odds ratio 7·4, 95% CI 2·7-20·1; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION This study is the first to show an association between infection with Rift Valley fever virus and miscarriage in pregnant women. Further studies are warranted to investigate the possible mechanisms. Our findings have implications for implementation of preventive measures, and evidence-based information to the public in endemic countries should be strongly recommended during Rift Valley fever outbreaks. FUNDING Schlumberger Faculty for the Future, CRDF Global (31141), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the County Council of Västerbotten, and the Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Baudin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ammar M Jumaa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Red Sea University, Port Sudan, Sudan
| | - Huda J E Jomma
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Port Sudan Ahlia College, Port Sudan, Sudan
| | - Mubarak S Karsany
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Karary University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Göran Bucht
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Näslund
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Clas Ahlm
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Magnus Evander
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Nahla Mohamed
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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8
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Bird BH, McElroy AK. Rift Valley fever virus: Unanswered questions. Antiviral Res 2016; 132:274-80. [PMID: 27400990 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This mosquito-borne pathogen of humans and animals respects no international or geographic boundaries. It is currently found in parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula where periodic outbreaks of severe and fatal disease occur, and threatens to spread into other geographic regions. In recent years, modern molecular techniques have led to many breakthroughs deepening our understanding of the mechanisms of RVFV virulence, phylogenetics, and the creation of several next-generation vaccine candidates. Despite tremendous progress in these areas, other challenges remain in RVF disease pathogenesis, the virus life-cycle, and outbreak response preparedness that deserve our attention. Here we discuss and highlight ten key knowledge gaps and challenges in RVFV research. Answers to these key questions may lead to the development of new effective therapeutics and enhanced control strategies for this serious human and veterinary health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H Bird
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Anita K McElroy
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; Pediatric Infectious Disease, Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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9
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Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging zoonotic disease distributed in sub-Saharan African countries and the Arabian Peninsula. The disease is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) of the family Bunyaviridae and the genus Phlebovirus. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and virus replication in domestic ruminant results in high rates of mortality and abortion. RVFV infection in humans usually causes a self-limiting, acute and febrile illness; however, a small number of cases progress to neurological disorders, partial or complete blindness, hemorrhagic fever, or thrombosis. This review describes the pathology of RVF in human patients and several animal models, and summarizes the role of viral virulence factors and host factors that affect RVFV pathogenesis.
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10
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Rusnak JM, Gibbs P, Boudreau E, Clizbe DP, Pittman P. Immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated Rift Valley fever vaccine in a 19-year study. Vaccine 2011; 29:3222-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Al-Hazmi M, Ayoola EA, Abdurahman M, Banzal S, Ashraf J, El-Bushra A, Hazmi A, Abdullah M, Abbo H, Elamin A, Al-Sammani ET, Gadour M, Menon C, Hamza M, Rahim I, Hafez M, Jambavalikar M, Arishi H, Aqeel A. Epidemic Rift Valley fever in Saudi Arabia: a clinical study of severe illness in humans. Clin Infect Dis 2003; 36:245-52. [PMID: 12539063 DOI: 10.1086/345671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2002] [Accepted: 10/08/2002] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the clinical patterns and case-fatality rate associated with severe Rift Valley fever (RVF) in patients who were admitted to the Gizan regional referral hospital during an outbreak of RVF in Saudi Arabia from September through November 2000. A total of 165 consecutive patients (136 men and 29 women) were prospectively studied; all were identified according to a strict case definition, were confirmed to have RVF by serologic testing, and were treated according to a predetermined protocol. The major clinical characteristics of RVF included a high frequency of hepatocellular failure in 124 patients (75.2%), acute renal failure in 68 patients (41.2%), and hemorrhagic manifestations in 32 patients (19.4%). Sixteen patients had retinitis and 7 patients had meningoencephalitis as late complications in the course of the disease. A total of 56 patients (33.9%) died. Hepatorenal failure, shock, and severe anemia were major factors associated with patient death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Hazmi
- Department of Medicine, King Fahd Central Hospital, Gizan, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Niklasson B, Liljestrand J, Bergström S, Peters CJ. Rift Valley fever: a sero-epidemiological survey among pregnant women in Mozambique. Epidemiol Infect 1987; 99:517-22. [PMID: 3678406 PMCID: PMC2249273 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268800068011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) causes abortion in sheep and cattle. However, the teratogenic and abortogenic potential of RVF in humans is not known. Sera from a total of 1163 pregnant women in Mozambique were tested for RVF virus antibodies by ELISA and 28 (2%) were found to be positive. Mothers experiencing fetal death or miscarriage (155) had the same RVF virus antibody prevalence as those with normal deliveries. Analysis of maternity histories showed some indication of increased fetal wastage among women positive for RVF virus antibody. The ELISA used in this study was compared with a plaque reduction neutralization test and found to be equally sensitive and specific for the detection of RVF virus IgG antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Niklasson
- Department of Virology, National Bacteriological Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
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