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Mansfield KL, Schilling M, Sanders C, Holding M, Johnson N. Arthropod-Borne Viruses of Human and Animal Importance: Overwintering in Temperate Regions of Europe during an Era of Climate Change. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1307. [PMID: 39065076 PMCID: PMC11278640 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071307] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The past three decades have seen an increasing number of emerging arthropod-borne viruses in temperate regions This process is ongoing, driven by human activities such as inter-continental travel, combined with the parallel emergence of invasive arthropods and an underlying change in climate that can increase the risk of virus transmission and persistence. In addition, natural events such as bird migration can introduce viruses to new regions. Despite the apparent regularity of virus emergence, arthropod-borne viruses circulating in temperate regions face the challenge of the late autumn and winter months where the arthropod vector is inactive. Viruses therefore need mechanisms to overwinter or they will fail to establish in temperate zones. Prolonged survival of arthropod-borne viruses within the environment, outside of both vertebrate host and arthropod vector, is not thought to occur and therefore is unlikely to contribute to overwintering in temperate zones. One potential mechanism is continued infection of a vertebrate host. However, infection is generally acute, with the host either dying or producing an effective immune response that rapidly clears the virus. There are few exceptions to this, although prolonged infection associated with orbiviruses such as bluetongue virus occurs in certain mammals, and viraemic vertebrate hosts therefore can, in certain circumstances, provide a route for long-term viral persistence in the absence of active vectors. Alternatively, a virus can persist in the arthropod vector as a mechanism for overwintering. However, this is entirely dependent on the ecology of the vector itself and can be influenced by changes in the climate during the winter months. This review considers the mechanisms for virus overwintering in several key arthropod vectors in temperate areas. We also consider how this will be influenced in a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Mansfield
- Vector Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (K.L.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mirjam Schilling
- Vector Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (K.L.M.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Maya Holding
- Virology and Pathogenesis Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK;
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Vector Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (K.L.M.); (M.S.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
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Michie A, Ernst T, Pyke AT, Nicholson J, Mackenzie JS, Smith DW, Imrie A. Genomic Analysis of Sindbis Virus Reveals Uncharacterized Diversity within the Australasian Region, and Support for Revised SINV Taxonomy. Viruses 2023; 16:7. [PMID: 38275942 PMCID: PMC10820390 DOI: 10.3390/v16010007] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is a widely dispersed mosquito-borne alphavirus. Reports of Sindbis disease are largely restricted to northern Europe and South Africa. SINV is frequently sampled in Australian mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance programs, but human disease has rarely been reported. Molecular epidemiological studies have characterized six SINV genotypes (G1-G6) based on E2 gene phylogenies, mostly comprising viruses derived from the African-European zoogeographical region and with limited representation of Australasian SINV. In this study, we conducted whole genome sequencing of 66 SINV isolates sampled between 1960 and 2014 from countries of the Australasian region: Australia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. G2 viruses were the most frequently and widely sampled, with three distinct sub-lineages defined. No new G6 SINV were identified, confirming geographic restriction of these viruses to south-western Australia. Comparison with global SINV characterized large-scale nucleotide and amino acid sequence divergence between African-European G1 viruses and viruses that circulate in Australasia (G2 and G3) of up to 26.83% and 14.55%, respectively, divergence that is sufficient for G2/G3 species demarcation. We propose G2 and G3 are collectively a single distinct alphavirus species that we name Argyle virus, supported by the inapparent or mild disease phenotype and the higher evolutionary rate compared with G1. Similarly, we propose G6, with 24.7% and 12.61% nucleotide and amino acid sequence divergence, is a distinct alphavirus species that we name Thomson's Lake virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Michie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
| | - Timo Ernst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
| | - Alyssa T. Pyke
- Department of Health, Public Health Virology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Government, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia;
| | - Jay Nicholson
- Environmental Health Directorate, Department of Health, Perth, WA 6000, Australia;
| | - John S. Mackenzie
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.S.M.); (D.W.S.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - David W. Smith
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.S.M.); (D.W.S.)
| | - Allison Imrie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
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Lühken R, Brattig N, Becker N. Introduction of invasive mosquito species into Europe and prospects for arbovirus transmission and vector control in an era of globalization. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:109. [PMID: 38037192 PMCID: PMC10687857 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito research in Europe has a long history, primarily focused on malaria vectors. In recent years, invasive mosquito species like the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the spread of arboviruses like dengue virus, chikungunya virus or bluetongue virus have led to an intensification of research and monitoring in Europe. The risk of further dissemination of exotic species and mosquito-borne pathogens is expected to increase with ongoing globalization, human mobility, transport geography, and climate warming. Researchers have conducted various studies to understand the ecology, biology, and effective control strategies of mosquitoes and associated pathogens. MAIN BODY Three invasive mosquito species are established in Europe: Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), Japanese bush mosquito (Ae. japonicus), and Korean bush mosquito (Aedes koreicus). Ae. albopictus is the most invasive species and has been established in Europe since 1990. Over the past two decades, there has been an increasing number of outbreaks of infections by mosquito-borne viruses in particular chikungunya virus, dengue virus or Zika virus in Europe primary driven by Ae. albopictus. At the same time, climate change with rising temperatures results in increasing threat of invasive mosquito-borne viruses, in particular Usutu virus and West Nile virus transmitted by native Culex mosquito species. Effective mosquito control programs require a high level of community participation, going along with comprehensive information campaigns, to ensure source reduction and successful control. Control strategies for container breeding mosquitoes like Ae. albopictus or Culex species involve community participation, door-to-door control activities in private areas. Further measures can involve integration of sterile insect techniques, applying indigenous copepods, Wolbachia sp. bacteria, or genetically modified mosquitoes, which is very unlike to be practiced as standard method in the near future. CONCLUSIONS Climate change and globalization resulting in the increased establishment of invasive mosquitoes in particular of the Asian tiger mosquito Ae. albopictus in Europe within the last 30 years and increasing outbreaks of infections by mosquito-borne viruses warrants intensification of research and monitoring. Further, effective future mosquito control programs require increase in intense community and private participation, applying physical, chemical, biological, and genetical control activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Norbert Brattig
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- Institute for Dipterology, 67346, Speyer, Germany
- Institute for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
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Rau J, Köchling K, Schäfer M, Tews BA, Wylezich C, Schaub GA, Werner D, Kampen H. Viral RNA in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected between 2019 and 2021 in Germany. Viruses 2023; 15:2298. [PMID: 38140539 PMCID: PMC10746995 DOI: 10.3390/v15122298] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to globalisation and climate change, mosquito-borne pathogens are emerging in new areas on all continents, including Europe, which has recently faced outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya and West Nile fever. The present study complements previous investigations to evaluate the circulation of mosquito-borne viruses in Germany, with the aim of identifying potential vector species and risk areas. Mosquitoes collected from 2019 to 2021 and identified to species or species group level were screened for viruses of the families Flaviviridae, Peribunyaviridae and the genus Alphavirus of the family Togaviridae. In total, 22,528 mosquitoes were examined, thus providing the most comprehensive study on West Nile virus (WNV) circulation so far in the German mosquito population. Usutu virus (USUV) RNA was detected in six samples, Sindbis virus (SINV) RNA in 21 samples and WNV RNA in 11 samples. Samples containing RNA of USUV and WNV consisted of mosquitoes collected in the East German federal states of Brandenburg, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, while samples with RNA of SINV originated from more widespread locations. Although minimum infection rates have remained relatively low, the intensity of virus circulation appears to be increasing compared to previous studies. Continuous mosquito screening contributes to the early detection of the introduction and spread of mosquito-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Rau
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Katharina Köchling
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Mandy Schäfer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Birke A. Tews
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Claudia Wylezich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Günter A. Schaub
- Zoology/Parasitology Department, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany;
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
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Vector Competence of Mosquitoes from Germany for Sindbis Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122644. [PMID: 36560650 PMCID: PMC9785343 DOI: 10.3390/v14122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are an emerging global health threat in the last few decades. One important arbovirus family is the Togaviridae, including the species Sindbis virus within the genus Alphavirus. Sindbis virus (SINV) is transmitted by mosquitoes, but available data about the role of different mosquito species as potent vectors for SINV are scarce. Therefore, we investigated seven mosquito species, collected from the field in Germany (Ae. koreicus, Ae. geniculatus, Ae. sticticus, Cx. torrentium, Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens) as well as lab strains (Ae. albopictus, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, Cx. quinquefasciatus), for their vector competence for SINV. Analysis was performed via salivation assay and saliva was titrated to calculate the amount of infectious virus particles per saliva sample. All Culex and Aedes species were able to transmit SINV. Transmission could be detected at all four investigated temperature profiles (of 18 ± 5 °C, 21 ± 5 °C, 24 ± 5 °C or 27 ± 5 °C), and no temperature dependency could be observed. The concentration of infectious virus particles per saliva sample was in the same range for all species, which may suggest that all investigated mosquito species are able to transmit SINV in Germany.
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Spread of West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in the German Bird Population, 2019–2020. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040807. [PMID: 35456857 PMCID: PMC9030481 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are important flaviviruses circulating in Germany. While USUV was first reported more than 10 years ago, WNV has only reached the country in 2018. Wild birds are important amplifying hosts for both viruses. Therefore, we have been monitoring the bird population in different regions of Germany by a previously established network for many years. This report summarizes the results of molecular and/or serological methods of 2345 blood samples from birds of 22 different orders and over 2900 bird carcasses from 2019 and 2020. USUV RNA circulation was found in different regions of Germany, with emphasis on USUV lineages Europe 3 and Africa 3. Increased evidence of USUV lineage Europe 2 was detected in eastern Germany. WNV RNA was found only in birds from the eastern part of the country. The seroprevalence for USUV was between 3.11% and 7.20% in all three regions investigated, whereas the WNV seroprevalence spanned from 14.77% to 16.15% in eastern Germany, with a noticeable tendency for a westward and southward expansion in both years. Thus, wild bird monitoring for WNV and USUV can serve as an early warning system for a human exposure risk.
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Korhonen EM, Suvanto MT, Uusitalo R, Faolotto G, Smura T, Sane J, Vapalahti O, Huhtamo E. Sindbis Virus Strains of Divergent Origin Isolated from Humans and Mosquitoes During a Recent Outbreak in Finland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:843-849. [PMID: 32898458 PMCID: PMC7699012 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne avian hosted virus that is widely distributed in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Disease in humans is documented mainly from Northern Europe and South Africa and associated with genotype I. In 2018 under extremely warm climatic conditions, a small outbreak of 71 diagnosed SINV infections was recorded in Finland. We screened 52 mosquito pools (570 mosquitoes) and 223 human sera for SINV with real-time RT-PCR and the positive samples with virus isolation. One SINV strain was isolated from a pool (n = 13) of genus Ochlerotatus mosquitoes and three strains from patient serum samples. Complete genome analysis suggested all the isolates to be divergent from one another and related to previous Finnish, Swedish, and German strains. The study provides evidence of SINV strain transfer within Europe across regions with different epidemiological characteristics. Whether these are influenced by different mosquito genera involved in the transmission remains to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi M. Korhonen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija T. Suvanto
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giulia Faolotto
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carita Novara, Piemonte, Novara, Italy
| | - Teemu Smura
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Sane
- Department of Health Security, Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Virology and Immunology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eili Huhtamo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Azar SR, Campos RK, Bergren NA, Camargos VN, Rossi SL. Epidemic Alphaviruses: Ecology, Emergence and Outbreaks. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1167. [PMID: 32752150 PMCID: PMC7464724 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past century, the emergence/reemergence of arthropod-borne zoonotic agents has been a growing public health concern. In particular, agents from the genus Alphavirus pose a significant risk to both animal and human health. Human alphaviral disease presents with either arthritogenic or encephalitic manifestations and is associated with significant morbidity and/or mortality. Unfortunately, there are presently no vaccines or antiviral measures approved for human use. The present review examines the ecology, epidemiology, disease, past outbreaks, and potential to cause contemporary outbreaks for several alphavirus pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha R. Azar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | - Rafael K. Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | | | - Vidyleison N. Camargos
- Host-Microorganism Interaction Lab, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0610, USA
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Folly AJ, Dorey-Robinson D, Hernández-Triana LM, Phipps LP, Johnson N. Emerging Threats to Animals in the United Kingdom by Arthropod-Borne Diseases. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:20. [PMID: 32118054 PMCID: PMC7010938 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, arthropod-borne disease transmission represents one of the greatest threats to public and animal health. For the British Isles, an island group on the north-western coast of continental Europe consisting of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland, physical separation offers a barrier to the introduction of many of the pathogens that affect animals on the rest of the continent. Added to this are strict biosecurity rules at ports of entry and the depauperate vector biodiversity found on the islands. Nevertheless, there are some indigenous arthropod-borne pathogens that cause sporadic outbreaks, such as the tick-borne louping ill virus, found almost exclusively in the British Isles, and a range of piroplasmid infections that are poorly characterized. These provide an ongoing source of infection whose emergence can be unpredictable. In addition, the risk remains for future introductions of both exotic vectors and the pathogens they harbor, and can transmit. Current factors that are driving the increases of both disease transmission and the risk of emergence include marked changes to the climate in the British Isles that have increased summer and winter temperatures, and extended the period over which arthropods are active. There have also been dramatic increases in the distribution of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile and Usutu viruses in mainland Europe that are making the introduction of these pathogens through bird migration increasingly feasible. In addition, the establishment of midge-borne bluetongue virus in the near continent has increased the risk of wind-borne introduction of infected midges and the inadvertent importation of infected cattle. Arguably the greatest risk is associated with the continual increase in the movement of people, pets and trade into the UK. This, in particular, is driving the introduction of invasive arthropod species that either bring disease-causing pathogens, or are known competent vectors, that increase the risk of disease transmission if introduced. The following review documents the current pathogen threats to animals transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and midges. This includes both indigenous and exotic pathogens to the UK. In the case of exotic pathogens, the pathway and risk of introduction are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arran J. Folly
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Dorey-Robinson
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | | | - L. Paul Phipps
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Ziegler U, Fischer D, Eiden M, Reuschel M, Rinder M, Müller K, Schwehn R, Schmidt V, Groschup MH, Keller M. Sindbis virus- a wild bird associated zoonotic arbovirus circulates in Germany. Vet Microbiol 2019; 239:108453. [PMID: 31767092 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is an arbovirus causing clinical symptoms such as arthritis, rash and fever following human infections in Fennoscandia. Its transmission cycle involves mosquito species as vectors as well as wild birds that act as natural reservoir hosts. In Germany, SINV was first time observed in 2009 in different mosquito species in the Upper Rhine valley and one year later in a hooded crow in Berlin. Recently, SINV was also detected repeatedly at various locations in Germany in the context of a mosquitoes monitoring program for arboviruses. In this study, we detected for just the second time a SINV infection in a diseased wild bird (common wood pigeon) from Central Europe. SINV was isolated by cell culture and the complete SINV genome sequence was determined. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a close affiliation to SINV genotype I with a high similarity to human isolate sequences from Finland, Sweden and Russia. The isolate was genetically distinct from the first avian isolate suggesting the circulation of at least two different SINV strains in Germany. In order to reveal the infection frequency in SINV positive mosquito regions 749 bird blood samples were assayed serologically and SINV antibodies found primarily in resident birds. SINV is therefore endemically circulating in mosquitoes in Germany, which results in occasional bird infections. No data are yet available on zoonotic transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Dominik Fischer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, D-35392, Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 91, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reuschel
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559, Hannover, Bünteweg 9, Germany
| | - Monika Rinder
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, D-85764, Oberschleißheim, Sonnenstrasse 18, Germany
| | - Kerstin Müller
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163, Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, Germany
| | - Rebekka Schwehn
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559, Hannover, Bünteweg 9, Germany; Seehundstation Nationalpark-Haus, D- 26506, Norden-Norddeich, Dörper Weg 24, Germany
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, D- 04103, Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 17, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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11
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Binder F, Lenk M, Weber S, Stoek F, Dill V, Reiche S, Riebe R, Wernike K, Hoffmann D, Ziegler U, Adler H, Essbauer S, Ulrich RG. Common vole (Microtus arvalis) and bank vole (Myodes glareolus) derived permanent cell lines differ in their susceptibility and replication kinetics of animal and zoonotic viruses. J Virol Methods 2019; 274:113729. [PMID: 31513859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2019.113729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenesis and reservoir host adaptation of animal and zoonotic viruses are poorly understood due to missing adequate cell culture and animal models. The bank vole (Myodes glareolus) and common vole (Microtus arvalis) serve as hosts for a variety of zoonotic pathogens. For a better understanding of virus association to a putative animal host, we generated two novel cell lines from bank voles of different evolutionary lineages and two common vole cell lines and assayed their susceptibility, replication and cytopathogenic effect (CPE) formation for rodent-borne, suspected to be rodent-associated or viruses with no obvious rodent association. Already established bank vole cell line BVK168, used as control, was susceptible to almost all viruses tested and efficiently produced infectious virus for almost all of them. The Puumala orthohantavirus strain Vranica/Hällnäs showed efficient replication in a new bank vole kidney cell line, but not in the other four bank and common vole cell lines. Tula orthohantavirus replicated in the kidney cell line of common voles, but was hampered in its replication in the other cell lines. Several zoonotic viruses, such as Cowpox virus, Vaccinia virus, Rift Valley fever virus, and Encephalomyocarditis virus 1 replicated in all cell lines with CPE formation. West Nile virus, Usutu virus, Sindbis virus and Tick-borne encephalitis virus replicated only in a part of the cell lines, perhaps indicating cell line specific factors involved in replication. Rodent specific viruses differed in their replication potential: Murine gammaherpesvirus-68 replicated in the four tested vole cell lines, whereas murine norovirus failed to infect almost all cell lines. Schmallenberg virus and Foot-and-mouth disease virus replicated in some of the cell lines, although these viruses have never been associated to rodents. In conclusion, these newly developed cell lines may represent useful tools to study virus-cell interactions and to identify and characterize host cell factors involved in replication of rodent associated viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Binder
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Matthias Lenk
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Bio-Bank, Collection of Cell Lines in Veterinary Virology (CCLV), Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Saskia Weber
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franziska Stoek
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Veronika Dill
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Sven Reiche
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Bio-Bank, Collection of Cell Lines in Veterinary Virology (CCLV), Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Roland Riebe
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Bio-Bank, Collection of Cell Lines in Veterinary Virology (CCLV), Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Donata Hoffmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Heiko Adler
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Research Unit Lung Repair and Regeneration, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Marchioninistrasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany; University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Essbauer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Introduction and Dispersal of Sindbis Virus from Central Africa to Europe. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00620-19. [PMID: 31142666 PMCID: PMC6675900 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00620-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study shows that only a single introduction of SINV into a new geographical area is required for spread and establishment, provided that the requisite vector(s) and reservoir(s) of epizootological and epidemiological importance are present. Furthermore, we present the first report of recombination between two strains of SINV in nature. Our study increases the knowledge on new introductions and dispersal of arboviruses in general and of SINV in particular. Bird-hosted viruses have the potential to be transported over large areas of the world and to be transmitted in distant geographical regions. Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is locally amplified in a bird-mosquito enzootic cycle and distributed all over the Old World and Australia/Oceania. Sindbis virus genotype I (SINV-I) is the cause of disease outbreaks in humans in South Africa as well as in northern Europe. To trace the evolutionary history and potential strain-disease association of SINV-I, we sequenced 36 complete genomes isolated from field material in Europe, as well as in Africa and the Middle East, collected over 58 years. These were analyzed together with 30 additional published whole SINV-I genomes using Bayesian analysis. Our results suggested that SINV-I was introduced only once to northern Europe from central Africa, in the 1920s. After its first introduction to Sweden, it spread east and southward on two separate occasions in the 1960s and 1970s. Another introduction from central Africa to southern/central Europe seems to have occurred, and where these two introductions meet, one recombination event was detected in central Europe. In addition, another recombinant strain was found in central Africa, where the most divergent SINV-I strains also originated. IMPORTANCE This study shows that only a single introduction of SINV into a new geographical area is required for spread and establishment, provided that the requisite vector(s) and reservoir(s) of epizootological and epidemiological importance are present. Furthermore, we present the first report of recombination between two strains of SINV in nature. Our study increases the knowledge on new introductions and dispersal of arboviruses in general and of SINV in particular.
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Abstract
Background Different mosquito-borne pathogens are circulating in Iran including Sindbis virus, West Nile virus, filarioid worms and malaria parasites. However, the local transmission cycles of these pathogenic agents are poorly understood, especially because ecological data on vector species are scarce and there is limited knowledge about the host range; this understanding could help to direct species-specific vector control measurements or to prioritize research. Methods In the summers of 2015 and 2016, blood-fed mosquitoes were collected at 13 trapping sites on the coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran and at an additional trapping site in western Iran. Mosquitoes were generally collected with either a Biogents Sentinel trap or a Heavy Duty Encephalitis Vector Survey trap installed outside. A handheld aspirator was used at the trapping site in western Iran, in addition to a few samplings around the other trapping sites. On average, eight trapping periods were conducted per trapping site. The sources of blood meals were identified using a DNA barcoding approach targeting the cytochrome b or 16S rRNA gene fragment. Results The source of blood meals for 580 blood-fed mosquito specimens of 20 different taxa were determined, resulting in the identification of 13 different host species (9 mammals including humans, 3 birds and 1 reptile), whereby no mixed blood meals were detected. Five mosquito species represented more than 85.8% of all collected blood-fed specimens: Culex pipiens pipiens form pipiens (305 specimens, 55.7% of all mosquito specimens), Cx. theileri (60, 10.9%), Cx. sitiens (51, 9.3%), Cx. perexiguus (29, 5.3%) and Anopheles superpictus (25, 4.6%). The most commonly detected hosts of the four most abundant mosquito species were humans (Homo sapiens; 224 mosquito specimens, 40.9% of all mosquito specimens), cattle (Bos taurus; 171, 31.2%) and ducks (Anas spp.; 75, 13.7%). These four mosquito species had similar host-feeding patterns. The only exceptions were a relatively high proportion of birds for Cx. pipiens pipiens f. pipiens (23.2% of detected blood meal sources) and a high proportion of non-human mammals for Cx. theileri (73.4%). Trapping month, surrounding area, or trapping method had no statistically significant impact on the observed host-feeding patterns of Cx. pipiens pipiens f. pipiens. Conclusions Due to the diverse and overlapping host-feeding patterns, several mosquito species must be considered as potential enzootic and bridge vectors for diverse mosquito-borne pathogens in Iran. Most species can potentially transmit pathogens between mammals as well as between mammals and birds, which might be the result of a similar host selection or a high dependence on the host availability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3237-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Emerging Mosquito-Borne Threats and the Response from European and Eastern Mediterranean Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15122775. [PMID: 30544521 PMCID: PMC6313739 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses are the cause of some of the greatest burdens to human health worldwide, particularly in tropical regions where both human populations and mosquito numbers are abundant. Due to a combination of anthropogenic change, including the effects on global climate and wildlife migration there is strong evidence that temperate regions are undergoing repeated introduction of mosquito-borne viruses and the re-emergence of viruses that previously were not detected by surveillance. In Europe, the repeated introductions of West Nile and Usutu viruses have been associated with bird migration from Africa, whereas the autochthonous transmission of chikungunya and dengue viruses has been driven by a combination of invasive mosquitoes and rapid transcontinental travel by infected humans. In addition to an increasing number of humans at risk, livestock and wildlife, are also at risk of infection and disease. This in turn can affect international trade and species diversity, respectively. Addressing these challenges requires a range of responses both at national and international level. Increasing the understanding of mosquito-borne transmission of viruses and the development of rapid detection methods and appropriate therapeutics (vaccines / antivirals) all form part of this response. The aim of this review is to consider the range of mosquito-borne viruses that threaten public health in Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, and the national response of a number of countries facing different levels of threat.
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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: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [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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Detection of Usutu, Sindbis, and Batai Viruses in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected in Germany, 2011⁻2016. Viruses 2018; 10:v10070389. [PMID: 30041410 PMCID: PMC6070890 DOI: 10.3390/v10070389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the emergence of non-endemic mosquito vectors and the recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito-borne pathogens are considered an increasing risk to public and animal health in Europe. To obtain a status quo regarding mosquito-borne viruses and their vectors in Germany, 97,648 mosquitoes collected from 2011 to 2016 throughout the country were screened for arboviruses. Mosquitoes were identified to species, pooled in groups of up to 50 individuals according to sampling location and date, and screened with different PCR assays for Flavi-, Alpha- and Orthobunyavirus RNA. Two pools tested positive for Usutu virus-RNA, two for Sindbis virus-RNA, and 24 for Batai virus-RNA. The pools consisted of Culex pipiens s.l., Culex modestus, Culex torrentium, Culiseta sp., Aedes vexans, Anopheles daciae, and Anopheles messeae mosquitoes and could be assigned to nine different collection sites, with seven of them located in northeastern Germany. Phylogenetic analyses of the viral RNA sequences showed relationships with strains of the viruses previously demonstrated in Germany. These findings confirm continuing mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus circulation even though only a rather small percentage of the screened samples tested positive. With respect to sampling sites and periods, virus circulation seems to be particularly intense in floodplains and after flooding events when mosquitoes develop in excessive numbers and where they have numerous avian hosts available to feed on.
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The Role of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) in Virus Transmission in Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020389. [PMID: 29473903 PMCID: PMC5858458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, a range of mosquito-borne viruses that threaten public and veterinary health have emerged or re-emerged in Europe. Mosquito surveillance activities have highlighted the Culex pipiens species complex as being critical for the maintenance of a number of these viruses. This species complex contains morphologically similar forms that exhibit variation in phenotypes that can influence the probability of virus transmission. Critical amongst these is the choice of host on which to feed, with different forms showing different feeding preferences. This influences the ability of the mosquito to vector viruses and facilitate transmission of viruses to humans and domestic animals. Biases towards blood-feeding on avian or mammalian hosts have been demonstrated for different Cx. pipiens ecoforms and emerging evidence of hybrid populations across Europe adds another level of complexity to virus transmission. A range of molecular methods based on DNA have been developed to enable discrimination between morphologically indistinguishable forms, although this remains an active area of research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of developments in the understanding of the ecology, behaviour and genetics of Cx. pipiens in Europe, and how this influences arbovirus transmission.
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Bergqvist J, Forsman O, Larsson P, Näslund J, Lilja T, Engdahl C, Lindström A, Gylfe Å, Ahlm C, Evander M, Bucht G. Detection and isolation of Sindbis virus from mosquitoes captured during an outbreak in Sweden, 2013. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:133-40. [PMID: 25700044 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne alphaviruses have the potential to cause large outbreaks throughout the world. Here we investigated the causative agent of an unexpected Sindbis virus (SINV) outbreak during August-September, 2013, in a previously nonendemic region of Sweden. Mosquitoes were collected using carbon dioxide-baited CDC traps at locations close to human cases. The mosquitoes were initially screened as large pools by SINV-specific quantitative RT-PCR, and the SINV-positive mosquitoes were species determined by single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, followed by sequencing the barcoding region of the cytochrome oxidase I gene. The proportion of the collected mosquitoes was determined by a metabarcoding strategy. By using novel strategies for PCR screening and genetic typing, a new SINV strain, Lövånger, was isolated from a pool of 1600 mosquitoes composed of Culex, Culiseta, and Aedes mosquitoes as determined by metabarcoding. The SINV-positive mosquito Culiseta morsitans was identified by SNP analysis and sequencing. After whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the SINV Lövånger isolate was shown to be most closely similar to recent Finnish SINV isolates. In conclusion, within a few weeks, we were able to detect and isolate a novel SINV strain and identify the mosquito vector during a sudden SINV outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Bergqvist
- 1 Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security , Umeå, Sweden
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Adouchief S, Smura T, Sane J, Vapalahti O, Kurkela S. Sindbis virus as a human pathogen-epidemiology, clinical picture and pathogenesis. Rev Med Virol 2016; 26:221-41. [DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Adouchief
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Teemu Smura
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Jussi Sane
- National institute for Health and Welfare (THL); Helsinki Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
- Department of Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB; Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Satu Kurkela
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
- Department of Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB; Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
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Börstler J, Engel D, Petersen M, Poggensee C, Jansen S, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Lühken R. Surveillance of maternal antibodies against West Nile virus in chicken eggs in South-West Germany. Trop Med Int Health 2016; 21:687-90. [PMID: 26847641 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) in several European countries increases the risk of its introduction to Germany. This study evaluated a new method for WNV surveillance by testing for maternal antibodies in chicken eggs. METHODS A total of 1,990 eggs were collected in 35 sampling sites in the south-west of Germany and tested for WNV-specific antibodies. RESULTS The results did not indicate evidence for WNV circulation in the study area. CONCLUSION This work serves as a proof-of-concept that such a method is useful and a potential alternative to use of sentinel chicken for regular WNV surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Börstler
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dimitri Engel
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathis Petersen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Poggensee
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
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