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Lu J, Liu J, Wu Y, He X, Gao X, Chen X, Chen S, Zhu X, Peng Y, Xiao G, Pan X. A full-length glycoprotein mRNA vaccine confers complete protection against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, with broad-spectrum protective effects against bandaviruses. J Virol 2024:e0076924. [PMID: 38829138 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00769-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic viruses from family Phenuiviridae, which are mainly transmitted by arthropods, have intermittently sparked epidemics worldwide. In particular, tick-borne bandaviruses, such as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), continue to spread in mountainous areas, resulting in an average mortality rate as high as 10.5%, highlighting the urgency and importance of vaccine development. Here, an mRNA vaccine developed based on the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein, containing both the receptor-binding domain and the fusion domain, was shown to confer complete protection against SFTSV at a very low dose by triggering a type 1 helper T cell-biased cellular immune response in rodents. Moreover, the vaccine candidate elicited long-term immunity and protection against SFTSV for at least 5 months. Notably, it provided complete cross-protection against other bandaviruses, such as the Heartland virus and Guertu virus, in lethal challenge models. Further research revealed that the conserved epitopes among bandaviruses within the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein may facilitate broad-spectrum protection mediated by the cellular immune response. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein mRNA vaccine is a promising vaccine candidate for SFTSV and other bandaviruses, and provide guidance for the development of broad-spectrum vaccines from conserved antigens and epitopes. IMPORTANCE Tick-borne bandaviruses, such as SFTSV and Heartland virus, sporadically trigger outbreaks in addition to influenza viruses and coronaviruses, yet there are no specific vaccines or therapeutics against them. mRNA vaccine technology has advantages in terms of enabling in situ expression and triggering cellular immunity, thus offering new solutions for vaccine development against intractable viruses, such as bandaviruses. In this study, we developed a novel vaccine candidate for SFTSV by employing mRNA vaccination technology and using a full-length glycoprotein as an antigen target. This candidate vaccine confers complete and durable protection against SFTSV at a notably low dose while also providing cross-protection against Heartland virus and Guertu virus. This study highlights the prospective value of full-length SFTSV-glycoprotein-based mRNA vaccines and suggests a potential strategy for broad-spectrum bandavirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Yan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxue He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xuerui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yucai Peng
- Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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Ayari R, Chaouch H, Findlay-Wilson S, Hachfi W, Ben Lasfar N, Bellazreg F, Dowall S, Hannachi N, Letaief A. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Phleboviruses and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus among Blood Donors in Central Tunisia. Pathogens 2024; 13:348. [PMID: 38668303 PMCID: PMC11054088 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of six viruses, from two families of the order Bunyavirales, in the general population of central Tunisia. Sera collected from 377 asymptomatic blood donors were serologically assayed for Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), and four sandfly-borne phleboviruses: Toscana virus (TOSV), sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV), sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), and sandfly fever Cyprus virus (SFCV). Of the 377 subjects enrolled in this study, 17.3% were IgG positive for at least one of the viruses tested. The most frequently detected antibodies were against TOSV (13.3%), followed by SFCV (2.9%), RVFV (1.9%), SFSV (1.3%), and SFNV (1.1%). Only one sample was IgG positive for CCHFV. Dual reactivity was observed in nine cases: SFSV + SFCV in three cases (0.8%) and TOSV + SFNV, TOSV + SFCV, and TOSV + RVFV in two cases (0.5%) each. 15.9% of donors were IgG positive against sandfly-borne phleboviruses. Among the 65 donors IgG positive for phleboviruses, 50.8% were from rural areas compared to 12.3% from urban areas (p < 0.001); 92.3% had animals in their living quarters (p = 0.009); and 70.8% lived in the vicinity of stagnant water (p = 0.062). Seroprevalence was significantly higher among donors living with chronic diseases (p = 0.039). Furthermore, the seroprevalence of phleboviruses was higher in Kairouan, the central governorate, than in the two coastal governorates: Monastir and Sousse, with 33.4%, 24.2%, and 14.9%, respectively. The presence of antibodies in the general population needs further investigation to better assess the extent of these viruses. Only TOSV was known to have an extensive circulation in Tunisia and in North Africa. Continued surveillance and interventions are necessary to detect the emergence of all arboviruses and to prevent further transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rym Ayari
- Infectious Diseases Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (R.A.); (H.C.); (W.H.); (N.B.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Houda Chaouch
- Infectious Diseases Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (R.A.); (H.C.); (W.H.); (N.B.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Stephen Findlay-Wilson
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (S.F.-W.); (S.D.)
| | - Wissem Hachfi
- Infectious Diseases Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (R.A.); (H.C.); (W.H.); (N.B.L.); (F.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Nadia Ben Lasfar
- Infectious Diseases Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (R.A.); (H.C.); (W.H.); (N.B.L.); (F.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Foued Bellazreg
- Infectious Diseases Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (R.A.); (H.C.); (W.H.); (N.B.L.); (F.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Stuart Dowall
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (S.F.-W.); (S.D.)
| | - Neila Hannachi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
- Microbiology Laboratory, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
| | - Amel Letaief
- Infectious Diseases Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (R.A.); (H.C.); (W.H.); (N.B.L.); (F.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
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3
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Polat C, Ayhan N, Ergünay K, Charrel RN. Comprehensive evaluation of nucleic acid amplification methods widely used for generic detection of sandfly-borne phleboviruses. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0342823. [PMID: 38456695 PMCID: PMC10986501 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03428-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses (SBPs), which cause sandfly fever, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis, are emerging pathogens of major public health concern. Virus nucleic acid testing is essential for SBP diagnosis, especially in the early stages of infection, and for the discovery of novel SBPs. The efficacy of utilizing generic primers that target conserved nucleotide sequences for the detection of both known and novel SBPs has not been extensively evaluated. We aimed to compare and evaluate the performance of five generic primer sets, widely used to detect S- and L-segments of arthropod-borne phleboviruses and designed as singleplex (n = 3) and nested (n = 2) formats, including both well-known and recently characterized 15 Old World virus strains. Furthermore, we performed in silico analysis to assess the detection capabilities of these generic primer sets. The initial evaluation of previously published generic primer sets for SBP detection yielded two singleplex primer sets with the potential to be adapted for use in real-time or high-throughput detection settings. Studies are ongoing to develop and further optimize a preliminary assay and test various hosts and vectors to assess their capacity to detect known and novel viruses. IMPORTANCE Virus nucleic acid testing is the primary diagnostic method, particularly in the early stages of illness. Virus-specific or syndromic tests are widely used for this purpose. The use of generic primers has had a considerable impact on the discovery, identification, and detection of Old World sandfly-borne phleboviruses (OWSBP). The study is significant because it is the first to carry out a comparative evaluation of all published OWSBP generic primer sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health, and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), Marseille, France
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, Maryland, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire des Infections Virales Aigues et Tropicales, Pole des Maladies Infectieuses, AP-HM Hopitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
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Maia C. Sand fly-borne diseases in Europe: epidemiological overview and potential triggers for their emergence and re-emergence. J Comp Pathol 2024; 209:6-12. [PMID: 38320331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are vectors of human and animal pathogens, including Leishmania species protozoan parasites and viruses of the genus Phlebovirus. In Europe, visceral zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum, a deadly disease when left untreated, is endemic in southern countries, and dogs are the main reservoir hosts for human infection. Most phleboviruses cause asymptomatic infections or flu-like syndromes in humans, but Toscana phlebovirus can cause meningitis and encephalitis. These diseases are likely to re-emerge, posing a growing threat to public and animal health. Potential triggers include the movement of humans and dogs, increasing numbers of immunosuppressive conditions, climate change and other human-mediated environmental changes. An overview of the main epidemiological characteristics of the pathogens transmitted by sand flies in Europe and the potential triggers involved in their emergence and re-emergence are reviewed here. There is a need to implement mandatory notification of human and canine leishmaniases and human phleboviruses and coordinated epidemiological surveillance programmes at a European level, and to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and citizens about sand fly-borne diseases, following a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1348-009, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Zheng Y, Tian X, Wang R, Yao X, Zhang W, Yin Q, Li F, Nie K, Cui Q, Xu S, Fu S, Li H, Cheng J, Wang H. Genetic Characteristics of Wuxiang Virus in Shanxi Province, China. Viruses 2024; 16:103. [PMID: 38257803 PMCID: PMC10818450 DOI: 10.3390/v16010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Wuxiang virus (WUXV) is the first sandfly-borne Phlebovirus isolated from Phlebotomus chinensis collected in China and has been established as a consistent viral presence in the local sandfly populations of both Wuxiang County and Yangquan City. However, its distribution in the Shanxi Province remains unclear. In this study, three novel WUXV strains were isolated from sandflies collected from Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province, China, in 2022. Subsequently, whole-genome sequences of these novel strains were generated using next-generation sequencing. The open reading frame (ORF) sequences of the WUXV strains from the three locations were subjected to gene analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that WUXV belongs to two distinct clades with geographical differences. Strains from Wuxiang County and Yangquan City belonged to clade 1, whereas strains from Jiexiu City belonged to clade 2. Reassortment and recombination analyses indicated no gene reassortment or recombination between the two clades. However, four reassortments or recombination events could be detected in clade 1 strains. By aligning the amino acid sequences, eighty-seven mutation sites were identified between the two clades, with seventeen, sixty, nine, and one site(s) in the proteins RdRp, M, NSs, and N, respectively. Additionally, selection pressure analysis identified 17 positively selected sites across the entire genome of WUXV, with two, thirteen, one, and one site(s) in the proteins RdRp, M, NSs, and N, respectively. Notably, sites M-312 and M-340 in the M segment not only represented mutation sites but also showed positive selective pressure effects. These findings highlight the need for continuous nationwide surveillance of WUXV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuke Zheng
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China;
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Shanxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan 030012, China;
| | - Ruichen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
| | - Xiaohui Yao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Weijia Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
| | - Qikai Yin
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
| | - Fan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
| | - Kai Nie
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
| | - Qianqian Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
| | - Songtao Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
| | - Shihong Fu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
| | - Hao Li
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China;
| | - Jingxia Cheng
- Shanxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan 030012, China;
| | - Huanyu Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (R.W.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (Q.Y.); (F.L.); (K.N.); (Q.C.); (S.X.); (S.F.)
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Paquette SJ, Simon AY, XIII A, Kobinger GP, Shahhosseini N. Medically Significant Vector-Borne Viral Diseases in Iran. Microorganisms 2023; 11:3006. [PMID: 38138150 PMCID: PMC10745727 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11123006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne viral diseases (VBVDs) continue to pose a considerable public health risk to animals and humans globally. Vectors have integral roles in autochthonous circulation and dissemination of VBVDs worldwide. The interplay of agricultural activities, population expansion, urbanization, host/pathogen evolution, and climate change, all contribute to the continual flux in shaping the epidemiology of VBVDs. In recent decades, VBVDs, once endemic to particular countries, have expanded into new regions such as Iran and its neighbors, increasing the risk of outbreaks and other public health concerns. Both Iran and its neighboring countries are known to host a number of VBVDs that are endemic to these countries or newly circulating. The proximity of Iran to countries hosting regional diseases, along with increased global socioeconomic activities, e.g., international trade and travel, potentially increases the risk for introduction of new VBVDs into Iran. In this review, we examined the epidemiology of numerous VBVDs circulating in Iran, such as Chikungunya virus, Dengue virus, Sindbis virus, West Nile virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Sandfly-borne phleboviruses, and Hantavirus, in relation to their vectors, specifically mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, and rodents. In addition, we discussed the interplay of factors, e.g., urbanization and climate change on VBVD dissemination patterns and the consequent public health risks in Iran, highlighting the importance of a One Health approach to further surveil and to evolve mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jo Paquette
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada;
| | - Ayo Yila Simon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Ara XIII
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.X.); (G.P.K.)
| | - Gary P. Kobinger
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.X.); (G.P.K.)
| | - Nariman Shahhosseini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada;
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Al-numaani SA, Al-Nemari AT, El-Kafrawy SA, Hassan AM, Tolah AM, Alghanmi M, Zawawi A, Masri BE, Hindawi SI, Alandijany TA, Bajrai LH, Bukhari A, Mahmoud AB, Al Salem WS, Algaissi A, Charrel RN, Azhar EI, Hashem AM. Seroprevalence of Toscana and sandfly fever Sicilian viruses in humans and livestock animals from western Saudi Arabia. One Health 2023; 17:100601. [PMID: 37520847 PMCID: PMC10372353 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High seroprevalence rates of several phleboviruses have been reported in domestic animals and humans in sandfly-infested regions. Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and Toscana virus (TOSV) are two of these viruses commonly transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies. While SFSV can cause rapidly resolving mild febrile illness, TOSV could involve the central nervous system (CNS), causing diseases ranging from aseptic meningitis to meningoencephalitis. Sandfly-associated phleboviruses have not been investigated before in Saudi Arabia and are potential causes of infection given the prevalence of sandflies in the country. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of SFSV and TOSV in the western region of Saudi Arabia in samples collected from blood donors, livestock animals, and animal handlers. An overall seroprevalence of 9.4% and 0.8% was found in humans for SFSV and TOSV, respectively. Seropositivity was significantly higher in non-Saudis compared to Saudis and increased significantly with age especially for SFSV. The highest seropositivity rate was among samples collected from animal handlers. Specifically, in blood donors, 6.4% and 0.7% tested positive for SFSV and TOSV nAbs, respectively. Animal handlers showed higher seroprevalence rates of 16% and 1% for anti-SFSV and anti-TOSV nAbs, respectively, suggesting that contact with livestock animals could be a risk factor. Indeed, sera from livestock animals showed seropositivity of 53.3% and 4.4% in cows, 27.5% and 7.8% in sheep, 2.2% and 0.0% in goats, and 10.0% and 2.3% in camels for SFSV and TOSV, respectively. Together, these results suggest that both SFSV and TOSV are circulating in the western region of Saudi Arabia in humans and livestock animals, albeit at different rates, and that age and contact with livestock animals could represent risk factors for infection with these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ayman Al-numaani
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Talat Al-Nemari
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif A. El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Tolah
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maimonah Alghanmi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayat Zawawi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badr Essa Masri
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa I. Hindawi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamir A. Alandijany
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena H. Bajrai
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Bukhari
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed S. Al Salem
- Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Emerging and Epidemic Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Esam I. Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Sellali S, Lafri I, Ayhan N, Medrouh B, Messahel NE, Lafri M, Charrel R, Bitam I. Neutralizing based seroprevalence study of Toscana virus in livestock from Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 103:102075. [PMID: 37922744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Toscana virus is a sandfly-borne human pathogen belonging to Phlebovirus genus into Phenuiviridae family. It is emerging in north Africa posing a complex threat to public health. TOSV is heavily affecting sandfly-exposed people in northern Algeria. A larger distribution has recently been stated in Algeria by using dog sera. Dog exposure to TOSV was repeatedly identified in north Algeria, with 4.56% lately detected to possess respective neutralizing antibodies. However, evidence for TOSV has only been observed in dogs among various species of domestic animals. Therefore, we attempted to assess sera from 221 livestock comprising cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits and horses, to identify the presence of TOSV neutralizing antibodies. The study was conducted during 2017, in 11 areas from the governorates of Blida, Medea, Algiers, Tipaza, Ain Defla, Tissemsilt in the north center, and Setif, Mila, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel in the northeast of Algeria. Positive results were obtained in 14.6% (12/82) cattle, 17.18% (11/64) sheep, 15% (3/20) horses and 3.33% (1/30) goats, whereas rabbits remained negative. Positive samples originated mainly from the north centre, with new areas being first-ever detected. The seroprevalence was noticed to be very strongly related to sample origin (p < 0.01). Females (OR=4.09) were observed to be more likely infected. Our findings represent a further proof of TOSV circulation in Algeria. Moreover, they revealed a potential role of livestock (p = 0.00731) in its natural cycle. This fact emphasize how important is to elucidate the exact contribution of livestock to the epidemiology of sandfly-borne phleboviruses, and their impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Sellali
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Bachir Medrouh
- Center of Research in Agro-pastoralism, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | | | - Mohamed Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Center of Research in Agro-pastoralism, Djelfa 17000, Algeria.
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Shahhosseini N, Paquette SJ, Kayedi MH, Abaei MR, Sedaghat MM. Genetic Characterization of Sandfly-Borne Viruses in Phlebotomine Sandflies in Iran. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2754. [PMID: 38004764 PMCID: PMC10673459 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Phleboviruses are classified into two main groups: the sandfly fever group (transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes) and the Uukuniemi group (transmitted by ticks). Old World sandfly-borne viruses (SBVs) are classified into four main serocomplexes; sandfly fever Naples viruses (SFNVs), sandfly fever Sicilian viruses (SFSVs), Karimabad viruses (KARVs), and Salehabad viruses (SALVs). This study addresses current knowledge gaps on SBVs in Iran by focusing on identification and molecular epidemiology. We used PCR to examine DNA/RNA extracts to identify sandfly species and evaluate for SBV presence. We identified five specimens positive for phleboviruses: one Ph. sergenti for Tehran virus (TEHV), one Ph. papatasi for SFSV, and two Ph. papatasi and one Ph. perfiliewi for KARV. A phylogenetic tree indicated that the TEHV isolate from this study formed a cluster with previous isolates of TEHV, Zerdali virus, and Fermo virus. Meanwhile, the identified SFSV isolate fell in lineage I and was grouped with previous isolates of SFSVs and Dashli virus in Iran. Finally, the KARV isolates from this study formed a monophyletic clade in a sister relationship with other viruses in KARV lineages I and II. This comprehensive study on SBVs in Iran provided new insights into the molecular epidemiology of TEHV, SFSVs and KARVs in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nariman Shahhosseini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada;
| | - Sarah-Jo Paquette
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada;
| | - Mohammad Hassan Kayedi
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad 6814993165, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Reza Abaei
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 141556446, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 141556446, Iran;
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Gámbaro F, Pérez AB, Prot M, Agüera E, Baidaliuk A, Sánchez-Seco MP, Martínez-Martínez L, Vázquez A, Fernandez-Garcia MD, Simon-Loriere E. Untargeted metagenomic sequencing identifies Toscana virus in patients with idiopathic meningitis, southern Spain, 2015 to 2019. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200913. [PMID: 37943504 PMCID: PMC10636744 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.45.2200913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundVarious pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses can lead to meningitis. Among viruses causing meningitis, Toscana virus (TOSV), a phlebovirus, is transmitted through sandfly bites. TOSV infection may be suspected if patients with enterovirus- and herpesvirus-negative aseptic (non-bacterial) meningitis recall recent insect bites. Other epidemiological factors (season, rural area) may be considered. The broad range of possible meningitis aetiologies poses considerable diagnosis challenges. Untargeted metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can potentially identify pathogens, which are not considered or detected in routine diagnostic panels.AimIn this retrospective, single-centre observational study, we investigated mNGS usefulness to understand the cause of meningitis when conventional approaches fail.MethodsCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients hospitalised in southern Spain in 2015-2019 with aseptic meningitis and no aetiology found by conventional testing, were subjected to mNGS. Patients' demographic characteristics had been recorded and physicians had asked them about recent insect bites. Obtained viral genome sequences were phylogenetically analysed.ResultsAmong 23 idiopathic cases, TOSV was identified in eight (all male; median age: 39 years, range: 15-78 years). Five cases lived in an urban setting, three occurred in autumn and only one recalled insect bites. Phylogenetic analysis of TOSV segment sequences supported one intra-genotype reassortment event.ConclusionsOur study highlights the usefulness of mNGS for identifying viral pathogens directly in CSF. In southern Spain, TOSV should be considered regardless of recalling of insect bites or other epidemiological criteria. Detection of a disease-associated reassortant TOSV emphasises the importance of monitoring the spread and evolution of phleboviruses in Mediterranean countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Gámbaro
- G5 Evolutionary Genomics of RNA Viruses, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ana Belén Pérez
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Matthieu Prot
- G5 Evolutionary Genomics of RNA Viruses, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Eduardo Agüera
- Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Artem Baidaliuk
- G5 Evolutionary Genomics of RNA Viruses, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - María Paz Sánchez-Seco
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Martínez
- Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ana Vázquez
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Dolores Fernandez-Garcia
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share last authorship and correspondence
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Etienne Simon-Loriere
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share last authorship and correspondence
- G5 Evolutionary Genomics of RNA Viruses, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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11
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Polat C, Ayhan N, Saygan MB, Karahan S, Charrel R, Ergünay K. Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Human Sandfly-Borne Phlebovirus Exposure in an Endemic Region. Viruses 2023; 15:1902. [PMID: 37766308 PMCID: PMC10535931 DOI: 10.3390/v15091902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are endemic in countries around the Mediterranean Basin and pose a significant health threat for populations, with symptoms spanning from febrile diseases to central nervous system involvement. We carried out a comprehensive cross-sectional screening via microneutralization (MN) assays for a quantitative assessment of neutralizing antibodies (NAs) to seven phleboviruses representing three distinct serocomplexes, using samples previously screened via immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) in Turkey, an endemic region with various phleboviruses in circulation. We detected NAs to three phleboviruses: Toscana virus (TOSV), sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV), and sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), while assays utilizing Adana virus, Punique virus, Massilia virus, and Zerdali virus remained negative. The most frequently observed virus exposure was due to TOSV, with a total prevalence of 22.6%, followed by SFNV (15.3%) and SFSV (12.1%). For each virus, IFA reactivity was significantly associated with NA detection, and further correlated with NA titers. TOSV and SFSV seroreactivities were co-detected, suggesting exposure to multiple pathogenic viruses presumably due to shared sandfly vectors. In 9.6% of the samples, multiple virus exposure was documented. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate widespread exposure to distinct pathogenic phleboviruses, for which diagnostic testing and serological screening efforts should be directed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Nazlı Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Mehmet Bakır Saygan
- Middle Anatolia Regional Blood Center, Turkish Red Crescent Society, Ankara 06378, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Karahan
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
- Laboratoire des Infections Virales Aigues et Tropicales, Pole des Maladies Infectieuses, AP-HM Hopitaux Universitaires de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC 20560, USA
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12
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Devignot S, Sha TW, Burkard TR, Schmerer P, Hagelkruys A, Mirazimi A, Elling U, Penninger JM, Weber F. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) as an auxiliary host factor for RNA viruses. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302005. [PMID: 37072184 PMCID: PMC10114362 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses with an RNA genome are often the cause of zoonotic infections. In order to identify novel pro-viral host cell factors, we screened a haploid insertion-mutagenized mouse embryonic cell library for clones that are resistant to Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). This screen returned the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) as a top hit, a plasma membrane protein involved in a wide variety of cell activities. Inactivation of LRP1 in human cells reduced RVFV RNA levels already at the attachment and entry stages of infection. Moreover, the role of LRP1 in promoting RVFV infection was dependent on physiological levels of cholesterol and on endocytosis. In the human cell line HuH-7, LRP1 also promoted early infection stages of sandfly fever Sicilian virus and La Crosse virus, but had a minor effect on late infection by vesicular stomatitis virus, whereas encephalomyocarditis virus was entirely LRP1-independent. Moreover, siRNA experiments in human Calu-3 cells demonstrated that also SARS-CoV-2 infection benefitted from LRP1. Thus, we identified LRP1 as a host factor that supports infection by a spectrum of RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Devignot
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tim Wai Sha
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas R Burkard
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Schmerer
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Astrid Hagelkruys
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ulrich Elling
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Friedemann Weber
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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13
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Benbetka C, Hachid A, Benallal KE, Khardine FA, Ayhan N, Bouredjoul N, Boulehbal WM, Bellila D, Khaldi A, Charrel R. Epidemiology, Isolation, and Genetic Characterization of Toscana Virus in Algerian Patients Displaying Neurological Infection, 2016-2018. IJID REGIONS 2023; 7:193-198. [PMID: 37123383 PMCID: PMC10131063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The current study reports the results of the diagnosis of neuro-invasive Toscana virus (TOSV) infection in Algeria between 2016 and 2018 and describes the first isolation of TOSV strain from human samples in North Africa. Materiel and methods Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sera samples were obtained from 720 hospitalized patients displaying neurological infection symptoms of unknown etiology, of which 604 were screened for TOSV. The diagnosis was performed by serological and/or RT-PCR tests. In addition, TOSV was isolated in vivo and in vitro from CSF and genetically characterized. Results 23 cases of TOSV neurological infections were detected. Cases were located in 11 Wilayas (administrative provinces), mainly in northern Algeria. In addition, we report the isolation of TOSV strain belonging to lineage A from human samples with its complete coding sequence. Conclusion Even though the number of infections is probably underestimated, TOSV is endemic in Algeria, with several cases of neuro-invasive diseases in humans recorded each year. Therefore, the diagnosis of TOSV should be included in the differential diagnosis of neurological diseases, especially aseptic meningitis, during the period of activity of the phlebotomine vector. Further studies are required to measure precisely the nationwide prevalence of TOSV in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahrazed Benbetka
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Department of Immunology, Béni-Messous Teaching Hospital, University of Algiers, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Co-first authors.
| | - Aissam Hachid
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Co-first authors.
| | - Kamal Eddine Benallal
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-epidemiology and Population Genetics, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fayez Ahmed Khardine
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents, UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Nesrine Bouredjoul
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | - Djamila Bellila
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Aldjia Khaldi
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Rémi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, 13005, Marseille, France
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New Isolation of Ponticelli III Virus ( Bunyavirales: Phenuiviridae) in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020422. [PMID: 36851636 PMCID: PMC9964127 DOI: 10.3390/v15020422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of newly described sandfly-borne phleboviruses has been steadily growing in recent years. Some phleboviruses are human pathogens, but their health relevance is largely uncharacterized. We aimed to investigate the circulation of these viruses in the Emilia-Romagna region where several have already been described. A total of 482 sandflies were collected in a site in Reggio Emilia in 2019 and 2020. Sandflies collected in 2020 were grouped in 21 pools with a maximum of 25 sandflies per pool, submitted to real time PCR, and isolated in Vero cell culture. Complete genome sequencing showed the isolation of a strain of a Ponticelli III virus. This virus, which belongs to the species Adana phlebovirus, differed in the M segment from the Ponticelli I and Ponticelli II viruses. Analysis performed on the genomic segments of the newly isolated virus compared with other phleboviruses highlighted a strong purifying selection in the L segments, and different substitution saturation, highest in the M segments. Future research should address the ecological processes driving the occurrence of these novel phleboviruses and their possible impact on public health.
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15
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Rossi B, Barreca F, Benvenuto D, Braccialarghe N, Campogiani L, Lodi A, Aguglia C, Cavasio RA, Giacalone ML, Kontogiannis D, Moccione M, Malagnino V, Andreoni M, Sarmati L, Iannetta M. Human Arboviral Infections in Italy: Past, Current, and Future Challenges. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020368. [PMID: 36851582 PMCID: PMC9963149 DOI: 10.3390/v15020368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses represent a public health concern in many European countries, including Italy, mostly because they can infect humans, causing potentially severe emergent or re-emergent diseases, with epidemic outbreaks and the introduction of endemic circulation of new species previously confined to tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this review, we summarize the Italian epidemiology of arboviral infection over the past 10 years, describing both endemic and imported arboviral infections, vector distribution, and the influence of climate change on vector ecology. Strengthening surveillance systems at a national and international level is highly recommended to be prepared to face potential threats due to arbovirus diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Rossi
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Barreca
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Benvenuto
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Neva Braccialarghe
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Campogiani
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lodi
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Aguglia
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Laura Giacalone
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitra Kontogiannis
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Moccione
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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16
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Ayhan N, Rodríguez-Teijeiro JD, López-Roig M, Vinyoles D, Ferreres JA, Monastiri A, Charrel R, Serra-Cobo J. High rates of antibodies against Toscana and Sicilian phleboviruses in common quail Coturnix coturnix birds. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1091908. [PMID: 36687574 PMCID: PMC9846092 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1091908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Birds are involved natural cycle of a number of vector-borne viruses in both rural and urban areas. Toscana (TOSV) and Sicilian (SFSV) phleboviruses are sandfly-borne viruses in the genus Phlebovirus that can cause diseases in human. However, there is limited information on the role of the birds in sandfly-borne phleboviruses natural cycle and reservoirs ofthese viruses remain unknown. Methods In this study, we analyzed Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) sera from Spain to identify the seroprevalence of these two phleboviruses. We tested respectively, 106 and 110 quail serum against TOSV and SFSV from 2018, 2019, and 2021 from two locations in northern Spain with using virus neutralization test. Results We identified high neutralizing antibody rates for SFSV (45.45%) and TOSV (42.45%) with yearly fluctuation. Discussion This is the first identification of SFSV and TOSV neutralizing antibodies in wild birds. High seroprevalence rates of TOSV and SFSV in quail birds raises the question whether birds have a role as amplifying hosts in the natural cycle of phleboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207), Marseille, France
| | - José Domingo Rodríguez-Teijeiro
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc López-Roig
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Vinyoles
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Anton Ferreres
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abir Monastiri
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207), Marseille, France,*Correspondence: Remi Charrel,
| | - Jordi Serra-Cobo
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Jordi Serra-Cobo,
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Amane M, Echchakery M, Dardouna Z, Hafidi M, Boussaa S. Repellent and insecticidal activities of vegetal material against sand fly populations (Diptera: Psychodidae): Systematic review and Meta-analysis. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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18
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Isolation and Identification of Sandfly-Borne Viruses from Sandflies Collected from June to August, 2019, in Yangquan County, China. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122692. [PMID: 36560697 PMCID: PMC9782482 DOI: 10.3390/v14122692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In Yangquan County, the sandfly-transmitted virus (Wuxiang virus) was first isolated from sandflies in 2018. However, relationships between the abundance and seasonal fluctuations of local sandflies and sandfly-transmitted viruses are unknown. Herein, we report that sandfly specimens were collected in three villages in Yangquan County, from June to August, 2019. A total of 8363 sandflies were collected (June, 7927; July, 428; August, 8). Eighteen virus strains (June, 18; July, 0; August, 0) were isolated in pools of Phlebotomus chinensis. The genome sequence of the newly isolated virus strain was highly similar to that of the Wuxiang virus (WUXV), isolated from sandflies in Yangquan County in 2018. Our results suggested that the sandfly-transmitted viruses, and the local sandfly population, are stable in Yangquan County, and that June is the peak period for the virus carried by sandflies in this area.
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Yuko E, Sang R, Owino EA, Ingonga J, Matoke-Muhia D, Hassaballa IB, Junglen S, Tchouassi DP. Sandfly Blood-Feeding Habits and Competence in Transmitting Ntepes Virus, a Recently Discovered Member of the Genus Phlebovirus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4231978. [PMID: 36312854 PMCID: PMC9613380 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4231978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phleboviruses transmitted by sandflies are among emerging public health threats. A novel Phlebovirus named Ntepes virus (NTPV) was recently described and found to infect humans from a wide geographic area in Kenya. However, the entomologic risk factors of this virus such as the potential vectors and the transmission cycles remain poorly defined. This study assessed the ability of the colonized sandfly Phlebotomus duboscqi to transmit NTPV and determined the bloodmeal host sources of field-collected sandflies from the area where NTPV was found in Baringo County, Kenya. Five-day old laboratory-reared P. duboscqi were orally challenged with an infectious dose of NTPV (≈106.0 pfu/ml) and incubated for up to 15 days postinfection. Individual sandflies were dissected into abdomens, legs, and salivary glands and screened for the virus infection by cell culture. Of the 205 virus-exposed sandflies, 19.5% developed non-disseminated infections in the midgut, with no evidence of virus dissemination or transmission in legs and salivary glands, respectively. The midgut infection rates decreased with increasing extrinsic incubation period (Spearman's correlation, ρ = -0.71). Blood-fed specimens analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of a region of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA, revealed almost exclusive feeding on humans (98%) represented by the sandflies Sergentomyia schwetzi, S. clydei, S. antennata, S. squamipleuris, S. africana, and Phlebotomus martini. One specimen of S. clydei had fed on cattle (2%). These findings suggest P. duboscqi is an incompetent laboratory vector of NTPV. The high human-feeding rate by diverse sandfly species increases the likelihood of human exposure to pathogens associated with these sandflies. Assessment of the susceptibility of Sergentomyia species to NTPV is recommended given their high human-feeding tendency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epaphrus Yuko
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-30100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosemary Sang
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Johnstone Ingonga
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Iman B. Hassaballa
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sandra Junglen
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - David P. Tchouassi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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20
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Ortuño M, Muñoz C, Spitzová T, Sumova P, Iborra MA, Pérez‐Cutillas P, Ayhan N, Charrel RN, Volf P, Berriatua E. Exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus sandfly vectors is positively associated with Toscana virus and Leishmania infantum infection in human blood donors in Murcia Region, southeast Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1854-e1864. [PMID: 35357094 PMCID: PMC9790518 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies against Phlebotomus perniciosus sandfly salivary gland homogenate (SGH) and recombinant protein rSP03B, sandfly-borne Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and Leishmania, as well as DNA of the latter parasite, were investigated in 670 blood samples from 575 human donors in Murcia Region, southeast Spain, in 2017 and 2018. The estimated SGH and rSP03B seroprevalences were 69% and 88%, respectively, although correlation between test results was relatively low (ρ = 0.39). Similarly, TOSV, SFSV and Leishmania seroprevalences were 26%, 0% and 1%, respectively, and Leishmania PCR prevalence was 2%. Prevalences were significantly greater in 2017, overdispersed and not spatially related to each other although both were positively associated with SGH but not to rSP03B antibody optical densities, questioning the value of the latter as a diagnostic marker for these infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad AnimalFacultad de VeterinariaCampus de Excelencia Internacional Regional ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’Universidad de MurciaMurciaSpain
| | - Clara Muñoz
- Departamento de Sanidad AnimalFacultad de VeterinariaCampus de Excelencia Internacional Regional ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’Universidad de MurciaMurciaSpain
| | - Tatiana Spitzová
- Department of ParasitologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Petra Sumova
- Department of ParasitologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | | | - Pedro Pérez‐Cutillas
- Grupo de Erosión y Conservación de SuelosCentro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del SeguraConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS‐CSIC)MurciaSpain
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unite des Virus Emergents, Aix‐Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Mediterranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unite des Virus Emergents, Aix‐Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Mediterranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of ParasitologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Departamento de Sanidad AnimalFacultad de VeterinariaCampus de Excelencia Internacional Regional ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’Universidad de MurciaMurciaSpain
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21
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Sellali S, Lafri I, Hachid A, Ayhan N, Benbetka C, Medrouh B, Messahel NE, El Amine Bekara M, Lafri M, Charrel RN, Bitam I. Presence of the sandfly-borne phlebovirus (Toscana virus) in different bio-geographical regions of Algeria demonstrated by a microneutralisation-based seroprevalence study in owned dogs. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 88:101861. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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22
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Manseur H, Hachid A, Khardine AF, BENALLAL KE, Bia T, Temani M, HAKEM A, Sánchez-Seco MP, Bitam I, Vázquez A, LAFRI I. First Isolation of Punique Virus from Sand Flies Collected in Northern Algeria. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081796. [PMID: 36016418 PMCID: PMC9412333 DOI: 10.3390/v14081796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, several phleboviruses transmitted by sand flies were detected in the Mediterranean countries, with the health impact of some of them being unknown. From September to October 2020, a total of 3351 sand flies were captured in Kherrata (Bejaia, northern Algeria) and identified by sex, grouped in 62 pools, which were tested for the presence of phlebovirus RNA using endpoint RT-PCR. Two pools (male and female, respectively) were positive. The genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the two phleboviruses detected were closely related to the Punique virus (PUNV) isolated in Tunisia and detected in Algeria. Both PUNV strains were isolated on VERO cells from positive pools. Morphological identification of 300 sand flies randomly selected, showed a clear dominance of Phlebotomus perniciosus (98.67%). The dominance of this species in the study area was confirmed by PCR targeting the mitochondrial DNA. Our result represents the first isolation of PUNV and the second report in Algeria from two distinct regions which confirm its large circulation in the country and more broadly in North Africa. Further studies are needed to measure the impact on public health through seroprevalence studies in humans as well as animals and to investigate its potential involvement in neurological viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemza Manseur
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
- Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Aissam Hachid
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus et Virus Emergents, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Alger 16000, Algeria
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Univérsité d’Alger 1, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Ahmed Fayez Khardine
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus et Virus Emergents, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Kamal Eddine BENALLAL
- Laboratoire d’Éco-Épidémiologie Parasitaire et de Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Taha Bia
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
| | - Merbouha Temani
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus et Virus Emergents, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Ahcene HAKEM
- Centre de Recherche en Agropastoralisme (CRAPast) Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | - Maria Paz Sánchez-Seco
- Arbovirus and Imported Viral Diseases Laboratory, National Center of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28001 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), 28001 Madrid, Spain
| | - Idir Bitam
- Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l’Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaires, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Ana Vázquez
- Arbovirus and Imported Viral Diseases Laboratory, National Center of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28001 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28001 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ismail LAFRI
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
- Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
- Correspondence:
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Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses in Portugal: Four and Still Counting. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081768. [PMID: 36016390 PMCID: PMC9413822 DOI: 10.3390/v14081768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
According to ICTV, there are currently 66 known phlebovirus species. More than 40 of these viruses were isolated or detected in phlebotomine sandflies and some of them are known pathogens. In Portugal, information about sandfly-borne phleboviruses is scarce and scattered sandfly-borne diseases are neglected and often not considered in differential diagnoses. The main objective of this work was to gather the existing information and to raise awareness about the circulating phleboviruses in this country. To date, Massilia and Alcube phleboviruses have been isolated from sandflies in southern Portugal. Human infections with Toscana and Sicilian phleboviruses have been reported, as well as seroprevalence in cats and dogs. More studies are needed in order to understand if the viruses isolated during the entomological surveys have an impact on human health and to fully understand the real importance of the already recognized pathogens in our country.
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Moalem Y, Malis Y, Voloshin K, Dukhovny A, Hirschberg K, Sklan EH. Sandfly Fever Viruses Attenuate the Type I Interferon Response by Targeting the Phosphorylation of JAK-STAT Components. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865797. [PMID: 35720342 PMCID: PMC9198438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandfly fever viruses are emerging Phleboviruses typically causing mild febrile illness. Some strains, however, can cause severe and occasionally fatal neuro-invasive disease. Like most viruses, Phleboviruses have devised various strategies to inhibit the type I interferon (IFN) response to support a productive infection. Still, most of the strategies identified so far focus on inhibiting the sensing arm of the IFN response. In contrast, the effect of sandfly virus infection on signaling from the IFN receptor is less characterized. Therefore, we tested the effect of sandfly fever virus Naples (SFNV) and Sicily (SFSV) infection on IFN signaling. We found that infection with either of these viruses inhibits signaling from the IFN receptor by inhibiting STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear localization. We show that the viral nonstructural protein NSs mediates these effects, but only NSs from SFNV was found to interact with STAT1 directly. Thus, we tested the upstream IFN signaling components and found that Janus kinase 1 (Jak1) phosphorylation is also impaired by infection. Furthermore, the NSs proteins from both viruses directly interacted with Jak1. Last, we show that IFN inhibition by SFNV and SFSV is most likely downstream of the IFN receptor at the Jak1 level. Overall, our results reveal the multiple strategies used by these related viruses to overcome host defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarden Moalem
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehonathan Malis
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Konstantin Voloshin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Dukhovny
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Koret Hirschberg
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ella H Sklan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Vector-Borne Viral Diseases as a Current Threat for Human and Animal Health—One Health Perspective. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113026. [PMID: 35683413 PMCID: PMC9181581 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, an increase in the emergence or re-emergence of arthropod-borne viruses has been observed in many regions. Viruses such as dengue, yellow fever, or zika are a threat for millions of people on different continents. On the other hand, some arboviruses are still described as endemic, however, they could become more important in the near future. Additionally, there is a group of arboviruses that, although important for animal breeding, are not a direct threat for human health. Those include, e.g., Schmallenberg, bluetongue, or African swine fever viruses. This review focuses on arboviruses and their major vectors: mosquitoes, ticks, biting midges, and sandflies. We discuss the current knowledge on arbovirus transmission, ecology, and methods of prevention. As arboviruses are a challenge to both human and animal health, successful prevention and control are therefore only possible through a One Health perspective.
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26
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Defilippo F, Carrera M, Lelli D, Canziani S, Moreno A, Sozzi E, Manarolla G, Chiari M, Marco F, Cerioli MP, Lavazza A. Distribution of Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Lombardy Region, Northern Italy. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13050463. [PMID: 35621798 PMCID: PMC9146192 DOI: 10.3390/insects13050463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Pathogens transmitted to humans and animals by Phlebotomines are relatively neglected, as they cause infectious diseases which represent an underestimated burden in most European countries. Several sand fly species are competent vectors of Leishmaniasis, an endemic disease that has spread widely throughout the Mediterranean region in conjunction with sand flies’ movements. In the Lombardy region, information on sand flies is poor and/or outdated. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to preliminarily ascertain the species composition, distribution, and diversity in representative Lombardy localities. The sampling took advantage of regional surveillance plans namely, West Nile virus and leishmaniasis monitoring plans. A focused sampling was also performed in areas identified as favorable for vector presence. Sampling was conducted using CO2–CDC traps conducted every two and/or three weeks. From trapping for the West Nile monitoring plan, 21 out of 44 capture sites were positive for sand flies, while for the leishmaniasis monitoring plan, 11 out of the 40 trapping sites detected sand flies’ presence. Specimen identification was conducted by identifying morphological features. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species (87.76% of specimens collected). Adequate and well-structured monitoring of sand fly populations is essential to provide information about distribution patterns of vector species present in defined geographical areas, as they could enhance pathogen circulation. Abstract This study investigated the species composition and density of sand flies in the Lombardy region (Northern Italy). Sand flies were collected using CDC traps baited with CO2 (CO2–CDC traps) between June and August 2021. A total of 670 sand flies were collected. The specimens were identified as seven species belonging to two genera, Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia, namely, S. minuta, Ph. perniciosus, Ph. perfiliewii, Ph. neglectus, Ph. mascitti, Ph. papatasi, and Ph. ariasi. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species (87.76%), followed by Ph. perfiliewii (7.31%), Ph. neglectus (3.13%), S. minuta (0.75%), Ph. mascitti (0.6%), Ph. papatasi (0.3%), and Ph. ariasi, for which only one specimen was identified. Among these identified species, five are considered vectors of Leishmania, which causes cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. As vector presence increases the risk of vector-borne leishmaniasis, these results suggest that Northern Italy could be a potential area of pathogen circulation over the next few years. These preliminary results suggest that the risk of borne leishmaniasis is high in this region of Northern Italy. Monitoring the distribution of sand fly species in areas suitable for their persistence is important for control programs aimed at reducing the risk of leishmaniasis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Defilippo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagnia, Via Bianchi 9, 24124 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.); (M.P.C.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maya Carrera
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagnia, Via Bianchi 9, 24124 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.); (M.P.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagnia, Via Bianchi 9, 24124 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.); (M.P.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Sabrina Canziani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagnia, Via Bianchi 9, 24124 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.); (M.P.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Ana Moreno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagnia, Via Bianchi 9, 24124 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.); (M.P.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Enrica Sozzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagnia, Via Bianchi 9, 24124 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.); (M.P.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Giovanni Manarolla
- Welfare Department, Lombardy Region, Piazza Città di Lombardia 1, 20124 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (M.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Mario Chiari
- Welfare Department, Lombardy Region, Piazza Città di Lombardia 1, 20124 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (M.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Farioli Marco
- Welfare Department, Lombardy Region, Piazza Città di Lombardia 1, 20124 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (M.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Monica Pierangela Cerioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagnia, Via Bianchi 9, 24124 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.); (M.P.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagnia, Via Bianchi 9, 24124 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.); (S.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.); (M.P.C.); (A.L.)
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Dachraoui K, Chelbi I, Ben Said M, Ben Osman R, Cherni S, Charrel R, Zhioua E. Transmission Dynamics of Punique Virus in Tunisia. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050904. [PMID: 35632646 PMCID: PMC9147715 DOI: 10.3390/v14050904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel phlebovirus, Punique virus (PUNV), was discovered and isolated in 2008 from sandflies from Northern Tunisia. PUNV is now classified as a unique member of the Punique phlebovirus species within the Phlebovirus genus in the Phenuiviridae family (order bunyavirales). In this study, we aimed to investigate the transmission dynamics of PUNV in Tunisia. Sandflies were collected during two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010, by CDC light traps. In 2009, a total of 873 sandflies were collected and identified to the species level. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species. One pool of P. perniciosus females collected in autumn contained PUNV RNA, yielding an infection rate of 0.11%. The population densities of circulating sandfly species were assessed during May–November 2010 in Northern Tunisia by using sticky traps. Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus (71.74%) was the most abundant species, followed by Phlebotumus (Larroussius) longicuspis (17.47%), and Phlebotumus (Larroussius) perfiliewi (8.82%). The densities of dominant sandfly species were found to peak in early spring and again in the autumn. In 2010, species identification was not performed, and sandflies were only discriminated on the basis of sex and collection date. Out of 249 pools, three contained PUNV RNA. Each positive pool allowed virus isolation. The three pools of female sandflies containing PUNV RNA were collected in autumn with an infection rate of 0.05%. These findings provide further evidence that P. perniciosus is the main vector of PUNV in Tunisia, and this phlebovirus is endemic in Tunisia. Our findings provided strong evidence of intensive circulation of PUNV in sandflies and hosts through a viral infection buildup process between sandfly vectors and hosts starting at the beginning of the activity of sandflies in spring to reach a maximum during the second main peak in autumn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Dachraoui
- Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Unit of Vector Ecology, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.D.); (I.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Ifhem Chelbi
- Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Unit of Vector Ecology, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.D.); (I.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia;
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sid Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Raja Ben Osman
- National Drug Control Laboratory, Vaccine Control Unit, Tunis 1002, Tunisia;
| | - Saifedine Cherni
- Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Unit of Vector Ecology, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.D.); (I.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Rémi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix-Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Elyes Zhioua
- Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Unit of Vector Ecology, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.D.); (I.C.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence:
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28
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Cecílio P, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Oliveira F. Sand flies: Basic information on the vectors of leishmaniasis and their interactions with Leishmania parasites. Commun Biol 2022; 5:305. [PMID: 35379881 PMCID: PMC8979968 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03240-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-sucking arthropods transmit a variety of human pathogens acting as disseminators of the so-called vector-borne diseases. Leishmaniasis is a spectrum of diseases caused by different Leishmania species, transmitted quasi worldwide by sand flies. However, whereas many laboratories focus on the disease(s) and etiological agents, considerably less study the respective vectors. In fact, information on sand flies is neither abundant nor easy to find; aspects including basic biology, ecology, and sand-fly-Leishmania interactions are usually reported separately. Here, we compile elemental information on sand flies, in the context of leishmaniasis. We discuss the biology, distribution, and life cycle, the blood-feeding process, and the Leishmania-sand fly interactions that govern parasite transmission. Additionally, we highlight some outstanding questions that need to be answered for the complete understanding of parasite–vector–host interactions in leishmaniasis. In this review, numerous aspects of sand flies as vectors of Leishmania parasites—from biology to the vector parasite interactions—are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Cecílio
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA. .,i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Parasite Disease Group, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Parasite Disease Group, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
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29
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Ratcliffe NA, Furtado Pacheco JP, Dyson P, Castro HC, Gonzalez MS, Azambuja P, Mello CB. Overview of paratransgenesis as a strategy to control pathogen transmission by insect vectors. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:112. [PMID: 35361286 PMCID: PMC8969276 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents an overview of paratransgenesis as a strategy to control pathogen transmission by insect vectors. It first briefly summarises some of the disease-causing pathogens vectored by insects and emphasises the need for innovative control methods to counter the threat of resistance by both the vector insect to pesticides and the pathogens to therapeutic drugs. Subsequently, the state of art of paratransgenesis is described, which is a particularly ingenious method currently under development in many important vector insects that could provide an additional powerful tool for use in integrated pest control programmes. The requirements and recent advances of the paratransgenesis technique are detailed and an overview is given of the microorganisms selected for genetic modification, the effector molecules to be expressed and the environmental spread of the transgenic bacteria into wild insect populations. The results of experimental models of paratransgenesis developed with triatomines, mosquitoes, sandflies and tsetse flies are analysed. Finally, the regulatory and safety rules to be satisfied for the successful environmental release of the genetically engineered organisms produced in paratransgenesis are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman A Ratcliffe
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil. .,Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK.
| | - João P Furtado Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Paul Dyson
- Institute of Life Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Helena Carla Castro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Marcelo S Gonzalez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Patricia Azambuja
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Cicero B Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
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30
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Daoudi M, Calzolari M, Boussaa S, Bonilauri P, Torri D, Romeo G, Lelli D, Lavazza A, Hafidi M, Dottori M, Boumezzough A. Identification of Toscana Virus in Natural Population of Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Moroccan Leishmaniasis foci. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:406-411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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31
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Israël DK, Coulibaly CA, Sissoko IM, Traoré B, Wilke ABB, Beier JC, Muller GC, Doumbia S. Distribution and Diversity of Sand Fly Species (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Two Geoclimatic Zones of Chad. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.762295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies is an important vector-borne disease. In Chad, information on sandflies is outdated, and so this study was designed to update the sandfly fauna. Sandflies were collected in five health districts representing two geoclimatic zones using sticky traps and pyrethrum sprays in indoor and peridomestic habitats between September 2019 and December 2020. All collected sandfly specimens were identified based on species-level morphological characters. A total of 2,015 specimens belonging to 13 species of sandflies (one Phlebotomus and twelve Sergentomyia) were collected and identified. The vector of human cutaneous leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus duboscqi, represents 0.65% of all collected sandflies and is the only representative of the Phlebotomus genus to be collected predominantly inside human dwellings. Phlebotomus orientalis, the vector of visceral leishmaniasis previously collected in Chad in 1976 was not found in this study. Sergentomyia clydei, Sergentomyia schwetzi, Sergentomyia antennata and Sergentomyia africana were the most abundant species collected with 44.71%; 22.73%; 16.03% and 11.17%, respectively. Sergentomyia schwetzi and Sergentomyia dubia, the two species involved in the transmission of canine leishmaniasis, were found in five and four study sites respectively. According to our results, the sandfly fauna of the two geoclimatic zones of Chad is comprised of 13 species. Our data showed that, unlike P. orientalis which was not found, P. duboscqi is present in four of the five sites surveyed. Therefore, these areas are at risk and remain potential foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the need for further studies such as vector species detection, their seasonal fluctuations and their vector competence.
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32
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Wuerth JD, Weber F. NSs of the mildly virulent sandfly fever Sicilian virus is unable to inhibit interferon signaling and upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34726591 PMCID: PMC8742993 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phleboviruses (order Bunyavirales, family Phenuiviridae) are globally emerging arboviruses with a wide spectrum of virulence. Sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) is one of the most ubiquitous members of the genus Phlebovirus and associated with a self-limited, incapacitating febrile disease in travellers and military troops. The phleboviral NSs protein is an established virulence factor, acting as antagonist of the antiviral interferon (IFN) system. Consistently, we previously reported that SFSV NSs targets the induction of IFN mRNA synthesis by specifically binding to the DNA-binding domain of the IFN transcription factor IRF3. Here, we further characterized the effect of SFSV and its NSs towards IFN induction, and evaluated its potential to affect the downstream IFN-stimulated signalling and the subsequent transactivation of antiviral interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). We found that SFSV dampened, but did not entirely abolish type I and type III IFN induction. Furthermore, SFSV NSs did not affect IFN signalling, resulting in substantial ISG expression in infected cells. Hence, although SFSV targets IRF3 to reduce IFN induction, it is not capable of entirely disarming the IFN system in the presence of high basal IRF3 and/or IRF7 levels, and we speculate that this significantly contributes to its low level of virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Deborah Wuerth
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Institute of Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Friedemann Weber
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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33
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Glud HA, George S, Skovgaard K, Larsen LE. Zoonotic and reverse zoonotic transmission of viruses between humans and pigs. APMIS 2021; 129:675-693. [PMID: 34586648 PMCID: PMC9297979 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Humans and pigs share a close contact relationship, similar biological traits, and one of the highest estimated number of viruses compared to other mammalian species. The contribution and directionality of viral exchange between humans and pigs remain unclear for some of these viruses, but their transmission routes are important to characterize in order to prevent outbreaks of disease in both host species. This review collects and assesses the evidence to determine the likely transmission route of 27 viruses between humans and pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Aagaard Glud
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sophie George
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kerstin Skovgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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34
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Lelli D, Scanferla V, Moreno A, Sozzi E, Ravaioli V, Renzi M, Tosi G, Dottori M, Lavazza A, Calzolari M. Serological Evidence of Phleboviruses in Domestic Animals on the Pre-Apennine Hills (Northern Italy). Viruses 2021; 13:v13081577. [PMID: 34452442 PMCID: PMC8402779 DOI: 10.3390/v13081577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phleboviruses are arboviruses transmitted by sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Some sand fly-borne phleboviruses cause illnesses in humans, such as the summer fevers caused by the Sicilian and Naples viruses or meningitis caused by the Toscana virus. Indeed, traces of several phleboviral infections have been serologically detected in domestic animals, but their potential pathogenic role in vertebrates other than humans is still unclear, as is the role of vertebrates as potential reservoirs of these viruses. In this study, we report the results of a serological survey performed on domestic animals sampled in Northern Italy, against four phleboviruses isolated from sand flies in the same area. The sera of 23 dogs, 165 sheep and 23 goats were tested with a virus neutralization assay for Toscana virus, Fermo virus, Ponticelli I virus and Ponticelli III virus. Neutralizing antibodies against one or more phleboviruses were detected in four out of 23 dogs, 31 out of 165 sheep and 12 out of 23 goats. This study shows preliminary evidence for the distribution pattern of phleboviral infections in different animal species, highlighting the potential infection of the Toscana virus in dogs and the Fermo virus in goats.
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35
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Mendoza-Roldan MA, Otranto D. Reptile vector-borne diseases of zoonotic concern. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 15:132-142. [PMID: 34026483 PMCID: PMC8121771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reptile vector-borne diseases (RVBDs) of zoonotic concern are caused by bacteria, protozoa and viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors, which belong to the subclass Acarina (mites and ticks) and the order Diptera (mosquitoes, sand flies and tsetse flies). The phyletic age of reptiles since their origin in the late Carboniferous, has favored vectors and pathogens to co-evolve through millions of years, bridging to the present host-vector-pathogen interactions. The origin of vector-borne diseases is dated to the early cretaceous with Trypanosomatidae species in extinct sand flies, ancestral of modern protozoan hemoparasites of zoonotic concern (e.g., Leishmania and Trypanosoma) associated to reptiles. Bacterial RVBDs are represented by microorganisms also affecting mammals of the genera Aeromonas, Anaplasma, Borrelia, Coxiella, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, most of them having reptilian clades. Finally, reptiles may play an important role as reservoirs of arborivuses, given the low host specificity of anthropophilic mosquitoes and sand flies. In this review, vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern from reptiles are discussed, as well as the interactions between reptiles, arthropod vectors and the zoonotic pathogens they may transmit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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36
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García San Miguel L, Sierra MJ, Vazquez A, Fernandez-Martínez B, Molina R, Sanchez-Seco MP, Lucientes J, Figuerola J, de Ory F, Monge S, Suarez B, Simón F. Phlebovirus-associated diseases transmitted by phlebotominae in Spain: Are we at risk? ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2021; 39:345-351. [PMID: 34353512 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The genera Phlebovirus transmitted by Diptera belonging to the Psychodidae family are a cause of self-limited febrile syndrome in the Mediterranean basin in summer and autumn. Toscana virus can also cause meningitis and meningoencephalitis. In Spain, Toscana, Granada, Naples, Sicily, Arbia and Arrabida-like viruses have been detected. The almost widespread distribution of Phlebotomus genus vectors, and especially Phlebotomus perniciosus, in which several of these viruses have been detected, makes it very likely that there will be regular human infections in our country, with this risk considered moderate for Toscana virus and low for the other ones, in areas with the highest vector activity. Most of the infections would be undiagnosed, while only Toscana virus would have a greater impact due to the potential severity of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía García San Miguel
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain.
| | - M Jose Sierra
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain
| | - Ana Vazquez
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Martínez
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - M Paz Sanchez-Seco
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Sanidad Animal), Instituto de Investigación Agroalimentario de Aragon IA2, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estacion Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain
| | - Fernando de Ory
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain
| | - Susana Monge
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain
| | - Berta Suarez
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain
| | - Fernando Simón
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain
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Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus-Leishmania major co-infection modulates innate inflammatory response favoring myeloid cell infections and skin hyperinflammation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009638. [PMID: 34310619 PMCID: PMC8341699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The leishmaniases are a group of sandfly-transmitted diseases caused by species of the protozoan parasite, Leishmania. With an annual incidence of 1 million cases, 1 billion people living in Leishmania-endemic regions, and nearly 30,000 deaths each year, leishmaniasis is a major global public health concern. While phlebotomine sandflies are well-known as vectors of Leishmania, they are also the vectors of various phleboviruses, including Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus (SFSV). Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by Leishmania major (L. major), among other species, results in development of skin lesions on the infected host. Importantly, there exists much variation in the clinical manifestation between individuals. We propose that phleboviruses, vectored by and found in the same sandfly guts as Leishmania, may be a factor in determining CL severity. It was reported by our group that Leishmania exosomes are released into the gut of the sandfly vector and co-inoculated during blood meals, where they exacerbate CL skin lesions. We hypothesized that, when taking a blood meal, the sandfly vector infects the host with Leishmania parasites and exosomes as well as phleboviruses, and that this viral co-infection results in a modulation of leishmaniasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In vitro, we observed modulation by SFSV in MAP kinase signaling as well as in the IRF3 pathway that resulted in a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Additionally, we found that SFSV and L. major co-infection resulted in an exacerbation of leishmaniasis in vivo, and by using endosomal (Toll-like receptor) TLR3, and MAVS knock-out mice, deduced that SFSV's hyperinflammatory effect was TLR3- and MAVS-dependent. Critically, we observed that L. major and SFSV co-infected C57BL/6 mice demonstrated significantly higher parasite burden than mice solely infected with L. major. Furthermore, viral presence increased leukocyte influx in vivo. This influx was accompanied by elevated total extracellular vesicle numbers. Interestingly, L. major displayed higher infectiveness with coincident phleboviral infection compared to L. major infection alone. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Overall our work represents novel findings that contribute towards understanding the causal mechanisms governing cutaneous leishmaniasis pathology. Better comprehension of the potential role of viral co-infection could lead to treatment regimens with enhanced effectiveness.
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38
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Amaro F, Zé-Zé L, Lourenço J, Giovanetti M, Becker SC, Alves MJ. Phylogenetic Analysis of Massilia phlebovirus in Portugal. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071412. [PMID: 34372617 PMCID: PMC8310352 DOI: 10.3390/v13071412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, molecular surveys of arboviruses have enabled the identification of several new viruses, contributing to the knowledge of viral diversity and providing important epidemiological data regarding possible new emerging viruses. A combination of diagnostic assays, Illumina sequencing and phylogenetic inference are here used to characterize two new Massilia phlebovirus strains isolated from sandflies collected in the Arrábida region, Portugal. Whole genome sequence analysis enabled their identification as reassortants and the recognition of genomic variants co-circulating in Portugal. Much is still unknown about the life cycle, geographic range, evolutionary forces and public health importance of these viruses in Portugal and elsewhere, and more studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Amaro
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida da Liberdade n. 5, 2965-575 Águas de Moura, Portugal; (L.Z.-Z.); (M.J.A.)
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Egas Moniz, Ed. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Líbia Zé-Zé
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida da Liberdade n. 5, 2965-575 Águas de Moura, Portugal; (L.Z.-Z.); (M.J.A.)
- Campus da FCUL, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Edificio TecLabs, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Lourenço
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK;
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Fiocruz, Avenida Brasil, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos n. 6627, Pampula, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Stefanie Christine Becker
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Maria João Alves
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida da Liberdade n. 5, 2965-575 Águas de Moura, Portugal; (L.Z.-Z.); (M.J.A.)
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Egas Moniz, Ed. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
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Soltan-Alinejad P, Soltani A. Vector-borne diseases and tourism in Iran: Current issues and recommendations. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 43:102108. [PMID: 34111565 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Iran is one of the largest countries in the Middle East with lots of historical and natural attractions. This country has always been considered to be one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Several important vector-borne diseases have been reported from different parts of the country. Thus, having comprehensive and adequate knowledge about the main vector-borne diseases in Iran and their high-risk areas are really important. In this review, different provinces of Iran have been studied in terms of arthropod-borne diseases reported in the last decades. Reports indicated that some vector-borne diseases such as Leishmaniasis and CCHF had the highest incidence rate and they need serious attention. However, some diseases reported from Iran are not endemic, and all cases were imported such as Dengue fever. A group of arthropod-borne diseases was reported only from animals, and the health of travelers is not threatened such as Eyeworm infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Soltan-Alinejad
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Aboozar Soltani
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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A Look into Bunyavirales Genomes: Functions of Non-Structural (NS) Proteins. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020314. [PMID: 33670641 PMCID: PMC7922539 DOI: 10.3390/v13020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, the Bunyavirales order was established by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) to incorporate the increasing number of related viruses across 13 viral families. While diverse, four of the families (Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, Hantaviridae, and Phenuiviridae) contain known human pathogens and share a similar tri-segmented, negative-sense RNA genomic organization. In addition to the nucleoprotein and envelope glycoproteins encoded by the small and medium segments, respectively, many of the viruses in these families also encode for non-structural (NS) NSs and NSm proteins. The NSs of Phenuiviridae is the most extensively studied as a host interferon antagonist, functioning through a variety of mechanisms seen throughout the other three families. In addition, functions impacting cellular apoptosis, chromatin organization, and transcriptional activities, to name a few, are possessed by NSs across the families. Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, and Phenuiviridae also encode an NSm, although less extensively studied than NSs, that has roles in antagonizing immune responses, promoting viral assembly and infectivity, and even maintenance of infection in host mosquito vectors. Overall, the similar and divergent roles of NS proteins of these human pathogenic Bunyavirales are of particular interest in understanding disease progression, viral pathogenesis, and developing strategies for interventions and treatments.
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Xu X, Cheng J, Fu S, Wang Q, Wang J, Lu X, Tian X, Cheng J, Ni S, He Y, Li F, Xu S, Wang H, Wang B, Liang G. Wuxiang Virus Is a Virus Circulated Naturally in Wuxiang County, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:289-300. [PMID: 33600240 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2702] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Wuxiang virus was isolated from sandfly specimens collected in Wuxiang County, Shanxi Province, China in 2018, representing the first reported isolation of sandfly-borne virus from sandflies collected in a natural environment in China. The local sandfly density, seasonal fluctuations, and temporal and spatial distributions of the virus in Wuxiang County remain unclear. Materials and Methods: Four fixed sandfly collection sites were set up in Wuxiang County and sandfly specimens were collected continuously from June to August 2019. All sandfly specimens were subjected to viral isolation and molecular biological analysis. Results: The data on sandfly specimens collected in Wuxiang County from June to August 2019 showed a significant difference in the density of sandflies between June 26 and August 16 (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was found in sandfly density among collection sites (p > 0.05). A total of 33 virus isolates causing cytopathic effects in mammalian (BHK-21) cells were obtained from 7466 sandflies (91 pools) collected from June to August 2019. The results of molecular genetic evolution analysis of the nucleotide sequence of these isolates showed that the L and S genes (encoding NS and N proteins) of the 33 viruses isolated in 2019 are in the same evolutionary branch as the previously isolated Wuxiang virus. No significant difference was found in the virus isolation rate (the pool isolation rate of virus) among sandflies collected at different times from June to August (p > 0.05). The virus isolation rate of sandflies collected at different collection sites showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the Wuxiang virus is a stable viral population in local sandflies. Strengthened research into Wuxiang virus infection of humans and animals and clarification of the public health hazards posed by Wuxiang virus to both humans and animals are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyan Xu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxia Cheng
- Shanxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shihong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qinyan Wang
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Shanxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianshu Cheng
- Wuxiang County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxiang, China
| | - Shuqing Ni
- Wuxiang County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxiang, China
| | - Ying He
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Songtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guodong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Percivalle E, Cassaniti I, Calzolari M, Lelli D, Baldanti F. Thirteen Years of Phleboviruses Circulation in Lombardy, a Northern Italy Region. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020209. [PMID: 33573092 PMCID: PMC7911539 DOI: 10.3390/v13020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phleboviruses transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies are endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), and Naples phlebovirus (SFNV) are responsible of summer fever, with well-known pathogenic potential for humans ranging from asymptomatic to mild fever, in addition to neuro-invasive infections during summer. Although TOSV, in particular, is a significant and well-known human pathogen, SFVs remain neglected, with many gaps in the relevant knowledge. Sero-epidemiological studies and case reports recently showed a geographical wider distribution than previously considered, although the real incidence of phleboviruses infections in the Mediterranean area is still unknown. Here we retrospectively evaluated the circulation of phleboviruses during summer seasons between 2007 and 2019 in 649 patients showing neurological symptoms using both molecular and serological approaches. We found that 42/649 (6.5%) subjects experienced phlebovirus infection and only 10/42 cases were detected by molecular assays, whereas the other 32/42 were identified using serological approaches, including neutralization assays. During the 2013 summer, an outbreak in the Lombardy region is described because the prevalence of phlebovirus infection reached 37.2% (19/51 subjects). Interestingly, only 5/19 (26.5%) reported traveling in endemic areas. Of note, no cross-neutralization was observed between different strains tested, showing the possibility to be reinfected by newly discovered phlebovirus strains. In conclusion, phlebovirus infections are still inadequately considered by physicians and are generally underestimated. However, based on our results, sandfly fever viruses should be routinely included in diagnostic panels during summer period, including in Northern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Percivalle
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Irene Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.P.); (I.C.)
- Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna B. Ubertini, 25100 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna B. Ubertini, 25100 Brescia, Italy; (M.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.P.); (I.C.)
- Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: or
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Raksakoon C, Potiwat R. Current Arboviral Threats and Their Potential Vectors in Thailand. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010080. [PMID: 33477699 PMCID: PMC7831943 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viral diseases (arboviruses) are a public-health concern in many regions of the world, including Thailand. This review describes the potential vectors and important human and/or veterinary arboviruses in Thailand. The medically important arboviruses affect humans, while veterinary arboviruses affect livestock and the economy. The main vectors described are mosquitoes, but other arthropods have been reported. Important mosquito-borne arboviruses are transmitted mainly by members of the genus Aedes (e.g., dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus) and Culex (e.g., Japanese encephalitis, Tembusu and West Nile virus). While mosquitoes are important vectors, arboviruses are transmitted via other vectors, such as sand flies, ticks, cimicids (Family Cimicidae) and Culicoides. Veterinary arboviruses are reported in this review, e.g., duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV), Kaeng Khoi virus (KKV), and African horse sickness virus (AHSV). During arbovirus outbreaks, to target control interventions appropriately, it is critical to identify the vector(s) involved and their ecology. Knowledge of the prevalence of these viruses, and the potential for viral infections to co-circulate in mosquitoes, is also important for outbreak prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadchalerm Raksakoon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Rutcharin Potiwat
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Seroprevalence of Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in European Bat Colonies Measured Using a Neutralization Test. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010088. [PMID: 33440618 PMCID: PMC7826795 DOI: 10.3390/v13010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV) and Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV) are endemic in the Mediterranean area where they are transmitted to humans by infected sandflies. Vertebrates of several species have been postulated to act as reservoirs of these viruses, but convincing evidence is still awaited. Among them, bats have been suggested, however documented evidence is lacking. Here we tested a total of 329 bats belonging to eight species collected from twelve localities in southern Spain for the presence of neutralizing antibodies specific to TOSV and SFSV. Positive sera were detected in Schreiber’s long-fingered bat (Miniopterus schreibersii), mouse-eared Myotis (Myotis myotis), European free-tailed bat (Tadarida teniotis), and common serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) with the latter showing the highest prevalence rates for SFSV (22.6%) and TOSV (10%). There was no difference between females and males. Results suggest that bats are not likely to play a major role in the natural cycle of these two sandfly-borne phleboviruses. However, large breeding colonies of bats can be used as sentinels for surveillance of the presence of such viruses in a given locality. In addition, capture–recapture studies should be initiated in order to understand better the dynamics of TOSV and SFSV in bat populations.
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45
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Kassiri H, Dehghani R, Khodkar I, Karami S. A comprehensive overview on sandfly fever. JOURNAL OF ACUTE DISEASE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/2221-6189.316673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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46
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Characterization of a Novel Mitovirus of the Sand Fly Lutzomyia longipalpis Using Genomic and Virus-Host Interaction Signatures. Viruses 2020; 13:v13010009. [PMID: 33374584 PMCID: PMC7822452 DOI: 10.3390/v13010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematophagous insects act as the major reservoirs of infectious agents due to their intimate contact with a large variety of vertebrate hosts. Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of Leishmania chagasi in the New World, but its role as a host of viruses is poorly understood. In this work, Lu. longipalpis RNA libraries were subjected to progressive assembly using viral profile HMMs as seeds. A sequence phylogenetically related to fungal viruses of the genus Mitovirus was identified and this novel virus was named Lul-MV-1. The 2697-base genome presents a single gene coding for an RNA-directed RNA polymerase with an organellar genetic code. To determine the possible host of Lul-MV-1, we analyzed the molecular characteristics of the viral genome. Dinucleotide composition and codon usage showed profiles similar to mitochondrial DNA of invertebrate hosts. Also, the virus-derived small RNA profile was consistent with the activation of the siRNA pathway, with size distribution and 5′ base enrichment analogous to those observed in viruses of sand flies, reinforcing Lu. longipalpis as a putative host. Finally, RT-PCR of different insect pools and sequences of public Lu. longipalpis RNA libraries confirmed the high prevalence of Lul-MV-1. This is the first report of a mitovirus infecting an insect host.
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47
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Özbel Y, Oğuz G, Arserim SK, Erişöz Kasap Ö, Karaoglu B, Yilmaz A, Emanet N, Günay F, Hacioğlu S, Demirok MC, Töz S, Alten B, Nalçaci M, Özkul A, Ergünay K. The initial detection of Toscana virus in phlebotomine sandflies from Turkey. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:402-410. [PMID: 32426867 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a prominent arthropod-borne viral agent of human central nervous system infections occurring in the Mediterranean region. The main transmission route to susceptible individuals involves sandflies as vectors. Despite several reports revealing widespread TOSV activity in Turkey, vectors remained unidentified. A sandfly field survey was carried out in five provinces in Central, Southeast and Mediterranean Anatolia in 2017 to identify TOSV and related sandfly-borne phleboviruses and Leishmania parasites, with evidence for circulation in the region. A total of 7136 sandfly specimens, collected via standard methods, were evaluated in 163 pools. TOSV was detected in 11 pools (6.7%), comprising Phlebotomus major sensu lato, Sergentomyia dentata and Phlebotomus papatasi species. TOSV partial L and S segment sequences were characterized, that phylogenetically clustered with local and global genotype A strains. An amino acid substitution outside the conserved motifs of the viral polymerase, also present in previous TOSV sequences in endemic regions, was observed. Leishmania tropica was detected in a single pool of Ph. sergentii (0.6%). This is the first report of TOSV in sandflies from Turkey, and this study further provides evidence for additional sandfly species with the potential to transmit TOSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Özbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - G Oğuz
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S K Arserim
- Vocational School of Health Services, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Ö Erişöz Kasap
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - B Karaoglu
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - A Yilmaz
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - N Emanet
- Virology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - F Günay
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S Hacioğlu
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M C Demirok
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - B Alten
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M Nalçaci
- Department of Biology, Ege University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - A Özkul
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - K Ergünay
- Virology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Bellone R, Failloux AB. The Role of Temperature in Shaping Mosquito-Borne Viruses Transmission. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:584846. [PMID: 33101259 PMCID: PMC7545027 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.584846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases having the greatest impact on human health are typically prevalent in the tropical belt of the world. However, these diseases are conquering temperate regions, raising the question of the role of temperature on their dynamics and expansion. Temperature is one of the most significant abiotic factors affecting, in many ways, insect vectors and the pathogens they transmit. Here, we debate the veracity of this claim by synthesizing current knowledge on the effects of temperature on arboviruses and their vectors, as well as the outcome of their interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bellone
- Department of Virology, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, Paris, France
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Department of Virology, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Abstract
Sandfly-transmitted phleboviruses (family Phenuiviridae, order Bunyavirales) are associated with febrile illness and infections of the nervous system in humans. These viruses are almost exclusively found in tropical areas of the New World and restricted to semiarid and temperate zones in the Old World. Here, we discovered seven strains of four previously unknown phleboviruses, named Bogoria virus (BOGV), Embossos virus (EMRV), Kiborgoch virus (KBGV), and Perkerra virus (PERV), as well as the recently discovered Ntepes virus, in sandflies collected in the Kenyan Rift Valley. The genomes have a tripartite organization with conserved termini typical of phleboviruses. LOBV, PERV, and EMBV showed low similarity to known phleboviruses, with less than 55% pairwise amino acid identities in the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) proteins, and defined a highly diversified monophyletic clade in sister relationship to the sandfly fever Sicilian serocomplex. All three viruses failed to react with sandfly fever Sicilian virus antisera in recombinant immunofluorescence assays (rIFA), suggesting that the viruses belong to a yet-unknown serogroup. In contrast, KBGV was closely related to Toscana virus (84% identity of RdRp proteins) and shared a most recent common ancestor with the clade comprising sandfly fever Naples and Toscana viruses. KBGV reacted with sandfly fever Naples and Toscana virus antisera in rIFA. The genetic diversity of the detected viruses and their phylogenetic positions implies that the Old World sandfly-borne phleboviruses originated from sub-Saharan Africa. Importantly, our findings suggest that diseases associated with sandfly-borne phlebovirus infections may also affect the Kenyan population.IMPORTANCE Studies on the genetic diversity of arthropod-borne viruses circulating in rural regions can provide critical early indications on new emerging viruses essential for global epidemic preparedness. In this study, we describe the discovery of four phleboviruses in sandflies from the Kenyan Rift Valley. The novel viruses are related to the two medically important serocomplexes, sandfly fever Naples and sandfly fever Sicilian, that are associated with febrile illness and neuroinvasive infections and which were previously not known to occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge on the occurrence of sandfly-borne phleboviruses in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa can help to decipher their contributions in the etiologies of fevers of unknown origin in patients. Our findings on five genetically diverse phleboviruses detected in Kenya suggest that the common ancestor of Old World phleboviruses existed in sub-Saharan Africa, a hot spot for emerging arboviruses.
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50
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Reusken C, Baronti C, Mögling R, Papa A, Leitmeyer K, Charrel RN. Toscana, West Nile, Usutu and tick-borne encephalitis viruses: external quality assessment for molecular detection of emerging neurotropic viruses in Europe, 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 31847946 PMCID: PMC6918591 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.50.1900051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundNeurotropic arboviruses are increasingly recognised as causative agents of neurological disease in Europe but underdiagnosis is still suspected. Capability for accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for adequate clinical and public health response.AimTo improve diagnostic capability in EVD-LabNet laboratories, we organised an external quality assessment (EQA) focusing on molecular detection of Toscana (TOSV), Usutu (USUV), West Nile (WNV) and tick-borne encephalitis viruses (TBEV).MethodsSixty-nine laboratories were invited. The EQA panel included two WNV RNA-positive samples (lineages 1 and 2), two TOSV RNA-positive samples (lineages A and B), one TBEV RNA-positive sample (Western subtype), one USUV RNA-positive sample and four negative samples. The EQA focused on overall capability rather than sensitivity of the used techniques. Only detection of one, clinically relevant, concentration per virus species and lineage was assessed.ResultsThe final EQA analysis included 51 laboratories from 35 countries; 44 of these laboratories were from 28 of 31 countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA). USUV diagnostic capability was lowest (28 laboratories in 18 countries), WNV detection capacity was highest (48 laboratories in 32 countries). Twenty-five laboratories were able to test the whole EQA panel, of which only 11 provided completely correct results. The highest scores were observed for WNV and TOSV (92%), followed by TBEV (86%) and USUV (75%).ConclusionWe observed wide variety in extraction methods and RT-PCR tests, showing a profound absence of standardisation across European laboratories. Overall, the results were not satisfactory; capacity and capability need to be improved in 40 laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Reusken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cecile Baronti
- Unite des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Ramona Mögling
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katrin Leitmeyer
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Remi N Charrel
- Unite des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
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