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Delatorre E, de Mendonça GC, Gatti FD, Có ACG, Del Piero Pereira J, Tavares EA, Nodari JZ, Rossi A, de Azevedo SSD, Sacchi CT, Campos KR, Bugno A, Rebello Alves LN, Bonela LAS, Goulart JP, de Jesus Sousa T, Naveca FG, Ribeiro-Rodrigues R. Emergence of Oropouche Virus in Espírito Santo State, Brazil, 2024. Emerg Infect Dis 2025; 31:1178-1188. [PMID: 40401583 PMCID: PMC12123935 DOI: 10.3201/eid3106.241946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2025] Open
Abstract
Oropouche virus (OROV), historically endemic to the Amazon, had spread to nearly all Brazil states by 2024; Espírito Santo emerged as a transmission hotspot in the Atlantic Forest biome. We characterized the epidemiologic factors driving OROV spread in nonendemic southeast Brazil, analyzing environmental and agricultural conditions contributing to viral transmission. We tested samples from 29,080 suspected arbovirus-infected patients quantitative reverse transcription PCR for OROV and dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and Mayaro viruses. During March‒June 2024, the state had 339 confirmed OROV cases, demonstrating successful local transmission. Spatial analysis revealed that most cases clustered in municipalities with tropical climates and intensive cacao, robusta coffee, coconut, and pepper cultivation. Phylogenetic analysis identified the Espírito Santo OROV strains as part of the 2022-2024 Amazon lineage. The rapid spread of OROV outside the Amazon highlights its adaptive potential and public health threat, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted control measures.
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Kuhn KG, Shelton K, Sanchez G, Zamor R, Bohanan K, Nichols M, Morris L, Robert J, Austin A, Dart B, Bolding B, Maytubby P, Vogel J, Stevenson B. Wastewater surveillance as a tool for understanding West Nile virus transmission and distribution in Oklahoma. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 983:179707. [PMID: 40403543 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2025] [Revised: 05/14/2025] [Accepted: 05/16/2025] [Indexed: 05/24/2025]
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most widespread and frequently reported mosquito-borne disease in the US, with a high risk of outbreaks. Accurate surveillance of WNV is complicated by many mild or asymptomatic infections, resulting in human cases being under-reported and disease distribution and transmission not being well understood. In this study, we investigated how wastewater surveillance can be used for monitoring WNV in Oklahoma. We analyzed samples collected from wastewater treatment facilities in 16 counties during July 1 to September 31, 2023, for the presence of WNV genetic material and compared the results to the distribution of notified WNV cases in humans and equines and WNV-positive mosquitoes. WNV was detected in wastewater from four locations in three counties. All positive wastewater samples were collected from counties with confirmed human cases and, in two counties, with positive mosquito pools. There was no geographical match between positive wastewater samples and equine cases. We did not detect WNV in wastewater samples from 13 counties, of which five did not report human cases and four had no reports of WNV-positive mosquitoes. Our study presents evidence that WNV genetic material can be detected in wastewater to which thousands of people have contributed. This highlights wastewater surveillance as a promising tool for understanding the distribution of emerging vector-borne diseases, particularly in areas where traditional surveillance approaches lack in representativeness and timeliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Gaardbo Kuhn
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Kristen Shelton
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Gilson Sanchez
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Richard Zamor
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Kyle Bohanan
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Matthew Nichols
- Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
| | - LeMac' Morris
- Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
| | - Jordan Robert
- Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
| | - Adam Austin
- Tulsa City County Health Department, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Bruce Dart
- Tulsa City County Health Department, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | | | - Phil Maytubby
- Oklahoma City-County Health Department, OK 73111, USA
| | - Jason Vogel
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Bradley Stevenson
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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3
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Kocabiyik DZ, Álvarez LF, Durigon EL, Wrenger C. West Nile virus - a re-emerging global threat: recent advances in vaccines and drug discovery. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2025; 15:1568031. [PMID: 40444156 PMCID: PMC12119551 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1568031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 06/02/2025] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen and is posing significant global health challenge through climate change. WNV, transmitted between birds and Culex mosquitoes, has significantly expanded northward in recent years, leading to outbreaks across Europe and North America. This review explores the recent advancements and therapeutic strategies targeting WNV's structural and non-structural (NS) proteins, which play critical roles in viral replication and pathogenesis. Promising candidates include peptide-based inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and small molecules that disrupt protein-protein interactions. Most of current findings are derived from in silico methods or in vitro assays, with limited validation through in vivo studies. Although no vaccines are currently available for humans, several have been approved for horses, and development efforts are ongoing. The growing threat of WNV underscores the urgent need for validated antiviral therapies and scalable vaccines, especially considering its increasing geographic range and public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deren Zehra Kocabiyik
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lizdany Flórez Álvarez
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institut Pasteur de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edison Luiz Durigon
- Institut Pasteur de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institut Pasteur de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Bajwa WI, Zhou L. Epidemiology of West Nile Virus in New York City: Trends and Transmission Dynamics (2000-2019). Pathogens 2025; 14:364. [PMID: 40333145 PMCID: PMC12030726 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14040364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2025] [Revised: 03/30/2025] [Accepted: 04/05/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025] Open
Abstract
The 1999 outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) in New York City (NYC) marked the first documented introduction of the virus into the western hemisphere, prompting extensive public health surveillance. This study examines the epidemiology of WNV from 2000 to 2019, analyzing 381 human cases, including 66 cases of West Nile Fever (WNF) and 315 cases of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND), with 35 fatalities. Simultaneously, 6632 WNV-positive mosquito pools were identified across 16 species. While Culex pipiens and Cx. restuans accounted for 91.4% of positive pools, Cx. salinarius, which comprised only 6.2%, exhibited a stronger correlation with human infections. Human surveillance involved comprehensive case investigations following laboratory-confirmed WNV infections, incorporating structured interviews with patients and healthcare providers. Mosquito surveillance was conducted through weekly collections from 52-71 permanent trap sites, supplemented by approximately 200 additional sites annually in areas with elevated WNV activity. Captured mosquitoes were species-identified, pooled, and tested for WNV RNA via RT-PCR. Findings highlight the dominant role of Culex species, particularly Cx. salinarius, in human WNV transmission, with 69% of cases occurring near WNV-positive mosquito pools. Spatial analyses identified transmission hotspots, emphasizing the importance of species-specific mosquito control strategies. Over the study period, WNV activity has increased in NYC, likely influenced by climate change, as warmer summers and extended breeding seasons align with peak outbreaks. Integrating spatial mapping, climate forecasting, and targeted surveillance could significantly improve WNV mitigation efforts in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waheed I. Bajwa
- Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, 125 Worth Street, Manhattan, NY 10013, USA
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Bruno L, Nappo MA, Frontoso R, Perrotta MG, Di Lecce R, Guarnieri C, Ferrari L, Corradi A. West Nile Virus (WNV): One-Health and Eco-Health Global Risks. Vet Sci 2025; 12:288. [PMID: 40266979 PMCID: PMC11945822 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2025] [Revised: 03/03/2025] [Accepted: 03/08/2025] [Indexed: 04/25/2025] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important zoonotic pathogen belonging to the Flaviviridae family, which is endemic in some areas and emerging in others. WNV is transmitted by blood-sucking mosquitoes of the genus Culicoides, Aedes, and Anopheles, and the infection can cause different clinical symptoms. The most common and benign illness in humans is West Nile fever (WNF), but a lethal neurological disease (WNND), related to the neuro-invasiveness of WNV lineage 2, represents the highest health risk of WNV infection. The neuro-clinical form is recognized in mammals (land and cetaceans), particularly in humans (elderly or immunosuppressed) and in horses, avian species, and wildlife animals ranging free or in a zoological setting. This review highlights the most relevant data regarding epidemiology, virology, pathogenesis and immunity, clinical signs and differential diagnosis, pathology and imaging, histopathology and gross pathology, economic impact, influence of climate change, and surveillance of WNV. Climate change has favored the wide spread of WNV in many areas of the globe and consequent One-Health and Eco-Health emergencies, influencing the health of human beings, animals, and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Bruno
- Department of Prevention, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (A.S.L.) Napoli 3 Sud, Castellammare di Stabia, 80053 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Anna Nappo
- Department of Prevention, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (A.S.L.) Napoli 3 Sud, Castellammare di Stabia, 80053 Naples, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Frontoso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno (I.Z.S.M.), Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Perrotta
- Ministry of Health, Office 3 exDGSAF of the General Directorate of Animal Health, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rosanna Di Lecce
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (R.D.L.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Chiara Guarnieri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (R.D.L.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Luca Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (R.D.L.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Attilio Corradi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (R.D.L.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
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6
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Higgs S, Hettenbach SM, Ake AM, Ioerger NM, Vanlandingham DL. A Review of West Nile Virus as a Cause of Human Disease in Kansas. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2025. [PMID: 40080422 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2024.0104] [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: 03/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: In the United States, West Nile virus (WNV) was first identified in 1999 in New York City and in Kansas in 2002. How the virus was introduced remains uncertain, although several potential methods have been hypothesized. This review presents an overview of what has occurred with WNV since 1999 and the potential for establishment of related viruses, such as Japanese encephalitis virus, if they were to be introduced in the United States. Materials and Methods: We have compiled human West Nile case data from Kansas over time with the purpose of illustrating how this virus has become endemic in the center of North America in a representative Midwestern state that is seasonal and does not have year-round mosquito vector activity. Case data were compiled from multiple sources including the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Results: The annual reported numbers of human WNV infections have fluctuated widely in Kansas since the introduction in 2002. Between 2002 and 2022, there were a total of 715 reported cases in Kansas, with an average of 34 cases per year. Among the 715 cases, 73% were from 23 counties, but 4 counties accounted for 32% of this total with clusters of cases. Sedgwick County, which is the second most populous county in Kansas, represented 15% of the 715 total cases. Conclusion: The reasons for fluctuations in the number of cases reported each year and the distribution of these cases is uncertain, but they are most likely due to changes in the mosquito vector populations, which are influenced by environmental factors, such as seasonal rainfall, temperature, and humidity. With regards to the future, WNV is here to stay with annual fluctuations that are difficult to predict. The establishment of WNV in the U.S. and Kansas should serve as a warning for the possibility of establishment of other mosquito-vectored diseases, including Japanese Encephalitis virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Higgs
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Susan M Hettenbach
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Ashlie M Ake
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Nicole M Ioerger
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Dana L Vanlandingham
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Dye-Braumuller KC, Prisco RA, Nolan MS. (Re)Emerging Arboviruses of Public Health Significance in the Brazilian Amazon. Microorganisms 2025; 13:650. [PMID: 40142542 PMCID: PMC11946775 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13030650] [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: 01/14/2025] [Revised: 02/24/2025] [Accepted: 03/04/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Brazil is one of the most important countries globally in regard to arboviral disease ecology and emergence or resurgence. Unfortunately, it has shouldered a majority of arboviral disease cases from Latin America and its rich flora, fauna (including arthropod vectors), and climate have contributed to the vast expansion of multiple arboviral diseases within its borders and those that have expanded geographically outside its borders. Anthropogenic landscape changes or human-mediated changes such as agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, etc. have all been at play within the country in various locations and can also be attributed to arboviral movement and resurgence. This review describes a brief history of landscape changes within the country and compiles all the known information on all arboviruses found within Brazil (endemic and imported) that are associated with human disease and mosquitoes including their original isolation, associated vertebrate animals, associated mosquitoes and other arthropods, and human disease symptomology presentations. This information is crucial as the Western Hemisphere is currently experiencing multiple arbovirus outbreaks, including one that originated in the Brazilian Amazon. Understanding which arboviruses are and have been circulating within the country will be pertinent as anthropogenic landscape changes are consistently being perpetrated throughout the country, and the occurrence of the next arbovirus epidemic will be a matter of when, not if.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyndall C. Dye-Braumuller
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (R.A.P.); (M.S.N.)
- Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Prisco
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (R.A.P.); (M.S.N.)
| | - Melissa S. Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (R.A.P.); (M.S.N.)
- Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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8
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Fay RL, Cruz-Loya M, Maffei JG, Mordecai EA, Ciota AT. Temperature influences West Nile virus evolution and adaptation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.02.28.640855. [PMID: 40093049 PMCID: PMC11908156 DOI: 10.1101/2025.02.28.640855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S., is vectored by Culex spp. mosquitoes. Since its introduction to New York State (NYS) in 1999, WNV has become endemic. NYS temperatures have risen by 0.14°C per decade since 1900, with larger increases linked to higher WNV transmission. Using surveillance and sequencing data, we find a significant correlation between rising temperatures, increased WNV genetic diversity, and higher prevalence. Given the experimentally demonstrated role of temperature influencing WNV fitness, we hypothesized that contemporary strains should exhibit greater fitness in mosquitoes at higher temperatures compared to historic strains. To test this, we analyzed genetically distinct WNV strains from mosquitoes collected during recent warm summers (2017 and 2018) and cooler historic summers (2003 and 2004). Assessing Culex pipiens vector competence and calculating the relative R₀ at 20°C, 24°C, and 28°C, we found that contemporary strains exhibit higher transmission potential at increased temperatures. Our results show that contemporary WNV strains possess greater phenotypic and genotypic diversity, facilitating the emergence of strains with enhanced transmission potential in a warming climate.
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Heidecke J, Wallin J, Fransson P, Singh P, Sjödin H, Stiles PC, Treskova M, Rocklöv J. Uncovering temperature sensitivity of West Nile virus transmission: Novel computational approaches to mosquito-pathogen trait responses. PLoS Comput Biol 2025; 21:e1012866. [PMID: 40163523 PMCID: PMC11981226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2025] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Temperature influences the transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens with significant implications for disease risk under climate change. Mathematical models of mosquito-borne infections rely on functions that capture mosquito-pathogen interactions in response to temperature to accurately estimate transmission dynamics. For deriving these functions, experimental studies provide valuable data on the temperature sensitivity of mosquito life-history traits and pathogen transmission. However, the scarcity of experimental data and inconsistencies in methodologies for analysing temperature responses across mosquito species, pathogens, and experiments present major challenges. Here, we introduce a new approach to address these challenges. We apply this framework to study the thermal biology of West Nile virus (WNV). We reviewed existing experimental studies, obtaining temperature responses for eight mosquito-pathogen traits across 15 mosquito species. Using these data, we employed Bayesian hierarchical models to estimate temperature response functions for each trait and their variation between species and experiments. We incorporated the resulting functions into mathematical models to estimate the temperature sensitivity of WNV transmission, focusing on six mosquito species of the genus Culex. Our study finds a general optimal transmission temperature around 24°C among Culex species with only small species-specific deviations. We demonstrate that differing mechanistic assumptions underlying published mosquito population models result in temperature optima estimates that differ by up to 3°C. Additionally, we find substantial variability between trait temperature responses across experiments on the same species, possibly indicating significant intra-species variation in trait performance. We identify mosquito biting rate, lifespan, and egg viability as priorities for future experiments, as they strongly influence estimates of temperature limits, optima, and overall uncertainty in transmission suitability. Experimental studies on vector competence traits are also essential, because limited data on these currently require model simplifications. These data would enhance the accuracy of our estimates, critical for anticipating future shifts in WNV risk under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Heidecke
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Wallin
- Department of statistics, Lund university, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter Fransson
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,
| | - Pratik Singh
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,
| | - Henrik Sjödin
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of public health and clinical medicine, Section of sustainable health, Umeå university, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Marina Treskova
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joacim Rocklöv
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of public health and clinical medicine, Section of sustainable health, Umeå university, Umeå, Sweden
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10
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Ma J, Xu N, Xu Y, Huang ZYX, Chen C, Wang YXG. Impacts of Urbanization and Habitat Characteristics on the Human Risk of West Nile Disease in the United States. BIOLOGY 2025; 14:224. [PMID: 40136481 PMCID: PMC11939350 DOI: 10.3390/biology14030224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2025] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
Since its initial identification in 1999, West Nile virus has spread rapidly throughout North America, exhibiting high spatial heterogeneity. Previous studies exploring the spatial patterns of the human risk of West Nile Disease (WND) in the United States have demonstrated the important roles of landscape and climatic factors. However, relatively few studies have endeavored to elucidate the effects of habitat fragmentation on WND risk, though it has been considered to affect disease risk through its influence on host community composition, vector abundance and human-vector-host interactions. In this study, we investigated and compared the effects of landscape factors, with a particular focus on habitat fragmentation, on the human risk of WND in the eastern and western United States. Our results demonstrated that landscape factors exhibited significant relationships with disease risk in both regions, while their effects could vary between the regions. Generally, urbanization was positively correlated with the WND risk in both regions, while the fragmentation indices of developed areas showed negative correlations only in the east. In contrast, forest area positively correlated with WND risk in the west, while a negative relationship was found in the east. The fragmentation indices of natural areas in both regions were generally positively associated with WND risk. These differences may be due to the differences in vector species and related processes (host-related or vector-related) between the two regions. With ongoing environmental change, this study provides new insights into understanding the risk factors for WND in the United States and the effects of habitat fragmentation on animal disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.M.); (N.X.); (Y.X.); (Z.Y.X.H.); (C.C.)
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.M.); (N.X.); (Y.X.); (Z.Y.X.H.); (C.C.)
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.M.); (N.X.); (Y.X.); (Z.Y.X.H.); (C.C.)
| | - Zheng Y. X. Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.M.); (N.X.); (Y.X.); (Z.Y.X.H.); (C.C.)
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chuanwu Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.M.); (N.X.); (Y.X.); (Z.Y.X.H.); (C.C.)
| | - Yingying X. G. Wang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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11
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Takekawa JY, Choi CY, Prosser DJ, Sullivan JD, Batbayar N, Xiao X. Perpetuation of Avian Influenza from Molt to Fall Migration in Wild Swan Geese ( Anser cygnoides): An Agent-Based Modeling Approach. Viruses 2025; 17:196. [PMID: 40006951 PMCID: PMC11861497 DOI: 10.3390/v17020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Revised: 01/13/2025] [Accepted: 01/24/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Wild waterfowl are considered to be the reservoir of avian influenza, but their distinct annual life cycle stages and their contribution to disease dynamics are not well understood. Studies of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus have primarily focused on wintering grounds, where human and poultry densities are high year-round, compared with breeding grounds, where migratory waterfowl are more isolated. Few if any studies of avian influenza have focused on the molting stage where wild waterfowl congregate in a few selected wetlands and undergo the simultaneous molt of wing and tail feathers during a vulnerable flightless period. The molting stage may be one of the most important periods for the perpetuation of the disease in waterfowl, since during this stage, immunologically naïve young birds and adults freely intermix prior to the fall migration. Our study incorporated empirical data from virological field samplings and markings of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) on their breeding grounds in Mongolia in an integrated agent-based model (ABM) that included susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) states. Our ABM results provided unique insights and indicated that individual movements between different molting wetlands and the transmission rate were the key predictors of HPAI perpetuation. While wetland extent was not a significant predictor of HPAI perpetuation, it had a large effect on the number of infections and associated death toll. Our results indicate that conserving undisturbed habitats for wild waterfowl during the molting stage of the breeding season could reduce the risk of HPAI transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Y. Takekawa
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Vallejo, CA 94592, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
| | - Chang-Yong Choi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Vallejo, CA 94592, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
- Department of Forest Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Diann J. Prosser
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (D.J.P.); (J.D.S.)
| | - Jeffery D. Sullivan
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (D.J.P.); (J.D.S.)
| | | | - Xiangming Xiao
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
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12
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Damodaran L, Jaeger A, Moncla LH. Intensive transmission in wild, migratory birds drove rapid geographic dissemination and repeated spillovers of H5N1 into agriculture in North America. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.12.16.628739. [PMID: 39763879 PMCID: PMC11702765 DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.16.628739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
Since late 2021, a panzootic of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus has driven significant morbidity and mortality in wild birds, domestic poultry, and mammals. In North America, infections in novel avian and mammalian species suggest the potential for changing ecology and establishment of new animal reservoirs. Outbreaks among domestic birds have persisted despite aggressive culling, necessitating a re-examination of how these outbreaks were sparked and maintained. To recover how these viruses were introduced and disseminated in North America, we analyzed 1,818 Hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequences sampled from North American wild birds, domestic birds and mammals from November 2021-September 2023 using Bayesian phylodynamic approaches. Using HA, we infer that the North American panzootic was driven by ~8 independent introductions into North America via the Atlantic and Pacific Flyways, followed by rapid dissemination westward via wild, migratory birds. Transmission was primarily driven by Anseriformes, shorebirds, and Galliformes, while species such as songbirds, raptors, and owls mostly acted as dead-end hosts. Unlike the epizootic of 2015, outbreaks in domestic birds were driven by ~46-113 independent introductions from wild birds, with some onward transmission. Backyard birds were infected ~10 days earlier on average than birds in commercial poultry production settings, suggesting that they could act as "early warning signals" for transmission upticks in a given area. Our findings support wild birds as an emerging reservoir for HPAI transmission in North America and suggest continuous surveillance of wild Anseriformes and shorebirds as crucial for outbreak inference. Future prevention of agricultural outbreaks may require investment in strategies that reduce transmission at the wild bird/agriculture interface, and investigation of backyard birds as putative early warning signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lambodhar Damodaran
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Anna Jaeger
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Louise H. Moncla
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
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13
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Hosseini S, Cohnstaedt LW, Humphreys JM, Scoglio C. A parsimonious Bayesian predictive model for forecasting new reported cases of West Nile disease. Infect Dis Model 2024; 9:1175-1197. [PMID: 40385315 PMCID: PMC12083710 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2024.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Upon researching predictive models related to West Nile virus disease, it is discovered that there are numerous parameters and extensive information in most models, thus contributing to unnecessary complexity. Another challenge frequently encountered is the lead time, which refers to the period for which predictions are made and often is too short. This paper addresses these issues by introducing a parsimonious method based on ICC curves, offering a logistic distribution model derived from the vector-borne SEIR model. Unlike existing models relying on diverse environmental data, our approach exclusively utilizes historical and present infected human cases (number of new cases). With a year-long lead time, the predictions extend throughout the 12 months, gaining precision as new data emerge. Theoretical conditions are derived to minimize Bayesian loss, enhancing predictive precision. We construct a Bayesian forecasting probability density function using carefully selected prior distributions. Applying these functions, we predict month-specific infections nationwide, rigorously evaluating accuracy with probabilistic metrics. Additionally, HPD credible intervals at 90%, 95%, and 99% levels is performed. Precision assessment is conducted for HPD intervals, measuring the proportion of intervals that does not include actual reported cases for 2020-2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Hosseini
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Lee W. Cohnstaedt
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility, USDA ARS, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - John M. Humphreys
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility, USDA ARS, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Caterina Scoglio
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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14
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Vollans M, Day J, Cant S, Hood J, Kilpatrick AM, Kramer LD, Vaux A, Medlock J, Ward T, Paton RS. Modelling the temperature dependent extrinsic incubation period of West Nile Virus using Bayesian time delay models. J Infect 2024; 89:106296. [PMID: 39343246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106296] [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: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that primarily infects birds. Infections can spillover to humans and cause a spectrum of clinical symptoms, including WNV neuroinvasive disease. The extrinsic incubation period (EIP) is the time taken for a mosquito to become infectious following the ingestion of an infected blood meal. Characterising how the EIP varies with temperature is an essential part of predicting the impact and transmission dynamics of WNV. We re-analyse existing experimental data using Bayesian time delay models, allowing us to account for variation in how quickly individual mosquitoes developed disseminated WNV infections. In these experiments, cohorts of Culex pipiens mosquitoes were infected with WNV and kept under different temperature conditions, being checked for disseminated infection at defined timepoints. We find that EIPs are best described with a Weibull distribution and become shorter log-linearly with temperature. Under 18°C, less than 1% of infected Cx. pipiens had a disseminated infection after 5 days, compared to 9.73% (95% CrI: 7.97 to 11.54) at 25°C and 42.20% (95% CrI: 38.32 to 46.60) at 30°C. In the hottest experimental temperature treatment (32°C), the EIP50 was estimated at 3.78 days (CrI: 3.42 to 4.15) compared to over 100 days in the coolest treatment (15°C). The variance of EIPs was found to be much larger at lower temperatures than higher temperatures, highlighting the importance of characterising the time delay distribution associated with the EIP. We additionally demonstrate a competitive advantage of WNV strain WN02 over NY99, where the former infects mosquitoes more quickly at colder temperatures than the latter. This research contributes crucial parameters to the WNV literature, providing essential insights for modellers and those planning interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisie Vollans
- Infectious Disease Modelling Team, All Hazards Intelligence, DAS, UKHSA, UK
| | - Julie Day
- Infectious Disease Modelling Team, All Hazards Intelligence, DAS, UKHSA, UK
| | - Susie Cant
- Infectious Disease Modelling Team, All Hazards Intelligence, DAS, UKHSA, UK
| | - Jordan Hood
- Infectious Disease Modelling Team, All Hazards Intelligence, DAS, UKHSA, UK; STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training, Lancaster University, UK
| | - A Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, United States
| | - Laura D Kramer
- School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, United States
| | - Alexander Vaux
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Centre for Climate and Health Security, UKHSA, UK
| | - Jolyon Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Centre for Climate and Health Security, UKHSA, UK
| | - Thomas Ward
- Infectious Disease Modelling Team, All Hazards Intelligence, DAS, UKHSA, UK
| | - Robert S Paton
- Infectious Disease Modelling Team, All Hazards Intelligence, DAS, UKHSA, UK.
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15
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Char AB, Trammell CE, Fawcett S, Chauhan M, Debebe Y, Céspedes N, Paslay RA, Ahlers LRH, Patel D, Luckhart S, Goodman AG. Sustained antiviral insulin signaling during West Nile virus infection results in viral mutations. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1492403. [PMID: 39664493 PMCID: PMC11631865 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1492403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses or arboviruses, including West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) pose significant threats to public health. It is imperative to develop novel methods to control these mosquito-borne viral infections. We previously showed that insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling (IIS)-dependent activation of ERK and JAK-STAT signaling has significant antiviral activity in insects and human cells. Continuous immune pressure can lead to adaptive mutations of viruses during infection. We aim to elucidate how IIS-signaling in mosquitoes selects for West Nile virus escape variants, to help formulate future transmission blocking strategies. We hypothesize that passage of WNV under activation of IIS will induce adaptive mutations or escape variants in the infecting virus. To test our hypothesis, WNV was serially passaged through Culex quinquefasciatus Hsu cells in the presence or absence of bovine insulin to activate IIS antiviral pressure. We sequenced WNV genes encoding for E, NS2B, NS3, and NS5 and identified variants in E and NS5 arising from IIS antiviral pressure. In parallel to the genetic analyses, we also report differences in the levels of virus replication and Akt activation in human cells and mosquitoes using virus passaged in the presence or absence of insulin. Finally, using adult Culex quinquefasciatus, we demonstrated the enhancement of immune response gene expression in virus-infected mosquitoes fed on insulin, compared to control. Notably, virus collected from insulin-fed mosquitoes contained a non-synonymous mutation in NS3. These results contribute towards achieving our long-term goal of manipulating mosquito IIS-dependent antiviral immunity to reduce WNV or other flavivirus transmission to mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya B. Char
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Chasity E. Trammell
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Deptartment of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Stephen Fawcett
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Manish Chauhan
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Yared Debebe
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Nora Céspedes
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Ryder A. Paslay
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Laura R. H. Ahlers
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Alan G. Goodman
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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16
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Dinu S, Stancu IG, Cotar AI, Ceianu CS, Pintilie GV, Karpathakis I, Fălcuță E, Csutak O, Prioteasa FL. Continuous and Dynamic Circulation of West Nile Virus in Mosquito Populations in Bucharest Area, Romania, 2017-2023. Microorganisms 2024; 12:2080. [PMID: 39458389 PMCID: PMC11510486 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12102080] [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: 09/07/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen with a worldwide distribution. Climate change and human activities have driven the expansion of WNV into new territories in Europe during the last two decades. Romania is endemic for WNV circulation since at least 1996 when the presence of lineage 1 was documented during an unprecedented outbreak. Lineage 2 was first identified in this country during a second significant human outbreak in 2010. Its continuous circulation is marked by clade replacement, and even co-circulation of different strains of the same clade was observed until 2016. The present study aims to fill the information gap regarding the WNV strains that were circulating in Romania between 2017 and 2023, providing chiefly viral sequences obtained from mosquito samples collected in the Bucharest metropolitan area, complemented by human and bird viral sequences. WNV was detected mainly in Culex pipiens mosquitoes, the vectors of this virus in the region, but also in the invasive Aedes albopictus mosquito species. Lineage 2 WNV was identified in mosquito samples collected between 2017 and 2023, as well as in human sera from patients in southern and central Romania during the outbreaks of 2017 and 2018. Both 2a and 2b sub-lineages were identified, with evidence of multiple clusters and sub-clusters within sub-lineage 2a, highlighting the complex and dynamic circulation of WNV in Romania, as a consequence of distinct introduction events from neighboring countries followed by in situ evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Dinu
- Molecular Epidemiology for Communicable Diseases Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ioana Georgeta Stancu
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Aleea Portocalelor, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (I.G.S.); (O.C.)
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.C.); (G.V.P.); (I.K.)
| | - Ani Ioana Cotar
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.C.); (G.V.P.); (I.K.)
| | - Cornelia Svetlana Ceianu
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.C.); (G.V.P.); (I.K.)
| | - Georgiana Victorița Pintilie
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.C.); (G.V.P.); (I.K.)
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Aleea Portocalelor, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioannis Karpathakis
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.C.); (G.V.P.); (I.K.)
| | - Elena Fălcuță
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (E.F.); (F.L.P.)
| | - Ortansa Csutak
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Aleea Portocalelor, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (I.G.S.); (O.C.)
| | - Florian Liviu Prioteasa
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (E.F.); (F.L.P.)
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17
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Bhowmick S, Fritz ML, Smith RL. Host-feeding preferences and temperature shape the dynamics of West Nile virus: A mathematical model to predict the impacts of vector-host interactions and vector management on R 0. Acta Trop 2024; 258:107346. [PMID: 39111645 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107346] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is prevalent across the United States, but its transmission patterns and spatio-temporal intensity vary significantly, particularly in the Eastern United States. For instance, Chicago has long been a hotspot for WNV cases due to its high cumulative incidence of infection, with the number of cases varying considerably from year to year. The abilities of host species to maintain and disseminate WNV, along with eco-epidemiological factors that influence vector-host contact rates underlie WNV transmission potential. There is growing evidence that several vectors exhibit strong feeding preferences towards different host communities. In our research study, we construct a process based weather driven ordinary differential equation (ODE) model to understand the impact of one vector species (Culex pipiens), its preferred avian and non-preferred human hosts on the basic reproduction number (R0). In developing this WNV transmission model, we account for the feeding index, which is defined as the relative preference of the vectors for taking blood meals from a competent avian host versus a non-competent mammalian host. We also include continuous introduction of infected agents into the model during the simulations as the introduction of WNV is not a single event phenomenon. We derive an analytic form of R0 to predict the conditions under which there will be an outbreak of WNV and the relationship between the feeding index and the efficacy of adulticide is highly nonlinear. In our mechanistic model, we also demonstrate that adulticide treatments produced significant reductions in the Culex pipiens population. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that feeding index and rate of introduction of infected agents are two important factors beside the efficacy of adulticide. We validate our model by comparing simulations to surveillance data collected for the Culex pipiens complex in Cook County, Illinois, USA. Our results reveal that the interaction between the feeding index and mosquito abatement strategy is intricate, especially considering the fluctuating temperature conditions. This induces heterogeneous transmission patterns that need to be incorporated when modelling multi-host, multi-vector transmission models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Bhowmick
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
| | - Megan Lindsay Fritz
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca Lee Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA; Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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18
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Bhowmick S, Irwin P, Lopez K, Fritz ML, Smith RL. A weather-driven mathematical model of Culex population abundance and the impact of vector control interventions. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2409.11550v1. [PMID: 39398219 PMCID: PMC11468159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
Even as the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV) in North America has risen over the past decade, effectively modelling mosquito population density or, the abundance has proven to be a persistent challenge. It is critical to capture the fluctuations in mosquito abundance across seasons in order to forecast the varying risk of disease transmission from one year to the next. We develop a process-based mechanistic weather-driven Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) model to study the population biology of both aqueous and terrestrial stages of mosquito population. The progression of mosquito lifecycle through these stages is influenced by different factors, including temperature, daylight hours, intra-species competition and the availability of aquatic habitats. Weather-driven parameters are utilised in our work, are a combination of laboratory research and literature data. In our model, we include precipitation data as a substitute for evaluating additional mortality in the mosquito population. We compute the Basic offspring number of the associated model and perform sensitivity analysis. Finally, we employ our model to assess the effectiveness of various adulticides strategies to predict the reduction in mosquito population. This enhancement in modelling of mosquito abundance can be instrumental in guiding interventions aimed at reducing mosquito populations and mitigating mosquito-borne diseases such as the WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Bhowmick
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Patrick Irwin
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kristina Lopez
- North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, Northfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Megan Lindsay Fritz
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca Lee Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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19
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Baldon L, de Mendonça S, Santos E, Marçal B, de Freitas AC, Rezende F, Moreira R, Sousa V, Comini S, Lima M, Ferreira F, de Almeida JP, Silva E, Amadou S, Rocha M, Leite T, Todjro Y, de Carvalho C, Santos V, Giovanetti M, Alcantara L, Moreira LA, Ferreira A. Suitable Mouse Model to Study Dynamics of West Nile Virus Infection in Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:201. [PMID: 39330890 PMCID: PMC11435581 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9090201] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) poses a significant global public health threat as a mosquito-borne pathogen. While laboratory mouse models have historically played a crucial role in understanding virus biology, recent research has focused on utilizing immunocompromised models to study arboviruses like dengue and Zika viruses, particularly their interactions with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. However, there has been a shortage of suitable mouse models for investigating WNV and St. Louis encephalitis virus interactions with their primary vectors, Culex spp. mosquitoes. Here, we establish the AG129 mouse (IFN α/β/γ R-/-) as an effective vertebrate model for examining mosquito-WNV interactions. Following intraperitoneal injection, AG129 mice exhibited transient viremia lasting several days, peaking on the second or third day post-infection, which is sufficient to infect Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes during a blood meal. We also observed WNV replication in the midgut and dissemination to other tissues, including the fat body, in infected mosquitoes. Notably, infectious virions were present in the saliva of a viremic AG129 mouse 16 days post-exposure, indicating successful transmission capacity. These findings highlight the utility of AG129 mice for studying vector competence and WNV-mosquito interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Baldon
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Silvana de Mendonça
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Ellen Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Bruno Marçal
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Amanda Cupertino de Freitas
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rezende
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Moreira
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia do Adoecimento & Florestas NUPEB/ICEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-163, Brazil
| | - Viviane Sousa
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Sara Comini
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lima
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Flávia Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - João Paulo de Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Emanuele Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Siad Amadou
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcele Rocha
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Thiago Leite
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Yaovi Todjro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Camila de Carvalho
- Plataforma de Microscopia e Microanálises de Imagens, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Viviane Santos
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, University of Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Luiz Alcantara
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Luciano A Moreira
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Alvaro Ferreira
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
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20
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Creswell A, Connor CM, Ko R, Tu S, Karim S, Lui F. Acute Flaccid Myelitis Caused by West Nile Virus: A Case Report and Neuroimaging Correlate. Cureus 2024; 16:e70107. [PMID: 39449929 PMCID: PMC11501500 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.70107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States. Most cases remain asymptomatic or may be associated with a mild febrile illness; however, it can invade the central nervous system and cause meningoencephalitis, or rarely, acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). Here, we describe a case of WNV-associated paralysis in a previously healthy male presenting with asymmetric weakness and absent deep tendon reflexes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine displayed a hyperintensity lesion restricted to the central gray matter, preferentially affecting the ventral horns, which is reflected by his clinical features. This case contributes to mounting evidence that WNV can cause selective injury to the ventral gray matter of the spinal cord and demonstrates that WNV should be considered a unique causative agent in patients presenting with AFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Creswell
- Neurology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Cortney M Connor
- Neurology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Raymond Ko
- Neurology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Sally Tu
- Neurology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | | | - Forshing Lui
- Clinical Sciences, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
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21
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Madhav M, Blasdell KR, Trewin B, Paradkar PN, López-Denman AJ. Culex-Transmitted Diseases: Mechanisms, Impact, and Future Control Strategies using Wolbachia. Viruses 2024; 16:1134. [PMID: 39066296 PMCID: PMC11281716 DOI: 10.3390/v16071134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes of the Culex genus are responsible for a large burden of zoonotic virus transmission globally. Collectively, they play a significant role in the transmission of medically significant diseases such as Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. Climate change, global trade, habitat transformation and increased urbanisation are leading to the establishment of Culex mosquitoes in new geographical regions. These novel mosquito incursions are intensifying concerns about the emergence of Culex-transmitted diseases and outbreaks in previously unaffected areas. New mosquito control methods are currently being developed and deployed globally. Understanding the complex interaction between pathogens and mosquitoes is essential for developing new control strategies for Culex species mosquitoes. This article reviews the role of Culex mosquitos as vectors of zoonotic disease, discussing the transmission of viruses across different species, and the potential use of Wolbachia technologies to control disease spread. By leveraging the insights gained from recent successful field trials of Wolbachia against Aedes-borne diseases, we comprehensively discuss the feasibility of using this technique to control Culex mosquitoes and the potential for the development of next generational Wolbachia-based control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukund Madhav
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Kim R Blasdell
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Brendan Trewin
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Dutton Park, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Prasad N Paradkar
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Adam J López-Denman
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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22
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Brand C, Geiss BJ, Bisaillon M. Deciphering the interaction surface between the West Nile virus NS3 and NS5 proteins. Access Microbiol 2024; 6:000675.v3. [PMID: 39045235 PMCID: PMC11261718 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000675.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most prevalent mosquito-borne virus and the leading cause of viral encephalitis in the continental United States. It belongs to the family Flaviviridae which includes other important human pathogens such as dengue virus (DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika viruses (ZIKV). Despite several decades of research, no specific antiviral drugs are available to treat flavivirus infections. The present study characterizes the interaction between the WNV NS3 and NS5 proteins for the purpose of identifying hotspots in the protein-protein interaction which could be targeted for the development of antiviral therapeutics. We previously developed an interaction model in silico based on data available in the literature. Here, potential interacting residues on NS3 and NS5 were mutated in a WNV replicon, and seven mutations in the NS3 protein were found to drastically reduce viral replication. In addition to being well conserved among mosquito-borne flaviviruses, these residues are located on the protein's surface in two clusters which might be interesting new targets for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Brand
- Département de Biochimie et de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Brian J. Geiss
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Martin Bisaillon
- Département de Biochimie et de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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23
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Fay RL, Cruz-Loya M, Keyel AC, Price DC, Zink SD, Mordecai EA, Ciota AT. Population-specific thermal responses contribute to regional variability in arbovirus transmission with changing climates. iScience 2024; 27:109934. [PMID: 38799579 PMCID: PMC11126822 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Temperature is increasing globally, and vector-borne diseases are particularly responsive to such increases. While it is known that temperature influences mosquito life history traits, transmission models have not historically considered population-specific effects of temperature. We assessed the interaction between Culex pipiens population and temperature in New York State (NYS) and utilized novel empirical data to inform predictive models of West Nile virus (WNV) transmission. Genetically and regionally distinct populations from NYS were reared at various temperatures, and life history traits were monitored and used to inform trait-based models. Variation in Cx. pipiens life history traits and population-dependent thermal responses account for a predicted 2.9°C difference in peak transmission that is reflected in regional differences in WNV prevalence. We additionally identified genetic signatures that may contribute to distinct thermal responses. Together, these data demonstrate how population variation contributes to significant geographic variability in arbovirus transmission with changing climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Fay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, USA
| | | | - Alexander C. Keyel
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, USA
| | - Dana C. Price
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Steve D. Zink
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, USA
| | | | - Alexander T. Ciota
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, USA
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24
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Moser SK, Spencer JA, Barnard M, Hyman JM, Manore CA, Gorris ME. Exploring Climate-Disease Connections in Geopolitical Versus Ecological Regions: The Case of West Nile Virus in the United States. GEOHEALTH 2024; 8:e2024GH001024. [PMID: 38912225 PMCID: PMC11190782 DOI: 10.1029/2024gh001024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Many infectious disease forecasting models in the United States (US) are built with data partitioned into geopolitical regions centered on human activity as opposed to regions defined by natural ecosystems; although useful for data collection and intervention, this has the potential to mask biological relationships between the environment and disease. We explored this concept by analyzing the correlations between climate and West Nile virus (WNV) case data aggregated to geopolitical and ecological regions. We compared correlations between minimum, maximum, and mean annual temperature; precipitation; and annual WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) case data from 2005 to 2019 when partitioned into (a) climate regions defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and (b) Level I ecoregions defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We found that correlations between climate and WNND in NOAA climate regions and EPA ecoregions were often contradictory in both direction and magnitude, with EPA ecoregions more often supporting previously established biological hypotheses and environmental dynamics underlying vector-borne disease transmission. Using ecological regions to examine the relationships between climate and disease cases can enhance the predictive power of forecasts at various scales, motivating a conceptual shift in large-scale analyses from geopolitical frameworks to more ecologically meaningful regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Kane Moser
- Genomics and BioanalyticsLos Alamos National LaboratoryLos AlamosNMUSA
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Julie A. Spencer
- Information Systems and ModelingLos Alamos National LaboratoryLos AlamosNMUSA
| | - Martha Barnard
- Information Systems and ModelingLos Alamos National LaboratoryLos AlamosNMUSA
- Division of BiostatisticsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | | | - Carrie A. Manore
- Theoretical Biology and BiophysicsLos Alamos National LaboratoryLos AlamosNMUSA
| | - Morgan E. Gorris
- Information Systems and ModelingLos Alamos National LaboratoryLos AlamosNMUSA
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25
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Wang HR, Liu T, Gao X, Wang HB, Xiao JH. Impact of climate change on the global circulation of West Nile virus and adaptation responses: a scoping review. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:38. [PMID: 38790027 PMCID: PMC11127377 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01207-2] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV), the most widely distributed flavivirus causing encephalitis globally, is a vector-borne pathogen of global importance. The changing climate is poised to reshape the landscape of various infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne ones like WNV. Understanding the anticipated geographical and range shifts in disease transmission due to climate change, alongside effective adaptation strategies, is critical for mitigating future public health impacts. This scoping review aims to consolidate evidence on the impact of climate change on WNV and to identify a spectrum of applicable adaptation strategies. MAIN BODY We systematically analyzed research articles from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Our criteria included English-language research articles published between 2007 and 2023, focusing on the impacts of climate change on WNV and related adaptation strategies. We extracted data concerning study objectives, populations, geographical focus, and specific findings. Literature was categorized into two primary themes: 1) climate-WNV associations, and 2) climate change impacts on WNV transmission, providing a clear understanding. Out of 2168 articles reviewed, 120 met our criteria. Most evidence originated from North America (59.2%) and Europe (28.3%), with a primary focus on human cases (31.7%). Studies on climate-WNV correlations (n = 83) highlighted temperature (67.5%) as a pivotal climate factor. In the analysis of climate change impacts on WNV (n = 37), most evidence suggested that climate change may affect the transmission and distribution of WNV, with the extent of the impact depending on local and regional conditions. Although few studies directly addressed the implementation of adaptation strategies for climate-induced disease transmission, the proposed strategies (n = 49) fell into six categories: 1) surveillance and monitoring (38.8%), 2) predictive modeling (18.4%), 3) cross-disciplinary collaboration (16.3%), 4) environmental management (12.2%), 5) public education (8.2%), and 6) health system readiness (6.1%). Additionally, we developed an accessible online platform to summarize the evidence on climate change impacts on WNV transmission ( https://2xzl2o-neaop.shinyapps.io/WNVScopingReview/ ). CONCLUSIONS This review reveals that climate change may affect the transmission and distribution of WNV, but the literature reflects only a small share of the global WNV dynamics. There is an urgent need for adaptive responses to anticipate and respond to the climate-driven spread of WNV. Nevertheless, studies focusing on these adaptation responses are sparse compared to those examining the impacts of climate change. Further research on the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies for vector-borne diseases, along with more comprehensive evidence synthesis, is needed to inform effective policy responses tailored to local contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ran Wang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Bin Wang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Hua Xiao
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Lindman M, Estevez I, Marmut E, DaPrano EM, Chou TW, Newman K, Atkins C, O’Brown NM, Daniels BP. Astrocytic RIPK3 exerts protective anti-inflammatory activity during viral encephalitis via induction of serpin protease inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595181. [PMID: 38826345 PMCID: PMC11142122 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Flaviviruses pose a significant threat to public health due to their ability to infect the central nervous system (CNS) and cause severe neurologic disease. Astrocytes play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of flavivirus encephalitis through their maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and their modulation of immune cell recruitment and activation within the CNS. We have previously shown that receptor interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) is a central coordinator of neuroinflammation during CNS viral infection, a function that occurs independently of its canonical function in inducing necroptotic cell death. To date, however, roles for necroptosis-independent RIPK3 signaling in astrocytes are poorly understood. Here, we use mouse genetic tools to induce astrocyte-specific deletion, overexpression, and chemogenetic activation of RIPK3 to demonstrate an unexpected anti-inflammatory function for astrocytic RIPK3. RIPK3 activation in astrocytes was required for host survival in multiple models of flavivirus encephalitis, where it restricted neuropathogenesis by limiting immune cell recruitment to the CNS. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that, despite inducing a traditional pro-inflammatory transcriptional program, astrocytic RIPK3 paradoxically promoted neuroprotection through the upregulation of serpins, endogenous protease inhibitors with broad immunomodulatory activity. Notably, intracerebroventricular administration of SerpinA3N in infected mice preserved BBB integrity, reduced leukocyte infiltration, and improved survival outcomes in mice lacking astrocytic RIPK3. These findings highlight a previously unappreciated role for astrocytic RIPK3 in suppressing pathologic neuroinflammation and suggests new therapeutic targets for the treatment of flavivirus encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Lindman
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Irving Estevez
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Eduard Marmut
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Evan M. DaPrano
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Tsui-Wen Chou
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kimberly Newman
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Colm Atkins
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Natasha M. O’Brown
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Brian P. Daniels
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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27
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Patel KM, Raj P. Automated molecular detection of West Nile Virus in mosquito pools using the Panther Fusion system. J Virol Methods 2024; 326:114893. [PMID: 38360267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114893] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is an arthropod-borne virus that is spread through mosquito vectors. WNV emerged in the US in 1999 and has since become endemic in the US, causing the most domestically acquired arboviral disease in the country. Mosquito surveillance for WNV is useful to monitor arboviral disease burden over time and across different locations. RT-qPCR is the preferred method for WNV surveillance, but these methods are labor-intensive. The Panther Fusion System has an Open Access feature that allows for laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) to run on a fully automated system for nucleic acid extraction, RT-qPCR, and result generation. This study demonstrates the successful optimization of a WNV multiplex LDT (assay targets: ENV and NS1 genes) for high-throughput environmental surveillance testing of mosquito pool homogenates on the Panther Fusion System. Analytical sensitivity of the assay was 186 and 744 copies/PCR reaction for the ENV and NS1 targets, respectively. To assess the performance of this assay, a total of 80 mosquito pools were tested, including 60 previously tested pools and 20 spiked negative mosquito pools. Among the 60 previously tested specimens, the Panther Fusion WNV LDT demonstrated 100% positive and negative agreement with the CDC West Nile RT-qPCR assay. The Panther Fusion WNV LDT also detected all 20 spiked specimens. The Panther Fusion WNV LDT assay was successfully developed and optimized for high throughput testing with similar performance to the previously used CDC West Nile RT-qPCR assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal M Patel
- District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, Public Health Laboratory Division, Immunology and Virology Unit, 401 E Street SW Washington, DC 20024, USA.
| | - Pushker Raj
- District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, Public Health Laboratory Division, Immunology and Virology Unit, 401 E Street SW Washington, DC 20024, USA
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28
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Bayles BR, George MF, Christofferson RC. Long-term trends and spatial patterns of West Nile Virus emergence in California, 2004-2021. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:258-266. [PMID: 38110854 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13106] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS West Nile Virus (WNV) has remained a persistent source of vector-borne disease risk in California since first being identified in the state in 2003. The geographic distribution of WNV activity is relatively widespread, but varies considerably across different regions within the state. Spatial variation in human WNV infection depends upon social-ecological factors that influence mosquito populations and virus transmission dynamics. Measuring changes in spatial patterns over time is necessary for uncovering the underlying regional drivers of disease risk. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we utilized statewide surveillance data to quantify temporal changes and spatial patterns of WNV activity in California. We obtained annual WNV mosquito surveillance data from 2004 through 2021 from the California Arbovirus Surveillance Program. Geographic coordinates for mosquito pools were analysed using a suite of spatial statistics to identify and classify patterns in WNV activity over time. CONCLUSIONS We detected clear patterns of non-random WNV risk during the study period, including emerging hot spots in the Central Valley and non-random periods of oscillating WNV risk in Southern and Northern California subregions. Our findings offer new insights into 18 years of spatio-temporal variation in WNV activity across California, which may be used for targeted surveillance efforts and public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett R Bayles
- Department of Global Public Health, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Michaela F George
- Department of Global Public Health, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California, USA
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29
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Miranda LS, Rudd SR, Mena O, Hudspeth PE, Barboza-Corona JE, Park HW, Bideshi DK. The Perpetual Vector Mosquito Threat and Its Eco-Friendly Nemeses. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:182. [PMID: 38534451 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the most notorious arthropod vectors of viral and parasitic diseases for which approximately half the world's population, ~4,000,000,000, is at risk. Integrated pest management programs (IPMPs) have achieved some success in mitigating the regional transmission and persistence of these diseases. However, as many vector-borne diseases remain pervasive, it is obvious that IPMP successes have not been absolute in eradicating the threat imposed by mosquitoes. Moreover, the expanding mosquito geographic ranges caused by factors related to climate change and globalization (travel, trade, and migration), and the evolution of resistance to synthetic pesticides, present ongoing challenges to reducing or eliminating the local and global burden of these diseases, especially in economically and medically disadvantaged societies. Abatement strategies include the control of vector populations with synthetic pesticides and eco-friendly technologies. These "green" technologies include SIT, IIT, RIDL, CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive, and biological control that specifically targets the aquatic larval stages of mosquitoes. Regarding the latter, the most effective continues to be the widespread use of Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). Here, we present a review of the health issues elicited by vector mosquitoes, control strategies, and lastly, focus on the biology of Ls and Bti, with an emphasis on the latter, to which no resistance has been observed in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Silva Miranda
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Sarah Renee Rudd
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies, and School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Oscar Mena
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Piper Eden Hudspeth
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - José E Barboza-Corona
- Departmento de Alimentos, Posgrado en Biociencias, Universidad de Guanajuato Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Irapuato 36500, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Hyun-Woo Park
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Dennis Ken Bideshi
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
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30
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Rucci KA, Arias-Builes DL, Visintin AM, Diaz A. Serological survey reveals enzootic circulation of St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile viruses in semiarid Monte ecosystem of Argentina. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4994. [PMID: 38424362 PMCID: PMC10904362 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are arboviruses transmitted by Culex mosquitoes and amplified in avian hosts. The present study aimed to investigate the presence and seasonal circulation of SLEV and WNV in La Rioja province, within the semiarid ecoregion of the Monte, Argentina. Over a two-year period, avian sera were collected and tested for neutralizing antibodies against SLEV and WNV. Our results reveal the enzootic activity of both viruses in this challenging environment. SLEV seroprevalence was 4.5% (35/778), with higher activity in spring (2016) and autumn (2017). WNV seroprevalence was 3.5% (27/778), peaking during the summer 2016-2017. Greater seroprevalence for SLEV in 2016 was detected for the Lark-like Brushrunner (Coryphistera alaudina) and the Short-billed Canastero (Asthenes baeri) and in 2017 for the Black-crested Finch (Lophospingus pusillus) and Lark-like Brushrunner, whereas for WNV greater seroprevalence in 2016 was detected for the Picui Ground Dove (Columbina picui) and in 2017 for the Lark-like Brushrunner and Band-tailed Seedeater (Catamenia analis). Additionally, five avian individuals experienced seroconversion during the sampling period, namely the Lark-like Brushrunner and White-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cactorum) for SLEV, and the Lark-like Brushrunner, Greater Wagtail Tyrant (Stigmatura budytoides) and Many-colored Chaco Finch (Saltatricula multicolor) for WNV. The study highlights the persistence and circulation of these viruses in a semiarid ecosystem, raising questions about overwintering mechanisms and transmission dynamics. This research contributes to understanding arbovirus ecology in diverse environments. Further investigations are needed to assess the specific mechanisms facilitating virus persistence in the Monte ecoregion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Rucci
- Laboratorio de Arbovirus, Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego L Arias-Builes
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Chilecito, Chilecito, La Rioja, Argentina
| | - Andrés M Visintin
- Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica (CENIIT), Instituto de Biología de la Conservación y Paleobiología (IBICOPA), Universidad Nacional de La Rioja, La Rioja, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones Entomológicas de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Adrián Diaz
- Laboratorio de Arbovirus, Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Principi N, Esposito S. Development of Vaccines against Emerging Mosquito-Vectored Arbovirus Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:87. [PMID: 38250900 PMCID: PMC10818606 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Among emergent climate-sensitive infectious diseases, some mosquito-vectored arbovirus infections have epidemiological, social, and economic effects. Dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease, previously common only in the tropics, currently pose a major risk to global health and are expected to expand dramatically in the near future if adequate containment measures are not implemented. The lack of safe and effective vaccines is critical as it seems likely that emerging mosquito-vectored arbovirus infections will be con-trolled only when effective and safe vaccines against each of these infections become available. This paper discusses the clinical characteristics of DENV, WNV, and CHIKV infections and the state of development of vaccines against these viruses. An ideal vaccine should be able to evoke with a single administration a prompt activation of B and T cells, adequate concentrations of protecting/neutralizing antibodies, and the creation of a strong immune memory capable of triggering an effective secondary antibody response after new infection with a wild-type and/or mutated infectious agent. Moreover, the vaccine should be well tolerated, safe, easily administrated, cost-effective, and widely available throughout the world. However, the development of vaccines against emerging mosquito-vectored arbovirus diseases is far from being satisfactory, and it seems likely that it will take many years before effective and safe vaccines for all these infections are made available worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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32
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Monath TP. Japanese Encephalitis: Risk of Emergence in the United States and the Resulting Impact. Viruses 2023; 16:54. [PMID: 38257754 PMCID: PMC10820346 DOI: 10.3390/v16010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne member of the Flaviviridae family. JEV is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia and is characterized by encephalitis, high lethality, and neurological sequelae in survivors. The virus also causes severe disease in swine, which are an amplifying host in the transmission cycle, and in horses. US agricultural authorities have recently recognized the threat to the swine industry and initiated preparedness activities. Other mosquito-borne viruses exotic to the Western Hemisphere have been introduced and established in recent years, including West Nile, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, and JEV has recently invaded continental Australia for the first time. These events amply illustrate the potential threat of JEV to US health security. Susceptible indigenous mosquito vectors, birds, feral and domestic pigs, and possibly bats, constitute the receptive ecological ingredients for the spread of JEV in the US. Fortunately, unlike the other virus invaders mentioned above, an inactivated whole virus JE vaccine (IXIARO®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for human use in advance of a public health emergency, but there is no veterinary vaccine. This paper describes the risks and potential consequences of the introduction of JEV into the US, the need to integrate planning for such an event in public health policy, and the requirement for additional countermeasures, including antiviral drugs and an improved single dose vaccine that elicits durable immunity in both humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Monath
- Quigley BioPharma LLC, 114 Water Tower Plaza No. 1042, Leominster, MA 01453, USA
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33
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Athanasakopoulou Z, Sofia M, Skampardonis V, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Tsolakos K, Spyrou V, Chatzopoulos DC, Satra M, Diamantopoulos V, Mpellou S, Galamatis D, G. Papatsiros V, Billinis C. Indication of West Nile Virus (WNV) Lineage 2 Overwintering among Wild Birds in the Regions of Peloponnese and Western Greece. Vet Sci 2023; 10:661. [PMID: 37999484 PMCID: PMC10674244 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110661] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus, has recently caused human outbreaks in Europe, including Greece. Its transmission cycle in nature includes wild birds as amplifying hosts and ornithophilic mosquito vectors. The aim of this study was to assess WNV circulation among wild birds from two regions of Greece, Peloponnese and Western Greece, during 2022. To this end, a total of 511 birds belonging to 37 different species were sampled and molecularly screened. WNV RNA was detected from February to November in a total of 71 wild birds of nine species originating from both investigated regions. The first eight positive samples were sequenced on a part of NS3 and, according to the phylogenetic analysis, they belonged to evolutionary lineage 2 and presented similarity to previous outbreak-causing Greek strains (Argolis 2017, Macedonia 2010 and 2012). It was more likely to identify a PCR positive bird as the population density and the distance from water sources decreased. The present report provides evidence of WNV occurrence in both Peloponnese and Western Greece during 2022 and underlines its possible overwintering, highlighting the need for avian species surveillance to be conducted annually and throughout the year. Magpies are proposed as sentinels for WNV monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Vassilis Skampardonis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Faculty of Forestry, Wood Science and Design, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | | | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Satra
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Spyridoula Mpellou
- Bioefarmoges Eleftheriou LP-Integrated Mosquito Control, 19007 Marathon, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Galamatis
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
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34
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Dupuis AP, Lange RE, Ciota AT. Emerging tickborne viruses vectored by Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae): Heartland and Bourbon viruses. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:1183-1196. [PMID: 37862097 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Heartland (HRTV) and Bourbon (BRBV) viruses are newly identified tick-borne viruses, isolated from serious clinical cases in 2009 and 2014, respectively. Both viruses originated in the lower Midwest United States near the border of Missouri and Kansas, cause similar disease manifestations, and are presumably vectored by the same tick species, Amblyomma americanum Linnaeus (Ixodida: Ixodidae). In this article, we provide a current review of HRTV and BRBV, including the virology, epidemiology, and ecology of the viruses with an emphasis on the tick vector. We touch on current challenges of vector control and surveillance, and we discuss future directions in the study of these emergent pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan P Dupuis
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Griffin Laboratory, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA
| | - Rachel E Lange
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Griffin Laboratory, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Alexander T Ciota
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Griffin Laboratory, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
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35
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Holcomb KM, Staples JE, Nett RJ, Beard CB, Petersen LR, Benjamin SG, Green BW, Jones H, Johansson MA. Multi-Model Prediction of West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease With Machine Learning for Identification of Important Regional Climatic Drivers. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2023GH000906. [PMID: 38023388 PMCID: PMC10654557 DOI: 10.1029/2023gh000906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States (CONUS). Spatial heterogeneity in historical incidence, environmental factors, and complex ecology make prediction of spatiotemporal variation in WNV transmission challenging. Machine learning provides promising tools for identification of important variables in such situations. To predict annual WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) cases in CONUS (2015-2021), we fitted 10 probabilistic models with variation in complexity from naïve to machine learning algorithm and an ensemble. We made predictions in each of nine climate regions on a hexagonal grid and evaluated each model's predictive accuracy. Using the machine learning models (random forest and neural network), we identified the relative importance and variation in ranking of predictors (historical WNND cases, climate anomalies, human demographics, and land use) across regions. We found that historical WNND cases and population density were among the most important factors while anomalies in temperature and precipitation often had relatively low importance. While the relative performance of each model varied across climatic regions, the magnitude of difference between models was small. All models except the naïve model had non-significant differences in performance relative to the baseline model (negative binomial model fit per hexagon). No model, including the ensemble or more complex machine learning models, outperformed models based on historical case counts on the hexagon or region level; these models are good forecasting benchmarks. Further work is needed to assess if predictive capacity can be improved beyond that of these historical baselines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Holcomb
- Global Systems LaboratoryNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationBoulderCOUSA
- Now at Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - J. Erin Staples
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Randall J. Nett
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Charles B. Beard
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Lyle R. Petersen
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Stanley G. Benjamin
- Global Systems LaboratoryNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationBoulderCOUSA
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental SciencesUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderCOUSA
| | - Benjamin W. Green
- Global Systems LaboratoryNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationBoulderCOUSA
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental SciencesUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderCOUSA
| | - Hunter Jones
- Climate Prediction OfficeNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationSilver SpringMDUSA
| | - Michael A. Johansson
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionSan JuanPRUSA
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36
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Gamble A, Olarte-Castillo XA, Whittaker GR. Backyard zoonoses: The roles of companion animals and peri-domestic wildlife. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadj0037. [PMID: 37851821 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The spillover of human infectious diseases from animal reservoirs is now well appreciated. However, societal and climate-related changes are affecting the dynamics of such interfaces. In addition to the disruption of traditional wildlife habitats, in part because of climate change and human demographics and behavior, there is an increasing zoonotic disease risk from companion animals. This includes such factors as the awareness of animals kept as domestic pets and increasing populations of free-ranging animals in peri-domestic environments. This review presents background and commentary focusing on companion and peri-domestic animals as disease risk for humans, taking into account the human-animal interface and population dynamics between the animals themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Gamble
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ximena A Olarte-Castillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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37
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Williams RAJ, Sánchez-Llatas CJ, Doménech A, Madrid R, Fandiño S, Cea-Callejo P, Gomez-Lucia E, Benítez L. Emerging and Novel Viruses in Passerine Birds. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2355. [PMID: 37764199 PMCID: PMC10536639 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in emerging viruses that can cause serious or lethal disease in humans and animals. The proliferation of cloacal virome studies, mainly focused on poultry and other domestic birds, reveals a wide variety of viruses, although their pathogenic significance is currently uncertain. Analysis of viruses detected in wild birds is complex and often biased towards waterfowl because of the obvious interest in avian influenza or other zoonotic viruses. Less is known about the viruses present in the order Passeriformes, which comprises approximately 60% of extant bird species. This review aims to compile the most significant contributions on the DNA/RNA viruses affecting passerines, from traditional and metagenomic studies. It highlights that most passerine species have never been sampled. Especially the RNA viruses from Flaviviridae, Orthomyxoviridae and Togaviridae are considered emerging because of increased incidence or avian mortality/morbidity, spread to new geographical areas or hosts and their zoonotic risk. Arguably poxvirus, and perhaps other virus groups, could also be considered "emerging viruses". However, many of these viruses have only recently been described in passerines using metagenomics and their role in the ecosystem is unknown. Finally, it is noteworthy that only one third of the viruses affecting passerines have been officially recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. J. Williams
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
| | - Christian J. Sánchez-Llatas
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
| | - Ana Doménech
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
- Deparment of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Madrid
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
| | - Sergio Fandiño
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
- Deparment of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Cea-Callejo
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
| | - Esperanza Gomez-Lucia
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
- Deparment of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Benítez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
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McMillan JR, Hamer GL, Levine RS, Mead DG, Waller LA, Goldberg TL, Walker ED, Brawn JD, Ruiz MO, Kitron U, Vazquez-Prokopec G. Multi-Year Comparison of Community- and Species-Level West Nile Virus Antibody Prevalence in Birds from Atlanta, Georgia and Chicago, Illinois, 2005-2016. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:366-376. [PMID: 36572005 PMCID: PMC9896344 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is prevalent in the United States but shows considerable variation in transmission intensity. The purpose of this study was to compare patterns of WNV seroprevalence in avian communities sampled in Atlanta, Georgia and Chicago, Illinois during a 12-year period (Atlanta 2010-2016; Chicago 2005-2012) to reveal regional patterns of zoonotic activity of WNV. WNV antibodies were measured in wild bird sera using ELISA and serum neutralization methods, and seroprevalence among species, year, and location of sampling within each city were compared using binomial-distributed generalized linear mixed-effects models. Seroprevalence was highest in year-round and summer-resident species compared with migrants regardless of region; species explained more variance in seroprevalence within each city. Northern cardinals were the species most likely to test positive for WNV in each city, whereas all other species, on average, tested positive for WNV in proportion to their sample size. Despite similar patterns of seroprevalence among species, overall seroprevalence was higher in Atlanta (13.7%) than in Chicago (5%). Location and year of sampling had minor effects, with location explaining more variation in Atlanta and year explaining more variation in Chicago. Our findings highlight the nature and magnitude of regional differences in WNV urban ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. McMillan
- Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Rebecca S. Levine
- Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Daniel G. Mead
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Lance A. Waller
- Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia;,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tony L. Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Edward D. Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Jeffrey D. Brawn
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Champaign–Urbana, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Marilyn O. Ruiz
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Champaign–Urbana, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Uriel Kitron
- Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia;,Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec
- Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia;,Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia,Address correspondence to Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, 400 Dowman Dr., Math and Science Center, 5th Floor, Suite E530, Atlanta, GA 30322. E-mail:
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39
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Holcomb KM, Mathis S, Staples JE, Fischer M, Barker CM, Beard CB, Nett RJ, Keyel AC, Marcantonio M, Childs ML, Gorris ME, Rochlin I, Hamins-Puértolas M, Ray EL, Uelmen JA, DeFelice N, Freedman AS, Hollingsworth BD, Das P, Osthus D, Humphreys JM, Nova N, Mordecai EA, Cohnstaedt LW, Kirk D, Kramer LD, Harris MJ, Kain MP, Reed EMX, Johansson MA. Evaluation of an open forecasting challenge to assess skill of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease prediction. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:11. [PMID: 36635782 PMCID: PMC9834680 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05630-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental USA. WNV occurrence has high spatiotemporal variation, and current approaches to targeted control of the virus are limited, making forecasting a public health priority. However, little research has been done to compare strengths and weaknesses of WNV disease forecasting approaches on the national scale. We used forecasts submitted to the 2020 WNV Forecasting Challenge, an open challenge organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to assess the status of WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) prediction and identify avenues for improvement. METHODS We performed a multi-model comparative assessment of probabilistic forecasts submitted by 15 teams for annual WNND cases in US counties for 2020 and assessed forecast accuracy, calibration, and discriminatory power. In the evaluation, we included forecasts produced by comparison models of varying complexity as benchmarks of forecast performance. We also used regression analysis to identify modeling approaches and contextual factors that were associated with forecast skill. RESULTS Simple models based on historical WNND cases generally scored better than more complex models and combined higher discriminatory power with better calibration of uncertainty. Forecast skill improved across updated forecast submissions submitted during the 2020 season. Among models using additional data, inclusion of climate or human demographic data was associated with higher skill, while inclusion of mosquito or land use data was associated with lower skill. We also identified population size, extreme minimum winter temperature, and interannual variation in WNND cases as county-level characteristics associated with variation in forecast skill. CONCLUSIONS Historical WNND cases were strong predictors of future cases with minimal increase in skill achieved by models that included other factors. Although opportunities might exist to specifically improve predictions for areas with large populations and low or high winter temperatures, areas with high case-count variability are intrinsically more difficult to predict. Also, the prediction of outbreaks, which are outliers relative to typical case numbers, remains difficult. Further improvements to prediction could be obtained with improved calibration of forecast uncertainty and access to real-time data streams (e.g. current weather and preliminary human cases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Holcomb
- Global Systems Laboratory, National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, Boulder, CO USA
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Sarabeth Mathis
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - J. Erin Staples
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Marc Fischer
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Christopher M. Barker
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Charles B. Beard
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Randall J. Nett
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Alexander C. Keyel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY USA
- Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY USA
| | - Matteo Marcantonio
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA USA
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Earth & Life Institute-UCLouvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marissa L. Childs
- Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Morgan E. Gorris
- Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
| | - Ilia Rochlin
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ USA
| | | | - Evan L. Ray
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA USA
| | - Johnny A. Uelmen
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA
| | - Nicholas DeFelice
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
- Department of Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Andrew S. Freedman
- Biomathematics Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | | | - Praachi Das
- Biomathematics Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Dave Osthus
- Statistical Sciences Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
| | - John M. Humphreys
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Sidney, MT USA
| | - Nicole Nova
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | | | - Lee W. Cohnstaedt
- National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS USA
| | - Devin Kirk
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Laura D. Kramer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY USA
| | | | - Morgan P. Kain
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Emily M. X. Reed
- Invasive Species Working Group, Global Change Center, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, NC USA
| | - Michael A. Johansson
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, PR USA
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40
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Hoffman T, Olsen B, Lundkvist Å. The Biological and Ecological Features of Northbound Migratory Birds, Ticks, and Tick-Borne Microorganisms in the African-Western Palearctic. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010158. [PMID: 36677450 PMCID: PMC9866947 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the species that act as hosts, vectors, and vehicles of vector-borne pathogens is vital for revealing the transmission cycles, dispersal mechanisms, and establishment of vector-borne pathogens in nature. Ticks are common vectors for pathogens causing human and animal diseases, and they transmit a greater variety of pathogenic agents than any other arthropod vector group. Ticks depend on the movements by their vertebrate hosts for their dispersal, and tick species with long feeding periods are more likely to be transported over long distances. Wild birds are commonly parasitized by ticks, and their migration patterns enable the long-distance range expansion of ticks. The African-Palearctic migration system is one of the world's largest migrations systems. African-Western Palearctic birds create natural links between the African, European, and Asian continents when they migrate biannually between breeding grounds in the Palearctic and wintering grounds in Africa and thereby connect different biomes. Climate is an important geographical determinant of ticks, and with global warming, the distribution range and abundance of ticks in the Western Palearctic may increase. The introduction of exotic ticks and their microorganisms into the Western Palearctic via avian vehicles might therefore pose a greater risk for the public and animal health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Hoffman
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Olsen
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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Cardozo F, Bernal C, Rojas A, Diaz A, Spinsanti L, Páez M, Guillén Y, Lesterhuis A, Yanosky A, Contigiani M, Mendoza L. Detection of neutralizing antibodies against flaviviruses in free-ranging birds, Paraguay (2016-2018). Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:61-63. [PMID: 35927790 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Ilheus virus (ILHV) are flaviviruses maintained by enzootic transmission networks between mosquitoes and birds. They have been detected in South America, with no records for Paraguay. We detected the presence of neutralizing antibodies for SLEV, WNV and ILHV in free-ranging birds collected in Paraguay (2016-2018). Four positive samples were detected in resident birds: one SLEV (rufous-bellied thrush), one WNV (barred antshrike) and two ILHV (white-tipped dove and shiny cowbird). These results bring new information about enzootic activity of flaviviruses in Paraguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Cardozo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Cynthia Bernal
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Alejandra Rojas
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Adrián Diaz
- Instituto de Virología, "Dr J.M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lorena Spinsanti
- Instituto de Virología, "Dr J.M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Malvina Páez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Yvalena Guillén
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | | | - Alberto Yanosky
- Estructura Interdisciplinaria de Investigación Integral Socio-Ambiental, Universidad Autónoma de Encarnación, Encarnación, Paraguay
| | - Marta Contigiani
- Instituto de Virología, "Dr J.M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura Mendoza
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
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42
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Keyel AC, Kilpatrick AM. Better null models for assessing predictive accuracy of disease models. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285215. [PMID: 37146010 PMCID: PMC10162537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Null models provide a critical baseline for the evaluation of predictive disease models. Many studies consider only the grand mean null model (i.e. R2) when evaluating the predictive ability of a model, which is insufficient to convey the predictive power of a model. We evaluated ten null models for human cases of West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne disease introduced to the United States in 1999. The Negative Binomial, Historical (i.e. using previous cases to predict future cases) and Always Absent null models were the strongest overall, and the majority of null models significantly outperformed the grand mean. The length of the training timeseries increased the performance of most null models in US counties where WNV cases were frequent, but improvements were similar for most null models, so relative scores remained unchanged. We argue that a combination of null models is needed to evaluate the forecasting performance of predictive models for infectious diseases and the grand mean is the lowest bar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Keyel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States of America
- Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - A Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
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Piche-Ovares M, Romero-Vega M, Vargas-González D, Murillo DFB, Soto-Garita C, Francisco-Llamas J, Alfaro-Alarcón A, Jiménez C, Corrales-Aguilar E. Serosurvey in Two Dengue Hyperendemic Areas of Costa Rica Evidence Active Circulation of WNV and SLEV in Peri-Domestic and Domestic Animals and in Humans. Pathogens 2022; 12:7. [PMID: 36678356 PMCID: PMC9863573 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Costa Rica harbors several flaviviruses, including Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). While DENV and ZIKV are hyperendemic, previous research indicates restricted circulation of SLEV and WNV in animals. SLEV and WNV seroprevalence and high transmission areas have not yet been measured. To determine the extents of putative WNV and SLEV circulation, we sampled peri-domestic and domestic animals, humans, and mosquitoes in rural households located in two DENV and ZIKV hyperendemic regions during the rainy and dry seasons of 2017-2018 and conducted plaque reduction neutralization test assay for serology (PRNT) and RT-PCR for virus detection. In Cuajiniquil, serological evidence of WNV and SLEV was found in equines, humans, chickens, and wild birds. Additionally, five seroconversion events were recorded for WNV (2 equines), SLEV (1 human), and DENV-1 (2 humans). In Talamanca, WNV was not found, but serological evidence of SLEV circulation was recorded in equines, humans, and wild birds. Even though no active viral infection was detected, the seroconversion events recorded here indicate recent circulation of SLEV and WNV in these two regions. This study thus provides clear-cut evidence for WNV and SLEV presence in these areas, and therefore, they should be considered in arboviruses differential diagnostics and future infection prevention campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Piche-Ovares
- Virology-CIET (Research Center for Tropical Diseases), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- PIET (Tropical Disease Research Program), Department of Virology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Mario Romero-Vega
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Vectores-CIET (Research Center for Tropical Disease), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Diana Vargas-González
- PIET (Tropical Disease Research Program), Department of Virology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | | | - Claudio Soto-Garita
- Virology-CIET (Research Center for Tropical Diseases), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | | | - Alejandro Alfaro-Alarcón
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos Jiménez
- PIET (Tropical Disease Research Program), Department of Virology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Eugenia Corrales-Aguilar
- Virology-CIET (Research Center for Tropical Diseases), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
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Hameed M, Geerling E, Pinto AK, Miraj I, Weger-Lucarelli J. Immune response to arbovirus infection in obesity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:968582. [PMID: 36466818 PMCID: PMC9716109 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.968582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global health problem that affects 650 million people worldwide and leads to diverse changes in host immunity. Individuals with obesity experience an increase in the size and the number of adipocytes, which function as an endocrine organ and release various adipocytokines such as leptin and adiponectin that exert wide ranging effects on other cells. In individuals with obesity, macrophages account for up to 40% of adipose tissue (AT) cells, three times more than in adipose tissue (10%) of healthy weight individuals and secrete several cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, chemokine C-C ligand (CCL)-2, IL-6, CCL5, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, leading to the development of inflammation. Overall, obesity-derived cytokines strongly affect immune responses and make patients with obesity more prone to severe symptoms than patients with a healthy weight. Several epidemiological studies reported a strong association between obesity and severe arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) infections such as dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Sindbis virus (SINV). Recently, experimental investigations found that DENV, WNV, CHIKV and Mayaro virus (MAYV) infections cause worsened disease outcomes in infected diet induced obese (DIO) mice groups compared to infected healthy-weight animals. The mechanisms leading to higher susceptibility to severe infections in individuals with obesity remain unknown, though a better understanding of the causes will help scientists and clinicians develop host directed therapies to treat severe disease. In this review article, we summarize the effects of obesity on the host immune response in the context of arboviral infections. We have outlined that obesity makes the host more susceptible to infectious agents, likely by disrupting the functions of innate and adaptive immune cells. We have also discussed the immune response of DIO mouse models against some important arboviruses such as CHIKV, MAYV, DENV, and WNV. We can speculate that obesity-induced disruption of innate and adaptive immune cell function in arboviral infections ultimately affects the course of arboviral disease. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the cellular and molecular aspects of immunity that are compromised in obesity during arboviral infections or vaccination, which will be helpful in developing specific therapeutic/prophylactic interventions to prevent immunopathology and disease progression in individuals with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muddassar Hameed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Geerling
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Amelia K. Pinto
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Iqra Miraj
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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45
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Williams CR, Webb CE, Higgs S, van den Hurk AF. Japanese Encephalitis Virus Emergence in Australia: Public Health Importance and Implications for Future Surveillance. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:529-534. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Craig R. Williams
- UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Cameron E. Webb
- Medical Entomology, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Higgs
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Andrew F. van den Hurk
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
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46
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Beissinger SR, Peterson SM, Hall LA, Van Schmidt N, Tecklin J, Risk BB, Richmond OM, Kovach TJ, Kilpatrick AM. Stability of patch-turnover relationships under equilibrium and nonequilibrium metapopulation dynamics driven by biogeography. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:2372-2383. [PMID: 36209497 PMCID: PMC9828715 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Two controversial tenets of metapopulation biology are whether patch quality and the surrounding matrix are more important to turnover (colonisation and extinction) than biogeography (patch area and isolation) and whether factors governing turnover during equilibrium also dominate nonequilibrium dynamics. We tested both tenets using 18 years of surveys for two secretive wetland birds, black and Virginia rails, during (1) a period of equilibrium with stable occupancy and (2) after drought and arrival of West Nile Virus (WNV), which resulted in WNV infections in rails, increased extinction and decreased colonisation probabilities modified by WNV, nonequilibrium dynamics for both species and occupancy decline for black rails. Area (primarily) and isolation (secondarily) drove turnover during both stable and unstable metapopulation dynamics, greatly exceeding the effects of patch quality and matrix conditions. Moreover, slopes between turnover and patch characteristics changed little between equilibrium and nonequilibrium, confirming the overriding influences of biogeographic factors on turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R. Beissinger
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & ManagementUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA,Museum of Vertebrate ZoologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sean M. Peterson
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & ManagementUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA,Department of Environmental BiologyState University of New York College of Environmental Science and ForestryNew YorkUSA
| | - Laurie A. Hall
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & ManagementUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA,Museum of Vertebrate ZoologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA,U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Francisco Bay Estuary Field StationCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nathan Van Schmidt
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & ManagementUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA,US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science CenterFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Jerry Tecklin
- Sierra Foothills Research and Extension CenterBrowns ValleyCaliforniaUSA,21170 Shields Camp RoadNevada CityCaliforniaUSA
| | - Benjamin B. Risk
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & ManagementUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA,Department of Biostatistics and BioinformaticsEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Orien M. Richmond
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & ManagementUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA,Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife RefugeCommerce CityColoradoUSA
| | - Tony J. Kovach
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCaliforniaUSA,California Department of Public Health/Vector Borne Disease SectionCaliforniaUSA
| | - A. Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCaliforniaUSA
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47
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Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus with a global distribution that is maintained in an enzootic cycle between Culex species mosquitoes and avian hosts. Human infection, which occurs as a result of spillover from this cycle, is generally subclinical or results in a self-limiting febrile illness. Central nervous system infection occurs in a minority of infections and can lead to long-term neurological complications and, rarely, death. WNV is the most prevalent arthropod-borne virus in the United States. Climate change can influence several aspects of WNV transmission including the vector, amplifying host, and virus. Climate change is broadly predicted to increase WNV distribution and risk across the globe, yet there will likely be significant regional variability and limitations to this effect. Increases in temperature can accelerate mosquito and pathogen development, drive increases in vector competence for WNV, and also alter mosquito life history traits including longevity, blood feeding behavior and fecundity. Precipitation, humidity and drought also impact WNV transmissibility. Alteration in avian distribution, diversity and phenology resulting from climate variation add additional complexity to these relationships. Here, we review WNV epidemiology, transmission, disease and genetics in the context of laboratory studies, field investigations, and infectious disease models under climate change. We summarize how mosquito genetics, microbial interactions, host dynamics, viral strain, population size, land use and climate account for distinct relationships that drive WNV activity and discuss how these dynamic and evolving interactions could shape WNV transmission and disease under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Fay
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Alexander C Keyel
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States; Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Alexander T Ciota
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, United States.
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48
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Abstract
Purpose of Review West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitos of the genus Culex. Manifestations of WNV infection range from asymptomatic to devastating neuroinvasive disease leading to flaccid paralysis and death. This review examines WNV epidemiology and ecology, with an emphasis on travel-associated infection. Recent Findings WNV is widespread, including North America and Europe, where its range has expanded in the past decade. Rising temperatures in temperate regions are predicted to lead to an increased abundance of Culex mosquitoes and an increase in their ability to transmit WNV. Although the epidemiologic patterns of WNV appear variable, its geographic distribution most certainly will continue to increase. Travelers are at risk for WNV infection and its complications. Literature review identified 39 cases of documented travel-related WNV disease, the majority of which resulted in adverse outcomes, such as neuroinvasive disease, prolonged recovery period, or death. Summary The prediction of WNV risk is challenging due to the complex interactions of vector, pathogen, host, and environment. Travelers planning to visit endemic areas should be advised regarding WNV risk and mosquito bite prevention. Evaluation of ill travelers with compatible symptoms should consider the diagnosis of WNV for those visiting in endemic areas as well as for those returning from destinations with known WNV circulation.
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49
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Wimberly MC, Davis JK, Hildreth MB, Clayton JL. Integrated Forecasts Based on Public Health Surveillance and Meteorological Data Predict West Nile Virus in a High-Risk Region of North America. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:87006. [PMID: 35972761 PMCID: PMC9380861 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV), a global arbovirus, is the most prevalent mosquito-transmitted infection in the United States. Forecasts of WNV risk during the upcoming transmission season could provide the basis for targeted mosquito control and disease prevention efforts. We developed the Arbovirus Mapping and Prediction (ArboMAP) WNV forecasting system and used it in South Dakota from 2016 to 2019. This study reports a post hoc forecast validation and model comparison. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to validate historical predictions of WNV cases with independent data that were not used for model calibration. We tested the hypothesis that predictive models based on mosquito surveillance data combined with meteorological variables were more accurate than models based on mosquito or meteorological data alone. METHODS The ArboMAP system incorporated models that predicted the weekly probability of observing one or more human WNV cases in each county. We compared alternative models with different predictors including a) a baseline model based only on historical WNV cases, b) mosquito models based on seasonal patterns of infection rates, c) environmental models based on lagged meteorological variables, including temperature and vapor pressure deficit, d) combined models with mosquito infection rates and lagged meteorological variables, and e) ensembles of two or more combined models. During the WNV season, models were calibrated using data from previous years and weekly predictions were made using data from the current year. Forecasts were compared with observed cases to calculate the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and other metrics of spatial and temporal prediction error. RESULTS Mosquito and environmental models outperformed the baseline model that included county-level averages and seasonal trends of WNV cases. Combined models were more accurate than models based only on meteorological or mosquito infection variables. The most accurate model was a simple ensemble mean of the two best combined models. Forecast accuracy increased rapidly from early June through early July and was stable thereafter, with a maximum AUC of 0.85. The model predictions captured the seasonal pattern of WNV as well as year-to-year variation in case numbers and the geographic pattern of cases. DISCUSSION The predictions reached maximum accuracy early enough in the WNV season to allow public health responses before the peak of human cases in August. This early warning is necessary because other indicators of WNV risk, including early reports of human cases and mosquito abundance, are poor predictors of case numbers later in the season. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10287.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Wimberly
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Justin K. Davis
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Michael B. Hildreth
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
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50
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Yin S, Xu Y, Xu M, de Jong MCM, Huisman MRS, Contina A, Prins HHT, Huang ZYX, de Boer WF. Habitat loss exacerbates pathogen spread: An Agent-based model of avian influenza infection in migratory waterfowl. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009577. [PMID: 35981006 PMCID: PMC9426877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat availability determines the distribution of migratory waterfowl along their flyway, which further influences the transmission and spatial spread of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The extensive habitat loss in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) may have potentially altered the virus spread and transmission, but those consequences are rarely studied. We constructed 6 fall migration networks that differed in their level of habitat loss, wherein an increase in habitat loss resulted in smaller networks with fewer sites and links. We integrated an agent-based model and a susceptible-infected-recovered model to simulate waterfowl migration and AIV transmission. We found that extensive habitat loss in the EAAF can 1) relocate the outbreaks northwards, responding to the distribution changes of wintering waterfowl geese, 2) increase the outbreak risk in remaining sites due to larger goose congregations, and 3) facilitate AIV transmission in the migratory population. In addition, our modeling output was in line with the predictions from the concept of "migratory escape", i.e., the migration allows the geese to "escape" from the location where infection risk is high, affecting the pattern of infection prevalence in the waterfowl population. Our modeling shed light on the potential consequences of habitat loss in spreading and transmitting AIV at the flyway scale and suggested the driving mechanisms behind these effects, indicating the importance of conservation in changing spatial and temporal patterns of AIV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglai Yin
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yanjie Xu
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- The Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mingshuai Xu
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mart C. M. de Jong
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mees R. S. Huisman
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Contina
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Herbert H. T. Prins
- Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Willem F. de Boer
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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