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Nurmukanova V, Matsvay A, Gordukova M, Shipulin G. Square the Circle: Diversity of Viral Pathogens Causing Neuro-Infectious Diseases. Viruses 2024; 16:787. [PMID: 38793668 PMCID: PMC11126052 DOI: 10.3390/v16050787] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinfections rank among the top ten leading causes of child mortality globally, even in high-income countries. The crucial determinants for successful treatment lie in the timing and swiftness of diagnosis. Although viruses constitute the majority of infectious neuropathologies, diagnosing and treating viral neuroinfections remains challenging. Despite technological advancements, the etiology of the disease remains undetermined in over half of cases. The identification of the pathogen becomes more difficult when the infection is caused by atypical pathogens or multiple pathogens simultaneously. Furthermore, the modern surge in global passenger traffic has led to an increase in cases of infections caused by pathogens not endemic to local areas. This review aims to systematize and summarize information on neuroinvasive viral pathogens, encompassing their geographic distribution and transmission routes. Emphasis is placed on rare pathogens and cases involving atypical pathogens, aiming to offer a comprehensive and structured catalog of viral agents with neurovirulence potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Nurmukanova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alina Matsvay
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Gordukova
- G. Speransky Children’s Hospital No. 9, 123317 Moscow, Russia
| | - German Shipulin
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
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Bost C, Castro-Scholten S, Sadeghi B, Cano-Terriza D, Frías M, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Groschup MH, García-Bocanegra I, Fischer K. Approaching the complexity of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus serology: A study in swine. J Virol Methods 2024; 326:114915. [PMID: 38479590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114915] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne zoonotic orthonairovirus of public health concern and widespread geographic distribution. Several animal species are known to seroconvert after infection with CCHFV without showing clinical symptoms. The commercial availability of a multi-species ELISA has led to an increase in recent serosurveillance studies as well as in the range of species reported to be exposed to CCHFV in the field, including wild boar (Sus scrofa). However, development and validation of confirmatory serological tests for swine based on different CCHFV antigens or test principles are hampered by the lack of defined control sera from infected and non-infected animals. For the detection of anti-CCHFV antibodies in swine, we established a swine-specific in-house ELISA using a panel of swine sera from CCHFV-free regions and regions with reported CCHFV circulation. We initially screened more than 700 serum samples from wild boar and domestic pigs and observed a correlation of ≃67% between the commercial and the in-house test. From these sera, we selected a panel of 60 samples that were further analyzed in a newly established indirect immunofluorescence assay (iIFA) and virus neutralization test. ELISA-non-reactive samples tested negative. Interestingly, only a subset of samples reactive in both ELISA and iIFA displayed CCHFV-neutralizing antibodies. The observed partial discrepancy between the tests may be explained by different test sensitivities, antibody cross-reactivities or suggests that the immune response to CCHFV in swine is not necessarily associated with eliciting neutralizing antibodies. Overall, this study highlights that meaningful CCHFV serology in swine, and possibly other species, should involve the performance of multiple tests and careful interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bost
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Greifswald-Insel, Germany
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain
| | - Balal Sadeghi
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Greifswald-Insel, Germany
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Mario Frías
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba 14004, Spain
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Greifswald-Insel, Germany
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Kerstin Fischer
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Greifswald-Insel, Germany.
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Tandavanitj R, Setthapramote C, De Lorenzo G, Sanchez-Velazquez R, Clark JJ, Rocchi M, McInnes C, Kohl A, Patel AH. Virus-like particles of louping ill virus elicit potent neutralizing antibodies targeting multimers of viral envelope protein. Vaccine 2024; 42:2429-2437. [PMID: 38458875 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Louping ill virus (LIV) is a tick-borne flavivirus that predominantly causes disease in livestock, especially sheep in the British Isles. A preventive vaccine, previously approved for veterinary use but now discontinued, was based on an inactivated whole virion that likely provided protection by induction of neutralizing antibodies recognizing the viral envelope (E) protein. A major disadvantage of the inactivated vaccine was the need for high containment facilities for the propagation of infectious virus, as mandated by the hazard group 3 status of the virus. This study aimed to develop high-efficacy non-infectious protein-based vaccine candidates. Specifically, soluble envelope protein (sE), and virus-like particles (VLPs), comprised of the precursor of membrane and envelope proteins, were generated, characterized, and studied for their immunogenicity in mice. Results showed that the VLPs induced more potent virus neutralizing response compared to sE, even though the total anti-envelope IgG content induced by the two antigens was similar. Depletion of anti-monomeric E protein antibodies from mouse immune sera suggested that the neutralizing antibodies elicited by the VLPs targeted epitopes spanning the highly organized structure of multimer of the E protein, whereas the antibody response induced by sE focused on E monomers. Thus, our results indicate that VLPs represent a promising LIV vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rapeepat Tandavanitj
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom; Biologicals Research Group, Research and Development Institute, The Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Chayanee Setthapramote
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Giuditta De Lorenzo
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jordan J Clark
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Colin McInnes
- Moredun Research Institute, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom; Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind H Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Lee EE, Mejia M, Matthews LA, Lee F, Shah KM, Schoggins JW, Vandergriff TW, Yancey KB, Thomas C, Wang RC. West Nile virus encephalitis presenting with a vesicular dermatitis. JAAD Case Rep 2024; 45:117-122. [PMID: 38464779 PMCID: PMC10920127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eunice E. Lee
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Maria Mejia
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Francesca Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kishan M. Shah
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - John W. Schoggins
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Travis W. Vandergriff
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kim B. Yancey
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Cristina Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Richard C. Wang
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Wu Y, Zhou Q, Mao M, Chen H, Qi R. Diversity of species and geographic distribution of tick-borne viruses in China. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1309698. [PMID: 38476950 PMCID: PMC10929907 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1309698] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tick-borne pathogens especially viruses are continuously appearing worldwide, which have caused severe public health threats. Understanding the species, distribution and epidemiological trends of tick-borne viruses (TBVs) is essential for disease surveillance and control. Methods In this study, the data on TBVs and the distribution of ticks in China were collected from databases and literature. The geographic distribution of TBVs in China was mapped based on geographic locations of viruses where they were prevalent or they were detected in vector ticks. TBVs sequences were collected from The National Center for Biotechnology Information and used to structure the phylogenetic tree. Results Eighteen TBVs from eight genera of five families were prevalent in China. Five genera of ticks played an important role in the transmission of TBVs in China. According to phylogenetic analysis, some new viral genotypes, such as the Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) strain detected in Liaoning Province and the JMTV strain detected in Heilongjiang Province existed in China. Discussion TBVs were widely distributed but the specific ranges of viruses from different families still varied in China. Seven TBVs belonging to the genus Orthonairovirus of the family Nairoviridae such as Nairobi sheep disease virus (NSDV) clustered in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and northeastern areas of China. All viruses of the family Phenuiviridae except Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) were novel viruses that appeared in the last few years, such as Guertu virus (GTV) and Tacheng tick virus 2 (TcTV-2). They were mainly distributed in the central plains of China. Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) was distributed in at least fourteen provinces and had been detected in more than ten species of tick such as Rhipicephalus microplus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, which had the widest distribution and the largest number of vector ticks among all TBVs. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and Lymphatic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) were two potential TBVs in Northeast China that could cause serious diseases in humans or animals. Ixodes persulcatus carried the highest number of TBVs, followed by Dermacentor nuttalli and H. longicornis. They could carry as many as ten TBVs. Three strains of Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) from Inner Mongolia Province clustered with ones from Russia, Japan and Heilongjiang Province, respectively. Several SFTSV strains from Zhejiang Province clustered with strains from Korea and Japan. Specific surveillance of dominant TBVs should be established in different areas in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rui Qi
- Institute of Microbiome Frontiers and One Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Valente D, Carolino N, Gomes J, Coelho AC, Espadinha P, Pais J, Carolino I. A study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases of cattle among breeders of two bovine Portuguese autochthonous breeds. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 48:100989. [PMID: 38316511 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Beef cattle production in Portugal is an important sector of national agricultural production, with half of the herd being in the Alentejo region. Despite this, animal health is essential for its productivity, which may be compromised by ticks and tick-borne diseases. So far, no study has been conducted in Portugal to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle, which the authors are aware of. This type of questionnaire is a very useful tool in the development and application of effective and sustainable prevention and control measures. Therefore, a KAP questionnaire was applied to 44 cattle breeders of autochthonous Portuguese breeds, namely 14 breeders of the Alentejana breed and 30 of the Mertolenga breed, between January 1 and May 9, 2023. Based on the analysis criteria of these surveys, 64% of the Alentejana breeders and 63% of the Mertolenga breeders have an average level of knowledge about ticks and tick-borne diseases, and 21% of the Alentejana breeders and 33% of the Mertolenga breeders have a high level of knowledge. Although only 21.4% of the Alentejana and 36.7% of the Mertolenga breeders consider tick infestation as a major animal health problem, 71.4% of the Alentejana and 63.3% of breeders of the Mertolenga state that one of the main reasons for veterinary consultations on their farm is deworming of animals, and 92.9% of breeders of the Alentejana and 96.7% of breeders of the Mertolenga refer the use of dewormers as a strategy to control tick infestation. The results of this study contribute to highlighting the importance of correcting some identified knowledge gaps and improving knowledge, especially on the life cycle of this parasite, its local distribution and seasonality, resistance to acaricides, and alternative control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valente
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real 5000-801, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Carolino
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Santarém 2005-424, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre, Elvas 7350-092, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real 5000-801, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal
| | - Pedro Espadinha
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Alentejana, Monforte Herdade da Coutada Real - Assumar, Assumar 7450-051, Portugal
| | - José Pais
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos, Évora 7006-806, Portugal
| | - Inês Carolino
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Santarém 2005-424, Portugal; Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1349-017, Portugal
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Xu ZS, Du WT, Wang SY, Wang MY, Yang YN, Li YH, Li ZQ, Zhao LX, Yang Y, Luo WW, Wang YY. LDLR is an entry receptor for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Cell Res 2024; 34:140-150. [PMID: 38182887 PMCID: PMC10837205 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00917-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the most widespread tick-born zoonotic bunyavirus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever and death in humans. CCHFV enters the cell via clathrin-mediated endocytosis which is dependent on its surface glycoproteins. However, the cellular receptors that are required for CCHFV entry are unknown. Here we show that the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is an entry receptor for CCHFV. Genetic knockout of LDLR impairs viral infection in various CCHFV-susceptible human, monkey and mouse cells, which is restored upon reconstitution with ectopically-expressed LDLR. Mutagenesis studies indicate that the ligand binding domain (LBD) of LDLR is necessary for CCHFV infection. LDLR binds directly to CCHFV glycoprotein Gc with high affinity, which supports virus attachment and internalization into host cells. Consistently, a soluble sLDLR-Fc fusion protein or anti-LDLR blocking antibodies impair CCHFV infection into various susceptible cells. Furthermore, genetic knockout of LDLR or administration of an LDLR blocking antibody significantly reduces viral loads, pathological effects and death following CCHFV infection in mice. Our findings suggest that LDLR is an entry receptor for CCHFV and pharmacological targeting of LDLR may provide a strategy to prevent and treat Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Sheng Xu
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Tian Du
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Yun Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mo-Yu Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Ning Yang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Hui Li
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Qi Li
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Xin Zhao
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Wei Luo
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Yi Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Albinsson B, Hoffman T, Kolstad L, Bergström T, Bogdanovic G, Heydecke A, Hägg M, Kjerstadius T, Lindroth Y, Petersson A, Stenberg M, Vene S, Ellström P, Rönnberg B, Lundkvist Å. Seroprevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus and vaccination coverage of tick-borne encephalitis, Sweden, 2018 to 2019. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300221. [PMID: 38214080 PMCID: PMC10785208 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.2.2300221] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIn Sweden, information on seroprevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in the population, including vaccination coverage and infection, is scattered. This is largely due to the absence of a national tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination registry, scarcity of previous serological studies and use of serological methods not distinguishing between antibodies induced by vaccination and infection. Furthermore, the number of notified TBE cases in Sweden has continued to increase in recent years despite increased vaccination.AimThe aim was to estimate the TBEV seroprevalence in Sweden.MethodsIn 2018 and 2019, 2,700 serum samples from blood donors in nine Swedish regions were analysed using a serological method that can distinguish antibodies induced by vaccination from antibodies elicited by infection. The regions were chosen to reflect differences in notified TBE incidence.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence varied from 9.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.6-13.6%) to 64.0% (95% CI: 58.3-69.4%) between regions. The proportion of vaccinated individuals ranged from 8.7% (95% CI: 5.8-12.6) to 57.0% (95% CI: 51.2-62.6) and of infected from 1.0% (95% CI: 0.2-3.0) to 7.0% (95% CI: 4.5-10.7). Thus, more than 160,000 and 1,600,000 individuals could have been infected by TBEV and vaccinated against TBE, respectively. The mean manifestation index was 3.1%.ConclusionA difference was observed between low- and high-incidence TBE regions, on the overall TBEV seroprevalence and when separated into vaccinated and infected individuals. The estimated incidence and manifestation index argue that a large proportion of TBEV infections are not diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Albinsson
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share the first authorship
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tove Hoffman
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share the first authorship
| | - Linda Kolstad
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas Bergström
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gordana Bogdanovic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Heydecke
- Centre for Research and Development, Uppsala University, Region Gävleborg, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Mirja Hägg
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ylva Lindroth
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology, Lund University, Skåne Laboratory Medicine, Lund, Sweden
| | - Annika Petersson
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Växjö Central Hospital, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Marie Stenberg
- Laboratory Medical Center Gotland, Visby hospital, Visby, Sweden
| | - Sirkka Vene
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrik Ellström
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bengt Rönnberg
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Illarionova V, Rogova A, Tuchynskaya K, Volok V, Rogova Y, Baryshnikova V, Turchenko Y, Litov A, Kalyanova A, Siniugina A, Ishmukhametov A, Karganova G. Inapparent Tick-Borne Orthoflavivirus Infection in Macaca fascicularis: A Model for Antiviral Drug and Vaccine Research. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1754. [PMID: 38140159 PMCID: PMC10747564 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121754] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Powassan virus (POWV) are neurotropic tick-borne orthoflaviviruses. They cause mostly asymptomatic infections in hosts, but severe forms with CNS involvement can occur. Studying the early stages of viral infections in humans is challenging, and appropriate animal models are essential for understanding the factors determining the disease severity and for developing emergency prophylaxis and treatment options. In this work, we assessed the model of the early stages of TBEV and POWV mono- and co-infections in Macaca fascicularis. Serological, biochemical, and virological parameters were investigated to describe the infection, including its impact on animal behavior. Viremia, neutralizing antibody dynamics, and viral load in organs were chosen as the main parameters distinguishing early-stage orthoflavivirus infection. Levels of IFNα, monocyte count, and cognitive test scores were proposed as additional informative indicators. An assessment of a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine using this model showed that it provided partial protection against POWV infection in Macaca fascicularis without signs of antibody-dependent enhancement of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Illarionova
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biology of Arbovirus, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.I.); (A.R.); (K.T.); (V.V.); (Y.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1 bd. 3, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Anastasia Rogova
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biology of Arbovirus, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.I.); (A.R.); (K.T.); (V.V.); (Y.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Ksenia Tuchynskaya
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biology of Arbovirus, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.I.); (A.R.); (K.T.); (V.V.); (Y.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Viktor Volok
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biology of Arbovirus, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.I.); (A.R.); (K.T.); (V.V.); (Y.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
- Research Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine (RISBM), Laboratory of Infectious Immunology, Moscow 117246, Russia
| | - Yulia Rogova
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biology of Arbovirus, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.I.); (A.R.); (K.T.); (V.V.); (Y.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Victoria Baryshnikova
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biochemistry, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.B.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yuriy Turchenko
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biochemistry, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.B.); (Y.T.)
| | - Alexander Litov
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biology of Arbovirus, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.I.); (A.R.); (K.T.); (V.V.); (Y.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia;
| | - Anna Kalyanova
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biology of Arbovirus, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.I.); (A.R.); (K.T.); (V.V.); (Y.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Alexandra Siniugina
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow 108819, Russia;
| | - Aydar Ishmukhametov
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia;
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow 108819, Russia;
| | - Galina Karganova
- FSASI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS” (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Laboratory of Biology of Arbovirus, Moscow 108819, Russia; (V.I.); (A.R.); (K.T.); (V.V.); (Y.R.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia;
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Riccò M, Corrado S, Marchesi F, Bottazzoli M. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Vaccination among Tourists in a High-Prevalence Area (Italy, 2023): A Cross-Sectional Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:491. [PMID: 37999610 PMCID: PMC10674593 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8110491] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) represents a potential health threat for tourists in high-risk areas, including the Dolomite Mountains in northeastern Italy. The present questionnaire-based survey was, therefore, designed in order to assess knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) in a convenience sample of Italian tourists visiting the Dolomite Mountains, who were recruited through online discussion groups. A total of 942 participants (39.2% males, with 60.2% aged under 50) filled in the anonymous survey from 28 March 2023 to 20 June 2023. Overall, 24.1% of participants were vaccinated against TBE; 13.8% claimed to have previously had tick bites, but no cases of TBE were reported. The general understanding of TBE was relatively low; while 79.9% of participants acknowledged TBE as a potentially severe disease, its occurrence was acknowledged as high/rather high or very high in the Dolomites area by only 51.6% of respondents. Factors associated with the TBE vaccine were assessed by the calculation of adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals through a logistic regression analysis model. Living in areas considered at high risk for TBE (aOR 3.010, 95%CI 2.062-4.394), better knowledge on tick-borne disorders (aOR 1.515, 95%CI 1.071-2.142), high risk perception regarding tick-borne infections (aOR 2.566, 95%CI 1.806-3.646), a favorable attitude toward vaccinations (aOR 3.824, 95%CI 1.774-8.224), and a tick bite(s) in a previous season (aOR 5.479, 95%CI 3.582-8.382) were characterized as being positively associated with TBE vaccination uptake. Conversely, being <50 years old (aOR 0.646, 95%CI, 0.458-0.913) and with a higher risk perception regarding the TBE vaccine (aOR 0.541, 95%CI 0.379-0.772) were identified as the main barriers to vaccination. In summary, tourists to the high-risk area of the Dolomites largely underestimate the potential occurrence of TBE. Even though the uptake of the TBE vaccine in this research was in line with European data, public health communication on TBE is required in order to improve acceptance of this effective preventive option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplace/Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Department of Public Health, AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Corrado
- ASST Rhodense, Dipartimento della donna e Area Materno-Infantile, UOC Pediatria, 20024 Garbagnate Milanese, Italy;
| | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Marco Bottazzoli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, APSS Trento, 31223 Trento, Italy;
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11
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Diarra AZ, Kelly P, Davoust B, Parola P. Tick-Borne Diseases of Humans and Animals in West Africa. Pathogens 2023; 12:1276. [PMID: 38003741 PMCID: PMC10675719 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111276] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are a significant group of arthropod vectors that transmit a large variety of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases worldwide. Ticks are the second biggest transmitters of vector-borne diseases, behind mosquitoes. However, in West Africa, there is often only limited knowledge of tick-borne diseases. With the scarcity of appropriate diagnostic services, the prevalence of tick-borne diseases is generally underestimated in humans. In this review, we provide an update on tick-borne pathogens reported in people, animals and ticks in West Africa by microscopic, immunological and molecular methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. The selection criteria included all studies conducted in West Africa reporting the presence of Rickettsia, Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, Coxiella burnetii, Theileria, Babesia, Hepatozoon and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever viruses in humans, animals or ticks. Our intention is to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases amongst human and animal health workers in West Africa, and also physicians working with tourists who have travelled to the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adama Zan Diarra
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
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12
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Kwasnik M, Rola J, Rozek W. Tick-Borne Encephalitis-Review of the Current Status. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6603. [PMID: 37892741 PMCID: PMC10607749 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206603] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the arboviral etiological agent of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), considered to be one of the most important tick-borne viral diseases in Europe and Asia. In recent years, an increase in the incidence of TBE as well as an increasing geographical range of the disease have been noted. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of restrictions that it necessitated, the incidence of TBE is rising in more than half of the European countries analyzed in recent studies. The virus is transmitted between ticks, animals, and humans. It seems that ticks and small mammals play a role in maintaining TBEV in nature. The disease can also affect dogs, horses, cattle, and small ruminants. Humans are incidental hosts, infected through the bite of an infected tick or by the alimentary route, through the consumption of unpasteurized milk or milk products from TBEV-infected animals. TBEV infections in humans may be asymptomatic, but the symptoms can range from mild flu-like to severe neurological. In Europe, cases of TBE are reported every year. While there is currently no effective treatment for TBE, immunization and protection against tick bites are critical in preventing this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Kwasnik
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (J.R.); (W.R.)
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13
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Pustijanac E, Buršić M, Talapko J, Škrlec I, Meštrović T, Lišnjić D. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Prevention. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1634. [PMID: 37512806 PMCID: PMC10383662 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, can cause serious infection of the central nervous system in humans, resulting in potential neurological complications and fatal outcomes. TBEV is primarily transmitted to humans through infected tick bites, and the viral agent circulates between ticks and animals, such as deer and small mammals. The occurrence of the infection aligns with the seasonal activity of ticks. As no specific antiviral therapy exists for TBEV infection, treatment approaches primarily focus on symptomatic relief and support. Active immunization is highly effective, especially for individuals in endemic areas. The burden of TBEV infections is increasing, posing a growing health concern. Reported incidence rates rose from 0.4 to 0.9 cases per 100,000 people between 2015 and 2020. The Baltic and Central European countries have the highest incidence, but TBE is endemic across a wide geographic area. Various factors, including social and environmental aspects, improved medical awareness, and advanced diagnostics, have contributed to the observed increase. Diagnosing TBEV infection can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of the initial symptoms and potential co-infections. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, prevention of complications, and effective control measures. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the molecular structure of TBEV, its transmission and circulation in natural environments, the pathogenesis of TBEV infection, the epidemiology and global distribution of the virus, associated risk factors, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic approaches. By improving understanding of these aspects, we aim to enhance knowledge and promote strategies for timely and accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and the implementation of effective control measures against TBEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Moira Buršić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Jasminka Talapko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ivana Škrlec
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Meštrović
- University Centre Varaždin, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and the Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dubravka Lišnjić
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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14
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Shah T, Li Q, Wang B, Baloch Z, Xia X. Geographical distribution and pathogenesis of ticks and tick-borne viral diseases. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1185829. [PMID: 37293222 PMCID: PMC10244671 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1185829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligatory hematophagous arthropods that harbor and transmit infectious pathogens to humans and animals. Tick species belonging to Amblyomma, Ixodes, Dermacentor, and Hyalomma genera may transmit certain viruses such as Bourbon virus (BRBV), Dhori virus (DHOV), Powassan virus (POWV), Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (OHFV), Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Heartland virus (HRTV), Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), etc. that affect humans and certain wildlife. The tick vectors may become infected through feeding on viraemic hosts before transmitting the pathogen to humans and animals. Therefore, it is vital to understand the eco-epidemiology of tick-borne viruses and their pathogenesis to optimize preventive measures. Thus this review summarizes knowledge on some medically important ticks and tick-borne viruses, including BRBV, POWV, OHFV, CTFV, CCHFV, HRTV, and KFDV. Further, we discuss these viruses' epidemiology, pathogenesis, and disease manifestations during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taif Shah
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Qian Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Binghui Wang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Zulqarnain Baloch
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Xueshan Xia
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
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15
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Wójcik-Fatla A, Krzowska-Firych J, Czajka K, Nozdryn-Płotnicka J, Sroka J. The Consumption of Raw Goat Milk Resulted in TBE in Patients in Poland, 2022 "Case Report". Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050653. [PMID: 37242323 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The alimentary route is the second most important route of tick-borne encephalitis infection. In Poland, the last TBE case due to the consumption of unpasteurized milk or dairy products of infected animals was recorded in 2017 as the fourth documented outbreak of TBEV infection in the country. In this study, two patients infected with TBEV through consumption of unpasteurized goat's milk from one source are described from a cluster of eight cases. In August and September 2022, a 63- and 67-year-old woman were hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the Institute of Rural Health (Lublin, Poland). The patients denied been recently bitten by a tick, and neither had been vaccinated against TBEV. The disease had a biphasic course. In the first case, the patient suffered from a fever, spine pain, and muscle weakness and paresis of the lower left limb. The second patient suffered from fever, vertigo, headaches, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. The results of IgM and IgG antibodies were positive in both cases. After three weeks hospitalization, the patients were discharged in good condition. In one case, slight hearing impairment was observed. Vaccination and avoiding the consumption of unpasteurized milk remain the most effective ways to prevent tick-borne encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Wójcik-Fatla
- Department of Health Biohazards and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Krzowska-Firych
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Czajka
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Jacek Sroka
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
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16
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Rescue and in vitro characterization of a divergent TBEV-Eu strain from the Netherlands. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2872. [PMID: 36807371 PMCID: PMC9938877 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29075-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) may cause tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a potential life-threatening infection of the central nervous system in humans. Phylogenetically, TBEVs can be subdivided into three main subtypes, which differ in endemic region and pathogenic potential. In 2016, TBEV was first detected in the Netherlands. One of two detected strains, referred to as Salland, belonged to the TBEV-Eu subtype, yet diverged ≥ 2% on amino acid level from other members of this subtype. Here, we report the successful rescue of this strain using infectious subgenomic amplicons and its subsequent in vitro characterization by comparison to two well-characterized TBEV-Eu strains; Neudoerfl and Hypr. In the human alveolar epithelial cell line A549, growth kinetics of Salland were comparable to the high pathogenicity TBEV-Eu strain Hypr, and both strains grew considerably faster than the mildly pathogenic strain Neudoerfl. In the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH, Salland replicated faster and to higher infectious titers than both reference strains. All three TBEV strains infected primary human monocyte-derived dendritic cells to a similar extent and interacted with the type I interferon system in a similar manner. The current study serves as the first in vitro characterization of the novel, divergent TBEV-Eu strain Salland.
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17
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Hodosi R, Kazimirova M, Soltys K. What do we know about the microbiome of I. ricinus? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:990889. [PMID: 36467722 PMCID: PMC9709289 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.990889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
I. ricinus is an obligate hematophagous parasitic arthropod that is responsible for the transmission of a wide range of zoonotic pathogens including spirochetes of the genus Borrelia, Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Francisella tularensis, which are part the tick´s microbiome. Most of the studies focus on "pathogens" and only very few elucidate the role of "non-pathogenic" symbiotic microorganisms in I. ricinus. While most of the members of the microbiome are leading an intracellular lifestyle, they are able to complement tick´s nutrition and stress response having a great impact on tick´s survival and transmission of pathogens. The composition of the tick´s microbiome is not consistent and can be tied to the environment, tick species, developmental stage, or specific organ or tissue. Ovarian tissue harbors a stable microbiome consisting mainly but not exclusively of endosymbiotic bacteria, while the microbiome of the digestive system is rather unstable, and together with salivary glands, is mostly comprised of pathogens. The most prevalent endosymbionts found in ticks are Rickettsia spp., Ricketsiella spp., Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts, Spiroplasma spp. and Candidatus Midichloria spp. Since microorganisms can modify ticks' behavior, such as mobility, feeding or saliva production, which results in increased survival rates, we aimed to elucidate the potential, tight relationship, and interaction between bacteria of the I. ricinus microbiome. Here we show that endosymbionts including Coxiella-like spp., can provide I. ricinus with different types of vitamin B (B2, B6, B7, B9) essential for eukaryotic organisms. Furthermore, we hypothesize that survival of Wolbachia spp., or the bacterial pathogen A. phagocytophilum can be supported by the tick itself since coinfection with symbiotic Spiroplasma ixodetis provides I. ricinus with complete metabolic pathway of folate biosynthesis necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division. Manipulation of tick´s endosymbiotic microbiome could present a perspective way of I. ricinus control and regulation of spread of emerging bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hodosi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Maria Kazimirova
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Soltys
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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18
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Kutschera LS, Wolfinger MT. Evolutionary traits of Tick-borne encephalitis virus: Pervasive non-coding RNA structure conservation and molecular epidemiology. Virus Evol 2022; 8:veac051. [PMID: 35822110 PMCID: PMC9272599 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the aetiological agent of tick-borne
encephalitis, an infectious disease of the central nervous system that is often associated
with severe sequelae in humans. While TBEV is typically classified into three subtypes,
recent evidence suggests a more varied range of TBEV subtypes and lineages that differ
substantially in the architecture of their 3ʹ untranslated region (3ʹUTR). Building on
comparative genomic approaches and thermodynamic modelling, we characterize the TBEV UTR
structureome diversity and propose a unified picture of pervasive non-coding RNA structure
conservation. Moreover, we provide an updated phylogeny of TBEV, building on more than 220
publicly available complete genomes, and investigate the molecular epidemiology and
phylodynamics with Nextstrain, a web-based visualization framework for real-time pathogen
evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena S Kutschera
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Michael T Wolfinger
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
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19
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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Tick-Borne Diseases within Professionally Tick-Exposed Persons, Health Care Workers, and General Population in Serbia: A Questionnaire-Based Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020867. [PMID: 35055686 PMCID: PMC8775684 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) among different groups of people in Serbia. Professionally tick-exposed persons (PTEPs), health care workers (HCWs), and the general population (GP) were subjected to an anonymous, voluntary, online questionnaire using Microsoft Forms. A total of 663 questionnaire responses were collected (February–March 2021), while 642 were included in the analysis. The significant difference in knowledge in TBDs existed between GP and PTEPs, and HCWs (p < 0.001). The perception of risk-to-tick exposure and TBDs was generally high (42.4 (95% CI: 33.6–51.2) within GP, 44.9 (95% CI: 35.8–53.9) within PTEPs and 46.2 (95% CI: 38.0–54.5) within HCWs), while fear was low (13.7 (95% CI: 7.9–19.5) within GP, 12.6 (95% CI: 7.3–19.9) within PTEPs, and 13.5 (95% CI: 7.4–19.5) within HCWs). Protective practices differed across groups (F (2639) = 12.920, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.039), with both PTEPs (t = 3.621, Cohen d = 0.332, p < 0.001) and HCWs (t = 4.644, Cohen d = 0.468, p < 0.001) adhering to more protective practices than the GP, without differences between PTEPs and HCWs (t = 1.256, Cohen d = 0.137, p = 0.421). Further education about TBDs in Serbia is required and critical points were identified in this study.
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Gudowska-Sawczuk M, Mroczko B. Selected Biomarkers of Tick-Borne Encephalitis: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910615. [PMID: 34638953 PMCID: PMC8509006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an acute disease caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Due to the viral nature of the condition, there is no effective causal treatment for full-blown disease. Current and nonspecific TBE treatments only relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, the first phase of TBE is characterized by flu-like symptoms, making diagnosis difficult during this period. The second phase is referred to as the neurological phase as it involves structures in the central nervous system-most commonly the meninges and, in more severe cases, the brain and the spinal cord. Therefore, it is important that early markers of TBE that will guide clinical decision-making and the choice of treatment are established. In this review, we performed an extensive search of literature reports relevant to biomarkers associated with TBE using the MEDLINE/PubMed database. We observed that apart from routinely determined specific immunoglobulins, free light chains may also be useful in the evaluation of intrathecal synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS) during TBEV infection. Moreover, selected metalloproteinases, chemokines, or cytokines appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of TBE as a consequence of inflammatory reactions and recruitment of white blood cells into the CNS. Furthermore, we reported promising findings on tau protein or Toll-like receptors. It was also observed that some people may be predisposed to TBE. Therefore, to understand the role of selected tick-borne encephalitis biomarkers, we categorized these factors and discussed their potential application in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, or management of TBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Gudowska-Sawczuk
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Waszyngtona 15A, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-831-8703
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Waszyngtona 15A, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Waszyngtona 15A, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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21
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Oluwayelu D, Afrough B, Adebiyi A, Varghese A, Eun-Sil P, Fukushi S, Yoshikawa T, Saijo M, Neumann E, Morikawa S, Hewson R, Tomori O. Prevalence of Antibodies to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Ruminants, Nigeria, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:744-747. [PMID: 32186489 PMCID: PMC7101109 DOI: 10.3201/eid2604.190354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a highly transmissible human pathogen. Infection is often misdiagnosed, in part because of poor availability of data in disease-endemic areas. We sampled 150 apparently healthy ruminants throughout Nigeria for virus seropositivity and detected virus-specific IgG in cattle (24%) and goats (2%), highlighting the need for further investigations.
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22
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Svensson J, Christiansen CB, Persson KEM. A Serosurvey of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Sweden: Different Populations and Geographical Locations. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:614-619. [PMID: 34028305 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: New risk areas for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are emerging and the spread of disease and vaccine coverage is unclear in Sweden. We wanted to study the prevalence and levels of TBE-virus (TBEV) antibodies in southern Sweden, and to investigate whether there were individuals with undiagnosed TBE. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts of sera were collected: One group of anonymous individuals in rural areas (AIRA) in Skåne and one group of volunteers who often got tick-bites (tick-bitten individuals [TBI]). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for TBEV IgM and IgG was performed, as well as a TBEV neutralization test (NT) in selected individuals. Results: In the AIRA group, there was an IgG seropositivity of 5.3%. There were individuals with high antibody levels both in areas previously considered as risk areas (Bromölla and Knislinge), as well as in another area (Tyringe). In the TBI group, 45% of the individuals were vaccinated according to the questionnaires and IgG seropositivity was 28%. A lower seroprevalence and levels of antibodies were seen in the middle-aged group (50-69 years) compared with younger or elderly study participants. A positive NT revealed several individuals with suspected undiagnosed episodes of TBE. Conclusion: Subclinical or misdiagnosed cases have probably occurred in Skåne. Middle-aged individuals had lower levels of IgG, which could indicate either less tick exposure or a lower vaccine response. Less than half of the TBI were vaccinated, an indication that more information about the disease and vaccine might be needed. We conclude that the study motivates an increased awareness of TBEV in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Svensson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Claus B Christiansen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina E M Persson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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VanBlargan LA, Errico JM, Kafai NM, Burgomaster KE, Jethva PN, Broeckel RM, Meade-White K, Nelson CA, Himansu S, Wang D, Handley SA, Gross ML, Best SM, Pierson TC, Fremont DH, Diamond MS. Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies protect against multiple tick-borne flaviviruses. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20210174. [PMID: 33831142 PMCID: PMC8040518 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20210174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Powassan virus (POWV) is an emerging tick-transmitted flavivirus that causes severe or fatal neuroinvasive disease in humans, medical countermeasures have not yet been developed. Here, we developed a panel of neutralizing anti-POWV mAbs recognizing six distinct antigenic sites. The most potent of these mAbs bind sites within domain II or III of the envelope (E) protein and inhibit postattachment viral entry steps. A subset of these mAbs cross-react with other flaviviruses. Both POWV type-specific and cross-reactive neutralizing mAbs confer protection in mice against POWV infection when given as prophylaxis or postexposure therapy. Several cross-reactive mAbs mapping to either domain II or III also protect in vivo against heterologous tick-transmitted flaviviruses including Langat and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Our experiments define structural and functional correlates of antibody protection against POWV infection and identify epitopes targeted by broadly neutralizing antibodies with therapeutic potential against multiple tick-borne flaviviruses.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Cell Line
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Cross Reactions/immunology
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne/drug effects
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne/genetics
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne/immunology
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne/physiology
- Encephalitis, Tick-Borne/immunology
- Encephalitis, Tick-Borne/prevention & control
- Encephalitis, Tick-Borne/virology
- Epitopes/immunology
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin G/administration & dosage
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mutation
- Vero Cells
- Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. VanBlargan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - John M. Errico
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Natasha M. Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Katherine E. Burgomaster
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Rebecca M. Broeckel
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT
| | - Christopher A. Nelson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - David Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Scott A. Handley
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Sonja M. Best
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT
| | - Theodore C. Pierson
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Daved H. Fremont
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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Hanafi-Bojd AA, Jafari S, Telmadarraiy Z, Abbasi-Ghahramanloo A, Moradi-Asl E. Spatial Distribution of Ticks (Arachniada: Argasidae and Ixodidae) and Their Infection Rate to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Iran. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2021; 15:41-59. [PMID: 34277855 PMCID: PMC8271239 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v15i1.6485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is one of the most important arthropod-borne viral diseases with a mortality rate of about 30% among humans. The disease, caused by a Nairovirus, is transmitted to humans and animals by hard and soft ticks. This study aimed to determine the distribution of soft and hard ticks in the past three decades in Iran with an emphasis on the vectors of the CCHF virus. Methods: In this study, all studies that were carried out in different regions of Iran from 1979 to 2018 and their results were published in prestigious journals were used to create a database. The distribution of ticks was mapped using ArcMap10.3. Results: Based on the results, nine genera and 37 species of soft and hard ticks were recorded in Iran. So far, six genera and 16 species of hard and soft ticks were reported to be infected with the CCHF virus. The infection to this virus was reported from 18 out of 31 provinces, with a high rate in Sistan and Baluchistan as well as Khuzestan provinces. The highest levels of CCHF infection belonged to Hyalomma marginatum and H. anatolicum. Conclusion: The main vectors of CCHF, H. marginatum and H. anatolicum, were reported in more than 38.7% of Iran's provinces, and these two species were identified as invasive species in Iran. Thus, control activities should be strengthened to avoid the outbreaks of CCHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samin Jafari
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zakkyeh Telmadarraiy
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Abbasi-Ghahramanloo
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Eslam Moradi-Asl
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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25
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An Epidemiological Survey Regarding Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases among Livestock Owners in Punjab, Pakistan: A One Health Context. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030361. [PMID: 33803649 PMCID: PMC8003106 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent global changes have led to an increase in the spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) affecting domestic ruminants and humans, with an annual loss of US $13.9–$18.7 billion. The current study determined the perception and practices of livestock farmers regarding tick infestation. A total of 112 livestock farms were surveyed in Punjab, Pakistan, among which animals from 42 (37.5%) farms were infested with ticks. Only 28.6% (n = 32) of the dairy farmers were consulting veterinarians for ticks control, while 86.7% (n = 97) of the respondents did not consider biosecurity measures in the control of tick transmission. Most of the respondents, 71.4% (n = 80), did not consider manual tick removal from their animals (i.e., by hand, followed by physically crushing) as a risky practice for spreading zoonotic diseases. Improper disposal of bottles of acaricides in the farm drainage was also observed, putting the environment and aquatic life at risk. These wrong practices may contribute to high disease burdens and economic losses, increasing the possibility of transmission of zoonotic TBDs and pollution of the environment. Therefore, an integrated One Health approach is required for the control of TBDs through environmentally friendly approaches.
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26
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Arboviruses in the Astrakhan region of Russia for 2018 season: The development of multiplex PCR assays and analysis of mosquitoes, ticks, and human blood sera. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 88:104711. [PMID: 33421655 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Astrakhan region of Russia is endemic for the number of arboviruses. In this paper, we describe the results of the detection of the list of neglected arboviruses in the Astrakhan region for the 2018 season. For the purpose of the study in-house PCR assays for detection of 18 arboviruses have been developed and validated using arboviruses obtained from Russian State Collection of Viruses. Pools of ticks (n = 463) and mosquitoes (n = 312) as well as 420 samples of human patients sera have been collected and analyzed. Using developed multiplex real-time PCR assays we were able to detect RNA of eight arboviruses (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Dhori (Batken strain) virus, Batai virus, Tahyna virus, Uukuniemi virus, Inkoo virus, Sindbis virus and West Nile fever virus). All discovered viruses are capable of infecting humans causing fever and in some cases severe forms with hemorrhagic or neurologic symptoms. From PCR-positive samples, we were able to recover one isolate each of Dhori (Batken strain) virus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus which were further characterized by next-generation sequencing. The genomic sequences of identified Dhori (Batken strain) virus strain represent the most complete genome of Batken virus strain among previously reported.
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27
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Discovery and genetic characterization of a novel orthonairovirus in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Danube Delta. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 88:104704. [PMID: 33418146 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Different arthropod species are vectors of a wide array of arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) and have likely been central to viral evolution. To better understand the extent of arthropod-borne pathogens, as well as their origin and evolutionary history, it is crucial to uncover the full range of microbial agents, including viruses associated with arthropods. In this study, a collection of ticks obtained in 2016 directly from mammal and bird hosts from several rural and natural sites of Danube Delta was subjected to transcriptome sequencing and amplification assays. Vector surveillance revealed the presence of a novel orthonairovirus species, designated Sulina virus, in Ixodes ricinus ticks. Phylogenetic clustering of each viral protein consistently placed the new virus in the Orthonairovirus genus as a new genogroup closely related to Tamdy orthonairovirus, a genogroup comprising both pathogenic and tick-associated orthonairoviruses. The serological testing of engorged ticks and blood of infected hosts, along with the inoculation of vertebrate cells and mice found no specific antibodies or viral replication, suggesting that Sulina virus is an orthonairovirus associated with the virome of Ixodes ricinus. Finally, the characterization of a novel orthonairovirus identified using high throughput sequencing will advance our knowledge of interactions between viruses and tick vectors, expanding our perspective on fundamental questions regarding orthonairovirus evolution, diversity, ecology and potential of emergence as pathogens.
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28
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Kojom LP, Singh V. A Review on Emerging Infectious Diseases Prioritized Under the 2018 WHO Research and Development Blueprint: Lessons from the Indian Context. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 21:149-159. [PMID: 33316200 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This review describes the current scenario of a priority group of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) listed by World Health Organization (WHO), and their main determinants and drivers for the emergence/spread of the diseases. The gaps and strategies developed by India to meet the WHO guidelines on the effective control of epidemic-prone diseases and outbreaks are also presented in the review. Methods: Epidemiologic information of EIDs, namely Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Ebola and Marburg viruses (EboV and MarV), Zika virus (ZIKAV), Rift Valley fever (RVF), Middle East respiratory syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Nipah and Hendra virus (NiV and HeV), and Lassa fever virus (LASV), was drawn from international and national electronic databases to assess the situation. A brief view on the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in India is also included. Results: There are no reports for human infection of EboV, MarV, RVF, and LASV in India. CCHF, SARS, ZIKAV, and NiV have been involved in outbreaks in eight states of India, while COVID-19 is currently reported from majority of states. India has deeply strengthened its surveillance and response system of outbreaks and epidemic-prone diseases. Conclusions: Despite its enormous improvements made in the anticipation of such threats, still more efforts are needed in sensitization of populations as well as hospital management in the context to EIDs, as addressed in the review. Furthermore, there is still a need for more research and development activities to efficiently control EIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loick Pradel Kojom
- Cell Biology Laboratory and Malaria Parasite Bank, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New-Delhi, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Cell Biology Laboratory and Malaria Parasite Bank, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New-Delhi, India
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29
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Khamassi Khbou M, Romdhane R, Foughali AA, Sassi L, Suin V, Rekik M, Benzarti M. Presence of antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus in sheep in Tunisia, North Africa. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:441. [PMID: 33183295 PMCID: PMC7664096 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) is a flavivirus that circulates in a complex cycle involving small mammals as amplifying hosts and ticks as vectors and reservoirs. The current study aimed to investigate the presence of TBEv in Tunisian sheep. A sample of 263 adult sheep were selected from 6 localities where Ixodes ricinus is well established. Sera were screened using ELISA for TBEv IgG detection, then the doubtful and positive sera were tested by the seroneutralisation test (SNT) and screened for West Nile Virus (WNv) IgG for cross-reaction assessment. RESULTS The ELISA for TBEv IgG detected one positive serum and 17 borderlines. The SNT showed one positive serum among the 18 tested, giving an overall antibody prevalence of 0.38% (95% CI = 0.07-2.12%). All but one serum tested negative to WNv ELISA. None of the sheep farmers reported neurological signs among sheep or humans in their households. CONCLUSIONS The results may indicate the circulation of TBEv for the first time in Tunisia and in North Africa. Further studies based on either virus isolation or RNA detection, are needed to confirm the presence of TBEv in North Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Médiha Khamassi Khbou
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonosis and Sanitary Regulation, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Rihab Romdhane
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Asma Amina Foughali
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Limam Sassi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Vanessa Suin
- Viral Diseases Service, Sciensano. Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 950764, 11195, Amman, Jordan
| | - M'hammed Benzarti
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonosis and Sanitary Regulation, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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30
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Albinsson B, Jääskeläinen AE, Värv K, Jelovšek M, GeurtsvanKessel C, Vene S, Järhult JD, Reusken C, Golovljova I, Avšič-Županc T, Vapalahti O, Lundkvist Å. Multi-laboratory evaluation of ReaScan TBE IgM rapid test, 2016 to 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 25. [PMID: 32234120 PMCID: PMC7118343 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.12.1900427] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially severe neurological disease caused by TBE virus (TBEV). In Europe and Asia, TBEV infection has become a growing public health concern and requires fast and specific detection. Aim In this observational study, we evaluated a rapid TBE IgM test, ReaScan TBE, for usage in a clinical laboratory setting. Methods Patient sera found negative or positive for TBEV by serological and/or molecular methods in diagnostic laboratories of five European countries endemic for TBEV (Estonia, Finland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Sweden) were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the test. The patients’ diagnoses were based on other commercial or quality assured in-house assays, i.e. each laboratory’s conventional routine methods. For specificity analysis, serum samples from patients with infections known to cause problems in serology were employed. These samples tested positive for e.g. Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, or for flaviviruses other than TBEV, i.e. dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile and Zika viruses. Samples from individuals vaccinated against flaviviruses other than TBEV were also included. Altogether, 172 serum samples from patients with acute TBE and 306 TBE IgM negative samples were analysed. Results Compared with each laboratory’s conventional methods, the tested assay had similar sensitivity and specificity (99.4% and 97.7%, respectively). Samples containing potentially interfering antibodies did not cause specificity problems. Conclusion Regarding diagnosis of acute TBEV infections, ReaScan TBE offers rapid and convenient complementary IgM detection. If used as a stand-alone, it can provide preliminary results in a laboratory or point of care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Albinsson
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anu E Jääskeläinen
- Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory Services (HUSLAB), Department of Virology and Immunology, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kairi Värv
- Department of Virology and Immunology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mateja Jelovšek
- Institute for Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Corine GeurtsvanKessel
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Department of Virology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sirkka Vene
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josef D Järhult
- Department of Medical Sciences, Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Chantal Reusken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Department of Virology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irina Golovljova
- Department of Virology and Immunology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- Institute for Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory Services (HUSLAB), Department of Virology and Immunology, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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31
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Marvik Å, Tveten Y, Pedersen AB, Stiasny K, Andreassen ÅK, Grude N. Low prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies in Norwegian blood donors. Infect Dis (Lond) 2020; 53:44-51. [PMID: 32924695 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2020.1819561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) constitutes a public health concern in Europe. Certain coastal municipalities in southern Norway are considered TBE risk areas and in the last two years, there have been increasing numbers of TBE cases. Since the majority of infections are claimed to be asymptomatic, the aim of the current study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) among unvaccinated adults living in a TBE endemic area in Norway. METHODS One thousand one hundred and twenty-three blood donors living in Vestfold and Telemark county were included and associated sera were analysed for TBEV IgG antibodies. Information regarding tick bites, previous flavivirus exposure and knowledge regarding TBE and TBE prevention were obtained through a questionnaire. RESULTS Fifty-eight samples were reactive by ELISA, of which 21 (36.2%) were confirmed by a TBEV-specific serum neutralization test. Of the 21 blood donors with neutralizing TBEV antibodies detected, 17 reported previous TBE vaccination. Thus, only four blood donors (0.4%) had TBEV neutralizing antibodies consistent with previously undergone TBEV infection. Regarding TBE awareness, half of the blood donors were familiar with TBE, but only 35% were aware of a preventive TBE vaccine. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates low prevalence of subclinical TBEV infections among blood donors living in Vestfold and Telemark county and there is a lack of awareness among general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åshild Marvik
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Yngvar Tveten
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | | | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Åshild Kristine Andreassen
- Department of Virology, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Nils Grude
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.,The Antibiotic Centre of Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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32
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Pettersson JHO, Ellström P, Ling J, Nilsson I, Bergström S, González-Acuña D, Olsen B, Holmes EC. Circumpolar diversification of the Ixodes uriae tick virome. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008759. [PMID: 32745135 PMCID: PMC7425989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks (order: Ixodida) are a highly diverse and ecologically important group of ectoparasitic blood-feeding organisms. One such species, the seabird tick (Ixodes uriae), is widely distributed around the circumpolar regions of the northern and southern hemispheres. It has been suggested that Ix. uriae spread from the southern to the northern circumpolar region millions of years ago and has remained isolated in these regions ever since. Such a profound biographic subdivision provides a unique opportunity to determine whether viruses associated with ticks exhibit the same evolutionary patterns as their hosts. To test this, we collected Ix. uriae specimens near a Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) colony at Neko harbour, Antarctica, and from migratory birds—the Razorbill (Alca torda) and the Common murre (Uria aalge)—on Bonden island, northern Sweden. Through meta-transcriptomic next-generation sequencing we identified 16 RNA viruses, seven of which were novel. Notably, we detected the same species, Ronne virus, and two closely related species, Bonden virus and Piguzov virus, in both hemispheres indicating that there have been at least two cross-circumpolar dispersal events. Similarly, we identified viruses discovered previously in other locations several decades ago, including Gadgets Gully virus, Taggert virus and Okhotskiy virus. By identifying the same or closely related viruses in geographically disjunct sampling locations we provide evidence for virus dispersal within and between the circumpolar regions. In marked contrast, our phylogenetic analysis revealed no movement of the Ix. uriae tick hosts between the same locations. Combined, these data suggest that migratory birds are responsible for the movement of viruses at both local and global scales. As host populations diverge, so may those microorganisms, including viruses, that are dependent on those hosts. To examine this key issue in host-microbe evolution we compared the co-phylogenies of the seabird tick, Ixodes uriae, and their RNA viruses sampled from the far northern and southern hemispheres. Despite the huge geographic distance between them, phylogeographic analysis reveals that the same and closely related viruses were found both within and between the northern and southern circumpolar regions, most likely reflecting transfer by virus-infected migratory birds. In contrast, genomic data suggested that the Ix. uriae populations were phylogenetically distinct between the northern and southern hemispheres. This work emphasises the importance of migratory birds and ticks as vectors and sources of virus dispersal and introduction at both the local and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H.-O. Pettersson
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: (JHOP); (ECH)
| | - Patrik Ellström
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jiaxin Ling
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingela Nilsson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sven Bergström
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Björn Olsen
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Edward C. Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: (JHOP); (ECH)
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33
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Wiesner L, Schmutte C, Steffen I. Susceptibility of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus to Inactivation by Heat, Acidic pH, Chemical, or UV Treatment. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:714-718. [PMID: 32623454 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa405] [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: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus in the family Flaviviridae that is endemic in parts of Europe and Asia and can cause meningitis or encephalitis. Due to the disease severity, TBEV requires handling under heightened biosafety measures. The establishment and validation of inactivation procedures is a prerequisite for downstream analyses and management of occupational exposure. Therefore, different procedures for TBEV inactivation were tested. Our results suggest that TBEV is susceptible to inactivation by heat, acidic pH, different concentrations of alcohol, formaldehyde, or detergents, and exposure to UV irradiation, which may depend on sample size and composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wiesner
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.,Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carla Schmutte
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.,Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Imke Steffen
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.,Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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34
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Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is the most common vectorborne disease in the northern hemisphere. It usually begins with erythema migrans; early disseminated infection particularly causes multiple erythema migrans or neurologic disease, and late manifestations predominantly include arthritis in North America, and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) in Europe. Diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is based on characteristic clinical signs and symptoms, complemented by serological confirmation of infection once an antibody response has been mounted. Manifestations usually respond to appropriate antibiotic regimens, but the disease can be followed by sequelae, such as immune arthritis or residual damage to affected tissues. A subset of individuals reports persistent symptoms, including fatigue, pain, arthralgia, and neurocognitive symptoms, which in some people are severe enough to fulfil the criteria for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The reported prevalence of such persistent symptoms following antimicrobial treatment varies considerably, and its pathophysiology is unclear. Persistent active infection in humans has not been identified as a cause of this syndrome, and randomized treatment trials have invariably failed to show any benefit of prolonged antibiotic treatment. For prevention of Lyme borreliosis, post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated in specific cases, and novel vaccine strategies are under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Jan Kullberg
- Department of Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hedwig D Vrijmoeth
- Department of Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Freek van de Schoor
- Department of Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joppe W Hovius
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, and Amsterdam Multidisciplinary Lyme borreliosis Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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35
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Analysis of Multiple Risk Factors for Seronegative Rate of Anti-Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Immunization in Human Serum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56050244. [PMID: 32443896 PMCID: PMC7279439 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56050244] [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: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infections have been the cause of threatening outbreaks for many years. Apart from several physical and chemical methods to prevent tick bites, active vaccination of people highly exposed to infection is still the most important strategy of prevention. However, in some subjects, the lack of or low response to TBEV antigens is observed. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of seronegative rate for anti-TBEV antibodies and the risk factors for waning immunity. Materials and Methods: 2315 at least primary vaccinated subjects from the high risk group for TBEV infections participated in this study. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used for the assessment of anti-TBEV IgG serum level. Results: Data showed that 86.2% of subjects who underwent vaccination were positive for anti-TBEV antibodies within 5 years. As much as 13.8% of subjects that underwent primary or primary and booster vaccination were barely protected after vaccination. Women and subjects under 60 years underwent more effective protection but sex and older age was not a risk factor for being a subject of waning immunity. A logistic regression showed that both a longer time since the vaccination and a lower number of booster doses constantly increased the chance of lost anti-TBEV antibodies. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the vaccination schedule should be reevaluated. The extension of the interval of booster immunization is risky and all subjects should be surrounded by care consisting of more frequent monitoring of serum antibodies by personalized schedule to adjust the frequency of subsequent doses of booster vaccination.
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36
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Uusitalo R, Siljander M, Dub T, Sane J, Sormunen JJ, Pellikka P, Vapalahti O. Modelling habitat suitability for occurrence of human tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases in Finland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101457. [PMID: 32723626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The numbers of reported human tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases in Europe have increased in several endemic regions (including Finland) in recent decades, indicative of an increasing threat to public health. As such, it is important to identify the regions at risk and the most influential factors associated with TBE distributions, particularly in understudied regions. This study aimed to identify the risk areas of TBE transmission in two different datasets based on human TBE disease cases from 2007 to 2011 (n = 86) and 2012-2017 (n = 244). We also examined which factors best explain the presence of human TBE cases. We used ensemble modelling to determine the relationship of TBE occurrence with environmental, ecological, and anthropogenic factors in Finland. Geospatial data including these variables were acquired from several open data sources and satellite and aerial imagery and, were processed in GIS software. Biomod2, an ensemble platform designed for species distribution modelling, was used to generate ensemble models in R. The proportion of built-up areas, field, forest, and snow-covered land in November, people working in the primary sector, human population density, mean precipitation in April and July, and densities of European hares, white-tailed deer, and raccoon dogs best estimated distribution of human TBE disease cases in the two datasets. Random forest and generalized boosted regression models performed with a very good to excellent predictive power (ROC = 0.89-0.96) in both time periods. Based on the predictive maps, high-risk areas for TBE transmission were located in the coastal regions in Southern and Western Finland (including the Åland Islands), several municipalities in Central and Eastern Finland, and coastal municipalities in Southern Lapland. To explore potential changes in TBE distributions in future climate, we used bioclimatic factors with current and future climate forecast data to reveal possible future hotspot areas. Based on the future forecasts, a slightly wider geographical extent of TBE risk was introduced in the Åland Islands and Southern, Western and Northern Finland, even though the risk itself was not increased. Our results are the first steps towards TBE-risk area mapping in current and future climate in Finland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Virology, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Agnes Sjöberginkatu 2, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mika Siljander
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Timothée Dub
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jussi Sane
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Petri Pellikka
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, University of Helsinki, Finland; Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Agnes Sjöberginkatu 2, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland; Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland.
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37
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Iannetta M, Di Caro A, Nicastri E, Vairo F, Masanja H, Kobinger G, Mirazimi A, Ntoumi F, Zumla A, Ippolito G. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Other than Ebola and Lassa. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2020; 33:977-1002. [PMID: 31668201 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viral hemorrhagic fevers represent a group of diseases caused by enveloped RNA viruses. The epidemiology is broadly variable, ranging from geographically localized to more diffuse infections. Viral hemorrhagic fevers are classified as category A bioweapon agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral hemorrhagic fevers are severe febrile illnesses with hemorrhagic phenomena. Laboratory diagnosis takes place in highly specialized reference laboratories. Treatment is essentially supportive. In this article, we focus the attention on yellow fever and viral hemorrhagic fevers other than Ebola and Lassa virus diseases that have been described elsewhere in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Iannetta
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Antonino Di Caro
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Francesco Vairo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Honorati Masanja
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, Kiko Avenue, Plot N 463, Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gary Kobinger
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, 2325 Rue de l'Université, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Alle 8 Plan 7, Stockholm 14183, Sweden
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Université Marien NGouabi, Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale (FCRM), Villa D6, Campus OMS//AFRO Djoué, Brazzaville, Congo; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Center for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, Royal Free Campus 2nd Floor, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy.
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38
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Okely M, Anan R, Gad-Allah S, Samy AM. Mapping the environmental suitability of etiological agent and tick vectors of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105319. [PMID: 31874130 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is one of the most important public health threats in many regions across Africa, Europe, and Asia. This study used ecological niche modeling analyses to map the environmental suitability of both CCHF virus (CCHFV), and its tick vectors (Amblyomma variegatum, Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi) in the Old World countries. The CCHFV was anticipated to occur with high environmental suitability across southern and central Europe, northwestern Africa, central Asia, and western Mediterranean region. Ecological niche models of tick vectors anticipated diverse patterns based on the tick species in question; D. marginatus and H. marginatum showed high environmental suitability in southern and central Europe, and North Africa. The remaining vector species were anticipated to occur in Africa. All models were statistically robust and performed better than random (P < 0.001). Finally, we tested the niche similarities between CCHFV and diverse tick vectors and could not reject the null hypotheses of niche similarity in all vector-virus combinations (P > 0.05) except the combinations of CCHFV with A. variegatum, R. evertsi evertsi and R. appendiculatus (P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Okely
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Rabia Anan
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Sohair Gad-Allah
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Abdallah M Samy
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
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39
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Deviatkin AA, Kholodilov IS, Vakulenko YA, Karganova GG, Lukashev AN. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus: An Emerging Ancient Zoonosis? Viruses 2020; 12:v12020247. [PMID: 32102228 PMCID: PMC7077300 DOI: 10.3390/v12020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most important viral zoonosis transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. In this study, all tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) E gene sequences available in GenBank as of June 2019 with known date of isolation (n = 551) were analyzed. Simulation studies showed that a sample bias could significantly affect earlier studies, because small TBEV datasets (n = 50) produced non-overlapping intervals for evolutionary rate estimates. An apparent lack of a temporal signal in TBEV, in general, was found, precluding molecular clock analysis of all TBEV subtypes in one dataset. Within all subtypes and most of the smaller groups in these subtypes, there was evidence of many medium- and long-distance virus transfers. These multiple random events may play a key role in the virus spreading. For some groups, virus diversity within one territory was similar to diversity over the whole geographic range. This is best exemplified by the virus diversity observed in Switzerland or Czech Republic. These two countries yielded most of the known European subtype Eu3 subgroup sequences, and the diversity of viruses found within each of these small countries is comparable to that of the whole Eu3 subgroup, which is prevalent all over Central and Eastern Europe. Most of the deep tree nodes within all three established TBEV subtypes dated less than 300 years back. This could be explained by the recent emergence of most of the known TBEV diversity. Results of bioinformatics analysis presented here, together with multiple field findings, suggest that TBEV may be regarded as an emerging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei A. Deviatkin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119048 Moscow, Russia;
- Laboratory of Postgenomic Technologies, Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, 105275 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-906-739-0860
| | - Ivan S. Kholodilov
- Laboratory of Biology of Arboviruses, Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides (FSBSI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS), 108819 Moscow, Russia; (I.S.K.); (G.G.K.)
| | - Yulia A. Vakulenko
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Galina G. Karganova
- Laboratory of Biology of Arboviruses, Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides (FSBSI “Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS), 108819 Moscow, Russia; (I.S.K.); (G.G.K.)
- Department of Organization and Technology of Immunobiological Preparations, Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander N. Lukashev
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119048 Moscow, Russia;
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
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40
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Tkachev SE, Babkin IV, Chicherina GS, Kozlova IV, Verkhozina MM, Demina TV, Lisak OV, Doroshchenko EK, Dzhioev YP, Suntsova OV, Belokopytova PS, Tikunov AY, Savinova YS, Paramonov AI, Glupov VV, Zlobin VI, Tikunova NV. Genetic diversity and geographical distribution of the Siberian subtype of the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101327. [PMID: 31767494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is currently subdivided into three main subtypes-the European (TBEV-Eu), the Far-Eastern (TBEV-FE), and the Siberian (TBEV-Sib). The TBEV-Sib is the most common subtype and found in all regions where TBEV was detected, except for Central and Western Europe. Currently, four genetic lineages have been described within TBEV-Sib. In this study, detailed analysis of TBEV-Sib genetic diversity, geographic distribution, phylogeography and divergence time of different TBEV-Sib genetic lineages based on E gene fragments, complete genome sequences, and all currently available data in the GenBank database was performed. As a result, a novel Bosnia lineage within the TBEV-Sib was identified. It was demonstrated that the Zausaev lineage is the most widely distributed among the TBEV-Sib lineages, and was detected in all studied regions except the Far East. The Vasilchenko lineage was found from Western Siberia to the Far East. The Baltic lineage is presented from Europe to Western Siberia. The Obskaya lineage was found only in Western Siberia. TBEV strains from a newly described Bosnia lineage were detected in Bosnia, the Crimean peninsula, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The greatest divergence of the TBEV-Sib genetic variants was observed in Western Siberia. Within the TBEV-Sib, the Obskaya lineage diverged from the common ancestor the earliest, after that the Bosnia lineage was separated, then the Baltic lineage, and the Zausaev and Vasilchenko lineages diverged most recently.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Tkachev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the SB RAS, Acad. Lavrentyev's pr., 8, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - I V Babkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the SB RAS, Acad. Lavrentyev's pr., 8, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - G S Chicherina
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, Novosibirsk, 630091, Russia
| | - I V Kozlova
- Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Timiryazev Str., 16, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - M M Verkhozina
- Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Irkutsk Region, Trilisser Str., 51, Irkutsk, 664047, Russia
| | - T V Demina
- Irkutsk State Agrarian University by A.A. Ezhevsky, Molodezhny Settlement, Irkutsk District, Irkutsk, 664038, Russia
| | - O V Lisak
- Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Timiryazev Str., 16, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - E K Doroshchenko
- Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Timiryazev Str., 16, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - Yu P Dzhioev
- Research Institute of Biomedical Technology of Irkutsk State Medical University, Krasnogo Vosstaniya Str., 1/3, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - O V Suntsova
- Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Timiryazev Str., 16, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - P S Belokopytova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the SB RAS, Acad. Lavrentyev's pr., 8, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - A Yu Tikunov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the SB RAS, Acad. Lavrentyev's pr., 8, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Yu S Savinova
- Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Timiryazev Str., 16, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - A I Paramonov
- Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Timiryazev Str., 16, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - V V Glupov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, Novosibirsk, 630091, Russia
| | - V I Zlobin
- Research Institute of Biomedical Technology of Irkutsk State Medical University, Krasnogo Vosstaniya Str., 1/3, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - N V Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the SB RAS, Acad. Lavrentyev's pr., 8, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
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41
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Management and Social Problems Linked to the Human Use of European Urban and Suburban Forests. FORESTS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/f10110964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This review regards the management and social problems in European urban and suburban forests linked to their maintenance and human use. They can be divided into major categories: forest management problems (e.g., the low priority of urban forestry, various or diffused urban forest management, lack of management plans or lack of sufficient funds); the social reception of forest works and forests (e.g., emotional reactions to total clear-cutting, negative evaluation of logging traces, negative evaluation of poor tourist infrastructure, specific expectations concerning a model forest: e.g., tall, of low density, mixed, old); and relations between forest users (problems related to e.g., crowding, fast-moving people, the presence of dogs, littering, thefts or noisy behaviour). Here, special attention is paid to problems and negative interactions, as they are challenges to forest management, as well as to the development of plans, strategies, and policies, both in relation to existent forests and those planned in various parts of Europe. Taking into account the feelings and expectations of forest users concerning forests, forest works/management, and infrastructure, as well as their attitude to other forest users, may reduce conflicts concerning various kinds of forest perception and use, and (with the support of societal education) may help to increase the sense of social responsibility for the “shared” forests. The presented findings are expected to be practical and useful for the management of urban and suburban forests, regardless of the location, as a type of checklist of possible problems, that may prove to be important and up-to-date in a particular location.
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Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: An update. Med Mal Infect 2019; 49:574-585. [PMID: 31607406 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe form of hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus of the genus Nairovirus. The amplifying hosts are various mammal species that remain asymptomatic. Humans are infected by tick bites or contact with animal blood. CCHF has a broad geographic distribution and is endemic in Africa, Asia (in particular the Middle East) and South East Europe. This area has expanded in recent years with two indigenous cases reported in Spain in 2016 and 2018. The incubation period is short with the onset of symptoms in generally less than a week. The initial symptoms are common to other infectious syndromes with fever, headache, myalgia and gastrointestinal symptoms. The hemorrhagic syndrome occurs during a second phase with sometimes major bleeding in and from the mucous membranes and the skin. Strict barrier precautionary measures are required to prevent secondary and nosocomial spread. CCHF may be documented by PCR detection of the virus genome during the first days after the onset of illness, and then by serological testing for IgM antibodies as from the 2nd week after infection. Patient management is mainly based on supportive care. Despite a few encouraging retrospective reports, there is no confirmed evidence that supports the use of ribavirin for curative treatment. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization continues to recommend the use of ribavirin to treat CCHF, considering the limited medical risk related to short-term treatment. The prescription of ribavirin should however be encouraged post-exposure for medical professionals, to prevent secondary infection.
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43
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Kim JY, Kho JW, Jung M, Lee DH. Assessment of potential effects and detection efficacy of a fluorescent marking system on a medically important hard tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2735-2743. [PMID: 30785237 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important disease vector, its small size restricts the tracking methods applicable. Recently, fluorescent marking as a conventional detection method for small arthropods has been improved by combining it with an ultraviolet laser. We examined the application potential of this new fluorescent marking system (FMS) for tracking H. longicornis by evaluating the effect of fluorescent marking on the ticks and detection efficacy. RESULTS Under laboratory conditions, fluorescent marking did not significantly affect the survivorship, movement patterns, and CO2 response of H. longicornis at all three developmental stages. Fluorescent-marked individuals could be detected at distances ranging from 12 to 29 m under dark, increasing with the body size. Finally, in grassland, >90% of fluorescent-marked individuals were retrieved at night regardless of developmental stage. However, the overall detection rate (<42%) was substantially reduced during the day. CONCLUSIOIN Our results show that FMS can reliably detect H. longicornis at night. Nevertheless, fluorescent-marked individuals are not as conspicuous under sunlight when they are illuminated with ultraviolet lasers, limiting the use of FMS during the day. Therefore, the development of an alternative tracking method is warranted for an effective detection of ticks during the day. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Young Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jung-Wook Kho
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Minhyung Jung
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Doo-Hyung Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
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44
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Pressures and Threats to Nature Related to Human Activities in European Urban and Suburban Forests. FORESTS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/f10090765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This review regards the pressures and threats linked with the human use of European urban and suburban forests. They can be divided into the following major categories: urban development, fragmentation, and isolation of forests; human pressures on soil and vegetation (e.g., changes in vegetation due to trampling, environmental and especially air pollution); human pressures on animals (e.g., wildlife losses due to collisions, frequent presence of dogs accompanying the visitors); and other threats and damages (e.g., littering and acts of vandalism). The directions of negative relations between people and forests shown in this review draw attention to the high complexity of the discussed issues. Awareness of this complexity (when planning and implementing forest management) can limit or counteract conflicts arising from the use of urban and suburban forests by people. This is of particular importance in the era of progressing urbanization and the evolution of human needs regarding the use of forests.
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45
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Bai C, Qi J, Wu Y, Wang X, Gao GF, Peng R, Gao F. Postfusion structure of human-infecting Bourbon virus envelope glycoprotein. J Struct Biol 2019; 208:99-106. [PMID: 31419524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Thogotoviruses are important zoonotic viruses infecting a variety of domestic animals, as well as humans. Among these viruses, Bourbon virus (BRBV) is one of the several human-infecting members, which emerged in the US in recent years and caused human deaths. Here, we report the crystal structure of the BRBV envelope glycoprotein in the postfusion conformation. The structure adopts the typical fold of a class III viral fusion protein and displays an extensive positively charged electrostatic potential pattern, which resembles the glycoprotein of Dhori virus and is consistent with our previous predictions. In addition, compared to other previously defined class III viral fusion proteins, the structures of all thogotovirus glycoproteins and homologs are more similar to herpes virus glycoprotein Bs than to the rhabdovirus G proteins. Thus, class III viral fusion proteins are quite diverse in structure, and sub-classes may have developed during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongzhi Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Central Laboratory, Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030012, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Xinjie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - George Fu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China; National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ruchao Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.
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46
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First Isolation and Phylogenetic Analyses of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Lower Saxony, Germany. Viruses 2019; 11:v11050462. [PMID: 31117224 PMCID: PMC6563265 DOI: 10.3390/v11050462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important tick-borne arboviral disease in Europe. Presently, the main endemic regions in Germany are located in the southern half of the country. Although recently, sporadic human TBE cases were reported outside of these known endemic regions. The detection and characterization of invading TBE virus (TBEV) strains will considerably facilitate the surveillance and assessment of this important disease. In 2018, ticks were collected by flagging in several locations of the German federal state of Lower Saxony where TBEV-infections in humans (diagnosed clinical TBE disease or detection of TBEV antibodies) were reported previously. Ticks were pooled according to their developmental stage and tested for TBEV-RNA by RT-qPCR. Five of 730 (0.68%) pools from Ixodes spp. ticks collected in the areas of “Rauher Busch” and “Barsinghausen/Mooshuette” were found positive for TBEV-RNA. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole genomes and E gene sequences revealed a close relationship between the two TBEV isolates, which cluster with a TBEV strain from Poland isolated in 1971. This study provides first data on the phylogeny of TBEV in the German federal state of Lower Saxony, outside of the known TBE endemic areas of Germany. Our results support the hypothesis of an east-west invasion of TBEV strains in Western Europe.
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47
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Casati Pagani S, Frigerio Malossa S, Klaus C, Hoffmann D, Beretta O, Bomio-Pacciorini N, Lazzaro M, Merlani G, Ackermann R, Beuret C. First detection of TBE virus in ticks and sero-reactivity in goats in a non-endemic region in the southern part of Switzerland (Canton of Ticino). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:868-874. [PMID: 31047827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In Switzerland, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a notifiable human disease with an average of 210 cases per year in the last 10 years (2008-2017). A national surveillance conducted in 2009 reported a prevalence of 0.46% for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) detected in ticks, which is in accordance with the prevalences found in Europe from 0.1%-5%. The Canton of Ticino in the southern part of Switzerland, geographically separated from the rest of the national territory by the Alps, is considered a non-endemic region, as no autochthonous clinical cases and no TBEV presence in ticks have ever been reported. In order to understand the epidemiological situation in Ticino, we conducted a large study investigating the TBEV presence in field-collected Ixodes ricinus ticks and in goat and human sera. Goats and sheep were considered as sentinel hosts showing persistence of antibodies also after 28 months in the absence of symptoms; this longevity supports the data validity to characterize an area with the TBEV status. The goat sera collection was composed of a total of 662 samples from 37 flocks. The total seroprevalence was 14.6%. 39 (40%) of the 97 SNT-positive samples showed an antibody titer ≥ 1:120 which indicates recent infection and consequently the probable presence of active foci among the pastures frequented by the goats belonging to 10 flocks. In total, 51 owners participated in the study and all were TBEV antibody-free. A total of 12'052 I. ricinus ticks (nymphs and adults) were collected and 1'371 pools were tested using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Only one positive pool was reported with a prevalence of 0.35%. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the TBEV strain isolated from the ticks collected in Ticino is closely related to 2 strains coming from the Canton of Valais (99.1% and 98.7% identity, respectively), a neighbouring region of the Canton of Ticino. These two Cantons are close together but separated by high mountains (Alps) and we hypothesize that infected ticks were transported by wild animals from Valais into the Valle Maggia in Ticino where we found positive ticks. In conclusion, our data show for the first time the presence of TBEV in ticks and the related sero-reactivity in goats, confirming the presence of TBEV in the environment of the Canton of Ticino. Further surveillance studies will have to be conducted to follow the persistence of TBEV in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Casati Pagani
- Dipartimento della sanità e della socialità, Ufficio del medico cantonale, Via Dogana 16, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
| | - Simona Frigerio Malossa
- EOC - Dipartimento di medicina di laboratorio, Servizio di microbiologia (SMIC), Via Mirasole 22a, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Christine Klaus
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Donata Hoffmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ottavio Beretta
- Dipartimento della sanità e della socialità, Ufficio del medico cantonale, Via Dogana 16, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Bomio-Pacciorini
- Dipartimento del territorio, Ufficio forestale 4° circondario, Via Antonio Ciseri 13, 6600, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Mario Lazzaro
- Dipartimento della sanità e della socialità, Ufficio del medico cantonale, Via Dogana 16, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Merlani
- Dipartimento della sanità e della socialità, Ufficio del medico cantonale, Via Dogana 16, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Ackermann
- National Reference Centre for Tick-Transmitted Diseases (NRZK), Labor Spiez, Ausstrasse, 3700, Spiez, Switzerland
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48
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Post-exposure administration of chimeric antibody protects mice against European, Siberian, and Far-Eastern subtypes of tick-borne encephalitis virus. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215075. [PMID: 30958863 PMCID: PMC6453444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most important tick-transmitted pathogen. It belongs to the Flaviviridae family and causes severe human neuroinfections. In this study, protective efficacy of the chimeric antibody chFVN145 was examined in mice infected with strains belonging to the Far-Eastern, European, and Siberian subtypes of TBEV, and the antibody showed clear therapeutic efficacy when it was administered once one, two, or three days after infection. The efficacy was independent of the TBEV strain used to infect the mice; however, the survival rate of the mice was dependent on the dose of TBEV and of the antibody. No enhancement of TBEV infection was observed when the mice were treated with non-protective doses of chFVN145. Using a panel of recombinant fragments of the TBEV glycoprotein E, the neutralizing epitope for chFVN145 was localized in domain III of the TBEV glycoprotein E, in a region between amino acid residues 301 and 359. In addition, three potential sites responsible for binding with chFVN145 were determined using peptide phage display libraries, and 3D modeling demonstrated that the sites do not contact the fusion loop and, hence, their binding with chFVN145 does not result in increased attachment of TBEV to target cells.
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49
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Zhang Q, Li N, Deng C, Zhang Z, Li X, Yoshii K, Ye H, Zhang B. Trans Complementation of Replication-defective Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever Virus for Antiviral Study. Virol Sin 2019; 34:412-422. [PMID: 30949960 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-019-00109-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (OHFV) is a tick-borne flavivirus classified as a biosafety level-4 (BSL4) pathogen. Studies of OHFV are restricted to be conducted within BSL4 laboratories. Currently, no commercial vaccines or antiviral drugs are available against OHFV infection. In this study, we recovered a replication-deficient OHFV with an NS1 deletion (OHFV-ΔNS1) and reporter virus replacing NS1 with the Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) (OHFV-ΔNS1-Gluc). Both the defective OHFV-ΔNS1 and OHFV-ΔNS1-Gluc virus could only replicate efficiently in the BHK21 cell line expressing NS1 (BHK21NS1) but not in naïve BHK21 cells. The Gluc reporter gene of OHFV-ΔNS1-Gluc virus was maintained stably after serial passaging of BHK21NS1 cells and was used to surrogate the replication of OHFV. Using NITD008, OHFV-ΔNS1-Gluc virus was validated for antiviral screening, and high-throughput screening parameters were optimized in a 96-well plate format with a calculated Z' value above 0.5. The OHFV-ΔNS1-Gluc reporter virus is a powerful tool for antiviral screening as well as viral replication and pathogenesis studies in BSL2 laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Na Li
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chenglin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zherui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kentaro Yoshii
- Laboratory of Public Health, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hanqing Ye
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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50
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Hönig V, Švec P, Marek L, Mrkvička T, Dana Z, Wittmann MV, Masař O, Szturcová D, Růžek D, Pfister K, Grubhoffer L. Model of Risk of Exposure to Lyme Borreliosis and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus-Infected Ticks in the Border Area of the Czech Republic (South Bohemia) and Germany (Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16071173. [PMID: 30986900 PMCID: PMC6479554 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are the two vector-borne diseases with the largest impact on human health. Based on data on the density of host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks and pathogen prevalence and using a variety of environmental data, we have created an acarological risk model for a region where both diseases are endemic (Czech Republic-South Bohemia and Germany-Lower Bavaria, Upper Palatinate). The data on tick density were acquired by flagging 50 sampling sites three times in a single season. Prevalence of the causative agents of LB and TBE was determined. Data on environmental variables (e.g., altitude, vegetation cover, NDVI, land surface temperature) were obtained from various sources and processed using geographical information systems. Generalized linear models were used to estimate tick density, probability of tick infection, and density of infected ticks for the whole area. A significantly higher incidence of human TBE cases was recorded in South Bohemia compared to Bavarian regions, which correlated with a lower tick density in Bavaria. However, the differences in pathogen prevalence rates were not significant. The model outputs were made available to the public in the form of risk maps, indicating the distribution of tick-borne disease risk in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Hönig
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Švec
- Department of Geoinformatics, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15, 708 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic.
| | - Lukáš Marek
- GeoHealth Laboratory, Geospatial Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
| | - Tomáš Mrkvička
- Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia, Studentska 13, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Zubriková Dana
- Institute of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Maria Vögerl Wittmann
- Institute of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Ondřej Masař
- Department of Geoinformatics, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15, 708 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic.
| | - Daniela Szturcová
- Department of Geoinformatics, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15, 708 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic.
| | - Daniel Růžek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Institute of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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