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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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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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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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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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5
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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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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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Bravo-Barriga D, Ruiz-Arrondo I, Peña RE, Lucientes J, Delacour-Estrella S. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Spain: an updated checklist and extended distributions. Zookeys 2022; 1106:81-99. [PMID: 36760819 PMCID: PMC9848825 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1106.81432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the natural vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) and phleboviruses (Bunyavirales: Phenuiviridae). In Spain, these vectors appear to be increasing their geographical distribution and have serious repercussions on public and veterinary health, encouraging studies of sand flies and their associated pathogens. An up-to-date and easily accessible compendium of current and historical data on their presence and detailed distribution is a crucial step towards the development and implementation of appropriate preventive strategies. A checklist on the presence and distribution of sand flies in Spain is compiled from data extracted from a comprehensive review of scientific literature published between 1909 and 2021 and our new records on the presence of sand flies specimens collected under the entomological surveillance of bluetongue vectors from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Food (MAPA) during the period 2004-2021. In total, 13 Spanish species of sand flies (two of them with controversial status) belonging to two genera and six subgenera are presented in this updated checklist, including new distribution data for seven species, among which several stand out as confirmed or suspected vectors of Leishmaniainfantum: Phlebotomusariasi, Ph.langeroni, Ph.mascittii, and Ph.perniciosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Veterinaria, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Parasitología, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, SpainUniversidad de ExtremaduraCáceresSpain
| | - Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, SpainHospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIRLogroñoSpain
| | - Rosa Estrada Peña
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Sarah Delacour-Estrella
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain,Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D). Quimera. B.S. Calle Olivo, 14, 50016 La Puebla de Alfindén, SpainDepartamento de Investigación y DesarrolloLa Puebla de AlfindénSpain
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10
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Laroche L, Jourdain F, Ayhan N, Bañuls AL, Charrel R, Prudhomme J. Incubation Period for Neuroinvasive Toscana Virus Infections. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:3147-3150. [PMID: 34808074 PMCID: PMC8632186 DOI: 10.3201/eid2712.203172] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an emerging pathogen in the Mediterranean area and is neuroinvasive in its most severe form. Basic knowledge on TOSV biology is limited. We conducted a systematic review on travel-related infections to estimate the TOSV incubation period. We estimated the incubation period at 12.1 days.
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11
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Ayhan N, Alten B, Ivovic V, Cvetkovikj A, Stefanovska J, Martinkovic F, Piorkowski G, Moureau G, Gould EA, Pettersson JHO, de Lamballerie X, Charrel RN. Field surveys in Croatia and North Macedonia reveal two novel phleboviruses circulating in sandflies. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34797756 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are distributed widely throughout the Mediterranean Basin, presenting a threat to public health in areas where they circulate. However, the true diversity and distribution of pathogenic and apathogenic sandfly-borne phleboviruses remains a key issue to be studied. In the Balkans, most published data rely on serology-based studies although virus isolation has occasionally been reported. Here, we report the discovery of two novel sandfly-borne phleboviruses, provisionally named Zaba virus (ZABAV) and Bregalaka virus (BREV), which were isolated in Croatia and North Macedonia, respectively. This constitutes the first isolation of phleboviruses in both countries. Genetic analysis based on complete coding sequences indicated that ZABAV and BREV are distinct from each other and belong to the genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae. Phylogenetic and amino acid modelling of viral polymerase shows that ZABAV and BREV are new members of the Salehabad phlebovirus species and the Adana phlebovirus species, respectively. Moreover, sequence-based vector identification suggests that ZABAV is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomus neglectus and BREV is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomus perfiliewi. BREV neutralizing antibodies were detected in 3.3% of human sera with rates up to 16.7% in certain districts, demonstrating that BREV frequently infects humans in North Macedonia. In vitro viral growth kinetics experiments demonstrated viral replication of both viruses in mammalian and mosquito cells. In vivo experimental studies in mice suggest that ZABAV and BREV exhibit characteristics making them possible human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Bulent Alten
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ecology Division, VERG Labs, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vladimir Ivovic
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (FAMNIT), University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Franjo Martinkovic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases with Clinics, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Geraldine Piorkowski
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Gregory Moureau
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Ernest A Gould
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - John H-O Pettersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Remi N Charrel
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
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12
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Density assessment and reporting for Phlebotomus perniciosus and other sand fly species in periurban residential estates in Spain. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3091-3103. [PMID: 34405280 PMCID: PMC8397643 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07270-0] [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: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Green periurban residential areas in Mediterranean countries have flourished in the last decades and become foci for leishmaniasis. To remedy the absence of information on vector ecology in these environments, we examined phlebotomine sand fly distribution in 29 sites in Murcia City over a 3-year period, including the plots of 20 detached houses and nine non-urbanized sites nearby. We collected 5,066 specimens from five species using "sticky" interception and light attraction traps. The relative frequency of the main Leishmania infantum vector Phlebotomus perniciosus in these traps was 32% and 63%, respectively. Sand fly density was widely variable spatially and temporally and greatest in non-urbanized sites, particularly in caves and abandoned buildings close to domestic animal holdings. Phlebotomus perniciosus density in house plots was positively correlated with those in non-urbanized sites, greatest in larger properties with extensive vegetation and non-permanently lived, but not associated to dog presence or a history of canine leishmaniasis. Within house plots, sand fly density was highest in traps closest to walls. Furthermore, the study provides a guideline for insect density assessment and reporting and is envisioned as a building block towards the development of a pan-European database for robust investigation of environmental determinants of sand fly distribution.
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13
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Maia C, Ayhan N, Cristóvão JM, Pereira A, Charrel R. Human seroprevalence of Toscana virus and Sicilian phlebovirus in the southwest of Portugal. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 41:137-141. [PMID: 34389911 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-021-04332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is emergent in the Mediterranean region and responsible for outbreaks of encephalitis or meningoencephalitis. Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV) cause epidemics of febrile illness during the summer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of antibodies against TOSV and SFSV in humans in the southwest of Portugal. Neutralizing antibodies to TOSV and SFSV were respectively detected in 5.3% and 4.3% out of 400 human sera tested highlighting the need to increase public health awareness regarding phleboviruses and to include them in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with fever of short duration and neurological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité Des Virus Emergents UVE, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité Des Virus Emergents UVE, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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14
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Abstract
In nature, insects face a constant threat of infection by numerous exogeneous viruses, and their intestinal tracts are the predominant ports of entry. Insects can acquire these viruses orally during either blood feeding by hematophagous insects or sap sucking and foliage feeding by insect herbivores. However, the insect intestinal tract forms several physical and immunological barriers to defend against viral invasion, including cell intrinsic antiviral immunity, the peritrophic matrix and the mucin layer, and local symbiotic microorganisms. Whether an infection can be successfully established in the intestinal tract depends on the complex interactions between viruses and those barriers. In this review, we summarize recent progress on virus-intestinal tract interplay in insects, in which various underlying mechanisms derived from nutritional status, dynamics of symbiotic microorganisms, and virus-encoded components play intricate roles in the regulation of virus invasion in the intestinal tract, either directly or indirectly. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enhao Ma
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Yibin Zhu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; .,Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China.,Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Ziwen Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Taiyun Wei
- Vector-Borne Virus Research Center, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Plant Virology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Penghua Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; .,Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China.,Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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15
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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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16
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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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17
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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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18
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Low Incidence and Mortality from SARS-CoV-2 in Southern Europe. Proposal of a hypothesis for Arthropod borne Herd immunity. Med Hypotheses 2020; 143:110121. [PMID: 32759006 PMCID: PMC7375308 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110121] [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] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 incidence and mortality in Europe have shown wide variation. Northern Italy in particular the Lombardy region, north-eastern French regions, Switzerland and Belgium were amongst the hardest hit, while the central and southern Italian regions, all the Balkan countries from Slovenia to Greece and the Islands of Malta and Cyprus had much fewer cases and deaths per capita, and deaths per number of cases. Differences in public health measures, and health care delivery, in the author’s opinion, can only partly explain the difference. The geographical distribution of Phlebotomus sand-flies and the relative distribution of arthropod borne diseases Leishmaniasis and Phlebovirus infections especially the Sicilian Sandfly fever group corresponds to most areas of low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. A hypothesis is proposed whereby repeated arthropod or sandfly vector infection of humans by novel viruses of zoonotic origins carrying bat or mammalian RNA/DNA, such as phleboviruses may have resulted in the development of an effective evolutionary immune response to most novel zoonotic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 by means of survival of the fittest possibly over many generations. This process probably ran in parallel and concurrent with the progressive evolution of novel coronaviruses which spread from one mammalian species to another. Other possible, but less likely mechanisms for the role of sandfly meals within a much shorter time frame may have led to, (i) previous exposure and infection of humans with the SARS-Cov-2 virus itself, or a closely related corona virus in the previous decades, or (ii) exposure of human populations to parts coronavirus protein namely either S or more likely N protein carried mechanically by arthropods, but without clinical disease causing direct immunity or (iii) by causing infection with other arthropod borne viruses which could carry bat DNA/RNA and have similar functional proteins resulting in an immediate cross-reactive immune response rather than by natural selection. The Evidence possibly supporting or disputing this hypothesis is reviewed, however the major problem with the hypothesis is that to date no coronavirus has ever been isolated from arthropods. Such a hypothesis can only be supported by research investigating the possible biological relationship of arthropods and coronaviruses where paradoxically they may be promoting immunity rather than disease.
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19
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Abundant and Diverse RNA Viruses in Insects Revealed by RNA-Seq Analysis: Ecological and Evolutionary Implications. mSystems 2020; 5:5/4/e00039-20. [PMID: 32636338 PMCID: PMC7343303 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00039-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing data indicate that insects serve as major reservoirs and vectors of viruses, which account for the continuously increasing ecological burden and infectious disease outbreaks. Uncovering the hidden diversity of viruses in insects will further the understanding of the ecological and evolutionary perspectives in the emergence of insect-associated virus diseases. In this study, we queried transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from more than 600 species across 32 insect orders dwelling in different ecological habitats and recovered more than 1,213 RNA viruses that were recapitulated in 40 families, 2 unclassified genera, and many unspecified viral groups. These novel viruses included the well-known insect-associated viruses within Flaviviridae, Picornavirales, Bunyavirales, Mononegavirales, Nidovirales, Reoviridae, and Negevirus More appeared to form novel clusters within previously described taxa or could be resolved as paraphyletic, including the first astrovirus identified in insects, in which many were sufficiently divergent to warrant the establishment of new virus genera or families. Additionally, some viruses were closely related to the recognized plant-, fungus-, and vertebrate-specific species, implying the importance of relationships between insect behavior and virus spread. Comparative genome analyses also revealed high genomic variability with respect to the flexible gene pool and genome architecture of these newly described viruses, including the evidence for genome reshuffling first discovered in Dicistroviridae The data reflecting the genetically and ecologically diverse viral populations in insects greatly expand our understanding of RNA viruses in nature and highlight that the biodiversity of RNA viruses remains largely unexplored.IMPORTANCE Insects comprise the largest proportion of animals on earth and are frequently implicated in the transmission of vector-borne diseases. However, considerable attention has been paid to the phytophagous and hematophagous insects, with results that provide insufficient and biased information about the viruses in insects. Here, we have delivered compelling evidence for the exceptional abundance and genetic diversity of RNA viruses in a wide range of insects. Novel viruses were found to cover major categories of RNA viruses, and many formed novel clusters divergent from the previously described taxa, dramatically broadening the range of known RNA viruses in insects. These newly characterized RNA viruses exhibited high levels of genomic plasticity in genome size, open reading frame (ORF) number, intergenic structure, and gene rearrangement and segmentation. This work provides comprehensive insight into the origin, spread, and evolution of RNA viruses. Of course, a large-scale virome project involving more organisms would provide more-detailed information about the virus infections in insects.
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20
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Experimental Infection of Dogs with Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus to Determine Their Potential as Possible Vertebrate Hosts. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8040596. [PMID: 32326097 PMCID: PMC7232252 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The sandfly-borne Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), a close relative of the sandfly fever Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), is one of the most common causes of acute meningitis or meningoencephalitis in humans in the Mediterranean Basin. However, most of human phlebovirus infections in endemic areas either are asymptomatic or cause mild influenza-like illness. To date, a vertebrate reservoir for sandfly-borne phleboviruses has not been identified. Dogs are a prime target for blood-feeding phlebotomines and are the primary reservoir of human sandfly-borne Leishmania infantum. However, there are no definitive studies to assess whether dogs play a significant role as a reservoir host for human phlebovirus survival in the environment. Here, we have evaluated the susceptibility of domestic dogs to infection by TOSV and SFSV following the direct inoculation of the infectious virus. After experimental infection, the presence of viral RNA was investigated in plasma, urine, saliva, conjunctiva, faeces, semen, and bone marrow samples from 0 to 91 days postinoculation (dpi), as well as in plasma, saliva, and tears samples at 760 dpi. None of the challenged dogs developed clinical signs of infection with either TOSV or SFSV. SFSV RNA was never detected. TOSV RNA was not in any of the specimen types, except for plasma samples that showed low viral loads, although irregularly. None of the dogs developed detectable neutralizing antibodies after a single challenge dose of either TOSV or SFSV. However, a second challenge dose of virus given 56 days later elicited neutralizing antibodies, implying that the first inoculation of virus primed the animals for an anamnestic response following the second challenge. These results demonstrated that healthy domestic dogs are not highly susceptible to infection by TOSV or SFSV and do not develop significant viremia or excrete virus following infection. Consequently, dogs are unlikely natural reservoir hosts of infection and do not appear to play a significant role in phlebovirus transmission cycles.
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Ayhan N, Prudhomme J, Laroche L, Bañuls AL, Charrel RN. Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8010114. [PMID: 31947561 PMCID: PMC7022675 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010114] [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: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.)perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
- Unité de Virologie EA7310 Bioscope, Université de Corse Pasquale Paoli (UCPP), 20250 Corte, France
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Lison Laroche
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
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22
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Tchouassi DP, Marklewitz M, Chepkorir E, Zirkel F, Agha SB, Tigoi CC, Koskei E, Drosten C, Borgemeister C, Torto B, Junglen S, Sang R. Sand Fly-Associated Phlebovirus with Evidence of Neutralizing Antibodies in Humans, Kenya. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:681-690. [PMID: 30882303 PMCID: PMC6433041 DOI: 10.3201/eid2504.180750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel virus, designated Ntepes virus (NPV), isolated from sand flies in Kenya. NPV has the characteristic phlebovirus trisegmented genome architecture and is related to, but distinct from, Gabek Forest phlebovirus. Diverse cell cultures derived from wildlife, livestock, and humans were susceptible to NPV, with pronounced permissiveness in swine and rodent cells. NPV infection of newborn mice caused rapid and fatal illness. Permissiveness for NPV replication in sand fly cells, but not mosquito cells, suggests a vector-specific adaptation. Specific neutralizing antibodies were found in 13.9% (26/187) of human serum samples taken at the site of isolation of NPV as well as a disparate site in northeastern Kenya, suggesting a wide distribution. We identify a novel human-infecting arbovirus and highlight the importance of rural areas in tropical Africa for arbovirus surveillance as well as extending arbovirus surveillance to include hematophagous arthropods other than mosquitoes.
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23
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Pereira A, Ayhan N, Cristóvão JM, Vilhena H, Martins Â, Cachola P, Henriques J, Coimbra M, Catarino A, Lestinova T, Spitzova T, Volf P, Campino L, Charrel R, Maia C. Antibody Response to Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in Cats Naturally Exposed to Phlebotomine Sand Fly Bites in Portugal. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7090339. [PMID: 31514266 PMCID: PMC6780191 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7090339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand fly-borne pathogens such as Leishmania spp. and phleboviruses are emerging threats to humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this work was to evaluate the exposure of cats from Portugal to Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and assess the associated risk factors. The possible association between exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus saliva with TOSV and SFSV was also investigated. Out of 369 cats tested, 18 (4.9%, n = 365) were seropositive for TOSV, and eight (2.2%, n = 367) were seropositive for SFSV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cats presenting clinical signs that were compatible with leishmaniosis and antibodies to TOSV had a significantly higher risk of being SFSV seropositive. The presence of antibodies to sand fly-borne viruses in cats indicate that these animals are frequently exposed to sand flies and transmitted pathogens. Data suggest that cats can be used to qualitatively monitor human exposure to TOSV and SFSV in endemic areas. The clinical impact of SFSV in cats’ health should be investigated. The identification of the sand fly species responsible for the circulation of TOSV and SFSV in nature and the evaluation of the vectorial competence of P. perniciosus to SFSV should also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13385 Marseille, France.
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Hugo Vilhena
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vasco da Gama Universitary School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal.
- University Veterinary Hospital of Coimbra, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ângela Martins
- Hospital Veterinário da Arrábida, 2925-538 Azeitão, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Mónica Coimbra
- Clínica Veterinária Porto Seguro, 8700-507 Olhão, Portugal.
| | - Ana Catarino
- VetCoa - Serviços Veterinários, 6320-354 Sabugal, Portugal.
| | - Tereza Lestinova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Tatiana Spitzova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenea Campino
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13385 Marseille, France.
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
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24
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de Oliveira Filho EF, Moreira-Soto A, Fischer C, Rasche A, Sander AL, Avey-Arroyo J, Arroyo-Murillo F, Corrales-Aguilar E, Drexler JF. Sloths host Anhanga virus-related phleboviruses across large distances in time and space. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:11-17. [PMID: 31420970 PMCID: PMC7168552 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sloths are genetically and physiologically divergent mammals. Phleboviruses are major arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) causing disease in humans and other animals globally. Sloths host arboviruses, but virus detections are scarce. A phlebovirus termed Anhanga virus (ANHV) was isolated from a Brazilian Linnaeus's two‐toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) in 1962. Here, we investigated the presence of phleboviruses in sera sampled in 2014 from 74 Hoffmann's two‐toed (Choloepus hoffmanni, n = 65) and three‐toed (Bradypus variegatus, n = 9) sloths in Costa Rica by broadly reactive RT‐PCR. A clinically healthy adult Hoffmann's two‐toed sloth was infected with a phlebovirus. Viral load in this animal was high at 8.5 × 107 RNA copies/ml. The full coding sequence of the virus was determined by deep sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses and sequence distance comparisons revealed that the new sloth virus, likely representing a new phlebovirus species, provisionally named Penshurt virus (PEHV), was most closely related to ANHV, with amino acid identities of 93.1%, 84.6%, 94.7% and 89.0% in the translated L, M, N and NSs genes, respectively. Significantly more non‐synonymous mutations relative to ANHV occurred in the M gene encoding the viral glycoproteins and in the NSs gene encoding a putative interferon antagonist compared to L and N genes. This was compatible with viral adaptation to different sloth species and with micro‐evolutionary processes associated with immune evasion during the genealogy of sloth‐associated phleboviruses. However, gene‐wide mean dN/dS ratios were low at 0.02–0.15 and no sites showed significant evidence for positive selection, pointing to comparable selection pressures within sloth‐associated viruses and genetically related phleboviruses infecting hosts other than sloths. The detection of a new phlebovirus closely‐related to ANHV, in sloths from Costa Rica fifty years after and more than 3,000 km away from the isolation of ANHV confirmed the host associations of ANHV‐related phleboviruses with the two extant species of two‐toed sloths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmilson F de Oliveira Filho
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrés Moreira-Soto
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Microbiology, Virology-CIET (Research Center for Tropical Diseases), University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Carlo Fischer
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Rasche
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Sander
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Eugenia Corrales-Aguilar
- Faculty of Microbiology, Virology-CIET (Research Center for Tropical Diseases), University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), associated partner site Charité, Berlin, Germany.,Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
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25
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Nearly Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Phlebovirus-Like Virus Detected in a Human Plasma Sample by High-Throughput Sequencing. Microbiol Resour Announc 2019; 8:8/35/e00764-19. [PMID: 31467101 PMCID: PMC6715871 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00764-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report a novel phlebovirus-like virus sequence detected in a plasma sample from a febrile adult patient collected in the United Republic of Tanzania in 2014. A nearly complete RNA sequence was generated by high-throughput sequencing on a HiSeq 2500 instrument and further confirmed after repeating the analysis, starting from the initial sample.
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26
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Detection of a Novel Phlebovirus (Drin Virus) from Sand Flies in Albania. Viruses 2019; 11:v11050469. [PMID: 31126034 PMCID: PMC6563191 DOI: 10.3390/v11050469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are generalist vectors with significant implications for public health. They are able to transmit phleboviruses that cause sand fly fever, headaches, or meningitis in humans. Albania is a country in Southeast Europe with a typical Mediterranean climate which provides convenient conditions for the presence of sand flies. Hence, the circulation of phleboviruses, such as the Toscana and Balkan viruses, has been recently described in the country. We followed a virus discovery approach on sand fly samples collected in 2015 and 2016 in seven regions of Albania, with the aim to investigate and characterize potentially circulating phleboviruses in phlebotomine sand flies. A presumed novel phlebovirus was detected in a pool consisting of 24 Phlebotomus neglectus males. The virus was provisionally named the Drin virus after a river near the locality of Kukës, where the infected sand flies were trapped. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Drin virus is closely related to the Corfou (CFUV) virus, isolated in the 1980s from Phlebotomus major sand flies on the eponymous island of Greece, and may also be involved in human infections because of its similarity to the sand fly fever Sicilian virus. The latter justifies further studies to specifically address this concern. Together with recent findings, this study confirms that Albania and the Balkan peninsula are hot spots for phleboviruses.
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27
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Ohlendorf V, Marklewitz M, Kopp A, Yordanov S, Drosten C, Junglen S. Huge diversity of phleboviruses in ticks from Strandja Nature Park, Bulgaria. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:697-703. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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28
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Barzon L. Ongoing and emerging arbovirus threats in Europe. J Clin Virol 2018; 107:38-47. [PMID: 30176404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the last decades, arboviruses that are endemic in Europe have expanded their geographic range and caused an increasing number of human outbreaks. These viruses include West Nile virus, which is expanding its area of circulation in central and southern Europe; Usutu virus, with increasing evidence of a role in human disease; tick-borne encephalitis virus, which is being detected in northern areas and at higher altitudes as a consequence of climate warming; Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, which is endemic in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, but has been recently detected in Spain; other viruses, such as California encephalitis virus antigenic group, which circulate in northern and central Europe but whose relevance for human disease in largely unknown. In addition, the rise in global travel and trade has posed Europe to an increased risk of introduction and expansion of exotic arthropod vectors and autochthonous transmission of arboviruses, like dengue and chikungunya viruses, following new introductions from endemic areas. Implementation of integrated arbovirus surveillance programs has been crucial to adopt proper control measures. The identification of emerging outbreaks is however challenging and requires a high degree of awareness and laboratory capacity, especially for the most neglected but potentially threatening pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padova, Italy.
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