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Polat C, Ayhan N, Ergünay K, Charrel RN. Comprehensive evaluation of nucleic acid amplification methods widely used for generic detection of sandfly-borne phleboviruses. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0342823. [PMID: 38456695 PMCID: PMC10986501 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03428-23] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses (SBPs), which cause sandfly fever, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis, are emerging pathogens of major public health concern. Virus nucleic acid testing is essential for SBP diagnosis, especially in the early stages of infection, and for the discovery of novel SBPs. The efficacy of utilizing generic primers that target conserved nucleotide sequences for the detection of both known and novel SBPs has not been extensively evaluated. We aimed to compare and evaluate the performance of five generic primer sets, widely used to detect S- and L-segments of arthropod-borne phleboviruses and designed as singleplex (n = 3) and nested (n = 2) formats, including both well-known and recently characterized 15 Old World virus strains. Furthermore, we performed in silico analysis to assess the detection capabilities of these generic primer sets. The initial evaluation of previously published generic primer sets for SBP detection yielded two singleplex primer sets with the potential to be adapted for use in real-time or high-throughput detection settings. Studies are ongoing to develop and further optimize a preliminary assay and test various hosts and vectors to assess their capacity to detect known and novel viruses. IMPORTANCE Virus nucleic acid testing is the primary diagnostic method, particularly in the early stages of illness. Virus-specific or syndromic tests are widely used for this purpose. The use of generic primers has had a considerable impact on the discovery, identification, and detection of Old World sandfly-borne phleboviruses (OWSBP). The study is significant because it is the first to carry out a comparative evaluation of all published OWSBP generic primer sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health, and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), Marseille, France
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, Maryland, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire des Infections Virales Aigues et Tropicales, Pole des Maladies Infectieuses, AP-HM Hopitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
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Al-numaani SA, Al-Nemari AT, El-Kafrawy SA, Hassan AM, Tolah AM, Alghanmi M, Zawawi A, Masri BE, Hindawi SI, Alandijany TA, Bajrai LH, Bukhari A, Mahmoud AB, Al Salem WS, Algaissi A, Charrel RN, Azhar EI, Hashem AM. Seroprevalence of Toscana and sandfly fever Sicilian viruses in humans and livestock animals from western Saudi Arabia. One Health 2023; 17:100601. [PMID: 37520847 PMCID: PMC10372353 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100601] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High seroprevalence rates of several phleboviruses have been reported in domestic animals and humans in sandfly-infested regions. Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and Toscana virus (TOSV) are two of these viruses commonly transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies. While SFSV can cause rapidly resolving mild febrile illness, TOSV could involve the central nervous system (CNS), causing diseases ranging from aseptic meningitis to meningoencephalitis. Sandfly-associated phleboviruses have not been investigated before in Saudi Arabia and are potential causes of infection given the prevalence of sandflies in the country. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of SFSV and TOSV in the western region of Saudi Arabia in samples collected from blood donors, livestock animals, and animal handlers. An overall seroprevalence of 9.4% and 0.8% was found in humans for SFSV and TOSV, respectively. Seropositivity was significantly higher in non-Saudis compared to Saudis and increased significantly with age especially for SFSV. The highest seropositivity rate was among samples collected from animal handlers. Specifically, in blood donors, 6.4% and 0.7% tested positive for SFSV and TOSV nAbs, respectively. Animal handlers showed higher seroprevalence rates of 16% and 1% for anti-SFSV and anti-TOSV nAbs, respectively, suggesting that contact with livestock animals could be a risk factor. Indeed, sera from livestock animals showed seropositivity of 53.3% and 4.4% in cows, 27.5% and 7.8% in sheep, 2.2% and 0.0% in goats, and 10.0% and 2.3% in camels for SFSV and TOSV, respectively. Together, these results suggest that both SFSV and TOSV are circulating in the western region of Saudi Arabia in humans and livestock animals, albeit at different rates, and that age and contact with livestock animals could represent risk factors for infection with these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ayman Al-numaani
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Talat Al-Nemari
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif A. El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Tolah
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maimonah Alghanmi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayat Zawawi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badr Essa Masri
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa I. Hindawi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamir A. Alandijany
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena H. Bajrai
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Bukhari
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed S. Al Salem
- Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Emerging and Epidemic Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Esam I. Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit- BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Ayhan N, Alten B, Ivovic V, Cvetkovikj A, Stefanovska J, Martinkovic F, Piorkowski G, Moureau G, Gould EA, Pettersson JHO, de Lamballerie X, Charrel RN. Field surveys in Croatia and North Macedonia reveal two novel phleboviruses circulating in sandflies. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34797756 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are distributed widely throughout the Mediterranean Basin, presenting a threat to public health in areas where they circulate. However, the true diversity and distribution of pathogenic and apathogenic sandfly-borne phleboviruses remains a key issue to be studied. In the Balkans, most published data rely on serology-based studies although virus isolation has occasionally been reported. Here, we report the discovery of two novel sandfly-borne phleboviruses, provisionally named Zaba virus (ZABAV) and Bregalaka virus (BREV), which were isolated in Croatia and North Macedonia, respectively. This constitutes the first isolation of phleboviruses in both countries. Genetic analysis based on complete coding sequences indicated that ZABAV and BREV are distinct from each other and belong to the genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae. Phylogenetic and amino acid modelling of viral polymerase shows that ZABAV and BREV are new members of the Salehabad phlebovirus species and the Adana phlebovirus species, respectively. Moreover, sequence-based vector identification suggests that ZABAV is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomus neglectus and BREV is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomus perfiliewi. BREV neutralizing antibodies were detected in 3.3% of human sera with rates up to 16.7% in certain districts, demonstrating that BREV frequently infects humans in North Macedonia. In vitro viral growth kinetics experiments demonstrated viral replication of both viruses in mammalian and mosquito cells. In vivo experimental studies in mice suggest that ZABAV and BREV exhibit characteristics making them possible human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Bulent Alten
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ecology Division, VERG Labs, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vladimir Ivovic
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (FAMNIT), University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Franjo Martinkovic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases with Clinics, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Geraldine Piorkowski
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Gregory Moureau
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Ernest A Gould
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - John H-O Pettersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Remi N Charrel
- Unite des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
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Low Incidence and Mortality from SARS-CoV-2 in Southern Europe. Proposal of a hypothesis for Arthropod borne Herd immunity. Med Hypotheses 2020; 143:110121. [PMID: 32759006 PMCID: PMC7375308 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 incidence and mortality in Europe have shown wide variation. Northern Italy in particular the Lombardy region, north-eastern French regions, Switzerland and Belgium were amongst the hardest hit, while the central and southern Italian regions, all the Balkan countries from Slovenia to Greece and the Islands of Malta and Cyprus had much fewer cases and deaths per capita, and deaths per number of cases. Differences in public health measures, and health care delivery, in the author’s opinion, can only partly explain the difference. The geographical distribution of Phlebotomus sand-flies and the relative distribution of arthropod borne diseases Leishmaniasis and Phlebovirus infections especially the Sicilian Sandfly fever group corresponds to most areas of low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. A hypothesis is proposed whereby repeated arthropod or sandfly vector infection of humans by novel viruses of zoonotic origins carrying bat or mammalian RNA/DNA, such as phleboviruses may have resulted in the development of an effective evolutionary immune response to most novel zoonotic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 by means of survival of the fittest possibly over many generations. This process probably ran in parallel and concurrent with the progressive evolution of novel coronaviruses which spread from one mammalian species to another. Other possible, but less likely mechanisms for the role of sandfly meals within a much shorter time frame may have led to, (i) previous exposure and infection of humans with the SARS-Cov-2 virus itself, or a closely related corona virus in the previous decades, or (ii) exposure of human populations to parts coronavirus protein namely either S or more likely N protein carried mechanically by arthropods, but without clinical disease causing direct immunity or (iii) by causing infection with other arthropod borne viruses which could carry bat DNA/RNA and have similar functional proteins resulting in an immediate cross-reactive immune response rather than by natural selection. The Evidence possibly supporting or disputing this hypothesis is reviewed, however the major problem with the hypothesis is that to date no coronavirus has ever been isolated from arthropods. Such a hypothesis can only be supported by research investigating the possible biological relationship of arthropods and coronaviruses where paradoxically they may be promoting immunity rather than disease.
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Ayhan N, Prudhomme J, Laroche L, Bañuls AL, Charrel RN. Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8010114. [PMID: 31947561 PMCID: PMC7022675 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.)perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
- Unité de Virologie EA7310 Bioscope, Université de Corse Pasquale Paoli (UCPP), 20250 Corte, France
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Lison Laroche
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
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