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Bergevin MD, Ng V, Ludwig A, Sadeghieh T, Menzies P, Mubareka S, Clow KM. A Scoping Review on the Epidemiology of Orthobunyaviruses of Canadian Public and Animal Health Relevance in the Context of Vector Species. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:564-577. [PMID: 38687337 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0152] [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] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Mosquito-borne orthobunyaviruses are a growing priority for public and animal health in Canada. It is anticipated that disease incidence will increase due to a warming climate, given that habitats are expanding for reservoir hosts and vectors, particularly in Canada. Little is known about the ecology of primary vectors that perpetuate these orthobunyaviruses, including the viral transmission cycle and the impact of climatic and landscape factors. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to describe the current state of knowledge on the epidemiology of orthobunyaviruses relevant to Canada. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was used to characterize studies focused on vector species. A literature search was conducted in six databases and gray literature. Eligible studies characterized orthobunyavirus epidemiology related to vector species, including viral competency, geospatial distributions, seasonal trends, and/or risk factors. Results: A total of 1734 unique citations were identified. Screening of these citations revealed 172 relevant studies, from which 87 studies presented primary data related to vectors. The orthobunyaviruses included Cache Valley virus (CVV), Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), Snowshoe Hare virus (SHV), and La Crosse virus (LACV). Surveillance was the predominant study focus, with most citations representing the United States, specifically, LACV surveillance in Tennessee, followed by CVV and JCV in Connecticut. Orthobunyaviruses were detected in many mosquito species across multiple genera, with high vector specificity only being reported for LACV, which included Aedes triseriatus, Aedes albopictus, and Aedes japonicus. Peridomestic areas were positively associated with infected mosquitoes compared with dense forests. Orthobunyavirus infections, coinfections, and gut microbiota affected mosquito feeding and breeding behavior. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps included Canadian surveillance data, disease modeling, and risk projections. Further research in these areas, especially accounting for climate change, is needed to guide health policy for prevention of orthobunyaviral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele D Bergevin
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Victoria Ng
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
- National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada
| | - Antoinette Ludwig
- National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, St. Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Tara Sadeghieh
- Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Paula Menzies
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katie M Clow
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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Bergevin MD, Ng V, Sadeghieh T, Menzies P, Ludwig A, Mubareka S, Clow KM. A Scoping Review on the Epidemiology of Orthobunyaviruses in Canada, in the Context of Human, Wildlife, and Domestic Animal Host Species. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:249-264. [PMID: 38206763 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0109] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Mosquito-borne orthobunyaviruses in Canada are a growing public health concern. Orthobunyaviral diseases are commonly underdiagnosed and in Canada, likely underreported as surveillance is passive. No vaccines or specific treatments exist for these disease agents. Further, climate change is facilitating habitat expansion for relevant reservoirs and vectors, and it is likely that the majority of the Canadian population is susceptible to these viruses. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to describe the current state of knowledge on orthobunyavirus epidemiology in Canada. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline was used. Literature searches were conducted in six databases and in gray literature. The epidemiology of orthobunyaviruses was characterized for studies focusing on host species, including spatiotemporal patterns, risk factors, and climate change impact. Results: A total of 172 relevant studies were identified from 1734 citations from which 95 addressed host species, including humans, wildlife, and domestic animals including livestock. The orthobunyaviruses-Cache Valley virus (CVV), Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), Snowshoe Hare virus (SHV), and La Crosse virus (LACV)-were identified, and prevalence was widespread across vertebrate species. CVV, JCV, and SHV were detected across Canada and the United States. LACV was reported only in the United States, predominantly the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions. Disease varied by orthobunyavirus and was associated with age, environment, preexisting compromised immune systems, or livestock breeding schedule. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps included seroprevalence data in Canada, risk factor analyses, particularly for livestock, and disease projections in the context of climate change. Additional surveillance and mitigation strategies, especially accounting for climate change, are needed to guide future public health efforts to prevent orthobunyavirus exposure and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele D Bergevin
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Ng
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Sadeghieh
- Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula Menzies
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antoinette Ludwig
- National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, St. Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katie M Clow
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Gnanaprakasam R, Wormser GP, Keller M. Background seropositivity to Jamestown Canyon virus can lead to diagnostic confusion. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 108:116161. [PMID: 38219377 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116161] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Background seropositivity rates for specific antibodies to Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) can exceed 25 % in certain geographic areas in the United States. This can potentially lead to diagnostic confusion, as apparently illustrated by a patient from New Jersey with Powassan virus encephalitis, who also tested positive for antibodies to JCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gnanaprakasam
- Infectious Diseases, Westchester Medical Center, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, New York, 10595 USA
| | - Gary P Wormser
- New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, New York, 10595, USA
| | - Marina Keller
- Infectious Diseases, Westchester Medical Center, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, New York, 10595 USA; New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, New York, 10595, USA.
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Zubair AS, McAlpine LS, Gobeske KT. Virology, ecology, epidemiology, pathology, and treatment of eastern equine encephalitis. J Neurol Sci 2024; 457:122886. [PMID: 38278094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.122886] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) was one of the first-recognized neuroinvasive arboviral diseases in North America, and it remains the most lethal. Although EEE is known to have periodic spikes in infection rates, there is increasing evidence that it may be undergoing a change in its prevalence and its public health burden. Numerous factors shape the scope of EEE in humans, and there are important similarities with other emergent viral diseases that have surfaced or strengthened in recent years. Because environmental and ecological conditions that broadly influence the epidemiology of arboviral diseases also are changing, and the frequency, severity, and scope of outbreaks are expected to worsen, an expanded understanding of EEE will have untold importance in coming years. Here we review the factors shaping EEE transmission cycles and the conditions leading to outbreaks in humans from an updated, multidomain perspective. We also provide special consideration of factors shaping the virology, host-vector-environment relationships, and mechanisms of pathology and treatment as a reference for broadening audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel S Zubair
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Kevin T Gobeske
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Khare B, Kuhn RJ. The Japanese Encephalitis Antigenic Complex Viruses: From Structure to Immunity. Viruses 2022; 14:2213. [PMID: 36298768 PMCID: PMC9607441 DOI: 10.3390/v14102213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades, several flaviviruses of concern that belong to different antigenic groups have expanded geographically. This has resulted in the presence of often more than one virus from a single antigenic group in some areas, while in Europe, Africa and Australia, additionally, multiple viruses belonging to the Japanese encephalitis (JE) serogroup co-circulate. Morphological heterogeneity of flaviviruses dictates antibody recognition and affects virus neutralization, which influences infection control. The latter is further impacted by sequential infections involving diverse flaviviruses co-circulating within a region and their cross-reactivity. The ensuing complex molecular virus-host interplay leads to either cross-protection or disease enhancement; however, the molecular determinants and mechanisms driving these outcomes are unclear. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of four JE serocomplex viruses, parameters affecting flaviviral heterogeneity and antibody recognition, host immune responses and the current knowledge of the cross-reactivity involving JE serocomplex flaviviruses that leads to differential clinical outcomes, which may inform future preventative and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baldeep Khare
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Richard J. Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Bazer DA, Orwitz M, Koroneos N, Syritsyna O, Wirkowski E. Powassan Encephalitis: A Case Report from New York, USA. Case Rep Neurol Med 2022; 2022:8630349. [PMID: 36035550 PMCID: PMC9402360 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8630349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Powassan is a positive-sense, single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus that is a tick-borne Flavivirus, transmitted by Ixodes species, with groundhogs being the usual mammalian host. The virus is endemic to North America, with peak transmission during the summer and fall. The incubation period is 7-34 days, followed by a prodrome of flu-like symptoms. Although most infected individuals are asymptomatic, the virus can penetrate the CNS to produce a viral encephalitis. The key to the diagnosis is a positive serology. Results The patient is a 62-year-old male with a past history of a right putamen infarct, hepatitis C, hypertension, and substance abuse who presented due to acute onset altered mental status, dysarthria, and left-sided facial droop. He had several tick bites around the time of presentation in December. He was empirically treated for possible meningitis, as CSF revealed WBC 370 (80% mononuclear cells); RBC 10, protein 152 mg/dL, and glucose 59 mg/dL. An MRI scan of the brain showed a subacute left putamen stroke. MRAs of the head and neck were unremarkable. A Mayo Clinic Encephalopathy Panel was unremarkable; however, a New York State Arbovirus panel revealed Powassan IgM ELISA as well as Powassan Polyvalent microsphere immunofluorescence assay reactivity. His hospital course was complicated by critical illness myopathy and respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy. Conclusion The Powassan virus is a known etiology for encephalitis in North America. Although the peak incidence of transmission is in the summer and fall, this does not exclude transmission during other seasons. Due to the increasing prevalence of Powassan virus in Lyme-endemic areas particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, United States, patients with an unexplained altered mental status in these regions should be screened for Powassan virus, regardless of the time of year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A. Bazer
- Department of Neurology, The State University of New York Stony Brook, Renaissance School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, HSC 12/20, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Matthew Orwitz
- Department of Neurology, The State University of New York Stony Brook, Renaissance School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, HSC 12/20, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Nicholas Koroneos
- Department of Neurology, The State University of New York Stony Brook, Renaissance School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, HSC 12/20, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Olga Syritsyna
- Department of Neurology, The State University of New York Stony Brook, Renaissance School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, HSC 12/20, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wirkowski
- Department of Neurology, The State University of New York Stony Brook, Renaissance School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, HSC 12/20, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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Laboratory Validation of a Real-Time RT-PCR Assay for the Detection of Jamestown Canyon Virus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050536. [PMID: 35631056 PMCID: PMC9146205 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroinvasive disease caused by Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) infection is rare. However, increasing incidence and widespread occurrence of the infection make JCV a growing public health concern. Presently, clinical diagnosis is achieved through serological testing, and mosquito pool surveillance requires virus isolation and identification. A rapid molecular detection test, such as real-time RT-PCR, for diagnosis and surveillance of JCV has not been widely utilized. To enhance testing and surveillance, here, we describe the development and validation of a real-time RT-PCR test for the detection of JCV RNA. Three primer and probe sets were evaluated for analytical sensitivity and specificity. One probe set, JCV132FAM, was found to be the most sensitive test detecting 7.2 genomic equivalents/µL. While less sensitive, a second probe set JCV231cFAM was the most specific test with limited detection of Keystone virus at high RNA loads. Taken together, these data indicate both probe sets can be utilized for a primary sensitive screening assay and a secondary specific confirmatory assay. While both primer and probe sets detected high viral loads of Keystone virus, these assays did not detect any virus in the California encephalitis virus clade, including negative detection of the medically important La Crosse virus (LACV) and snowshoe hare virus (SSHV). The real-time RT-PCR assay described herein could be utilized in diagnosis and surveillance in regions with co-circulation of JCV and LACV or SSHV to inform public health action.
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Little EAH, Hutchinson ML, Price KJ, Marini A, Shepard JJ, Molaei G. Spatiotemporal distribution, abundance, and host interactions of two invasive vectors of arboviruses, Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus, in Pennsylvania, USA. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:36. [PMID: 35073977 PMCID: PMC8785538 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05151-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus, two invasive mosquito species in the United States, are implicated in the transmission of arboviruses. Studies have shown interactions of these two mosquito species with a variety of vertebrate hosts; however, regional differences exist and may influence their contribution to arbovirus transmission. Methods We investigated the distribution, abundance, host interactions, and West Nile virus infection prevalence of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus by examining Pennsylvania mosquito and arbovirus surveillance data for the period between 2010 and 2018. Mosquitoes were primarily collected using gravid traps and BG-Sentinel traps, and sources of blood meals were determined by analyzing mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences amplified in PCR assays. Results A total of 10,878,727 female mosquitoes representing 51 species were collected in Pennsylvania over the 9-year study period, with Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus representing 4.06% and 3.02% of all collected mosquitoes, respectively. Aedes albopictus was distributed in 39 counties and Ae. japonicus in all 67 counties, and the abundance of these species increased between 2010 and 2018. Models suggested an increase in the spatial extent of Ae. albopictus during the study period, while that of Ae. japonicus remained unchanged. We found a differential association between the abundance of the two mosquito species and environmental conditions, percent development, and median household income. Of 110 Ae. albopictus and 97 Ae. japonicus blood meals successfully identified to species level, 98% and 100% were derived from mammalian hosts, respectively. Among 12 mammalian species, domestic cats, humans, and white-tailed deer served as the most frequent hosts for the two mosquito species. A limited number of Ae. albopictus acquired blood meals from avian hosts solely or in mixed blood meals. West Nile virus was detected in 31 pools (n = 3582 total number of pools) of Ae. albopictus and 12 pools (n = 977 total pools) of Ae. japonicus. Conclusions Extensive distribution, high abundance, and frequent interactions with mammalian hosts suggest potential involvement of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus in the transmission of human arboviruses including Cache Valley, Jamestown Canyon, La Crosse, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika should any of these viruses become prevalent in Pennsylvania. Limited interaction with avian hosts suggests that Ae. albopictus might occasionally be involved in transmission of arboviruses such as West Nile in the region. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05151-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza A H Little
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases and Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Michael L Hutchinson
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110, USA.,Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, USA
| | - Keith J Price
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, USA
| | - Alyssa Marini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - John J Shepard
- Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases and Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Goudarz Molaei
- Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases and Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA. .,Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Rameez F, Walsh M, Wees N, Ali R, Min J, Tank E, Khan M. Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) Encephalitis Mimicking Acute Stroke in Michigan: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Neurohospitalist 2022; 12:137-142. [PMID: 34950402 PMCID: PMC8689533 DOI: 10.1177/19418744211026710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Jamestown canyon virus (JCV) is an arbovirus and is an under-recognized cause of mosquito-borne viral encephalitis. In this report we present a patient who presented with focal neurological deficits. Patient was initially evaluated for stroke. However, leptomeningeal enhancement on MRI and CSF studies were concerning for viral encephalitis. Brain biopsy and CSF sample from surgical site was positive for JCV IgM antibodies. Patients presenting with concern for viral encephalitis in endemic areas should undergo antibody testing for JCV to guide appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fnu Rameez
- Department of Neurology, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, MI, USA,Fnu Rameez, Department of Neurology, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
| | - Meggen Walsh
- Department of Pathology, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Nabil Wees
- Department of Neurology, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Rushna Ali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Jiangyong Min
- Department of Neurology, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Evan Tank
- Department of Neurology, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Muhib Khan
- Department of Neurology, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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Emerging chikungunya virus variants at the E1-E1 inter-glycoprotein spike interface impact virus attachment and Inflammation. J Virol 2021; 96:e0158621. [PMID: 34935436 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01586-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arthropod-borne alphavirus and a serious threat to human health. Therefore, efforts toward elucidating how this virus causes disease and the molecular mechanisms underlying steps of the viral replication cycle are crucial. Using an in vivo transmission system that allows intra-host evolution, we identified an emerging CHIKV variant carrying a mutation in the E1 glycoprotein (V156A) in the serum of mice and saliva of mosquitoes. E1 V156A has since emerged in humans during an outbreak in Brazil, co-occurring with a second mutation, E1 K211T, suggesting an important role for these residues in CHIKV biology. Given the emergence of these variants, we hypothesized that they function to promote CHIKV infectivity and subsequent disease. Here, we show that E1 V156A and E1 K211T modulate virus attachment and fusion and impact binding to heparin, a homolog of heparan sulfate, a key entry factor on host cells. These variants also exhibit differential neutralization by anti-glycoprotein monoclonal antibodies, suggesting structural impacts on the particle that may be responsible for altered interactions at the host membrane. Finally, E1 V156A and E1 K211T exhibit increased titers in an adult arthritic mouse model and induce increased foot-swelling at the site of injection. Taken together, this work has revealed new roles for E1 where discrete regions of the glycoprotein are able to modulate cell attachment and swelling within the host. IMPORTANCE Alphaviruses represent a growing threat to human health worldwide. The re-emerging alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has rapidly spread to new geographic regions in the last several decades, causing overwhelming outbreaks of disease, yet there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics. The CHIKV glycoproteins are key determinants of CHIKV adaptation and virulence. In this study, we identify and characterize the emerging E1 glycoprotein variants, V156A and K211T, that have since emerged in nature. We demonstrate that E1 V156A and K211T function in virus attachment to cells, a role that until now has been only attributed to specific residues of the CHIKV E2 glycoprotein. We also demonstrate E1 V156A and K211T to increase foot-swelling of the ipsilateral foot in mice infected with these variants. Observing that these variants and other pathogenic variants occur at the E1-E1 inter-spike interface, we highlight this structurally important region as critical for multiple steps during CHIKV infection. Together, these studies further defines the function of E1 in CHIKV infection and can inform the development of therapeutic or preventative strategies.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews infections of the brain parenchyma and includes an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, and management of infectious encephalitis and brain abscess. RECENT FINDINGS The epidemiology of infectious encephalitis and brain abscess has changed in recent years. Vaccination has reduced the incidence of certain viruses associated with encephalitis, while a decrease in fulminant otogenic infections has led to fewer brain abscesses associated with otitis media. However, changes in climate and human population density and distribution have enabled the emergence of newer pathogens and expanded the geographic range of others, and greater adoption of intensive immunosuppressive regimens for autoimmune conditions has increased the risk of opportunistic infections of the brain. The widespread use of early neuroimaging, along with improved diagnostic methodologies for pathogen detection, newer antimicrobial therapies with better brain penetration, and less invasive neurosurgical techniques, has resulted in better outcomes for patients with infectious encephalitis and brain abscess. Novel technologies including metagenomic next-generation sequencing are increasingly being applied to these conditions in an effort to improve diagnosis. Nevertheless, both infectious encephalitis and brain abscess continue to be associated with substantial mortality. SUMMARY Infectious encephalitis and brain abscess can present as neurologic emergencies and require rapid assessment, thorough and appropriate diagnostic testing, and early initiation of empiric therapies directed against infectious agents. Close clinical follow-up, proper interpretation of diagnostic results, and appropriate tailoring of therapeutic agents are essential to optimizing outcomes. Diagnosis and management of parenchymal brain infections are complex and often best achieved with a multidisciplinary care team involving neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, infectious disease physicians, and pathologists.
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Brown SC, Cormier J, Tuan J, Lier AJ, McGuone D, Armstrong PM, Kaddouh F, Parikh S, Landry ML, Gobeske KT. Four Human Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Connecticut, USA, during a Larger Regional Outbreak, 2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27. [PMID: 34289334 PMCID: PMC8314835 DOI: 10.3201/eid2708.203730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence increased among human and equine hosts after primary and bridge mosquito virus vectors more than doubled over normal levels 1 month earlier in the season than usual. During 3 weeks in 2019, 4 human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) were diagnosed at a single hospital in Connecticut, USA. The cases coincided with notable shifts in vector–host infection patterns in the northeastern United States and signified a striking change in EEE incidence. All 4 cases were geographically clustered, rapidly progressive, and neurologically devastating. Diagnostic tests conducted by a national commercial reference laboratory revealed initial granulocytic cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and false-negative antibody results. EEE virus infection was diagnosed only after patient samples were retested by the arbovirus laboratory of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. The crucial diagnostic challenges, clinical findings, and epidemiologic patterns revealed in this outbreak can inform future public health and clinical practice.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The COVID-19 pandemic has cast increased attention on emerging infections. Clinicians and public health experts should be aware of emerging infectious causes of encephalitis, mechanisms by which they are transmitted, and clinical manifestations of disease. RECENT FINDINGS A number of arthropod-borne viral infections -- transmitted chiefly by mosquitoes and ticks -- have emerged in recent years to cause outbreaks of encephalitis. Examples include Powassan virus in North America, Chikungunya virus in Central and South America, and tick-borne encephalitis virus in Europe. Many of these viruses exhibit complex life cycles and can infect multiple host animals in addition to humans. Factors thought to influence emergence of these diseases, including changes in climate and land use, are also believed to underlie the emergence of the rickettsial bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, now recognized as a major causative agent of acute encephalitis syndrome in South Asia. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of bats as carriers of viruses. Recent studies have begun to uncover mechanisms by which the immune systems of bats are poised to allow for viral tolerance. Several bat-borne infections, including Nipah virus and Ebola virus, have resulted in recent outbreaks of encephalitis. SUMMARY Infectious causes of encephalitis continue to emerge worldwide, in part because of climate change and human impacts on the environment. Expansion of surveillance measures will be critical in rapid diagnosis and limiting of outbreaks in the future.
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Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Paniz-Mondolfi AE, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Henao-Martínez AF, Ruiz-Saenz J, Martinez-Gutierrez M, Alvarado-Arnez LE, Gomez-Marin JE, Bueno-Marí R, Carrero Y, Villamil-Gomez WE, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Haque U, Ramirez JD, Navarro JC, Lloveras S, Arteaga-Livias K, Casalone C, Maguiña JL, Escobedo AA, Hidalgo M, Bandeira AC, Mattar S, Cardona-Ospina JA, Suárez JA. The Constant Threat of Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Emerging Tropical Diseases: Living on the Edge. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021; 2:676905. [PMID: 34010366 PMCID: PMC8132189 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.676905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundacion Universitaria Autonoma de las Americas, Pereira, Colombia
- Emerging Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Group, Instituto para la Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas - Sci-Help, Pereira, Colombia
- Coordinación Nacional de Investigación, Universidad Privada Franz Tamayo (UNIFRANZ), Cochabamba, Bolivia
- Master Program on Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Alberto E. Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Laboratory of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | | | - Andrés F. Henao-Martínez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Julian Ruiz-Saenz
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Marlen Martinez-Gutierrez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
- Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lucia E. Alvarado-Arnez
- Coordinación Nacional de Investigación, Universidad Privada Franz Tamayo (UNIFRANZ), Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Jorge E. Gomez-Marin
- Grupo de Estudio en Parasitologia Molecular (GEPAMOL) Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Ruben Bueno-Marí
- Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D), Laboratorios Lokímica, Paterna, Spain
- Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmaceútica y Parasitología, Universidad de Valencia, Burjasot, Spain
| | - Yenddy Carrero
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Carrera de Medicina, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato, Ecuador
| | - Wilmer E. Villamil-Gomez
- Infectious Diseases and Infection Control Research Group, Hospital Universitario de Sincelejo, Sincelejo, Colombia
- Programa Del Doctorado de Medicina Tropical, SUE Caribe, Universidad Del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana
- Semillero de Investigación en Zoonosis (SIZOO), Grupo de Investigación BIOECOS, Fundacion Universitaria Autonoma de las Americas, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Ubydul Haque
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Juan D. Ramirez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan-Carlos Navarro
- Research Group of Emerging Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Susana Lloveras
- Sección Zoopatología Médica, Hospital de Infecciosas FJ Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kovy Arteaga-Livias
- Master Program on Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Hermilio Valdizán, Huánuco, Peru
| | | | - Jorge L. Maguiña
- Master Program on Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Angel A. Escobedo
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Gastroenterology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Infectious Diseases Group, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biologicas del Tropico, Universidad de Cordoba, Monteria, Colombia
| | - Jaime A. Cardona-Ospina
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundacion Universitaria Autonoma de las Americas, Pereira, Colombia
- Emerging Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Group, Instituto para la Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas - Sci-Help, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Jose A. Suárez
- Investigador SNI Senacyt Panamá, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama, Panama
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15
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DeKosky ST, Kochanek PM, Valadka AB, Clark RS, Chou SHY, Au AK, Horvat C, Jha RM, Mannix R, Wisniewski SR, Wintermark M, Rowell SE, Welch RD, Lewis L, House S, Tanzi RE, Smith DR, Vittor AY, Denslow ND, Davis MD, Glushakova OY, Hayes RL. Blood Biomarkers for Detection of Brain Injury in COVID-19 Patients. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:1-43. [PMID: 33115334 PMCID: PMC7757533 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus attacks multiple organs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, including the brain. There are worldwide descriptions of neurological deficits in COVID-19 patients. Central nervous system (CNS) symptoms can be present early in the course of the disease. As many as 55% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been reported to have neurological disturbances three months after infection by SARS-CoV-2. The mutability of the SARS-COV-2 virus and its potential to directly affect the CNS highlight the urgency of developing technology to diagnose, manage, and treat brain injury in COVID-19 patients. The pathobiology of CNS infection by SARS-CoV-2 and the associated neurological sequelae of this infection remain poorly understood. In this review, we outline the rationale for the use of blood biomarkers (BBs) for diagnosis of brain injury in COVID-19 patients, the research needed to incorporate their use into clinical practice, and the improvements in patient management and outcomes that can result. BBs of brain injury could potentially provide tools for detection of brain injury in COVID-19 patients. Elevations of BBs have been reported in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of COVID-19 patients. BB proteins have been analyzed in CSF to detect CNS involvement in patients with infectious diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculous meningitis. BBs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for diagnosis of mild versus moderate traumatic brain injury and have identified brain injury after stroke, cardiac arrest, hypoxia, and epilepsy. BBs, integrated with other diagnostic tools, could enhance understanding of viral mechanisms of brain injury, predict severity of neurological deficits, guide triage of patients and assignment to appropriate medical pathways, and assess efficacy of therapeutic interventions in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T. DeKosky
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick M. Kochanek
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Bioengineering, and Clinical and Translational Science, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alex B. Valadka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Robert S.B. Clark
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sherry H.-Y. Chou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alicia K. Au
- University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher Horvat
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruchira M. Jha
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine, Neurology, Neurological Surgery, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebekah Mannix
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Neuroradiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Susan E. Rowell
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert D. Welch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit Receiving Hospital/University Health Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Lawrence Lewis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stacey House
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rudolph E. Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology (Research), Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darci R. Smith
- Immunodiagnostics Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy Y. Vittor
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Medicine, University of Florida, Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Nancy D. Denslow
- Departments of Physiological Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Michael D. Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research/Pulmonology, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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16
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Johnson KEE, Noval MG, Rangel MV, De Jesus E, Geber A, Schuster S, Cadwell K, Ghedin E, Stapleford KA. Mapping the evolutionary landscape of Zika virus infection in immunocompromised mice. Virus Evol 2020; 6:veaa092. [PMID: 33408879 PMCID: PMC7772475 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The fundamental basis of how arboviruses evolve in nature and what regulates the adaptive process remain unclear. To address this problem, we established a Zika virus (ZIKV) vector-borne transmission system in immunocompromised mice to study the evolutionary characteristics of ZIKV infection. Using this system, we defined factors that influence the evolutionary landscape of ZIKV infection and show that transmission route and specific organ microenvironments impact viral diversity and defective viral genome production. In addition, we identified in mice the emergence of ZIKV mutants previously seen in natural infections, including variants present in currently circulating Asian and American strains, as well as mutations unique to the mouse infections. With these studies, we have established an insect-to-mouse transmission model to study ZIKV evolution in vivo. We also defined how organ microenvironments and infection route impact the ZIKV evolutionary landscape, providing a deeper understanding of the factors that regulate arbovirus evolution and emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elfie De Jesus
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Adam Geber
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics & Systems Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samantha Schuster
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ken Cadwell
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Elodie Ghedin
- Present address: National Institutes of Health/NIAID,
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17
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Abstract
Domestic arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are single-stranded RNA viruses, the most common of which include the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, La Crosse virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, and eastern equine encephalitis virus, as well as the tick-borne Powassan virus. Previously considered rare infections, they have been detected with increasing frequency over the past 2 decades. Here, we present an overview of the domestic arboviruses listed above and describe the modalities employed to diagnose infection. Global arboviruses, including dengue virus, Zika virus, and chikungunya virus, have also been increasingly detected in the United States within the last 5 years but are not a focus of this minireview. Typical manifestations of arbovirus infection range from no symptoms, to meningitis or encephalitis, to death. Serologies are the standard means of diagnosis in the laboratory, since most viruses have a short period of replication, limiting the utility of molecular tests. The interpretation of serologies is confounded by antibody cross-reactivity with viruses belonging to the same serogroup and by long-lasting antibodies from prior infections. Next-generation assays have improved performance by increasing antigen purity, selecting optimal epitopes, and improving interpretive algorithms, but challenges remain. Due to cross-reactivity, a positive first-line serology test requires confirmation by either a plaque reduction neutralization test or detection of seroconversion or a 4-fold rise in virus-specific IgM or IgG antibody titers from acute- and convalescent-phase sera. The use of molecular diagnostics, such as reverse transcription PCR or unbiased metagenomic sequencing, is limited to the minority of patients who present with ongoing viremia or central nervous system replication. With the continued expansion of vector range, the diagnosis of domestic arboviruses will become an increasingly important task for generalists and specialists alike.
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18
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Josephine Schoenenwald AK, Pletzer M, Skern T. Structural and antigenic investigation of Usutu virus envelope protein domain III. Virology 2020; 551:46-57. [PMID: 33011522 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.09.002] [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] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito-borne flavivirus Usutu virus (USUV) has recently emerged in birds and humans in Europe. Symptoms of a USUV infection resemble those of West Nile virus (WNV); further, the close antigenic relationship of domain III (DIII) of the USUV and WNV envelope (E) proteins has prevented the development of a reliable serological test to distinguish USUV from WNV. To begin to address this deficiency, we identified ten different sequence groups of DIII from 253 complete and 80 partial USUV genome sequences. We solved the DIII structures of four groups, including that of the outlying CAR-1969 strain, which shows an atypical DIII structure. Structural comparisons of the USUV DIII groups and the DIII of WNV bound to the neutralizing antibody E16 revealed why the E16 failed to neutralize all USUV strains tested except for USUV CAR-1969. The analyses allowed predictions to be made to engineer an antibody specific for USUV CAR-1969.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Pletzer
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tim Skern
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/3, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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19
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Clinical features and laboratory diagnosis of emerging arthropod-transmitted viruses: A Report from the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology Clinical Practice Committee. J Clin Virol 2020; 132:104651. [PMID: 33035733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are an increasing global threat due to their ability to cause human disease and their expanding geographical distribution. They circulate in nature between arthropod vectors and vertebrate hosts. Infection of susceptible human hosts leads to harmful developmental and neurological manifestations. Arboviruses have caused recent outbreaks with significant public health implications, such as the Zika virus outbreak in the western hemisphere which caused fetal abnormalities in some infected pregnant women, or Eastern Equine Encephalitis which caused 15 deaths in 2019. This review discusses several arboviral infections and their clinical manifestations while highlighting the importance of laboratory diagnostics to detect infections and current attempts at vaccine development. The ability to accurately diagnose an arbovirus infection is critical for initiating a timely response to infections in order to improve patient outcomes.
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20
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Schoenenwald AKJ, Gwee CP, Stiasny K, Hermann M, Vasudevan SG, Skern T. Development and characterization of specific anti-Usutu virus chicken-derived single chain variable fragment antibodies. Protein Sci 2020; 29:2175-2188. [PMID: 32829514 PMCID: PMC7586906 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus belongs to the Japanese encephalitis serogroup within the Flaviviridae family. Mammals may become incidental hosts after the bite of an infected mosquito while birds act as the main reservoir. Human cases have become more common recently and elicit various outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to severe illness including encephalitis. Problematically, antisera against Usutu virus cross-react with other flaviviruses such as the co-circulating West Nile virus. As an approach to generate Usutu virus-specific antibodies, we immunized chickens with purified Usutu virus envelope protein domain III, isolated the spleen mRNA and generated an scFv phage display library. The most potent binders for Usutu virus domain III were selected via biopanning and their affinity to domain III was examined using SPR. Four scFvs bound the domain III of Usutu virus in the nanomolar region; two bound the protein over 40 times more strongly than West Nile virus domain III. We further characterized these scFv antibodies for suitability in standard laboratory tests such as western blots, ELISA, and neutralization tests. Four specific and one cross-reactive antibody performed well in western blots with domain III and the full-length envelope protein of Usutu virus and West Nile virus. All antibodies bound in virus ELISA assays to Usutu virus strain Vienna-2001. However, none of the antibodies neutralized either Usutu virus or West Nile virus. These antibody candidates could be crucial in future diagnostic tests to distinguish Usutu virus from other flaviviruses and might even offer virus neutralization after a conversion to Fab or IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chin Piaw Gwee
- Programme in Emerging Infectious DiseasesDuke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingapore
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for VirologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Max Perutz LabsMedical University of Vienna, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Subhash G. Vasudevan
- Programme in Emerging Infectious DiseasesDuke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Institute for GlycomicsGriffith University, Gold Coast CampusQueenslandAustralia
| | - Tim Skern
- Max Perutz LabsMedical University of Vienna, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
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21
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O’Connell AK, Douam F. Humanized Mice for Live-Attenuated Vaccine Research: From Unmet Potential to New Promises. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E36. [PMID: 31973073 PMCID: PMC7157703 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Live-attenuated vaccines (LAV) represent one of the most important medical innovations in human history. In the past three centuries, LAV have saved hundreds of millions of lives, and will continue to do so for many decades to come. Interestingly, the most successful LAVs, such as the smallpox vaccine, the measles vaccine, and the yellow fever vaccine, have been isolated and/or developed in a purely empirical manner without any understanding of the immunological mechanisms they trigger. Today, the mechanisms governing potent LAV immunogenicity and long-term induced protective immunity continue to be elusive, and therefore hamper the rational design of innovative vaccine strategies. A serious roadblock to understanding LAV-induced immunity has been the lack of suitable and cost-effective animal models that can accurately mimic human immune responses. In the last two decades, human-immune system mice (HIS mice), i.e., mice engrafted with components of the human immune system, have been instrumental in investigating the life-cycle and immune responses to multiple human-tropic pathogens. However, their use in LAV research has remained limited. Here, we discuss the strong potential of LAVs as tools to enhance our understanding of human immunity and review the past, current and future contributions of HIS mice to this endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florian Douam
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
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