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Boshra H, Lorenzo G, Charro D, Moreno S, Guerra GS, Sanchez I, Garrido JM, Geijo M, Brun A, Abrescia NGA. A novel Schmallenberg virus subunit vaccine candidate protects IFNAR -/- mice against virulent SBV challenge. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18725. [PMID: 33230115 PMCID: PMC7684302 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73424-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV), an arthropod-transmitted pathogenic bunyavirus, continues to be a threat to the European livestock industry, causing morbidity and mortality among young ruminant livestock. Here, we describe a novel SBV subunit vaccine, based on bacterially expressed SBV nucleoprotein (SBV-N) administered with a veterinary-grade Saponin adjuvant. When assayed in an IFNAR-/- mouse model, SBV-N with Saponin induced strong non-neutralizing broadly virus-reactive antibodies, decreased clinical signs, as well as significantly reduced viremia. Vaccination assays also suggest that this level of immune protection is cell mediated, as evidenced by the lack of neutralizing antibodies, as well as interferon-γ secretion observed in vitro. Therefore, based on these results, bacterially expressed SBV-N, co-administered with veterinary-grade Saponin adjuvant may serve as a promising economical alternative to current SBV vaccines, and warrant further evaluation in large ruminant animal models. Moreover, we propose that this strategy may be applicable to other bunyaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Boshra
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain. .,Department of Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bât B43, avenue de Cureghem 6, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Gema Lorenzo
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA), 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Charro
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA), 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Soares Guerra
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Isbene Sanchez
- Vacunek SL, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Joseba M Garrido
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Marivi Geijo
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Brun
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA), 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicola G A Abrescia
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain. .,Basque Foundation for Science, IKERBASQUE, 48013, Bilbao, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Kęsik-Maliszewska J, Collins ÁB, Rola J, Blanco-Penedo I, Larska M. Schmallenberg virus in Poland endemic or re-emerging? A six-year serosurvey. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2188-2198. [PMID: 33012078 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13870] [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] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A novel arbovirus, called Schmallenberg virus (SBV), emerged in Europe in 2011 infecting domestic as well as wild ruminants. The virus was first detected in Poland during the 2012 vector season. In order to study the SBV post-epidemic period in Poland, over twenty-one thousand domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) were tested for SBV infection between 2013 and 2018. Samples were collected as part of the national Bluetongue virus (BTV) surveillance programme. Thirteen per cent of all samples were collected from animals between 6 months and one year of age. Overall, 37.5% of ruminants tested seropositive. The seroprevalence fluctuated yearly and was highest in 2014 and 2017; however, seroconversion was detected in younger animals throughout the study indicating continuous virus circulation during the 6-year study period. A significantly higher proportion of seropositive animals were detected among cattle and older animals. Uneven distribution of seropositive animals between provinces was identified and may be a result of different housing and breeding practices and/or meteorological conditions influencing local and regional vector abundances, rather than farm stocking densities. A small number of animals were identified as being exposed to both SBV and BTV; this is likely due to the fact that the same Culicoides species transmit these two viruses thus increasing the risk of co-exposure. Considering these results, in addition to virological and entomological studies carried out in Poland previously, it can be concluded that SBV is endemic in Poland with cyclical waves of virus circulation happening every 3-4 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Áine B Collins
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jerzy Rola
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Isabel Blanco-Penedo
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Larska
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
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Schmallenberg Virus: To Vaccinate, or Not to Vaccinate? Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020287. [PMID: 32521621 PMCID: PMC7349947 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV), a teratogenic orthobunyavirus that infects predominantly ruminants, emerged in 2011 in Central Europe, spread rapidly throughout the continent, and subsequently established an endemic status with re-circulations to a larger extent every 2 to 3 years. Hence, it represents a constant threat to the continent’s ruminant population when no effective countermeasures are implemented. Here, we discuss potential preventive measures to protect from Schmallenberg disease. Previous experiences with other arboviruses like bluetongue virus have already demonstrated that vaccination of livestock against a vector-transmitted disease can play a major role in reducing or even stopping virus circulation. For SBV, specific inactivated whole-virus vaccines have been developed and marketing authorizations were granted for such preparations. In addition, candidate marker vaccines either as live attenuated, DNA-mediated, subunit or live-vectored preparations have been developed, but none of these DIVA-capable candidate vaccines are currently commercially available. At the moment, the licensed inactivated vaccines are used only to a very limited extent. The high seroprevalence rates induced in years of virus re-occurrence to a larger extent, the wave-like and sometimes hard to predict circulation pattern of SBV, and the expenditures of time and costs for the vaccinations presumably impact on the willingness to vaccinate. However, one should bear in mind that the consequence of seronegative young animals and regular renewed virus circulation might be again more cases of fetal malformation caused by an infection of naïve dams during one of their first gestations. Therefore, an appropriate and cost-effective strategy might be to vaccinate naïve female animals of all affected species before the reproductive age.
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Collins ÁB, Doherty ML, Barrett DJ, Mee JF. Schmallenberg virus: a systematic international literature review (2011-2019) from an Irish perspective. Ir Vet J 2019; 72:9. [PMID: 31624588 PMCID: PMC6785879 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-019-0147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In Autumn 2011, nonspecific clinical signs of pyrexia, diarrhoea, and drop in milk yield were observed in dairy cattle near the German town of Schmallenberg at the Dutch/German border. Targeted veterinary diagnostic investigations for classical endemic and emerging viruses could not identify a causal agent. Blood samples were collected from animals with clinical signs and subjected to metagenomic analysis; a novel orthobunyavirus was identified and named Schmallenberg virus (SBV). In late 2011/early 2012, an epidemic of abortions and congenital malformations in calves, lambs and goat kids, characterised by arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly were reported in continental Europe. Subsequently, SBV RNA was confirmed in both aborted and congenitally malformed foetuses and also in Culicoides species biting midges. It soon became evident that SBV was an arthropod-borne teratogenic virus affecting domestic ruminants. SBV rapidly achieved a pan-European distribution with most countries confirming SBV infection within a year or two of the initial emergence. The first Irish case of SBV was confirmed in the south of the country in late 2012 in a bovine foetus. Since SBV was first identified in 2011, a considerable body of scientific research has been conducted internationally describing this novel emerging virus. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive synopsis of the most up-to-date scientific literature regarding the origin of SBV and the spread of the Schmallenberg epidemic, in addition to describing the species affected, clinical signs, pathogenesis, transmission, risk factors, impact, diagnostics, surveillance methods and control measures. This review also highlights current knowledge gaps in the scientific literature regarding SBV, most notably the requirement for further research to determine if, and to what extent, SBV circulation occurred in Europe and internationally during 2017 and 2018. Moreover, recommendations are also made regarding future arbovirus surveillance in Europe, specifically the establishment of a European-wide sentinel herd surveillance program, which incorporates bovine serology and Culicoides entomology and virology studies, at national and international level to monitor for the emergence and re-emergence of arboviruses such as SBV, bluetongue virus and other novel Culicoides-borne arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine B Collins
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co, Cork, Ireland.,2School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Michael L Doherty
- 2School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Damien J Barrett
- Department of Agriculture, Surveillance, Animal By-Products and TSE Division, Food and the Marine, Backweston, Celbridge, Co. Kildare Ireland
| | - John F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co, Cork, Ireland
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Wernike K, Beer M. International proficiency trial demonstrates reliable Schmallenberg virus infection diagnosis in endemic and non-affected countries. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219054. [PMID: 31247024 PMCID: PMC6597195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV), an orthobunyavirus infecting ruminants, emerged in 2011 in Central Europe, spread very rapidly throughout the continent and established an endemic status, thereby representing a constant threat not only to the European livestock population, but also to neighboring countries. Hence, in endemically infected regions, the maintenance and regular verification of diagnostics is needed and in not yet affected regions, suitable diagnostic systems should be established to be prepared for a potential introduction of the disease. In addition, also for the trade of animals into free regions, highly reliable and sensitive diagnostics are of utmost importance. Therefore, a laboratory proficiency trial was initiated to allow for performance evaluations of test systems available for SBV-diagnostics, but also for evaluation of veterinary diagnostic laboratories performing those tests. Ten serum samples (six seropositive, four seronegative) were provided for serological analysis, four of the seropositive samples were provided undiluted, while the remaining samples represented 1/2 and 1/4 dilutions of one of the aforementioned samples in negative serum. Ten further sera (five virus-positive, five negative) were sent to the participants to be analyzed by SBV genome detection methods. A total of 48 diagnostic laboratories from 15 countries of three continents (Europe, Asia, North America) and three kit manufacturers participated in the SBV proficiency test, thereby generating 131 result sets, corresponding to 1310 individual results. The sample panel aimed for serological analysis was tested 72 times; the applied diagnostic methods comprised different commercial ELISAs and standard micro-neutralization tests. The sample set aimed for genome detection was analyzed in 59 approaches by various commercial or in-house (real-time) RT-PCR protocols. Antibody or genome positive samples were correctly identified in every case, independent of the applied diagnostic test system. For seronegative samples, three incorrect, false-positive test results were produced. Virus-negative samples tested false-positive in two cases. Thus, a very high diagnostic accuracy of 99.58% and 99.66% was achieved by the serological and virological methods, respectively. Hence, this ring trial demonstrated that reliable and robust SBV-diagnostics has been established in veterinary diagnostic laboratories in affected and non-affected countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Culicoides Biting Midges-Underestimated Vectors for Arboviruses of Public Health and Veterinary Importance. Viruses 2019; 11:v11040376. [PMID: 31022868 PMCID: PMC6520762 DOI: 10.3390/v11040376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges, small hematophagous dipterans, are the demonstrated or putative vectors of multiple arboviruses of veterinary and public health importance. Despite its relevance in disease spread, the ceratopogonid genus Culicoides is still a largely neglected group of species, predominantly because the major human-affecting arboviruses are considered to be transmitted by mosquitoes. However, when a pathogen is detected in a certain vector species, a thorough search for further vectors often remains undone and, therefore, the relevant vector species may remain unknown. Furthermore, for many hematophagous arthropods, true vector competence is often merely suspected and not experimentally proven. Therefore, we aim to illuminate the general impact of Culicoides biting midges and to summarize the knowledge about biting midge-borne disease agents using the order Bunyavirales, the largest and most diverse group of RNA viruses, as an example. When considering only viruses evidentially transmitted by Culicoides midges, the Simbu serogroup (genus Orthobunyavirus) is presumably the most important group within the virus order. Its members are of great veterinary importance, as a variety of simbuviruses, e.g., the species Akabane orthobunyavirus or Schmallenberg orthobunyavirus, induces severe congenital infections in pregnant animals. The major zoonotic representative of this serogroup occurs in South and Central America and causes the so-called Oropouche fever, an acute febrile illness in humans.
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Potential use of hematological and acute phase protein parameters in the diagnosis of acute Schmallenberg virus infection in experimentally infected calves. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 64:146-152. [PMID: 31174690 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The initial viraemic phase of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection in bovine animals is characterized by the non-specific and inconspicuous clinical signs of pyrexia (>40 °C), drop in milk yield and sometimes diarrhea. As a result, the early detection of SBV epizootics can difficult, and typically only become apparent when the congenital form of the disease is observed. The aim of the study was to describe the course of the acute phase response and haematological findings in bovine calves following experimental SBV infection. No clinical signs except for increase in rectal temperature were observed in the calves inoculated subcutaneously with a Polish strain of SBV. Viral RNA was detected in serum at 2 and 4 days post inoculation (dpi). SBV antibodies were first detected by ELISA (9-21 dpi), and subsequently by virus neutralization test (14-32 dpi). The hematological parameters showed a reduction in mid-size leucocytes (MID), and also in red blood cell count (RBC). An increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin was also observed in SBV infected calves. No significant difference in acute phase proteins (APP) was observed between experimentally infected and control calves, suggesting limited potential as diagnostic biomarker of acute SBV infection.
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Comparison of Schmallenberg virus sequences isolated from mammal host and arthropod vector. Virus Genes 2018; 54:792-803. [PMID: 30341640 PMCID: PMC6244546 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-018-1607-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is the member of Peribunyaviridae family, which comprises pathogens of importance for human and veterinary medicine. The virus is transmitted only between animals and mainly by biting midges of the genus Culicoides. This study was performed in order to determine SBV genetic diversity and elucidate the host–vector adaptation. All three viral segments were analysed for sequence variability and phylogenetic relations. The Polish SBV strains obtained from acute infections of cattle, congenital cases in sheep, and from Culicoides midges were sequenced using Sanger and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. The obtained sequences were genetically similar (99.2–100% identity) to the first-detected strain BH80/11—4 from German cattle. The sampling year and origin of Polish sequences had no effect on molecular diversity of SBV. Considering all analysed Polish as well as European sequences, ovine-derived sequences were the most variable, while the midge ones were more conserved and encompassed unique substitutions located mainly in nonstructural protein S. SBV sequences isolated from Culicoides are the first submitted to GenBank and reported.
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Oluwayelu D, Adebiyi A, Tomori O. Endemic and emerging arboviral diseases of livestock in Nigeria: a review. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:337. [PMID: 29880024 PMCID: PMC5992842 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2911-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are the largest biologic group of vertebrate viruses and constitute important emerging infectious disease agents globally. Arthropod transmission provides a way for viruses to cross species barriers since the same arthropod may bite animals that rarely or never come into close contact in nature. In Nigeria, arboviruses have, over several decades, caused severe diseases in livestock resulting in great economic losses and, sometimes, infection of humans leading to morbidity and mortality. In the present review, a computerized search of existing literature was conducted using the Google search engine and PubMed electronic database to identify and review relevant publications on arboviral diseases of livestock in Nigeria. The keywords used were 'arbovirus', 'arthropod-borne viral diseases' or 'livestock diseases' and 'Nigeria' while the Boolean operator 'OR' was used to combine and narrow the searches. Additional information was obtained by searching the veterinary libraries for journals not listed in the database. The available publications were thereafter reviewed and findings qualitatively described. Our findings revealed that although there were several studies on arboviruses and the livestock diseases they cause in Nigeria, most of such reports were made four to six decades ago, with only a few reported recently. Consequently, the true economic and public health impact of these diseases are likely to be underestimated, mainly due to under-reporting or lack of awareness of them. Thus, it is essential to update information on arboviral diseases in Nigeria in order to increase awareness of the diseases and facilitate their prompt identification and reporting. The importance of routine surveillance for arbovirus livestock diseases and sentinel herd monitoring as basis for development of an early warning and alert system to prevent future outbreaks is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oluwayelu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria
| | - Adebowale Adebiyi
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria
| | - Oyewale Tomori
- Nigerian Academy of Science, Academy House, University of Lagos Campus, 8A Ransome Kuti Road, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State Nigeria
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Abstract
In late 2011, unspecific clinical symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and decreased milk production were observed in dairy cattle in the Dutch/German border region. After exclusion of classical endemic and emerging viruses by targeted diagnostic systems, blood samples from acutely diseased cows were subjected to metagenomics analysis. An insect-transmitted orthobunyavirus of the Simbu serogroup was identified as the causative agent and named Schmallenberg virus (SBV). It was one of the first detections of the introduction of a novel virus of veterinary importance to Europe using the new technology of next-generation sequencing. The virus was subsequently isolated from identical samples as used for metagenomics analysis in insect and mammalian cell lines and disease symptoms were reproduced in calves experimentally infected with both, this culture-grown virus and blood samples of diseased cattle. Since its emergence, SBV spread very rapidly throughout the European ruminant population causing mild unspecific disease in adult animals, but also premature birth or stillbirth and severe fetal malformation when naive dams were infected during a critical phase of gestation. In the following years, SBV recirculated regularly to a larger extend; in the 2014 and 2016 vector seasons the virus was again repeatedly detected in the blood of adult ruminants, and in the following winter and spring months, a number of malformed calves and lambs was born. The genome of viruses present in viremic adult animals showed a very high sequence stability; in sequences generated between 2012 and 2016, only a few amino acid substitutions in comparison to the initial SBV isolate could be detected. In contrast, a high sequence variability was identified in the aminoterminal part of the glycoprotein Gc-encoding region of viruses present in the brain of malformed newborns. This mutation hotspot is independent of the region or host species from which the samples originated and is potentially involved in immune evasion mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Larska M, Grochowska M, Lechowski L, Żmudziński JF. Abundance and species composition of Culicoides spp. biting midges near cattle and horse in South-Eastern Poland. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:739-747. [PMID: 29035852 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to estimate and compare the distribution of Culicoides biting midges species at farms with different main hosts - cattle and horse. Culicoides spp. are known vectors of arboviruses including African horse sickness virus (AHSV), bluetongue virus (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV). The latter two have been already reported in Polish ruminants recently, while AHSV remains absent, however the risk of its emergence has been increasing in the recent years. In order to establish the activity of potential AHSV vector at vicinity of horses, an OVI midge trap has been placed at the horse stables in the southeastern Poland. Another trap has been placed 7 km away at the cattle farm. The collections were carried over the midge activity season from April until November 2016. The midge abundances at both sites were comparable with the total numbers of insects trapped of 43,153 and 34,829 at the cattle and horse farm, respectively. Midges belonging to C. obsoletus/scoticus complex were the dominant ones at both locations. The other most abundant species were C. punctatus and C. pulicaris, while the other ten species identified (C. chiopterus, C. deltus, C. dewulfi, C. fagineus, C. impunctatus, C. newsteadi, C. nubeculosus, C. parroti, C. riethi, C. stigma) accounted for less than 0.5%. The study has shown that the Orbivirus vectors are present at a high abundance at the Polish horse farm, what may be a helpful tool in the AHS risk assessment in the nonendemic part of Europe.
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Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV), an emerging arbovirus in Europe, is an important pathogen in domestic ruminants; however, its impact on free-ranging wild ruminants is not well studied. Three hundred and forty-seven serum samples collected between 2011 and 2016 from 302 European bison ( Bison bonasus) from 12 different sites in Poland were tested for the presence of SBV antibodies. In addition, 86 sera were collected between 2013 and 2016 from three species of cervids for testing for SBV antibodies. After the first detection of the virus in Poland in October 2012, the proportion of SBV-seropositive European bison reached 81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.1-85.8%), whereas in cervids seroprevalence was 34% (95% CI: 23.5-43.9%). There was an increase in seroprevalence in European bison from 2012 to 2014. Biting midges ( Culicoides spp.), the primary vectors of SBV, were monitored entomologically for the identification of the biting midge populations and virologically for SBV infections in the Białowieża Forest region, which contains the world's largest European bison population. We detected SBV by PCR in 3% of Culicoides pools from 2015. In addition, seven fetal brain samples from European bison or cervids were tested and were negative for SBV RNA. Our results indicate a high seroprevalence with reduced transmission of SBV in subsequent years in the European bison populations and lower seroprevalence in cervids.
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Jawor P, Król D, Mee JF, Sołtysiak Z, Dzimira S, Larska M, Stefaniak T. Infection exposure, detection and causes of death in perinatal mortalities in Polish dairy herds. Theriogenology 2017; 103:130-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ségard A, Gardès L, Jacquier E, Grillet C, Mathieu B, Rakotoarivony I, Setier-Rio ML, Chavernac D, Cêtre-Sossah C, Balenghien T, Garros C. Schmallenberg virus in Culicoides
Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) populations in France during 2011-2012 outbreak. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:e94-e103. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Ségard
- UMR ASTRE; CIRAD; Montpellier France
| | - L. Gardès
- UMR ASTRE; CIRAD; Montpellier France
| | | | | | - B. Mathieu
- IPPTS, DHPI EA 7292; Université de Strasbourg; Strasbourg France
| | | | | | | | - C. Cêtre-Sossah
- UMR ASTRE; CIRAD; Montpellier France
- UMR ASTRE; CIRAD; Sainte-Clotilde La Réunion France
| | - T. Balenghien
- UMR ASTRE; CIRAD; Montpellier France
- CIRAD; UMR ASTRE; Rabat Maroc
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II; Rabat Maroc
| | - C. Garros
- UMR ASTRE; CIRAD; Montpellier France
- UMR ASTRE; CIRAD; Sainte-Clotilde La Réunion France
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Collins Á, Grant J, Barrett D, Doherty M, Hallinan A, Mee J. Schmallenberg virus: Predicting within-herd seroprevalence using bulk-tank milk antibody titres and exploring individual animal antibody titres using empirical distribution functions (EDF). Prev Vet Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Sohier C, Deblauwe I, Van Loo T, Hanon JB, Cay AB, De Regge N. Evidence of extensive renewed Schmallenberg virus circulation in Belgium during summer of 2016 - increase in arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly cases expected. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 64:1015-1019. [PMID: 28474485 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A seroprevalence study carried out between June and September 2016 in the Belgian sheep population showed a significant increase in overall (from 25% to 62%) and between-herd (from 60% to 96%) seroprevalence against Schmallenberg virus (SBV) during this period, indicating the most extensive recirculation of SBV since its original emergence in 2011. SBV recirculation was confirmed by the detection of SBV RNA-positive Culicoides obsoletus complex midges collected in the region of Antwerp in August 2016, reaching a minimum infection rate of 3%. The recirculation of SBV in the largely unprotected ruminant population during summer 2016 will likely cause an increase in the number of arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly cases in newborn ruminants during the coming months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I Deblauwe
- Institute for Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - T Van Loo
- Institute for Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - A B Cay
- CODA-CERVA, Brussels, Belgium
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17
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Stavrou A, Daly JM, Maddison B, Gough K, Tarlinton R. How is Europe positioned for a re-emergence of Schmallenberg virus? Vet J 2017; 230:45-51. [PMID: 28668462 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) caused a large scale epidemic in Europe from 2011 to 2013, infecting ruminants and causing foetal deformities after infection of pregnant animals. The main impact of the virus was financial loss due to restrictions on trade of animals, meat and semen. Although effective vaccines were produced, their uptake was never high. Along with the subsequent decline in new SBV infections and natural replacement of previously exposed livestock, this has resulted in a decrease in the number of protected animals. Recent surveillance has shown that a large population of naïve animals is currently present in Europe and that the virus is circulating at a low level. These changes in animal status, in combination with favourable conditions for insect vectors, may open the door to the re-emergence of SBV and another large scale outbreak in Europe. This review details the potential and preparedness for SBV re-emergence in Europe, discusses possible co-ordinated sentinel monitoring programmes for ruminant seroconversion and the presence of SBV in the insect vectors, and provides an overview of the economic impact associated with diagnosis, control and the effects of non-vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Stavrou
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Janet M Daly
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Maddison
- Biotechnology Group, ADAS, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Gough
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
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18
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Boshra HY, Charro D, Lorenzo G, Sánchez I, Lazaro B, Brun A, Abrescia NGA. DNA vaccination regimes against Schmallenberg virus infection in IFNAR -/- mice suggest two targets for immunization. Antiviral Res 2017; 141:107-115. [PMID: 28235558 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an RNA virus of the Bunyaviridae family, genus Orthobunyavirus that infects wild and livestock species of ruminants. While inactivated and attenuated vaccines have been shown to prevent SBV infection, little is known about their mode of immunity; specifically, which components of the virus are responsible for inducing immunological responses in the host. As previous DNA vaccination experiments on other bunyaviruses have found that glycoproteins, as well as modified (i.e. ubiquitinated) nucleoproteins (N) can confer immunity against virulent viral challenge, constructs encoding for fragments of SBV glycoproteins GN and GC, as well as ubiquitinated and non-ubiquitinated N were cloned in mammalian expression vectors, and vaccinated intramuscularly in IFNAR-/- mice. Upon viral challenge with virulent SBV, disease progression was monitored. Both the ubiquitinated and non-ubiquitinated nucleoprotein candidates elicited high titers of antibodies against SBV, but only the non-ubiquitinated candidate induced statistically significant protection of the vaccinated mice from viral challenge. Another construct encoding for a putative ectodomain of glycoprotein GC (segment aa. 678-947) also reduced the SBV-viremia in mice after SBV challenge. When compared to other experimental groups, both the nucleoprotein and GC-ectodomain vaccinated groups displayed significantly reduced viremia, as well as exhibiting no clinical signs of SBV infection. These results show that both the nucleoprotein and the putative GC-ectodomain can serve as protective immunological targets against SBV infection, highlighting that viral glycoproteins, as well as nucleoproteins are potent targets in vaccination strategies against bunyaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Y Boshra
- Structural Biology Unit, CIC bioGUNE, CIBERehd, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Diego Charro
- Structural Biology Unit, CIC bioGUNE, CIBERehd, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Nicola G A Abrescia
- Structural Biology Unit, CIC bioGUNE, CIBERehd, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
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19
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Schmallenberg virus in Germany 2011-2014: searching for the vectors. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:527-34. [PMID: 26462800 PMCID: PMC4722053 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4768-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Following the emergence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in 2011, 21,397 culicoid biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from targeted and non-targeted sampling activities carried out during the summer months of 2011 to 2013 and in late 2014 in various regions in Germany were analyzed for the virus by real-time RT-PCR. While no SBV was found in biting midges collected during 2011 and 2013, 2 out of 334 pools including 20 and 22 non-engorged females of the Obsoletus complex sampled in 2012 tested positive for the SBV S-segment with Ct values of 42.46 and 35.45. In addition, 673 black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) captured during the same studies were screened for the presence of SBV and proved negative. In late autumn 2014, biting midges were collected again in a limited study in eastern Germany after some cases of SBV infection had occurred in a quarantine station for cattle. Due to the unfavorable seasonal weather conditions, only few specimens were caught, and these were also negative for SBV. The German experience suggests that biting midge collections launched only after an outbreak and are not locally targeted may be ineffective as to virus detection. It rather might be advisable to collect biting midges at sentinel farms on a permanent basis so to have material available to be examined in the case of a disease outbreak.
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20
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Wernike K, Beer M, Hoffmann B. Schmallenberg Virus Infection Diagnosis: Results of a German Proficiency Trial. Transbound Emerg Dis 2016; 64:1405-1410. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Greifswald - Insel Riems Germany
| | - M. Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Greifswald - Insel Riems Germany
| | - B. Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Greifswald - Insel Riems Germany
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Helmer C, Eibach R, Humann‐Ziehank E, Tegtmeyer PC, Bürstel D, Mayer K, Moog U, Stauch S, Strobel H, Voigt K, Sieber P, Greiner M, Ganter M. Seroprevalence of Schmallenberg virus infection in sheep and goats flocks in Germany, 2012-2013. Vet Med Sci 2016; 2:10-22. [PMID: 29067177 PMCID: PMC5645825 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a member of the family Bunyaviridae and mainly affects ruminants. It is transmitted by biting midges, first and foremost Culicoides spp., and causes congenital malformations reflected in arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly (AH) syndrome. The aim of this study was to collect data on the emergence of SBV as a new arthropod-borne disease introduced into Europe in 2011. Germany was located in the core region of the 2011/2012 epidemic. Following two seroprevalence studies in the north-west of Germany in 2012, this study focused on the epidemiology and distribution of SBV throughout 130 small ruminant flocks in the whole country. Blood samples were obtained of 30 animals per flock and a SBV-specific questionnaire was used to collect operating data of the farms. The median within-herd seroprevalence for all 130 flocks tested was 53.3% with a total range from 0% to 100%. The median within-herd seroprevalence for goats was 30% [interquartile range (IQR): 40.3%] and 57% for sheep (IQR: 43.3%). Small ruminant flocks kept permanently indoors or housed overnight had a significantly lower seroprevalence than flocks kept permanently outdoors. In addition, this study revealed a significantly lower seroprevalence in the north-east of Germany. These results show that small ruminants in Germany are still at risk of contracting new SBV infections following incomplete seroconversion of flocks especially in the north-east of Germany. This might contribute to SBV becoming enzootic in central and northern Europe. Furthermore, the survey revealed that housing animals at least during mating and early pregnancy may reduce the risk of new SBV infections and may thus be an option to reduce losses as long as there is no licensed vaccine available on the German market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Helmer
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
| | - Regina Eibach
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
| | - Esther Humann‐Ziehank
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
| | - Philip C. Tegtmeyer
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
| | - Daniela Bürstel
- Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Diseases Fund) Baden‐WuerttembergSchaflandstr. 3D‐70736FellbachGermany
| | - Kathrin Mayer
- Small Ruminant Health ServiceSächsische Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Diseases Fund)Löwenstraße 7aD‐01099DresdenGermany
| | - Udo Moog
- Animal Health Service Thuringia e.V.Thüringer Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Diseases Fund)Victor‐Goerttler‐Str. 4D‐07745JenaGermany
| | - Sieglinde Stauch
- Schafpraxis (sheep veterinary practice) StoffenriedAm Hopfenberg 8D‐89352StoffenriedGermany
| | - Heinz Strobel
- Schafpraxis (sheep veterinary practice) StoffenriedAm Hopfenberg 8D‐89352StoffenriedGermany
| | - Katja Voigt
- Clinic for RuminantsLudwig Maximilians University (LMU) MunichSonnenstr.1685764OberschleißheimGermany
| | - Philipp Sieber
- Clinic for RuminantsLudwig Maximilians University (LMU) MunichSonnenstr.1685764OberschleißheimGermany
| | - Matthias Greiner
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)Max‐Dohrn‐Straße 8‐10D‐10589BerlinGermany
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationHannoverGermany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
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DE Regge N, DE Deken R, Fassotte C, Losson B, Deblauwe I, Madder M, Vantieghem P, Tomme M, Smeets F, Cay AB. Culicoides monitoring in Belgium in 2011: analysis of spatiotemporal abundance, species diversity and Schmallenberg virus detection. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 29:263-275. [PMID: 25761054 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were collected at 16 locations covering four regions of Belgium with Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) traps and at two locations with Rothamsted suction traps (RSTs). Quantification of the collections and morphological identification showed important variations in abundance and species diversity between individual collection sites, even for sites located in the same region. However, consistently higher numbers of Culicoides midges were collected at some sites compared with others. When species abundance and diversity were analysed at regional level, between-site variation disappeared. Overall, species belonging to the subgenus Avaritia together with Culicoides pulicaris (subgenus Culicoides) were the most abundant, accounting for 80% and 96% of all midges collected with RSTs and OVI traps, respectively. Culicoides were present during most of the year, with Culicoides obsoletus complex midges found from 9 February until 27 December. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction screening for Schmallenberg virus in the heads of collected midges resulted in the first detection of the virus in August 2011 and identified C. obsoletus complex, Culicoides chiopterus and Culicoides dewulfi midges as putative vector species. At Libramont in the south of Belgium, no positive pools were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- N DE Regge
- Operational Direction Viral Diseases, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Brussels, Belgium
| | - R DE Deken
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - C Fassotte
- Plant Protection and Ecotoxicology, Life Science Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Gembloux, Belgium
| | - B Losson
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - I Deblauwe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Madder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - P Vantieghem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Tomme
- Plant Protection and Ecotoxicology, Life Science Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Gembloux, Belgium
| | - F Smeets
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - A B Cay
- Operational Direction Viral Diseases, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Brussels, Belgium
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Molenaar FM, La Rocca SA, Khatri M, Lopez J, Steinbach F, Dastjerdi A. Exposure of Asian Elephants and Other Exotic Ungulates to Schmallenberg Virus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135532. [PMID: 26274399 PMCID: PMC4537289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an emerging Orthobunyavirus, first described in 2011 in cattle in Germany and subsequently spread throughout Europe, affecting mainly ruminant livestock through the induction of foetal malformations. To gain a better understanding of the spectrum of susceptible species and to assess the value of current SBV serological assays, screening of serum samples from exotic artiodactyls and perissodactyls collected at the Living Collections from the Zoological Society of London (Whipsnade and London Zoos) and Chester Zoo was carried out. There was compelling evidence of SBV infection in both zoological collections. The competitive ELISA has proved to be applicable for the detection of SBV in exotic Bovidae, Cervidae, Suidae, Giraffidae and most notably in endangered Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), but unreliable for the screening of Camelidae, for which the plaque reduction neutralisation test was considered the assay of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fieke M. Molenaar
- Zoological Society of London, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - S. Anna La Rocca
- Virology department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Meenakshi Khatri
- Virology department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Javier Lopez
- Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Falko Steinbach
- Virology department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Akbar Dastjerdi
- Virology department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
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Cross-sectional study of Schmallenberg virus seroprevalence in wild ruminants in Poland at the end of the vector season of 2013. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:967. [PMID: 25528665 PMCID: PMC4299547 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-014-0307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In view of recurrent Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infections all over Europe between 2011 and 2013, a lively scientific debate over the importance of the sylvatic transmission cycle of the virus has emerged. The study presents results of serosurvey which included wild ruminants representing species of red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), European bison (Bison bonasus), fallow deer (Dama dama), mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) hunted or immobilized at 34 different locations of Poland in the autumn/winter 2013. RESULTS Out of 580 sera, 145 (25%) were considered positive for SBV antibodies. The overall SBV seroprevalence calculated using district probability weights was estimated at 27.7% (95% CI: 24.0-31.4). The seroprevalences at the district level varied between 0 and 80.0% (95% CI: 24.5-135.0%) with the mean within-district prevalence of 24.0% (95% CI: 16.5-31.4). Significantly higher seroprevalence was observed in animals from the Eastern provinces (36.6%) compared to the Western provinces (22.8%). SBV infection impact varied significantly between different species (higher SBV seroprevalence in larger species such as European bison), population type (free-ranging; captive), age, body weight, percent of the district forest area, part of Poland, and the densities of wild and domestic ruminants at the district and province level. Using statistical multivariable logistic model, population type, age, part of Poland and domestic ruminant density were identified as the main risk factors for SBV infection in wild ruminants in Poland. CONCLUSIONS SBV seroprevalence in wild ruminants, similarly to the epizootic situation in domestic ruminants in the country, varied significantly between districts and provinces. Association between SBV seropositivity, species, animal body weight and age group expressed by a higher prevalence in larger ruminants may be explained by more frequent exposure to midge-vector bites of the latter, however it might also be related to the different species susceptibility to SBV infection. The positive effect of higher domestic ruminant density on the risk of SBV infection in wildlife and lower SBV seroprevalences in the latter suggested that the sylvatic cycle of SBV transmission is an effect of the pathogen spillover from the domestic animals.
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25
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Bunyavirus-vector interactions. Viruses 2014; 6:4373-97. [PMID: 25402172 PMCID: PMC4246228 DOI: 10.3390/v6114373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Bunyaviridae family is comprised of more than 350 viruses, of which many within the Hantavirus, Orthobunyavirus, Nairovirus, Tospovirus, and Phlebovirus genera are significant human or agricultural pathogens. The viruses within the Orthobunyavirus, Nairovirus, and Phlebovirus genera are transmitted by hematophagous arthropods, such as mosquitoes, midges, flies, and ticks, and their associated arthropods not only serve as vectors but also as virus reservoirs in many cases. This review presents an overview of several important emerging or re-emerging bunyaviruses and describes what is known about bunyavirus-vector interactions based on epidemiological, ultrastructural, and genetic studies of members of this virus family.
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26
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Schmallenberg virus-two years of experiences. Prev Vet Med 2014; 116:423-34. [PMID: 24768435 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In autumn 2011, a novel species of the genus Orthobunyavirus of the Simbu serogroup was discovered close to the German/Dutch border and named Schmallenberg virus (SBV). Since then, SBV has caused a large epidemic in European livestock. Like other viruses of the Simbu serogroup, SBV is transmitted by insect vectors. Adult ruminants may show a mild transient disease, while an infection during a critical period of pregnancy can lead to severe congenital malformation, premature birth or stillbirth. The current knowledge about the virus, its diagnosis, the spread of the epidemic, the impact and the possibilities for preventing infections with SBV is described and discussed.
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De Regge N, Madder M, Deblauwe I, Losson B, Fassotte C, Demeulemeester J, Smeets F, Tomme M, Cay AB. Schmallenberg virus circulation in culicoides in Belgium in 2012: field validation of a real time RT-PCR approach to assess virus replication and dissemination in midges. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87005. [PMID: 24466312 PMCID: PMC3900700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Indigenous Culicoides biting midges are suggested to be putative vectors for the recently emerged Schmallenberg virus (SBV) based on SBV RNA detection in field-caught midges. Furthermore, SBV replication and dissemination has been evidenced in C. sonorensis under laboratory conditions. After SBV had been detected in Culicoides biting midges from Belgium in August 2011, it spread all over the country by the end of 2011, as evidenced by very high between-herd seroprevalence rates in sheep and cattle. This study investigated if a renewed SBV circulation in midges occurred in 2012 in the context of high seroprevalence in the animal host population and evaluated if a recently proposed realtime RT-PCR approach that is meant to allow assessing the vector competence of Culicoides for SBV and bluetongue virus under laboratory conditions was applicable to field-caught midges. Therefore midges caught with 12 OVI traps in four different regions in Belgium between May and November 2012, were morphologically identified, age graded, pooled and tested for the presence of SBV RNA by realtime RT-PCR. The results demonstrate that although no SBV could be detected in nulliparous midges caught in May 2012, a renewed but short lived circulation of SBV in parous midges belonging to the subgenus Avaritia occured in August 2012 at all four regions. The infection prevalence reached up to 2.86% in the south of Belgium, the region where a lower seroprevalence was found at the end of 2011 than in the rest of the country. Furthermore, a frequency analysis of the Ct values obtained for 31 SBV-S segment positive pools of Avaritia midges showed a clear bimodal distribution with peaks of Ct values between 21–24 and 33–36. This closely resembles the laboratory results obtained for SBV infection of C. sonorensis and implicates indigenous midges belonging to the subgenus Avaritia as competent vectors for SBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick De Regge
- Operational Direction Viral Diseases, CODA-CERVA, Brussel, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Maxime Madder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Isra Deblauwe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bertrand Losson
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christiane Fassotte
- Life Science Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Center (CRA-W), Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Julie Demeulemeester
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - François Smeets
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie Tomme
- Life Science Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Center (CRA-W), Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Ann Brigitte Cay
- Operational Direction Viral Diseases, CODA-CERVA, Brussel, Belgium
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28
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The influence of the wind in the Schmallenberg virus outbreak in Europe. Sci Rep 2013; 3:3361. [PMID: 24285292 PMCID: PMC6506448 DOI: 10.1038/srep03361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A model previously developed for the wind-borne spread by midges of bluetongue virus in NW Europe in 2006 is here modified and applied to the spread of Schmallenberg virus in 2011. The model estimates that pregnant animals were infected 113 days before producing malformed young, the commonest symptom of reported infection, and explains the spatial and temporal pattern of infection in 70% of the 3,487 affected farms, most of which were infected by midges arriving through downwind movement (62% of explained infections), or a mixture of downwind and random movements (38% of explained infections), during the period of day (1600–2100 h, i.e. dusk) when these insects are known to be most active. The main difference with Bluetongue is the higher rate of spread of SBV, which has important implications for disease control.
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Rasmussen LD, Kirkeby C, Bødker R, Kristensen B, Rasmussen TB, Belsham GJ, Bøtner A. Rapid spread of Schmallenberg virus-infected biting midges (Culicoides spp.) across Denmark in 2012. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 61:12-6. [PMID: 24219171 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Detection of Schmallenberg virus RNA, using real-time RT-PCR, in biting midges (Culicoides spp.) caught at 48 locations in 2011 and four well-separated farms during 2012 in Denmark, revealed a remarkably rapid spread of virus-infected midges across the country. During 2012, some 213 pools of obsoletus group midges (10 specimens per pool) were examined, and of these, 35 of the 174 parous pools were Schmallenberg virus RNA positive and 11 of them were positive in the heads. Culicoides species-specific PCRs identified both C. obsoletus and C. dewulfi as vectors of Schmallenberg virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Rasmussen
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kalvehave, Denmark
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Balseiro A, Royo LJ, Gómez Antona A, García Marín JF. First Confirmation of Schmallenberg Virus in Cattle in Spain: Tissue Distribution and Pathology. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 62:e62-5. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Balseiro
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario; Centro de Biotecnología Animal; Gijón Asturias Spain
| | - L. J. Royo
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario; Centro de Biotecnología Animal; Gijón Asturias Spain
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First detection of Schmallenberg virus in elk (Alces alces) indicating infection of wildlife in Białowieża National Park in Poland. Vet J 2013; 198:279-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Elbers ARW, Meiswinkel R, van Weezep E, Kooi EA, van der Poel WHM. Schmallenberg Virus in Culicoides Biting Midges in the Netherlands in 2012. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 62:339-42. [PMID: 23890155 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A total of 130 pools of Culicoides biting midges collected between May and September 2012 in the Netherlands were assayed for Schmallenberg virus (SBV). The Culicoides midges were caught in the same area as where in 2011 a high proportion of Culicoides pools tested positive for SBV, in majority with a high viral load (Ct values between 20 and 30). Two of a total of 42 pools comprising 50 midges/pool of the Obsoletus complex from the 2012 collection tested weak positive (Ct values: 34.96 and 37.66), indicating a relatively low viral load. On an individual midge level, the proportion of SBV-infected Culicoides of the Obsoletus complex caught in the same area and in a comparable period of the year was significantly lower in 2012 (0.1% = 1 per 1050 tested) compared with 2011 (0.56% = 13 per 2300 tested).
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Affiliation(s)
- A R W Elbers
- Department of Epidemiology, Crisis organisation and Diagnostics, Central Veterinary Institute (CVI), part of Wageningen UR, Lelystad, the Netherlands
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Larska M, Lechowski L, Grochowska M, Żmudziński JF. Detection of the Schmallenberg virus in nulliparous Culicoides obsoletus/scoticus complex and C. punctatus--the possibility of transovarial virus transmission in the midge population and of a new vector. Vet Microbiol 2013; 166:467-73. [PMID: 23928121 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The arthropod-borne Schmallenberg virus (SBV) emerged in Europe in the late summer/autumn of 2011. SBV spread across the continent until 2012. This paper presents SBV detection in female Culicoides spp. caught in UV traps located in 23 different locations in Poland. The midges were divided into pools containing 20.5 individual insects on average according to species and parity status. The study was based on duplex real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) for the detection of the SBV S segment and culicoid 18S gene fragments. Forty-four out of 402 midge pools tested (10.9%) were found to be positive for the presence of viral RNA. The SBV positive Culicoides came from 10 traps spread randomly across the country and were collected between August and October 2012. The timing of the SBV positive midge collections and the locations of the traps corresponded to the epizootic situation of SBV in ruminants. SBV RNA was most frequently identified in gravid midges (36.4%), while in nulliparous, blood-fed and parous midges the percentages were 10.8% 13.0% and 8.1%, respectively. The majority (82%) of SBV positive pools belonged to Culicoides obsoletus/scoticus complex; however, viral RNA was also found in 8 out of the 149 (5.4%) Culicoides punctatus pools tested. While no statistical differences in the Ct values between different parity groups were found, the bimodal distribution observed at the Ct frequency plots suggested active SBV replication, especially in parous and gravid midge females, and sub-transmissible infection in nulliparous and blood-fed insects. The most important findings included identification of C. punctatus as a new possible vector of SBV and the recovery of viral RNA from the nulliparous females which may suggest transovarial transmission in C. obsoletus/scoticus complex and C. punctatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Larska
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
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Epidemiology, molecular virology and diagnostics of Schmallenberg virus, an emerging orthobunyavirus in Europe. Vet Res 2013; 44:31. [PMID: 23675914 PMCID: PMC3663787 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-44-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
After the unexpected emergence of Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) in northern Europe in 2006, another arbovirus, Schmallenberg virus (SBV), emerged in Europe in 2011 causing a new economically important disease in ruminants. The virus, belonging to the Orthobunyavirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family, was first detected in Germany, in The Netherlands and in Belgium in 2011 and soon after in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Denmark and Switzerland. This review describes the current knowledge on the emergence, epidemiology, clinical signs, molecular virology and diagnosis of SBV infection.
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