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Maroco D, Parreira R, dos Santos FA, Lopes Â, Simões F, Orge L, Seabra SG, Fagulha T, Brazio E, Henriques AM, Duarte A, Duarte MD, Barros SC. Tracking the Pathways of West Nile Virus: Phylogenetic and Phylogeographic Analysis of a 2024 Isolate from Portugal. Microorganisms 2025; 13:585. [PMID: 40142478 PMCID: PMC11945232 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13030585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2025] [Revised: 02/24/2025] [Accepted: 02/26/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Birds are natural hosts for numerous zoonotic viral pathogens, including West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. During migration, birds can act as vectors for the geographic spread of viruses. WNV is endemic in Portugal, causing annual outbreaks, particularly in horses. Here, we report the first detection of an avian WNV strain isolated from a wild bird (Astur gentilis) collected in Portugal in mid-September 2024. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were conducted to trace the virus's origin and potential transmission routes, integrating the obtained full-length genomic sequence with a dataset of WNV strains from Africa and Europe (1951-2024). Phylogenetic analysis of 92 WNV sequences spanning lineages 1-5 positioned the 2024 isolate within lineage 1a. Results obtained using phylodynamics-based analysis showed that this isolate likely originated in Africa and reached Portugal via Spain's Cádiz coast, confirming previously described WNV dispersal patterns between Africa and Europe. The data suggest a migratory route from West Africa to Europe, extending through countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France, indicating a reciprocal flow of the virus back into Africa. These transmission routes match the migratory paths of Afro-Palearctic bird species, emphasizing the role of migratory birds in the long-distance spread of WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Maroco
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University, Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards, Global Health (LA-REAL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.G.S.)
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University, Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards, Global Health (LA-REAL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.G.S.)
- Medical Microbiology Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University, Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards, Global Health (LA-REAL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fábio Abade dos Santos
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
- CECAV-Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Lisboa-Universidade Lusófona, Centro Universitário de Lisboa, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ângela Lopes
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Fernanda Simões
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Leonor Orge
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
- CECAV-Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Lisboa-Universidade Lusófona, Centro Universitário de Lisboa, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia G. Seabra
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University, Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards, Global Health (LA-REAL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.G.S.)
- Global Public Health Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University, Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards, Global Health (LA-REAL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Fagulha
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Erica Brazio
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Lisbon (LxCRAS), Parque Florestal de Monsanto, Monte das Perdizes, 1500-068 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ana M. Henriques
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Ana Duarte
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida D. Duarte
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sílvia C. Barros
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.M.); (F.A.d.S.); (Â.L.); (F.S.); (L.O.); (T.F.); (A.M.H.); (A.D.); (M.D.D.)
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Almada, Portugal
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Duarte A, Abade dos Santos FA, Fagulha T, Caetano I, Carvalho P, Carvalho J, Santos AE, de Ayala RP, Duarte MD. Mixed viral infections (Rotavirus, Herpesvirus and others) in European wild rabbits. Vet Anim Sci 2025; 27:100424. [PMID: 39877803 PMCID: PMC11773207 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100424] [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: 01/31/2025] Open
Abstract
Infectious viral pathogens significantly impact wild Leporidae populations, particularly Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus, which was listed as 'Endangered' in 2019. Myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease are major contributors to severe epizootics with limited long-lasting immunity. This study expanded beyond these well-documented viruses to include a broader spectrum of viruses in 36 wild rabbit carcasses (O. c. algirus) collected from the field in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024, and 32 wild rabbits hunted in 2017/2018. Using molecular techniques, we detected myxoma virus (MYXV) (58.3%), rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2/GI.2) (52.8%), herpesviruses (22.2%) and rotaviruses (48.1%) in the rabbits found dead. Co-infection with MYXV and RHDV2 was found in 27.8% of cases, much higher than previously reported. All hunted rabbits tested negative for MYXV and rotavirus, one was positive for RHDV2 (3.13%) and six for herpesvirus (18.75%). No coronaviruses, adenoviruses or paramyxoviruses were detected. Herpesviruses in apparently healthy hunted rabbits suggests a low clinical impact but the potential for severe outcomes in the presence of other pathogens. This study represents the most comprehensive virological survey of O. c. algirus in Iberia and is the first to document triple and quadruple viral co-infections in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Duarte
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Virology Laboratory, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fábio A. Abade dos Santos
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Virology Laboratory, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
- CECAV- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária- Faculdade de Medicina, Veterinária de Lisboa, Centro Universitário de Lisboa, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Fagulha
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Virology Laboratory, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Inês Caetano
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Virology Laboratory, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paulo Carvalho
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Pathology Laboratory, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - João Carvalho
- Associação Nacional de Proprietários Rurais Gestão Cinegética e Biodiversidade (ANPC), Rua Mestre Lima De Freitas, Nr. 1 5° 1549-012, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Emidio Santos
- Direção Nacional de Gestão do Programa de Fogos Rurais. Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, Avenida da República, 16 a 16B, 1050-191, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Margarida D. Duarte
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Virology Laboratory, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
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Barros SC, Maroco D, Henriques AM, Costa ML, Alves A, Ramos F, Duarte A, Fagulha T, Varanda IC, dos Santos FA, Ferreira AC, Barahona MJ, Carvalho PM, Orvalho M, Duarte MD. Fatal Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 Infection in Female Dogs: A Case Report from Alentejo, Portugal, 2024. Viruses 2025; 17:159. [PMID: 40006914 PMCID: PMC11860487 DOI: 10.3390/v17020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2024] [Revised: 12/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
The first official case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in Portugal was confirmed in sheep from the district of Évora in September 2024. Notably, mortality was observed in pregnant sheepdogs within the affected sheep flocks. This study presents four cases of pregnant dogs infected with BTV-3 in mid-September 2024, all of which aborted prior to death. BTV-3 was identified by RT-qPCR following initial positive results from pan-BTV RT-qPCR. The virus was subsequently isolated from the blood of one of the dogs in BHK-21 cells, and a partial sequence of the vp2 gene was obtained. This sequence showed 100% similarity to sheep BTV3/3234/PT2024, identified in Portugal in September 2024, as well as to BTV-3/NET2023, first reported in the Netherlands in 2023. These findings suggest that the viruses may be related or share a common origin. Co-infection with common canine viruses and pathogenic bacteria was ruled out, confirming that the fatalities were due to BTV-3 infection, probably by ingestion of sheep placenta after lambing. Our results confirm the potential for the transmission of BTV-3 to non-ruminant species, particularly carnivores, and, therefore, the wider ecological implications of this virus. In addition, the identification of transplacental transmission of BTV-3 in one of the dogs provides new evidence highlighting the complexity of the virus' transmission mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia C. Barros
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Diogo Maroco
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Henriques
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
| | - Maria L. Costa
- Hospital Veterinário Muralha de Évora, Rua Marechal Costa Gomes 9, 7005-145 Évora, Portugal; (M.L.C.); (A.A.); (M.O.)
| | - Alexandra Alves
- Hospital Veterinário Muralha de Évora, Rua Marechal Costa Gomes 9, 7005-145 Évora, Portugal; (M.L.C.); (A.A.); (M.O.)
| | - Fernanda Ramos
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
| | - Ana Duarte
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Fagulha
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
| | - Inês C. Varanda
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
| | - Fábio Abade dos Santos
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
- CECAV—Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina, Veterinária de Lisboa, Universidade Lusófona, Centro Universitário de Lisboa, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Ferreira
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- I-MVET, Faculdade de Medicina, Veterinária de Lisboa, Universidade Lusófona, Centro Universitário de Lisboa, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Barahona
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
| | - Paulo M. Carvalho
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
| | - Mariana Orvalho
- Hospital Veterinário Muralha de Évora, Rua Marechal Costa Gomes 9, 7005-145 Évora, Portugal; (M.L.C.); (A.A.); (M.O.)
| | - Margarida D. Duarte
- Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (D.M.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (A.D.); (T.F.); (I.C.V.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.C.F.); (M.J.B.); (P.M.C.)
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Barros SC, Henriques AM, Ramos F, Luís T, Fagulha T, Magalhães A, Caetano I, Abade dos Santos F, Correia FO, Santana CC, Duarte A, Villalba R, Duarte MD. Emergence of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 in Portugal (2024). Viruses 2024; 16:1845. [PMID: 39772155 PMCID: PMC11680098 DOI: 10.3390/v16121845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2024] [Revised: 11/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
In September 2024, bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) was first identified in Portugal, specifically in the Alentejo region (Évora District), using molecular diagnostic methods. The initial case involved a sheep exhibiting severe clinical symptoms, including head oedema, prostration, nasal discharge, and significant respiratory distress. A subsequent case was documented in another sheep from a different farm within the same district, which presented with high fever (41.5 °C), nasal discharge, and arthritis, ultimately resulting in mortality. Within one month of these initial detections, additional cases in both sheep and cattle were reported in neighbouring districts, indicating the virus rapid spread within the region. In response to this emerging threat, extensive monitoring efforts are being undertaken to delineate the distribution of BTV-3, and vaccination campaigns targeting this serotype have been initiated. These measures aim to mitigate the impact of the virus on livestock health and prevent further transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia C. Barros
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Henriques
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Fernanda Ramos
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Tiago Luís
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Teresa Fagulha
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
| | - André Magalhães
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Inês Caetano
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Fábio Abade dos Santos
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- CECAV-Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina, Veterinária de Lisboa, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa O. Correia
- Clínica Veterinária VetHeavy, Serviços de Reprodução e Sanidade, Rua Diana de Liz, Parque do Iroma, 7006-801 Évora, Portugal;
| | | | - Ana Duarte
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ruben Villalba
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue, Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria, M-106 pk 1, 4, 28110 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Margarida D. Duarte
- Virology Laboratory, Nacional Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (S.C.B.); (A.M.H.); (F.R.); (T.L.); (T.F.); (A.M.); (I.C.); (F.A.d.S.); (A.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Special Issue: Emerging Wildlife Viral Diseases. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040807. [PMID: 35458537 PMCID: PMC9026112 DOI: 10.3390/v14040807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
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Abade Dos Santos FA, Dalton KP, Carvalho CL, Casero M, Álvarez ÁL, Parra F, Duarte MD. Co-infection by classic MYXV and ha-MYXV in Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) and European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus). Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:1684-1690. [PMID: 35366052 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Myxomatosis is an emergent disease in the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis). In this species, the disease is caused by a natural recombinant virus (ha-MYXV) identified for the first time in 2018 and has since been responsible for a large number of outbreaks in Spain and Portugal. The ha-MYXV, which harbours a 2.8 Kb insert disrupting gene M009L, can also infect and cause disease in wild and domestic rabbits, despite being less frequently identified in rabbits. During the laboratory investigations of wild leporids found dead in Portugal carried out within the scope of a Nacional Surveillance Plan (Dispatch 4757/17, MAFDR), co-infection events by classic (MYXV) and naturally recombinant (ha-MYXV) strains were detected in both, one Iberian hare and one European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus). These two cases were initially detected by a multiplex qPCR detection of MYXV and ha-MYXV, and subsequently confirmed by conventional PCR and sequencing of the M009L gene which contains a ha-MYXV specific insertion. To our knowledge, this is the first documented report of co-infection by classic MYXV and ha-MYXV strains either in Iberian hare as in European wild rabbit. It is also the first report of infection of an Iberian hare by a classic MYXV strain. These findings highlight the continuous evolution of the myxoma virus and the frequent host range changes that justify the nonstop monitoring of the wild Leporidae populations sanitary condition in the Iberian Peninsula. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio A Abade Dos Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P. (INIAV, IP), Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-143, Portugal.,CIISA, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, 1300-477, Portugal.,Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
| | - Kevin P Dalton
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carina L Carvalho
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P. (INIAV, IP), Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-143, Portugal
| | - María Casero
- Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre of Ria Formosa (RIAS), Ria Formosa Natural Park, Olhão, 8700-194, Portugal
| | - Ángel L Álvarez
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - F Parra
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Margarida D Duarte
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P. (INIAV, IP), Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-143, Portugal.,CIISA, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, 1300-477, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
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Abade dos Santos FA, Carvalho CL, Valente PCLG, Armés H, Reemers SS, Peleteiro MC, Calonge Sanz I, Dalton KP, Parra F, Duarte MD. Evaluation of Commercial Myxomatosis Vaccines against Recombinant Myxoma Virus (ha-MYXV) in Iberian Hare and Wild Rabbit. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10030356. [PMID: 35334987 PMCID: PMC8954362 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10030356] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of a new myxoma virus capable of causing disease in the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) has resulted in numerous outbreaks with high mortality leading to the reduction, or even the disappearance, of many local populations of this wild species in the Iberian Peninsula. Currently, the available vaccines that prevent myxomatosis in domestic rabbits caused by classic strains of myxoma virus have not been assessed for use in Iberian hares. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commercial rabbit vaccines in Iberian hares and wild rabbits against the natural recombinant myxoma virus (ha-MYXV), bearing in mind its application in specific scenarios where capture is possible, such as genetic reserves. The study used a limited number of animals (pilot study), 15 Iberian hares and 10 wild rabbits. Hares were vaccinated with Mixohipra-FSA vaccine (Hipra) and Mixohipra-H vaccine (Hipra) using two different doses, and rabbits were vaccinated with the Mixohipra-H vaccine or the Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS (MSD Animal Health) using the recommended doses for domestic rabbits. After the vaccination trials, the animals were challenged with a wild type strain of ha-MYXV. The results showed that no protection to ha-MYXV challenge was afforded when a commercial dose of Mixohipra-FSA or Mixohipra-H vaccine was used in hares. However, the application of a higher dose of Mixohipra-FSA vaccine may induce protection and could possibly be used to counteract the accelerated decrease of wild hare populations due to ha-MYXV emergence. The two commercial vaccines (Mixohipra-H and Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS) tested in wild rabbits were fully protective against ha-MYXV infection. This knowledge gives more insights into ha-MYXV management in hares and rabbits and emphasises the importance of developing a vaccine capable of protecting wild populations of Iberian hare and wild rabbit towards MYXV and ha-MYXV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio A. Abade dos Santos
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (P.C.L.G.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.D.D.)
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (I.C.S.); (K.P.D.); (F.P.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Carina L. Carvalho
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Pâmela C. L. G. Valente
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (P.C.L.G.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Henrique Armés
- Hospital Veterinário de São Bento, R. de São Bento 358a, 1200-822 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Sylvia S. Reemers
- MSD Animal Health, Wim de Körverstraat 35, 5831 AN Boxmeer, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria C. Peleteiro
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (P.C.L.G.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Inés Calonge Sanz
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (I.C.S.); (K.P.D.); (F.P.)
| | - Kevin P. Dalton
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (I.C.S.); (K.P.D.); (F.P.)
| | - Francisco Parra
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (I.C.S.); (K.P.D.); (F.P.)
| | - Margarida D. Duarte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (P.C.L.G.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.D.D.)
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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Abade dos Santos FA, Carvalho CL, Parra F, Dalton KP, Peleteiro MC, Duarte MD. A Quadruplex qPCR for Detection and Differentiation of Classic and Natural Recombinant Myxoma Virus Strains of Leporids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112052. [PMID: 34769480 PMCID: PMC8584577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112052] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A natural recombinant myxoma virus (referred to as ha-MYXV or MYXV-Tol08/18) emerged in the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) and the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in late 2018 and mid-2020, respectively. This new virus is genetically distinct from classic myxoma virus (MYXV) strains that caused myxomatosis in rabbits until then, by acquiring an additional 2.8 Kbp insert within the m009L gene that disrupted it into ORFs m009L-a and m009L-b. To distinguish ha-MYXV from classic MYXV strains, we developed a robust qPCR multiplex technique that combines the amplification of the m000.5L/R duplicated gene, conserved in all myxoma virus strains including ha-MYXV, with the amplification of two other genes targeted by the real-time PCR systems designed during this study, specific either for classic MYXV or ha-MYXV strains. The first system targets the boundaries between ORFs m009L-a and m009L-b, only contiguous in classic strains, while the second amplifies a fragment within gene m060L, only present in recombinant MYXV strains. All amplification reactions were validated and normalized by a fourth PCR system directed to a housekeeping gene (18S rRNA) conserved in eukaryotic organisms, including hares and rabbits. The multiplex PCR (mPCR) technique described here was optimized for Taqman® and Evagreen® systems allowing the detection of as few as nine copies of viral DNA in the sample with an efficiency > 93%. This real-time multiplex is the first fast method available for the differential diagnosis between classic and recombinant MYXV strains, also allowing the detection of co-infections. The system proves to be an essential and effective tool for monitoring the geographical spread of ha-MYXV in the hare and wild rabbit populations, supporting the management of both species in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio A. Abade dos Santos
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.P.); (M.D.D.)
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; (F.P.); (K.P.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-21-440-3500
| | - Carina L. Carvalho
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Francisco Parra
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; (F.P.); (K.P.D.)
| | - Kevin P. Dalton
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; (F.P.); (K.P.D.)
| | - Maria C. Peleteiro
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.P.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Margarida D. Duarte
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.P.); (M.D.D.)
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
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