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Identification of Usutu Virus Africa 3 Lineage in a Survey of Mosquitoes and Birds from Urban Areas of Western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6893677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus that has caused an increasing number of animal and human cases in Europe in recent years. Understanding the vector species and avian hosts involved in the USUV enzootic cycle in an area of active circulation is vital to anticipate potential outbreaks. Mosquitoes were captured in 2020, while wild birds were sampled in both 2020 and 2021 in Extremadura, southwestern Spain. The presence of USUV in the mosquito vectors was assessed by a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay and confirmed by sequencing amplicons from two generic RT-PCR sets for flaviviruses. Sequences were analysed phylogenetically. Bird sera were screened for flavivirus antibodies with a blocking ELISA kit and subsequently tested for virus-specific antibodies with a micro-virus-neutralization test. Overall, 6,004 mosquitoes belonging to 13 species were captured, including some well-known flavivirus vectors (Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, and Cx. univittatus). Of the 438 pools tested, USUV was detected in two pools of Cx. pipiens. Phylogenetic analysis using a fragment of the NS5 gene assigned the USUV detected the Africa 3 lineage. Out of 1,413 wild birds tested, USUV-specific antibodies were detected in 17 birds (1.2%, 10 males and 7 females) from eight species. The first detection of USUV Africa 3 lineage in mosquitoes from Spain, together with serologically positive resident wild birds in urban and rural areas, indicates active circulation and a possible risk of exposure for the human population, with necessity to establish specific surveillance plans.
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Perinet LC, Mutebi JP, Powers AM, Lutwama JJ, Mossel EC. Yata Virus (Family Rhabdoviridae, Genus Ephemerovirus) Isolation from Mosquitoes from Uganda, the First Reported Isolation since 1969. Diseases 2023; 11:diseases11010021. [PMID: 36810535 PMCID: PMC9944095 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
As a part of a systematic study of mosquitoes and associated viruses in Uganda, a virus was isolated from a pool of Mansonia uniformis collected in July 2017, in the Kitgum District of northern Uganda. Sequence analysis determined that the virus is Yata virus (YATAV; Ephemerovirus yata; family Rhabdoviridae). The only previous reported isolation of YATAV was in 1969 in Birao, Central African Republic, also from Ma. uniformis mosquitoes. The current sequence is over 99% identical at the nucleotide level to the original isolate, indicating a high level of YATAV genomic stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara C. Perinet
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - John-Paul Mutebi
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Ann M. Powers
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Julius J. Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Eric C. Mossel
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
- Correspondence:
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3
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Kayiwa JT, Mayanja MN, Nakayiki TM, Senfuka F, Mugga J, Koehler JW, Mossel EC, Lutwama JJ. Phylogenetic Analysis of Wesselsbron Virus Isolated from Field-Captured Mosquitoes during a Rift Valley Fever Outbreak in Kabale District, Uganda-2016. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:161-164. [PMID: 36410326 PMCID: PMC9833084 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
After confirmation of two human cases of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in March 2016 in the Kabale district of Uganda, an entomological investigation was conducted with a focus on mosquito species composition and abundance of known and potential mosquito vector species, and virus testing to identify species most likely involved in Rift Valley fever virus transmission. This information could be used to forecast risk and facilitate improvement of prevention and response tools for use in preventing or controlling future outbreaks. From these collections, two virus isolates were obtained, one each from a pool of Aedes tricholabis and Ae. gibbinsi. Next-generation sequencing identified both isolates as Wesselsbron virus, family Flaviviridae, a neglected arbovirus of economic importance. These are the first reported Wesselsbron virus isolates from Uganda since 1966.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T. Kayiwa
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda;,Address correspondence to John T. Kayiwa, Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Plot 51-59 Nakiwogo Road, Entebbe, Uganda. E-mail:
| | - Martin N. Mayanja
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Teddy Muwawu Nakayiki
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Fred Senfuka
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Julius Mugga
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jeffrey W. Koehler
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Eric C. Mossel
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Julius J. Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
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North American House Sparrows Are Competent for Usutu Virus Transmission. mSphere 2022; 7:e0029522. [PMID: 36317895 PMCID: PMC9769741 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00295-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV, Flaviviridae) is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that has been implicated in neuroinvasive disease in humans and epizootic deaths in wild birds. USUV is maintained in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitoes, primarily Culex spp., and wild birds, predominantly passerine species. However, limited experimental data exist on the species competent for USUV transmission. Here, we demonstrate that house sparrows are susceptible to multiple USUV strains. Our study also revealed that Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes are susceptible to USUV, with a significantly higher infection rate for the Netherlands 2016 USUV strain compared to the Uganda 2012 USUV strain at 50% and 19%, respectively. To assess transmission between avian host and mosquito vector, we allowed mosquitoes to feed on either juvenile chickens or house sparrows inoculated with USUV. Both bird models transmitted USUV to C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Linear regression analyses indicated that C. quinquefasciatus infection rates were positively correlated with avian viremia levels, with 3 to 4 log10 PFU/mL representing the minimum avian viremia threshold for transmission to mosquitoes. Based on the viremia required for transmission, house sparrows were estimated to more readily transmit the Netherlands 2016 strain compared to the Uganda 2012 strain. These studies provide insights on a competent reservoir host of USUV. IMPORTANCE Usutu virus (USUV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus that can cause neuroinvasive disease, including meningitis and encephalitis, in humans and has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths in wild birds. The perpetuation of USUV in nature is dependent on transmission between Culex spp. mosquitoes and various avian species. To date, few experimental data exist for determining which bird species are important for the maintenance of USUV. Our studies showed that house sparrows can transmit infectious Usutu virus, indicating their role as a competent host species. By identifying reservoir species of USUV, we can predict areas of USUV emergence and mitigate its impacts on global human and wildlife health.
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Vector Competence of Mosquitoes from Germany for Sindbis Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122644. [PMID: 36560650 PMCID: PMC9785343 DOI: 10.3390/v14122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are an emerging global health threat in the last few decades. One important arbovirus family is the Togaviridae, including the species Sindbis virus within the genus Alphavirus. Sindbis virus (SINV) is transmitted by mosquitoes, but available data about the role of different mosquito species as potent vectors for SINV are scarce. Therefore, we investigated seven mosquito species, collected from the field in Germany (Ae. koreicus, Ae. geniculatus, Ae. sticticus, Cx. torrentium, Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens) as well as lab strains (Ae. albopictus, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, Cx. quinquefasciatus), for their vector competence for SINV. Analysis was performed via salivation assay and saliva was titrated to calculate the amount of infectious virus particles per saliva sample. All Culex and Aedes species were able to transmit SINV. Transmission could be detected at all four investigated temperature profiles (of 18 ± 5 °C, 21 ± 5 °C, 24 ± 5 °C or 27 ± 5 °C), and no temperature dependency could be observed. The concentration of infectious virus particles per saliva sample was in the same range for all species, which may suggest that all investigated mosquito species are able to transmit SINV in Germany.
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Heitzman-Breen N, Golden J, Vazquez A, Kuchinsky SC, Duggal NK, Ciupe SM. Modeling the dynamics of Usutu virus infection in birds. J Theor Biol 2021; 531:110896. [PMID: 34506809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110896] [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] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Usutu virus is an emerging zoonotic flavivirus causing high avian mortality rates and occasional severe neurological disorders in humans. Several virus strains are co-circulating and the differences in their characteristics and avian pathogenesis levels are still unknown. In this study, we use within-host mathematical models to characterize the mechanisms responsible for virus expansion and clearance in juvenile chickens challenged with four Usutu virus strains. We find heterogeneity between the virus strains, with the time between cell infection and viral production varying between 16 h and 23 h, the infected cell lifespan varying between 48 min and 9.5 h, and the basic reproductive number R0 varying between 12.05 and 19.49. The strains with high basic reproductive number have short infected cell lifespan, indicative of immune responses. The virus strains with low basic reproductive number have lower viral peaks and longer lasting viremia, due to lower infection rates and high infected cell lifespan. We discuss how the host and virus heterogeneities may differently impact the public health threat presented by these virus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Heitzman-Breen
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jacob Golden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ana Vazquez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Epidemiology and Public Health Network of Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sarah C Kuchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nisha K Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Stanca M Ciupe
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Salgado R, Hawks SA, Frere F, Vázquez A, Huang CYH, Duggal NK. West Nile Virus Vaccination Protects against Usutu Virus Disease in Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122352. [PMID: 34960621 PMCID: PMC8704473 DOI: 10.3390/v13122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that can cause neuroinvasive disease in humans. WNV and USUV circulate in both Africa and Europe and are closely related. Due to antigenic similarity, WNV-specific antibodies and USUV-specific antibodies have the potential to bind heterologous viruses; however, it is unclear whether this interaction may offer protection against infection. To investigate how prior WNV exposure would influence USUV infection, we used an attenuated WNV vaccine that contains the surface proteins of WNV in the backbone of a dengue virus 2 vaccine strain and protects against WNV disease. We hypothesized that vaccination with this attenuated WNV vaccine would protect against USUV infection. Neutralizing responses against WNV and USUV were measured in vitro using sera following vaccination. Sera from vaccinated CD-1 and Ifnar1-/- mice cross-neutralized with WNV and USUV. All mice were then subsequently challenged with an African or European USUV strain. In CD-1 mice, there was no difference in USUV titers between vaccinated and mock-vaccinated mice. However, in the Ifnar1-/- model, vaccinated mice had significantly higher survival rates and significantly lower USUV viremia compared to mock-vaccinated mice. Our results indicate that exposure to an attenuated form of WNV protects against severe USUV disease in mice and elicits a neutralizing response to both WNV and USUV. Future studies will investigate the immune mechanisms responsible for the protection against USUV infection induced by WNV vaccination, providing critical insight that will be essential for USUV and WNV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Salgado
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (R.S.); (S.A.H.); (F.F.)
| | - Seth A. Hawks
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (R.S.); (S.A.H.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesca Frere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (R.S.); (S.A.H.); (F.F.)
| | - Ana Vázquez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), CIBERESP, CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Claire Y.-H. Huang
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA;
| | - Nisha K. Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (R.S.); (S.A.H.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-540-231-6705
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8
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Mayanja MN, Mwiine FN, Lutwama JJ, Ssekagiri A, Egesa M, Thomson EC, Kohl A. Mosquito-borne arboviruses in Uganda: history, transmission and burden. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34609940 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-transmitted arboviruses constitute a large proportion of emerging infectious diseases that are both a public health problem and a threat to animal populations. Many such viruses were identified in East Africa, a region where they remain important and from where new arboviruses may emerge. We set out to describe and review the relevant mosquito-borne viruses that have been identified specifically in Uganda. We focused on the discovery, burden, mode of transmission, animal hosts and clinical manifestation of those previously involved in disease outbreaks. A search for mosquito-borne arboviruses detected in Uganda was conducted using search terms 'Arboviruses in Uganda' and 'Mosquitoes and Viruses in Uganda' in PubMed and Google Scholar in 2020. Twenty-four mosquito-borne viruses from different animal hosts, humans and mosquitoes were documented. The majority of these were from family Peribunyaviridae, followed by Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, Phenuiviridae and only one each from family Rhabdoviridae and Reoviridae. Sixteen (66.7%) of the viruses were associated with febrile illnesses. Ten (41.7%) of them were first described locally in Uganda. Six of these are a public threat as they have been previously associated with disease outbreaks either within or outside Uganda. Historically, there is a high burden and endemicity of arboviruses in Uganda. Given the many diverse mosquito species known in the country, there is also a likelihood of many undescribed mosquito-borne viruses. Next generation diagnostic platforms have great potential to identify new viruses. Indeed, four novel viruses, two of which were from humans (Ntwetwe and Nyangole viruses) and two from mosquitoes (Kibale and Mburo viruses) were identified in the last decade using next generation sequencing. Given the unbiased approach of detection of viruses by this technology, its use will undoubtedly be critically important in the characterization of mosquito viromes which in turn will inform other diagnostic efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N Mayanja
- School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.,MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Frank N Mwiine
- School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Alfred Ssekagiri
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Egesa
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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Kuchinsky SC, Frere F, Heitzman-Breen N, Golden J, Vázquez A, Honaker CF, Siegel PB, Ciupe SM, LeRoith T, Duggal NK. Pathogenesis and shedding of Usutu virus in juvenile chickens. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:725-738. [PMID: 33769213 PMCID: PMC8043533 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1908850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV; family: Flaviviridae, genus: Flavivirus), is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus that causes severe neuroinvasive disease in humans and has been implicated in the loss of breeding bird populations in Europe. USUV is maintained in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitos and wild birds. As a member of the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex, USUV is closely related to West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), both neuroinvasive arboviruses endemic in wild bird populations in the United States. An avian model for USUV is essential to understanding zoonotic transmission. Here we describe the first avian models of USUV infection with the development of viremia. Juvenile commercial ISA Brown chickens were susceptible to infection by multiple USUV strains with evidence of cardiac lesions. Juvenile chickens from two chicken lines selected for high (HAS) or low (LAS) antibody production against sheep red blood cells showed markedly different responses to USUV infection. Morbidity and mortality were observed in the LAS chickens, but not HAS chickens. LAS chickens had significantly higher viral titers in blood and other tissues, as well as oral secretions, and significantly lower development of neutralizing antibody responses compared to HAS chickens. Mathematical modelling of virus-host interactions showed that the viral clearance rate is a stronger mitigating factor for USUV viremia than neutralizing antibody response in this avian model. These chicken models provide a tool for further understanding USUV pathogenesis in birds and evaluating transmission dynamics between avian hosts and mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Kuchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Francesca Frere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nora Heitzman-Breen
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jacob Golden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ana Vázquez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Epidemiology and Public Health Network of Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christa F Honaker
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Paul B Siegel
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Stanca M Ciupe
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nisha K Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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10
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Mayanja MN, Mwiine FN, Lutwama JJ, Ssekagiri A, Egesa M, Thomson EC, Kohl A. Mosquito-borne arboviruses in Uganda: history, transmission and burden. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34166178 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-transmitted arboviruses constitute a large proportion of emerging infectious diseases that are both a public health problem and a threat to animal populations. Many such viruses were identified in East Africa, a region where they remain important and from where new arboviruses may emerge. We set out to describe and review the relevant mosquito-borne viruses that have been identified specifically in Uganda. We focused on the discovery, burden, mode of transmission, animal hosts and clinical manifestation of those previously involved in disease outbreaks. A search for mosquito-borne arboviruses detected in Uganda was conducted using search terms 'Arboviruses in Uganda' and 'Mosquitoes and Viruses in Uganda' in PubMed and Google Scholar in 2020. Twenty-four mosquito-borne viruses from different animal hosts, humans and mosquitoes were documented. The majority of these were from family Peribunyaviridae, followed by Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, Phenuiviridae and only one each from family Rhabdoviridae and Reoviridae. Sixteen (66.7 %) of the viruses were associated with febrile illnesses. Ten (41.7 %) of them were first described locally in Uganda. Six of these are a public threat as they have been previously associated with disease outbreaks either within or outside Uganda. Historically, there is a high burden and endemicity of arboviruses in Uganda. Given the many diverse mosquito species known in the country, there is also a likelihood of many undescribed mosquito-borne viruses. New generation diagnostic platforms have great potential to identify new viruses. Indeed, four novel viruses, two of which were from humans (Ntwetwe and Nyangole viruses) and two from mosquitoes (Kibale and Mburo viruses) including the 2010 yellow fever virus (YFV) outbreak were identified in the last decade using next generation sequencing. Given the unbiased approach of detection of viruses by this technology, its use will undoubtedly be critically important in the characterization of mosquito viromes which in turn will inform other diagnostic efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N Mayanja
- School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.,MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Frank N Mwiine
- School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Alfred Ssekagiri
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Egesa
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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Chiuya T, Masiga DK, Falzon LC, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Villinger J. A survey of mosquito-borne and insect-specific viruses in hospitals and livestock markets in western Kenya. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252369. [PMID: 34048473 PMCID: PMC8162702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes are prolific vectors of arboviruses that are a global threat to human and animal health. Increased globalization and ease of travel have facilitated the worldwide dissemination of these mosquitoes and the viruses they transmit. To assess disease risk, we determined the frequency of arboviruses in western Kenyan counties bordering an area of high arboviral activity. In addition to pathogenic viruses, insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), some of which are thought to impair the transmission of specific pathogenic arboviruses, were also evaluated. We trapped mosquitoes in the short and long rainy seasons in 2018 and 2019 at livestock markets and hospitals. Mosquitoes were screened for dengue, chikungunya and other human pathogenic arboviruses, ISFs, and their blood-meal sources as determined by high-resolution melting analysis of (RT-)PCR products. Of 6,848 mosquitoes collected, 89% were trapped during the long rainy season, with A. aegypti (59%) and Cx. pipiens sensu lato (40%) being the most abundant. Most blood-fed mosquitoes were Cx. pipiens s.l. with blood-meals from humans, chicken, and sparrow (Passer sp.). We did not detect dengue or chikungunya viruses. However, one Culex poicilipes female was positive for Sindbis virus, 30 pools of Ae. aegypti had cell fusing agent virus (CFAV; infection rate (IR) = 1.27%, 95% CI = 0.87%-1.78%); 11 pools of Ae. aegypti had Aedes flavivirus (AeFV; IR = 0.43%, 95% CI = 0.23%-0.74%); and seven pools of Cx. pipiens s.l. (IR = 0.23%, 95% CI = 0.1%-0.45%) and one pool of Culex annulioris had Culex flavivirus. Sindbis virus, which causes febrile illness in humans, can complicate the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with fever. The presence of Sindbis virus in a single mosquito from a population of mosquitoes with ISFs calls for further investigation into the role ISFs may play in blocking transmission of other arboviruses in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- * E-mail: , (TC); (JV)
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laura C. Falzon
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Armanda D. S. Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Eric M. Fèvre
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail: , (TC); (JV)
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12
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Bates TA, Chuong C, Hawks SA, Rai P, Duggal NK, Weger-Lucarelli J. Development and characterization of infectious clones of two strains of Usutu virus. Virology 2020; 554:28-36. [PMID: 33352463 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV; genus Flavivirus; family Flaviviridae) is a mosquito-borne, positive-sense RNA virus that is currently causing significant die-offs in numerous bird species throughout Europe and has caused infections in humans. Currently, there are no molecular clones for USUV, hence, hindering studies on the pathogenesis and transmission of USUV. Here, we demonstrate the development and characterization of infectious clones for two modern strains of USUV isolated from Europe and Africa. We show that the infectious clone-derived viruses replicated similarly to the parental strains in mammalian and insect cells. Additionally, we observed similar levels of replication and disease in two mouse models. These clones will aid the study of USUV infection, transmission, diagnostics, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A Bates
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Christina Chuong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Seth A Hawks
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Pallavi Rai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nisha K Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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13
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Chiuya T, Masiga DK, Falzon LC, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Villinger J. Tick-borne pathogens, including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in western Kenya. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2429-2445. [PMID: 33142046 PMCID: PMC8359211 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vectors of emerging infectious diseases have expanded their distributional ranges in recent decades due to increased global travel, trade connectivity and climate change. Transboundary range shifts, arising from the continuous movement of humans and livestock across borders, are of particular disease control concern. Several tick-borne diseases are known to circulate between eastern Uganda and the western counties of Kenya, with one fatal case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) reported in 2000 in western Kenya. Recent reports of CCHF in Uganda have highlighted the risk of cross-border disease translocation and the importance of establishing inter-epidemic, early warning systems to detect possible outbreaks. We therefore carried out surveillance of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in three counties of western Kenya that neighbour Uganda. Ticks and other ectoparasites were collected from livestock and identified using morphological keys. The two most frequently sampled tick species were Rhipicephalus decoloratus (35%) and Amblyomma variegatum (30%); Ctenocephalides felis fleas and Haematopinus suis lice were also present. In total, 486 ticks, lice and fleas were screened for pathogen presence using established molecular workflows incorporating high-resolution melting analysis and identified through sequencing of PCR products. We detected CCHF virus in Rh. decoloratus and Rhipicephalus sp. cattle ticks, and 82 of 96 pools of Am. variegatum were positive for Rickettsia africae. Apicomplexan protozoa and bacteria of veterinary importance, such as Theileria parva, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale, were primarily detected in rhipicephaline ticks. Our findings show the presence of several pathogens of public health and veterinary importance in ticks from livestock at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in western Kenya. Confirmation of CCHF virus, a Nairovirus that causes haemorrhagic fever with a high case fatality rate in humans, highlights the risk of under-diagnosed zoonotic diseases and calls for continuous surveillance and the development of preventative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Daniel K Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laura C Falzon
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.,International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.,International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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14
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Kuchinsky SC, Hawks SA, Mossel EC, Coutermarsh-Ott S, Duggal NK. Differential pathogenesis of Usutu virus isolates in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008765. [PMID: 33044987 PMCID: PMC7580916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV; Flavivirus), a close phylogenetic and ecological relative of West Nile virus, is a zoonotic virus that can cause neuroinvasive disease in humans. USUV is maintained in an enzootic cycle between Culex mosquitoes and birds. Since the first isolation in 1959 in South Africa, USUV has spread throughout Africa and Europe. Reported human cases have increased over the last few decades, primarily in Europe, with symptoms ranging from mild febrile illness to severe neurological effects. In this study, we investigated whether USUV has become more pathogenic during emergence in Europe. Interferon α/β receptor knockout (Ifnar1-/-) mice were inoculated with recent USUV isolates from Africa and Europe, as well as the historic 1959 South African strain. The three tested African strains and one European strain from Spain caused 100% mortality in inoculated mice, with similar survival times and histopathology in tissues. Unexpectedly, a European strain from the Netherlands caused only 12% mortality and significantly less histopathology in tissues from mice compared to mice inoculated with the other strains. Viremia was highest in mice inoculated with the recent African strains and lowest in mice inoculated with the Netherlands strain. Based on phylogenetics, the USUV isolates from Spain and the Netherlands were derived from separate introductions into Europe, suggesting that disease outcomes may differ for USUV strains circulating in Europe. These results also suggest that while more human USUV disease cases have been reported in Europe recently, circulating African USUV strains are still a potential major health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Kuchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Seth A. Hawks
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Eric C. Mossel
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Sheryl Coutermarsh-Ott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SCO); (NKD)
| | - Nisha K. Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SCO); (NKD)
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15
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Shete A, Yadav PD, Gokhale M, Jain R, Pardeshi P, Majumdar T, Mourya DT. Proactive preparedness for Cat Que virus: An Orthobunyavirus existing in India. Indian J Med Res 2020; 151:571-577. [PMID: 32719230 PMCID: PMC7602937 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1195_18] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives: The presence of Cat Que virus (CQV) in Culex mosquitoes and pigs has been reported in China and Vietnam. Due to the spread of similar species of the Culex mosquitoes in India, there is a need to understand the replication kinetics of this virus in mosquito models. As a part of preparedness and to identify the presence of this CQV in humans and swine, this study was carried out to develop diagnostic tests. Methods: Serological and molecular diagnostic assays were developed for testing the mosquito population, human and swine serum samples. In this line, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L), glycoprotein (M) and nucleocapsid (S) genes-based reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays were developed for CQV. Real-time RT-PCR was used for screening of retrospectively collected human serum samples (n=1020) with acute febrile illness during 2014-2017. Simultaneously, an in-house anti-CQV swine and human IgG ELISAs were also developed to detect anti-CQV IgG antibody. Human serum samples (n=883) with post-onset of disease (POD) >4 days and swine serum samples (n=459) were tested for the presence of anti-CQV IgG antibodies. CQV NIV 612,045 isolate was used for susceptibility and replication kinetics experiment using three different species of mosquitoes to understand its behaviour in Indian mosquitoes. Results: All human serum samples (n=1020) screened for the presence of CQV using real-time RT-PCR were found to be negative. Anti-CQV IgG antibody positivity was recorded in two of 883 human serum samples tested. Virus susceptibility experiments indicated that three species of mosquito, namely Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus supported multiplication of CQV by intrathoracic as well as artificial membrane/oral feeding routes. Interpretation & conclusions: Anti-CQV IgG antibody positivity in human serum samples tested and the replication capability of CQV in mosquitoes indicated a possible disease causing potential of CQV in Indian scenario. Screening of more human and swine serum samples using these assays is required as a proactive measure for understanding the prevalence of this neglected tropical virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Shete
- Maximum Containment Laboratory, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pragya D Yadav
- Maximum Containment Laboratory, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Rajlaxmi Jain
- Maximum Containment Laboratory, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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16
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Eastwood G, Sang RC, Lutomiah J, Tunge P, Weaver SC. Sylvatic Mosquito Diversity in Kenya-Considering Enzootic Ecology of Arboviruses in an Era of Deforestation. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11060342. [PMID: 32503123 PMCID: PMC7349089 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As new and re-emerging vector-borne diseases are occurring across the world, East Africa represents an interesting location, being the origin of several arboviruses with a history of urbanization and global spread. Rapid expansion of urban populations and alteration of natural habitats creates the opportunity for arboviruses to host-switch from wild, sylvatic hosts or vectors into urban transmission affecting human populations. Although mosquito surveillance regularly takes place in urban areas of Kenya, for example identifying vectors of dengue virus or malaria viruses, little work has been carried out to determine the distribution and abundance of sylvatic vectors. Here, we describe the mosquito vector species and diversity collected at twelve forest habitats of rural Kenya. We conducted arbovirus screening of over 14,082 mosquitoes (47 species, 11 genera) as 1520 pools, and detected seven viruses (six bunyaviruses, and one flavivirus-bunyavirus co-infection) isolated from pools of Aedes dentatus,Anopheles funestus, Culex annulioris, and Cx. vansomereni. Awareness of sylvatic vector species and their location is a critical part of understanding the ecological foci and enzootic cycling of pathogens that may be of concern to public, animal or wildlife health. As natural ecosystems come under anthropogenic pressures, such knowledge can inform us of the One Health potential for spillover or spillback leading to outbreaks, and assist in vector control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Eastwood
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-516-655-7462
| | - Rosemary C. Sang
- Centre for Viral Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mbagathi Way, Nairobi, Kenya; (R.C.S.); (J.L.); (P.T.)
| | - Joel Lutomiah
- Centre for Viral Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mbagathi Way, Nairobi, Kenya; (R.C.S.); (J.L.); (P.T.)
| | - Philip Tunge
- Centre for Viral Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mbagathi Way, Nairobi, Kenya; (R.C.S.); (J.L.); (P.T.)
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
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17
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Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging arbovirus that was first isolated in South Africa in 1959. This Flavivirus is maintained in the environment through a typical enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. USUV has spread to a large part of the European continent over the two decades mainly leading to substantial avian mortalities with a significant recrudescence of bird infections recorded throughout Europe within the few last years. USUV infection in humans is considered to be most often asymptomatic or to cause mild clinical signs. Nonetheless, a few cases of neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningoencephalitis have been reported. USUV and West Nile virus (WNV) share many features, like a close phylogenetic relatedness and a similar ecology, with co-circulation frequently observed in nature. However, USUV has been much less studied and in-depth comparisons of the biology of these viruses are yet rare. In this review, we discuss the main body of knowledge regarding USUV and compare it with the literature on WNV, addressing in particular virological and clinical aspects, and pointing data gaps.
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18
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Musa AA, Muturi MW, Musyoki AM, Ouso DO, Oundo JW, Makhulu EE, Wambua L, Villinger J, Jeneby MM. Arboviruses and Blood Meal Sources in Zoophilic Mosquitoes at Human-Wildlife Interfaces in Kenya. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:444-453. [PMID: 32155389 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Zoophilic mosquitoes play an important role in the transmission of arboviruses of medical importance at human-wildlife interfaces, yet arbovirus surveillance efforts have been focused mostly on anthropophilic mosquitoes. Understanding the diversity of zoophilic mosquitoes and their associated feeding patterns and arboviruses can inform better vector control strategies. Materials and Methods: We morphologically identified mosquitoes collected from two game reserves in Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) and locations near the Shimba Hills National Reserve (SHNR). Representative mosquitoes were also identified by cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcode sequencing. In addition, we identified the vertebrate hosts of mosquito blood meals from the contents of each mosquito's abdomen by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of COI, 16S ribosomal RNA, and cytochrome b gene PCR products. Similarly, mosquito arbovirus infections were identified by HRM analysis and sequencing of Alphavirus- and Flavivirus-specific RT-PCR products. Results: Of 2858 mosquitoes collected, 51 were engorged with blood meals from seven different vertebrate hosts, including humans, birds, domestic, and peridomestic animals and wildlife. Culex was the most abundant mosquito genus, with Culex pipiens being the most abundant species in both study regions. Among MMNR samples, we detected dengue serotype-2 virus (DENV-2) for the first time in Aedes tarsalis and Aedes tricholabis, as well as Sindbis virus in male Cx. pipiens. We also detected DENV-2 in Aedes aegypti sampled from locations near the SHNR. Human and diverse wildlife blood meals were identified, including bushbuck blood in the dengue-infected Ae. tarsalis and both human and hippopotamus blood in a single Eretmapodites chrysogaster mosquito. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential risk of sylvatic dengue and Sindbis transmission to humans by zoophilic mosquitoes at human-wildlife interfaces in Africa. Of specific importance, we provide evidence of sylvatic DENV-2 in Ae. tarsalis and Ae. tricholabis, representing potential new dengue vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Musa
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Margaret W Muturi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abednego M Musyoki
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel O Ouso
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph W Oundo
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edward E Makhulu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lillian Wambua
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.,International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maamun M Jeneby
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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19
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Edridge AWD, Deijs M, Namazzi R, Cristella C, Jebbink MF, Maurer I, Kootstra NA, Buluma LR, van Woensel JBM, de Jong MD, Idro R, Boele van Hensbroek M, van der Hoek L. Novel Orthobunyavirus Identified in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Ugandan Child With Severe Encephalopathy. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:139-142. [PMID: 29893821 PMCID: PMC6293039 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A Ugandan child with an unexplained encephalitis was investigated using viral metagenomics. Several sequences from all segments of a novel orthobunyavirus were found. The S-segment, used for typing, showed 41% amino acid diversity to its closest relative. The virus was named Ntwetwe virus, after the hometown of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur W D Edridge
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Global Child Health Group, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Deijs
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago Hospital, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Cosimo Cristella
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Jebbink
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irma Maurer
- Laboratory of Viral Immune Pathogenesis, Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neeltje A Kootstra
- Laboratory of Viral Immune Pathogenesis, Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda R Buluma
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago Hospital, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Job B M van Woensel
- Global Child Health Group, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Menno D de Jong
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago Hospital, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Lia van der Hoek
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Shoemaker TR, Nyakarahuka L, Balinandi S, Ojwang J, Tumusiime A, Mulei S, Kyondo J, Lubwama B, Sekamatte M, Namutebi A, Tusiime P, Monje F, Mayanja M, Ssendagire S, Dahlke M, Kyazze S, Wetaka M, Makumbi I, Borchert J, Zufan S, Patel K, Whitmer S, Brown S, Davis WG, Klena JD, Nichol ST, Rollin PE, Lutwama J. First Laboratory-Confirmed Outbreak of Human and Animal Rift Valley Fever Virus in Uganda in 48 Years. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:659-671. [PMID: 30675833 PMCID: PMC6402942 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2016, an outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) was identified in Kabale district, southwestern Uganda. A comprehensive outbreak investigation was initiated, including human, livestock, and mosquito vector investigations. Overall, four cases of acute, nonfatal human disease were identified, three by RVF virus (RVFV) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and one by IgM and IgG serology. Investigations of cattle, sheep, and goat samples from homes and villages of confirmed and probable RVF cases and the Kabale central abattoir found that eight of 83 (10%) animals were positive for RVFV by IgG serology; one goat from the home of a confirmed case tested positive by RT-PCR. Whole genome sequencing from three clinical specimens was performed and phylogenetic analysis inferred the relatedness of 2016 RVFV with the 2006–2007 Kenya-2 clade, suggesting previous introduction of RVFV into southwestern Uganda. An entomological survey identified three of 298 pools (1%) of Aedes and Coquillettidia species that were RVFV positive by RT-PCR. This was the first identification of RVFV in Uganda in 48 years and the 10th independent viral hemorrhagic fever outbreak to be confirmed in Uganda since 2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor R Shoemaker
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Uganda, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Luke Nyakarahuka
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Stephen Balinandi
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Uganda, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ojwang
- Global Health Security Unit, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Tumusiime
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Uganda, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sophia Mulei
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jackson Kyondo
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Fred Monje
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martin Mayanja
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Melissa Dahlke
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Kyazze
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Milton Wetaka
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Issa Makumbi
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeff Borchert
- Global Health Security Unit, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sara Zufan
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ketan Patel
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shannon Whitmer
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shelley Brown
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William G Davis
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John D Klena
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Pierre E Rollin
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Julius Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
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21
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Kayiwa JT, Nankya AM, Ataliba I, Nassuna CA, Omara IE, Koehler JW, Dye JM, Mossel EC, Lutwama JJ. Dengue fever and chikungunya virus infections: identification in travelers in Uganda - 2017. TROPICAL DISEASES TRAVEL MEDICINE AND VACCINES 2019; 5:21. [PMID: 31798935 PMCID: PMC6884810 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-019-0099-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Arboviruses are (re-) emerging viruses that cause significant morbidity globally. Clinical manifestations usually consist of a non-specific febrile illness that may be accompanied by rash, arthralgia and arthritis and/or with neurological or hemorrhagic syndromes. The broad range of differential diagnoses of other infectious and non-infectious etiologies presents a challenge for clinicians. While knowledge of the geographic distribution of pathogens and the current epidemiological situation, incubation periods, exposure risk factors and vaccination history can help guide the diagnostic approach, the non-specific and variable clinical presentation can delay final diagnosis. This case report summarizes the laboratory-based findings of three travel-related cases of arbovirus infections in Uganda. These include a patient from Bangladesh with chikungunya virus infection and two cases of dengue fever from Ethiopia. Early detection of travel-imported cases by public health laboratories is important to reduce the risk of localized outbreaks of arboviruses such as dengue virus and chikungunya virus. Because of the global public health importance and the continued risk of (re-) emerging arbovirus infections, specific recommendations following diagnosis by clinicians should include obtaining travel histories from persons with arbovirus-compatible illness and include differential diagnoses when appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Kayiwa
- 1Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Annet M Nankya
- 1Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Irene Ataliba
- 1Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Charity A Nassuna
- 1Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Isaac E Omara
- 1Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jeffrey W Koehler
- 2US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD USA
| | - John M Dye
- 2US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD USA
| | - Eric C Mossel
- 3Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- 1Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
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22
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Nyaruaba R, Mwaliko C, Mwau M, Mousa S, Wei H. Arboviruses in the East African Community partner states: a review of medically important mosquito-borne Arboviruses. Pathog Glob Health 2019; 113:209-228. [PMID: 31664886 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1678939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases, including arbovirus-related diseases, make up a large proportion of infectious disease cases worldwide, causing a serious global public health burden with over 700,000 deaths annually. Mosquito-borne arbovirus outbreaks can range from global to regional. In the East African Community (EAC) region, these viruses have caused a series of emerging and reemerging infectious disease outbreaks. Member states in the EAC share a lot in common including regional trade and transport, some of the factors highlighted to be the cause of mosquito-borne arbovirus disease outbreaks worldwide. In this review, characteristics of 24 mosquito-borne arboviruses indigenous to the EAC are reviewed, including lesser or poorly understood viruses, like Batai virus (BATV) and Ndumu virus (NDUV), which may escape their origins under perfect conditions to establish a foothold in new geographical locations. Factors that may influence the future spread of these viruses within the EAC are addressed. With the continued development observed in the EAC, strategies should be developed by the Community in improving mosquito and mosquito-borne arbovirus surveillance to prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Nyaruaba
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,International college, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caroline Mwaliko
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,International college, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Matilu Mwau
- Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Busia, Kenya
| | - Samar Mousa
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,International college, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongping Wei
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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23
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Fagre AC, Kading RC. Can Bats Serve as Reservoirs for Arboviruses? Viruses 2019; 11:E215. [PMID: 30832426 PMCID: PMC6466281 DOI: 10.3390/v11030215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are known to harbor and transmit many emerging and re-emerging viruses, many of which are extremely pathogenic in humans but do not cause overt pathology in their bat reservoir hosts: henipaviruses (Nipah and Hendra), filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg), and coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV). Direct transmission cycles are often implicated in these outbreaks, with virus shed in bat feces, urine, and saliva. An additional mode of virus transmission between bats and humans requiring further exploration is the spread of disease via arthropod vectors. Despite the shared ecological niches that bats fill with many hematophagous arthropods (e.g. mosquitoes, ticks, biting midges, etc.) known to play a role in the transmission of medically important arboviruses, knowledge surrounding the potential for bats to act as reservoirs for arboviruses is limited. To this end, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken examining the current understanding and potential for bats to act as reservoirs for viruses transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods. Serosurveillance and viral isolation from either free-ranging or captive bats are described in relation to four arboviral groups (Bunyavirales, Flaviviridae, Reoviridae, Togaviridae). Further, ecological associations between bats and hematophagous viral vectors are characterized (e.g. bat bloodmeals in mosquitoes, ingestion of mosquitoes by bats, etc). Lastly, knowledge gaps related to hematophagous ectoparasites (bat bugs and bed bugs (Cimicidae) and bat flies (Nycteribiidae and Streblidae)), in addition to future directions for characterization of bat-vector-virus relationships are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Fagre
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Rebekah C Kading
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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24
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Cook CL, Huang YJS, Lyons AC, Alto BW, Unlu I, Higgs S, Vanlandingham DL. North American Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus are competent vectors for Usutu virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006732. [PMID: 30118480 PMCID: PMC6114897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Usutu virus (USUV) is a member of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) serocomplex in the Flaviviridae family. Emergence of USUV in Europe has led to disease burdens in birds and created increasing concern for the potential zoonotic transmission to humans. Whilst USUV has not been detected in the New World, the identification of competent vector species in North America is critical in the assessment of the likelihood of its dispersal and establishment of enzootic transmission cycles. The objective of this study was to determine vector competence of potential mosquito vectors in North America for USUV. Three medically important mosquito species were selected for testing because of their involvement in the transmission of West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus, two related JEV serocomplex flaviviruses in the New World. Methodology/Principal findings Oral challenge of Culex pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes albopictus was performed to determine the susceptibility and vector competence of North American mosquitoes for USUV. Infection status was monitored by the isolation of virus from homogenized mosquito tissues. The disseminated form of infection was demonstrated by the detection of infectious virus in the head, wings, and legs of infected mosquitoes. The presence of viral RNA in saliva of infected Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus indicated that both species are competent for transmission of USUV. Conclusions/Significance Results indicate that members of the Cx. pipiens complex are susceptible to USUV and competent for its transmission potential in North America in the event of its introduction. In contrast, Ae. albopictus were highly refractory to USUV infection, suggesting that this species is unlikely to contribute to USUV transmission in North America. Usutu virus is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus maintained between avian and mosquito species. Although the pathogen has only been detected in Africa and Europe, a growing concern of its dispersal and zoonotic potential warrants the investigation on the vector competence of mosquito species outside the endemic regions for USUV. Identification of species involved in the transmission cycles allows for the formulation of disease control strategies such as vector control. As observed with West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, the presence of competent vector species is critical for the establishment of enzootic transmission cycles and contributes to the viral maintenance in nature. Despite differences in the genetics and bionomics of Culex pipiens in the Old World, members of the Cx. pipiens species in the New World are competent for USUV based on the results of per os challenges performed in this study. Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus are capable of initiating enzootic transmission cycles in the presence of susceptible avian species and should be targeted for vector control in the event of a disease outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian L. Cook
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Yan-Jang S. Huang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Amy C. Lyons
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Barry W. Alto
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Isik Unlu
- Mercer County Mosquito Control, West Trenton, New Jersey, United States of America
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Stephen Higgs
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Dana L. Vanlandingham
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Kayiwa JT, Nankya AM, Ataliba IJ, Mossel EC, Crabtree MB, Lutwama JJ. Confirmation of Zika virus infection through hospital-based sentinel surveillance of acute febrile illness in Uganda, 2014-2017. J Gen Virol 2018; 99:1248-1252. [PMID: 29975185 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes, was first isolated in Uganda in 1947. From February 2014 to October 2017, the Uganda Virus Research Institute, in collaboration with the US Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, conducted arbovirus surveillance in acute febrile illness (AFI) patients at St Francis hospital in Nkonkonjeru. Three hundred and eighty-four serum samples were collected and tested for IgM antibodies to yellow fever virus (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and ZIKV. Of the 384 samples, 5 were positive for ZIKV IgM. Of these five, three were confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to be ZIKV infections. Of the remaining two, one was determined to be a non-specific flavivirus infection and one was confirmed to be alphavirus-positive by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This study provides the first evidence of laboratory-confirmed ZIKV infection in Uganda in five decades, and emphasizes the need to enhance sentinel surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eric C Mossel
- 2Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Mary B Crabtree
- 2Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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26
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Romo H, Papa A, Kading R, Clark R, Delorey M, Brault AC. Comparative Vector Competence of North American Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus for African and European Lineage 2 West Nile Viruses. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1863-1869. [PMID: 29637885 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is phylogenetically separated into distinct lineages. Lineage 1 (L1) and lineage 2 (L2) encompass all WNV isolates associated with human and veterinary disease cases. Although L1 WNV is globally distributed, including North America, L2 WNV only recently emerged out of sub-Saharan Africa into Europe and Russia. The spread of L2 WNV throughout and beyond Europe depends, in part, on availability of competent vectors. The vector competence of mosquitoes within the Culex genus for WNV is well established for L1 WNV but less extensively studied for L2 WNV. Assessing the vector competence of North American Culex mosquitoes for L2 WNV will be critical for predicting the potential for L2 WNV emergence in North America. We address the vector competence of North American Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus for L2 WNV. Both mosquito species were highly competent for each of the L2 WNV strains assessed, but variation in infection, dissemination, and transmission was observed. An L2 WNV strain (NS10) isolated during the Greek outbreak in 2010 exhibited a reduced capacity to infect Cx. pipiens compared with other L2 WNV strains. In addition, a South African L2 WNV strain (SA89) displayed a significantly shorter extrinsic incubation period in Cx. quinquefasciatus compared with other L2 WNV strains. These results demonstrate that North American Culex mosquito species are competent vectors of African and European L2 WNV and that emergence of L2 WNV is unlikely to be hindered by poor competence of North American vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Romo
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Rebekah Kading
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Immunology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Rebecca Clark
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Mark Delorey
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Aaron C Brault
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
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27
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Kading RC, Kityo RM, Mossel EC, Borland EM, Nakayiki T, Nalikka B, Nyakarahuka L, Ledermann JP, Panella NA, Gilbert AT, Crabtree MB, Peterhans JK, Towner JS, Amman BR, Sealy TK, Nichol ST, Powers AM, Lutwama JJ, Miller BR. Neutralizing antibodies against flaviviruses, Babanki virus, and Rift Valley fever virus in Ugandan bats. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2018; 8:1439215. [PMID: 29511459 PMCID: PMC5827769 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2018.1439215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A number of arboviruses have previously been isolated from naturally-infected East African bats, however the role of bats in arbovirus maintenance is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure history of Ugandan bats to a panel of arboviruses. Materials and methods: Insectivorous and fruit bats were captured from multiple locations throughout Uganda during 2009 and 2011–2013. All serum samples were tested for neutralizing antibodies against West Nile virus (WNV), yellow fever virus (YFV), dengue 2 virus (DENV-2), Zika virus (ZIKV), Babanki virus (BBKV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Sera from up to 626 bats were screened for antibodies against each virus. Results and Discussion: Key findings include the presence of neutralizing antibodies against RVFV in 5/52 (9.6%) of little epauletted fruit bats (Epomophorus labiatus) captured from Kawuku and 3/54 (5.6%) Egyptian rousette bats from Kasokero cave. Antibodies reactive to flaviviruses were widespread across bat taxa and sampling locations. Conclusion: The data presented demonstrate the widespread exposure of bats in Uganda to arboviruses, and highlight particular virus-bat associations that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah C Kading
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Robert M Kityo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eric C Mossel
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Erin M Borland
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Teddie Nakayiki
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Viral Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Betty Nalikka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Luke Nyakarahuka
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Viral Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jeremy P Ledermann
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Nicholas A Panella
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Amy T Gilbert
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens, Rabies and Poxvirus Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.,USA Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Mary B Crabtree
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Julian Kerbis Peterhans
- College of Professional Studies, Roosevelt University & Collections & Research, The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jonathan S Towner
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian R Amman
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tara K Sealy
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ann M Powers
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging, and Re-emerging Viral Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Barry R Miller
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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28
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Lim JK, Carabali M, Lee JS, Lee KS, Namkung S, Lim SK, Ridde V, Fernandes J, Lell B, Matendechero SH, Esen M, Andia E, Oyembo N, Barro A, Bonnet E, Njenga SM, Agnandji ST, Yaro S, Alexander N, Yoon IK. Evaluating dengue burden in Africa in passive fever surveillance and seroprevalence studies: protocol of field studies of the Dengue Vaccine Initiative. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e017673. [PMID: 29358421 PMCID: PMC5780679 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dengue is an important and well-documented public health problem in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions. However, in Africa, information on disease burden is limited to case reports and reports of sporadic outbreaks, thus hindering the implementation of public health actions for disease control. To gather evidence on the undocumented burden of dengue in Africa, epidemiological studies with standardised methods were launched in three locations in Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In 2014-2017, the Dengue Vaccine Initiative initiated field studies at three sites in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Lambaréné, Gabon and Mombasa, Kenya to obtain comparable incidence data on dengue and assess its burden through standardised hospital-based surveillance and community-based serological methods. Multidisciplinary measurements of the burden of dengue were obtained through field studies that included passive facility-based fever surveillance, cost-of-illness surveys, serological surveys and healthcare utilisation surveys. All three sites conducted case detection using standardised procedures with uniform laboratory assays to diagnose dengue. Healthcare utilisation surveys were conducted to adjust population denominators in incidence calculations for differing healthcare seeking patterns. The fever surveillance data will allow calculation of age-specific incidence rates and comparison of symptomatic presentation between patients with dengue and non-dengue using multivariable logistic regression. Serological surveys assessed changes in immune status of cohorts of approximately 3000 randomly selected residents at each site at 6-month intervals. The age-stratified serosurvey data will allow calculation of seroprevalence and force of infection of dengue. Cost-of-illness evaluations were conducted among patients with acute dengue by Rapid Diagnostic Test. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION By standardising methods to evaluate dengue burden across several sites in Africa, these studies will generate evidence for dengue burden in Africa and data will be disseminated as publication in peer-review journals in 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Kyungah Lim
- Global Dengue and Aedes-transmitted Diseases Consortium, International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-gu, The Republic of Korea
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mabel Carabali
- Global Dengue and Aedes-transmitted Diseases Consortium, International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-gu, The Republic of Korea
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jung-Seok Lee
- Development and Delivery, International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-gu, The Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Sung Lee
- Development and Delivery, International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-gu, The Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Namkung
- Global Dengue and Aedes-transmitted Diseases Consortium, International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-gu, The Republic of Korea
| | - Sl-Ki Lim
- Global Dengue and Aedes-transmitted Diseases Consortium, International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-gu, The Republic of Korea
| | - Valéry Ridde
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jose Fernandes
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Fondation Internationale de l'Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Bertrand Lell
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Fondation Internationale de l'Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | | | - Meral Esen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Esther Andia
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Noah Oyembo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ahmed Barro
- Program Equité, Action-Gouvernance-Integration-Reinforcement, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Emmanuel Bonnet
- UMI Résiliences, Institut de recherche pour le developpement (IRD), Paris, France
| | - Sammy M Njenga
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Selidji Todagbe Agnandji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Fondation Internationale de l'Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Seydou Yaro
- Centre Muraz, Bobo Dioulasso, Hauts Bassins, Burkina Faso
| | - Neal Alexander
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - In-Kyu Yoon
- Global Dengue and Aedes-transmitted Diseases Consortium, International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-gu, The Republic of Korea
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