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Amaro F, Vilares A, Martins S, Reis T, Osório HC, Alves MJ, Gargaté MJ. Co-Circulation of Leishmania Parasites and Phleboviruses in a Population of Sand Flies Collected in the South of Portugal. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 9:3. [PMID: 38276633 PMCID: PMC10821132 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In the Old World, phlebotomine sand flies from the genus Phlebotomus are implicated in the transmission of Leishmania spp. parasites (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) and viruses belonging to the genus Phlebovirus (Bunyavirales: Phenuiviridae). Two of the five sand fly species known to occur in Portugal, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Ph. ariasi, the former being the most ubiquitous, are recognized vectors of Leishmania infantum, which causes visceral leishmaniasis, the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis in the country. Phlebotomus perniciosus is also the vector of the neurotropic Toscana virus, which can cause aseptic meningitis. Entomological surveillance is essential to provide fundamental data about the presence of vectors and the pathogens they can carry. As such, and given the lack of data in Portugal, an entomological survey took place in the Algarve, the southernmost region of the country, from May to October 2018. Polymerase chain reaction assays were performed in order to detect the presence of the above-mentioned pathogens in sand fly pools. Not only were both Leishmania parasites and phleboviruses detected during this study, but more importantly, it was the first time their co-circulation was verified in the same sand fly population collected in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Amaro
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, No. 5, 2965-575 Águas de Moura, Portugal; (H.C.O.); (M.J.A.)
- Environment and Infectious Diseases Research Group, Environmental Health Institute, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centre for Animal Science Studies (CECA), University of Porto, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Vilares
- National Reference Laboratory of Parasitic and Fungal Infections, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.V.); (S.M.); (T.R.); (M.J.G.)
| | - Susana Martins
- National Reference Laboratory of Parasitic and Fungal Infections, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.V.); (S.M.); (T.R.); (M.J.G.)
| | - Tânia Reis
- National Reference Laboratory of Parasitic and Fungal Infections, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.V.); (S.M.); (T.R.); (M.J.G.)
| | - Hugo Costa Osório
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, No. 5, 2965-575 Águas de Moura, Portugal; (H.C.O.); (M.J.A.)
- Environment and Infectious Diseases Research Group, Environmental Health Institute, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Alves
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, No. 5, 2965-575 Águas de Moura, Portugal; (H.C.O.); (M.J.A.)
- Environment and Infectious Diseases Research Group, Environmental Health Institute, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centre for Animal Science Studies (CECA), University of Porto, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Gargaté
- National Reference Laboratory of Parasitic and Fungal Infections, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.V.); (S.M.); (T.R.); (M.J.G.)
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Sellali S, Lafri I, Ayhan N, Medrouh B, Messahel NE, Lafri M, Charrel R, Bitam I. Neutralizing based seroprevalence study of Toscana virus in livestock from Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 103:102075. [PMID: 37922744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Toscana virus is a sandfly-borne human pathogen belonging to Phlebovirus genus into Phenuiviridae family. It is emerging in north Africa posing a complex threat to public health. TOSV is heavily affecting sandfly-exposed people in northern Algeria. A larger distribution has recently been stated in Algeria by using dog sera. Dog exposure to TOSV was repeatedly identified in north Algeria, with 4.56% lately detected to possess respective neutralizing antibodies. However, evidence for TOSV has only been observed in dogs among various species of domestic animals. Therefore, we attempted to assess sera from 221 livestock comprising cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits and horses, to identify the presence of TOSV neutralizing antibodies. The study was conducted during 2017, in 11 areas from the governorates of Blida, Medea, Algiers, Tipaza, Ain Defla, Tissemsilt in the north center, and Setif, Mila, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel in the northeast of Algeria. Positive results were obtained in 14.6% (12/82) cattle, 17.18% (11/64) sheep, 15% (3/20) horses and 3.33% (1/30) goats, whereas rabbits remained negative. Positive samples originated mainly from the north centre, with new areas being first-ever detected. The seroprevalence was noticed to be very strongly related to sample origin (p < 0.01). Females (OR=4.09) were observed to be more likely infected. Our findings represent a further proof of TOSV circulation in Algeria. Moreover, they revealed a potential role of livestock (p = 0.00731) in its natural cycle. This fact emphasize how important is to elucidate the exact contribution of livestock to the epidemiology of sandfly-borne phleboviruses, and their impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Sellali
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Bachir Medrouh
- Center of Research in Agro-pastoralism, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | | | - Mohamed Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Center of Research in Agro-pastoralism, Djelfa 17000, Algeria.
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Hedrich N, Lovey T, Gautret P, Schlagenhauf P. Infectious disease risks at the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France - Beware of Aedes and co! New Microbes New Infect 2023; 54:101178. [PMID: 37849621 PMCID: PMC10577580 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nadja Hedrich
- Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention, Department of Public and Global Health, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thibault Lovey
- Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention, Department of Public and Global Health, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Patricia Schlagenhauf
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention, Department of Public and Global Health, MilMedBiol Competence Centre, University of Zürich, Switzerland
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Benbetka C, Hachid A, Benallal KE, Khardine FA, Ayhan N, Bouredjoul N, Boulehbal WM, Bellila D, Khaldi A, Charrel R. Epidemiology, Isolation, and Genetic Characterization of Toscana Virus in Algerian Patients Displaying Neurological Infection, 2016-2018. IJID Reg 2023; 7:193-198. [PMID: 37123383 PMCID: PMC10131063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The current study reports the results of the diagnosis of neuro-invasive Toscana virus (TOSV) infection in Algeria between 2016 and 2018 and describes the first isolation of TOSV strain from human samples in North Africa. Materiel and methods Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sera samples were obtained from 720 hospitalized patients displaying neurological infection symptoms of unknown etiology, of which 604 were screened for TOSV. The diagnosis was performed by serological and/or RT-PCR tests. In addition, TOSV was isolated in vivo and in vitro from CSF and genetically characterized. Results 23 cases of TOSV neurological infections were detected. Cases were located in 11 Wilayas (administrative provinces), mainly in northern Algeria. In addition, we report the isolation of TOSV strain belonging to lineage A from human samples with its complete coding sequence. Conclusion Even though the number of infections is probably underestimated, TOSV is endemic in Algeria, with several cases of neuro-invasive diseases in humans recorded each year. Therefore, the diagnosis of TOSV should be included in the differential diagnosis of neurological diseases, especially aseptic meningitis, during the period of activity of the phlebotomine vector. Further studies are required to measure precisely the nationwide prevalence of TOSV in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahrazed Benbetka
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Department of Immunology, Béni-Messous Teaching Hospital, University of Algiers, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Co-first authors.
| | - Aissam Hachid
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Co-first authors.
| | - Kamal Eddine Benallal
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-epidemiology and Population Genetics, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fayez Ahmed Khardine
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents, UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Nesrine Bouredjoul
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | - Djamila Bellila
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Aldjia Khaldi
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emerging Viruses, Institut Pasteur of Algeria, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Algiers 1, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Rémi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, 13005, Marseille, France
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Laroche L, Ayhan N, Charrel R, Bañuls AL, Prudhomme J. Persistence of Toscana virus in sugar and blood meals of phlebotomine sand flies: epidemiological and experimental consequences. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5608. [PMID: 37019992 PMCID: PMC10076283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32431-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many virological studies have tested the persistence of enveloped RNA viruses in various environmental and laboratory conditions and shown their short-term persistence. In this article, we analyzed Toscana virus (TOSV) infectivity, a pathogenic sandfly-borne phlebovirus, in two different conditions: in the sugar meal and blood meal of sand flies. Our results showed that TOSV RNA was detectable up to 15 days in sugar solution at 26 °C and up to 6 h in blood at 37 °C. Moreover, TOSV remains infective for 7 days in sugar solution and for minimum 6 h in rabbit blood. TOSV has shown persistent infectivity/viability under different conditions, which may have important epidemiological consequences. These results strengthen new hypotheses about the TOSV natural cycle, such as the possibility of horizontal transmission between sand flies through infected sugar meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lison Laroche
- UMR MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier - IRD 224 - CNRS 5290, 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394, Montpellier, France.
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- UVE, Aix Marseille Université - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Rémi Charrel
- UVE, Aix Marseille Université - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier - IRD 224 - CNRS 5290, 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394, Montpellier, France
| | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier - IRD 224 - CNRS 5290, 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394, Montpellier, France
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
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Alexander AJT, Salvemini M, Sreenu VB, Hughes J, Telleria EL, Ratinier M, Arnaud F, Volf P, Brennan B, Varjak M, Kohl A. Characterisation of the antiviral RNA interference response to Toscana virus in sand fly cells. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011283. [PMID: 36996243 PMCID: PMC10112792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) (Bunyavirales, Phenuiviridae, Phlebovirus, Toscana phlebovirus) and other related human pathogenic arboviruses are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. TOSV has been reported in nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea among other regions. Infection can result in febrile illness as well as meningitis and encephalitis. Understanding vector-arbovirus interactions is crucial to improving our knowledge of how arboviruses spread, and in this context, immune responses that control viral replication play a significant role. Extensive research has been conducted on mosquito vector immunity against arboviruses, with RNA interference (RNAi) and specifically the exogenous siRNA (exo-siRNA) pathway playing a critical role. However, the antiviral immunity of phlebotomine sand flies is less well understood. Here we were able to show that the exo-siRNA pathway is active in a Phlebotomus papatasi-derived cell line. Following TOSV infection, distinctive 21 nucleotide virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) were detected. We also identified the exo-siRNA effector Ago2 in this cell line, and silencing its expression rendered the exo-siRNA pathway largely inactive. Thus, our data show that this pathway is active as an antiviral response against a sand fly transmitted bunyavirus, TOSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira J T Alexander
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Vattipally B Sreenu
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Hughes
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Erich L Telleria
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague,Czech Republic
| | - Maxime Ratinier
- IVPC UMR754, INRAE, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, EPHE, PSL Research University, Lyon, France
| | - Frédérick Arnaud
- IVPC UMR754, INRAE, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, EPHE, PSL Research University, Lyon, France
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague,Czech Republic
| | - Benjamin Brennan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Margus Varjak
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Rossi B, Barreca F, Benvenuto D, Braccialarghe N, Campogiani L, Lodi A, Aguglia C, Cavasio RA, Giacalone ML, Kontogiannis D, Moccione M, Malagnino V, Andreoni M, Sarmati L, Iannetta M. Human Arboviral Infections in Italy: Past, Current, and Future Challenges. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020368. [PMID: 36851582 PMCID: PMC9963149 DOI: 10.3390/v15020368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses represent a public health concern in many European countries, including Italy, mostly because they can infect humans, causing potentially severe emergent or re-emergent diseases, with epidemic outbreaks and the introduction of endemic circulation of new species previously confined to tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this review, we summarize the Italian epidemiology of arboviral infection over the past 10 years, describing both endemic and imported arboviral infections, vector distribution, and the influence of climate change on vector ecology. Strengthening surveillance systems at a national and international level is highly recommended to be prepared to face potential threats due to arbovirus diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Rossi
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Barreca
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Benvenuto
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Neva Braccialarghe
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Campogiani
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lodi
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Aguglia
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Laura Giacalone
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitra Kontogiannis
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Moccione
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Cioni G, Fedeli A, Bellandi G, Squillante R, Zuccotti M, Buffini G. Atypical presentation of West Nile encephalitis. Ital J Med 2023. [DOI: 10.4081/itjm.2022.1535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) causes both sporadic infection and outbreaks that may be associated with severe neurologic involvement. The infection is transmitted to humans mainly by mosquito bites, and the virus is preserved in a cycle in which birds are the main host. The typical involvement of the central nervous system is completely indistinguishable from meningitis and encephalitis related to other pathogens.
In this report we described the atypical presentation of a WNV meningoencephalitis in a 81-y.o. female patient, showing psychiatric manifestations at the onset. Anamnestic information was essential to progress to the correct diagnosis. Targeted search for the causative agent of meningoencephalitis was perfected after learning that the patient lived in an area adjacent to a nature reserve.
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Sellali S, Lafri I, Hachid A, Ayhan N, Benbetka C, Medrouh B, Messahel NE, El Amine Bekara M, Lafri M, Charrel RN, Bitam I. Presence of the sandfly-borne phlebovirus (Toscana virus) in different bio-geographical regions of Algeria demonstrated by a microneutralisation-based seroprevalence study in owned dogs. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 88:101861. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Amaro F, Zé-Zé L, Alves MJ. Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses in Portugal: Four and Still Counting. Viruses 2022; 14:1768. [PMID: 36016390 DOI: 10.3390/v14081768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
According to ICTV, there are currently 66 known phlebovirus species. More than 40 of these viruses were isolated or detected in phlebotomine sandflies and some of them are known pathogens. In Portugal, information about sandfly-borne phleboviruses is scarce and scattered sandfly-borne diseases are neglected and often not considered in differential diagnoses. The main objective of this work was to gather the existing information and to raise awareness about the circulating phleboviruses in this country. To date, Massilia and Alcube phleboviruses have been isolated from sandflies in southern Portugal. Human infections with Toscana and Sicilian phleboviruses have been reported, as well as seroprevalence in cats and dogs. More studies are needed in order to understand if the viruses isolated during the entomological surveys have an impact on human health and to fully understand the real importance of the already recognized pathogens in our country.
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Jacob S, Kapadia R, Soule T, Luo H, Schellenberg KL, Douville RN, Pfeffer G. Neuromuscular Complications of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viral Infections. Front Neurol 2022; 13:914411. [PMID: 35812094 PMCID: PMC9263266 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.914411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article we review complications to the peripheral nervous system that occur as a consequence of viral infections, with a special focus on complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). We discuss neuromuscular complications in three broad categories; the direct consequences of viral infection, autoimmune neuromuscular disorders provoked by viral infections, and chronic neurodegenerative conditions which have been associated with viral infections. We also include discussion of neuromuscular disorders that are treated by immunomodulatory therapies, and how this affects patient susceptibility in the current context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is associated with direct consequences to the peripheral nervous system via presumed direct viral injury (dysgeusia/anosmia, myalgias/rhabdomyolysis, and potentially mononeuritis multiplex) and autoimmunity (Guillain Barré syndrome and variants). It has important implications for people receiving immunomodulatory therapies who may be at greater risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Thus far, chronic post-COVID syndromes (a.k.a: long COVID) also include possible involvement of the neuromuscular system. Whether we may observe neuromuscular degenerative conditions in the longer term will be an important question to monitor in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ronak Kapadia
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tyler Soule
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kerri L. Schellenberg
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Renée N. Douville
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Biology, Albrechtsen St. Boniface Research Centre, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Alberta Child Health Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Gerald Pfeffer
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Daoudi M, Calzolari M, Boussaa S, Bonilauri P, Torri D, Romeo G, Lelli D, Lavazza A, Hafidi M, Dottori M, Boumezzough A. Identification of Toscana Virus in Natural Population of Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Moroccan Leishmaniasis foci. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:406-411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Dersch R, Sophocleous A, Cadar D, Emmerich P, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Rauer S. Toscana virus encephalitis in Southwest Germany: a retrospective study. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:495. [PMID: 34937553 PMCID: PMC8693482 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies (Phlebotomus sp.) widespread throughout the Mediterranean having the potential to cause meningoencephalitis in humans. In Germany, the vectors of TOSV are introduced recently and become endemic especially in Southwestern Germany. As TOSV is not investigated regularly in patients with meningoencephalitis, cases of TOSV-neuroinvasive disease may remain mostly undetected. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients with meningoencephalitis without identification of a causal pathogen from 2006 to 2016. Serologic assessment for anti-TOSV-IgG and IgM was performed on serum and CSF. Demographic, clinical and CSF data from TOSV-positive patients were compared to a cohort of patients with meningoencephalitis due to enterovirus. Informed consent was obtained from all included patients. Results We found 138 patients with meningoencephalitis without identified causal pathogen. From 98 of these patients CSF and serum was available for further testing. Additionally, we included 27 patients with meningoencephalitis due to enterovirus. We identified two patients with serological confirmed TOSV-neuroinvasive disease (TOSV-IgM and IgG positive, 2%) and two patients with possible TOSV-neuroinvasive disease (isolated TOSV-IgM positive, 2%). Overall, TOSV-neuroinvasive was detected in 4% of our cases with suspected viral meningoencephalitis. None of them had a history of recent travel to an endemic area. Conclusions We found cases of TOSV-neuroinvasive disease in our German cohort of patients with meningoencephalitis. As no recent history of travel to an endemic area was reported, it remains probable that these cases resemble autochthonous infections, albeit we cannot draw conclusions regarding the origin of the respective vectors. TOSV could be considered in patients with meningoencephalitis in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dersch
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - A Sophocleous
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - D Cadar
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - P Emmerich
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J Schmidt-Chanasit
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.,Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20148, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S Rauer
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
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Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an emerging pathogen in the Mediterranean area and is neuroinvasive in its most severe form. Basic knowledge on TOSV biology is limited. We conducted a systematic review on travel-related infections to estimate the TOSV incubation period. We estimated the incubation period at 12.1 days.
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Gandolfo C, Prathyumn S, Terrosi C, Anichini G, Gori Savellini G, Corti D, Bracci L, Lanzavecchia A, Roman-Sosa G, Cusi MG. Identification of a Neutralizing Epitope on TOSV Gn Glycoprotein. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:924. [PMID: 34452049 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viral infections have been an important public health problem in recent years. We focused our attention on Toscana virus (TOSV), an emergent neurotropic negative-strand RNA virus of the Phenuiviridae family. The mechanisms of protection against phlebovirus natural infection are not known; however, it is supposed that a virus-neutralizing antibody response against viral glycoproteins would be useful to block the first stages of infection. By using an improved memory B cell immortalization method, we obtained a panel of human mAbs which reacted with TOSV antigens. We identified three epitopes of TOSV Gn glycoproteins by neutralizing mAbs using synthetic peptide arrays on membrane support (SPOT synthesis). These epitopes, separated in primary structure, might be exposed near one another as a conformational epitope in their native structure. In vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the humoral response elicited in mice immunized with the identified peptides. The results underlined the hypothesis that the first two peptides located in the NH2 terminus could form a conformational epitope, while the third, located near the transmembrane sequence in the carboxyl terminus, was necessary to strengthen neutralizing activity. Our results emphasize the importance of identifying neutralizing epitopes shared among the various phleboviruses, which could be exploited for the development of a potential epitope-based diagnostic assay or a polyvalent protective vaccine against different phleboviruses.
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Sanbonmatsu-Gámez S, Pedrosa-Corral I, Navarro-Marí JM, Pérez-Ruiz M. Update in Diagnostics of Toscana Virus Infection in a Hyperendemic Region (Southern Spain). Viruses 2021; 13:v13081438. [PMID: 34452304 PMCID: PMC8402649 DOI: 10.3390/v13081438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The sandfly fever Toscana virus (TOSV, genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae) is endemic in Mediterranean countries. In Spain, phylogenetic studies of TOSV strains demonstrated that a genotype, different from the Italian, was circulating. This update reports 107 cases of TOSV neurological infection detected in Andalusia from 1988 to 2020, by viral culture, serology and/or RT-PCR. Most cases were located in Granada province, a hyperendemic region. TOSV neurological infection may be underdiagnosed since few laboratories include this virus in their portfolio. This work presents a reliable automated method, validated for the detection of the main viruses involved in acute meningitis and encephalitis, including the arboviruses TOSV and West Nile virus. This assay solves the need for multiple molecular platforms for different viruses and thus, improves the time to results for these syndromes, which require a rapid and efficient diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sanbonmatsu-Gámez
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Virus de Andalucía, Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (I.P.-C.); (J.M.N.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Pedrosa-Corral
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Virus de Andalucía, Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (I.P.-C.); (J.M.N.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - José María Navarro-Marí
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Virus de Andalucía, Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (I.P.-C.); (J.M.N.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Pérez-Ruiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Popescu CP, Cotar AI, Dinu S, Zaharia M, Tardei G, Ceausu E, Badescu D, Ruta S, Ceianu CS, Florescu SA. Emergence of Toscana Virus, Romania, 2017-2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1482-1485. [PMID: 33900182 PMCID: PMC8084517 DOI: 10.3201/eid2705.204598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a series of severe neuroinvasive infections caused by Toscana virus, identified by real-time reverse transcription PCR testing, in 8 hospitalized patients in Bucharest, Romania, during the summer seasons of 2017 and 2018. Of 8 patients, 5 died. Sequencing showed that the circulating virus belonged to lineage A.
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Thirion L, Pezzi L, Pedrosa-Corral I, Sanbonmatsu-Gamez S, Lamballerie XD, Falchi A, Perez-Ruiz M, Charrel RN. Evaluation of a Trio Toscana Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Assay Targeting Three Genomic Regions within Nucleoprotein Gene. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030254. [PMID: 33668339 PMCID: PMC7996202 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) can cause central nervous system infections in both residents of and travelers to Mediterranean countries. Data mining identified three real-time RT-qPCR assays for detecting TOSV RNA targeting non-overlapping regions in the nucleoprotein gene. Here, they were combined to create a multi-region assay named Trio TOSV RT-qPCR consisting of six primers and three probes. In this study, (i) we evaluated in silico the three RT-qPCR assays available in the literature for TOSV detection, (ii) we combined the three systems to create the Trio TOSV RT-qPCR, (iii) we assessed the specificity and sensitivity of the three monoplex assays versus the Trio TOSV RT-qPCR assay, and (iv) we compared the performance of the Trio TOSV RT-qPCR assay with one of the reference monoplex assays on clinical samples. In conclusion, the Trio TOSV RT-qPCR assay performs equally or better than the three monoplex assays; therefore, it provides a robust assay that can be used for both research and diagnostic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Thirion
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.T.); (L.P.); (X.D.L.)
| | - Laura Pezzi
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.T.); (L.P.); (X.D.L.)
- UR7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250 Corte, France;
| | - Irene Pedrosa-Corral
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain; (I.P.-C.); (S.S.-G.); (M.P.-R.)
| | - Sara Sanbonmatsu-Gamez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain; (I.P.-C.); (S.S.-G.); (M.P.-R.)
| | - Xavier De Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.T.); (L.P.); (X.D.L.)
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- UR7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250 Corte, France;
| | - Mercedes Perez-Ruiz
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain; (I.P.-C.); (S.S.-G.); (M.P.-R.)
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.T.); (L.P.); (X.D.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Leventhal SS, Wilson D, Feldmann H, Hawman DW. A Look into Bunyavirales Genomes: Functions of Non-Structural (NS) Proteins. Viruses 2021; 13:314. [PMID: 33670641 DOI: 10.3390/v13020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, the Bunyavirales order was established by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) to incorporate the increasing number of related viruses across 13 viral families. While diverse, four of the families (Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, Hantaviridae, and Phenuiviridae) contain known human pathogens and share a similar tri-segmented, negative-sense RNA genomic organization. In addition to the nucleoprotein and envelope glycoproteins encoded by the small and medium segments, respectively, many of the viruses in these families also encode for non-structural (NS) NSs and NSm proteins. The NSs of Phenuiviridae is the most extensively studied as a host interferon antagonist, functioning through a variety of mechanisms seen throughout the other three families. In addition, functions impacting cellular apoptosis, chromatin organization, and transcriptional activities, to name a few, are possessed by NSs across the families. Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, and Phenuiviridae also encode an NSm, although less extensively studied than NSs, that has roles in antagonizing immune responses, promoting viral assembly and infectivity, and even maintenance of infection in host mosquito vectors. Overall, the similar and divergent roles of NS proteins of these human pathogenic Bunyavirales are of particular interest in understanding disease progression, viral pathogenesis, and developing strategies for interventions and treatments.
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20
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Wu Z, Han Y, Liu B, Li H, Zhu G, Latinne A, Dong J, Sun L, Su H, Liu L, Du J, Zhou S, Chen M, Kritiyakan A, Jittapalapong S, Chaisiri K, Buchy P, Duong V, Yang J, Jiang J, Xu X, Zhou H, Yang F, Irwin DM, Morand S, Daszak P, Wang J, Jin Q. Decoding the RNA viromes in rodent lungs provides new insight into the origin and evolutionary patterns of rodent-borne pathogens in Mainland Southeast Asia. Microbiome 2021; 9:18. [PMID: 33478588 PMCID: PMC7818139 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the largest group of mammalian species, which are also widely distributed all over the world, rodents are the natural reservoirs for many diverse zoonotic viruses. A comprehensive understanding of the core virome of diverse rodents should therefore assist in efforts to reduce the risk of future emergence or re-emergence of rodent-borne zoonotic pathogens. RESULTS This study aimed to describe the viral range that could be detected in the lungs of rodents from Mainland Southeast Asia. Lung samples were collected from 3284 rodents and insectivores of the orders Rodentia, Scandentia, and Eulipotyphla in eighteen provinces of Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia throughout 2006-2018. Meta-transcriptomic analysis was used to outline the unique spectral characteristics of the mammalian viruses within these lungs and the ecological and genetic imprints of the novel viruses. Many mammalian- or arthropod-related viruses from distinct evolutionary lineages were reported for the first time in these species, and viruses related to known pathogens were characterized for their genomic and evolutionary characteristics, host species, and locations. CONCLUSIONS These results expand our understanding of the core viromes of rodents and insectivores from Mainland Southeast Asia and suggest that a high diversity of viruses remains to be found in rodent species of this area. These findings, combined with our previous virome data from China, increase our knowledge of the viral community in wildlife and arthropod vectors in emerging disease hotspots of East and Southeast Asia. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Pathogenomics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Yelin Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bo Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | | | | | - Alice Latinne
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, NY, USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Country Program, Ha Noi, Vietnam
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Health Program, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jie Dong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lilin Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Haoxiang Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Liguo Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiang Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Siyu Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mingxing Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Anamika Kritiyakan
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Veasna Duong
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jian Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jinyong Jiang
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Pu'er, PR China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Pu'er, PR China
| | - Hongning Zhou
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Pu'er, PR China
| | - Fan Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - David M Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Serge Morand
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Jianwei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qi Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
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Shahhosseini N, Moosa-Kazemi SH, Sedaghat MM, Wong G, Chinikar S, Hajivand Z, Mokhayeri H, Nowotny N, Kayedi MH. Autochthonous Transmission of West Nile Virus by a New Vector in Iran, Vector-Host Interaction Modeling and Virulence Gene Determinants. Viruses 2020; 12:E1449. [PMID: 33339336 DOI: 10.3390/v12121449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Using molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools, we studied the vector-host interactions and the molecular epidemiology of West Nile virus (WNV) in western Iran. Mosquitoes were collected during 2017 and 2018. DNA typing assays were used to study vector-host interactions. Mosquitoes were screened by RT-PCR for the genomes of five virus families. WNV-positive samples were fully sequenced and evolutionary tree and molecular architecture were constructed by Geneious software and SWISS-MODEL workspace, respectively. A total of 5028 mosquito specimens were collected and identified. The most prevalent species was Culex (Cx.) pipiens complex (57.3%). Analysis of the blood-feeding preferences of blood-fed mosquitoes revealed six mammalian and one bird species as hosts. One mosquito pool containing non-blood-fed Cx. theileri and one blood-fed Culex pipiens pipiens (Cpp.) biotype pipiens were positive for WNV. A phylogram indicated that the obtained WNV sequences belonged to lineage 2, subclade 2 g. Several amino acid substitutions suspected as virulence markers were observed in the Iranian WNV strains. The three-dimensional structural homology model of the E-protein identified hot spot domains known to facilitate virus invasion and neurotropism. The recent detection of WNV lineage 2 in mosquitoes from several regions of Iran in consecutive years suggests that the virus is established in the country.
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Zidovec-Lepej S, Ledina D, Knezevic S, Savic V, Tabain I, Ivic I, Slavuljica I, Bogdanic M, Grgic I, Gorenec L, Stevanovic V, Barbic L. Clinical, Virological, and Immunological Findings in Patients with Toscana Neuroinvasive Disease in Croatia: Report of Three Cases. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E144. [PMID: 32937866 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus, transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sandflies. Although the majority of infections are asymptomatic, neuroinvasive disease may occur. We report three cases of neuroinvasive TOSV infection detected in Croatia. Two patients aged 21 and 54 years presented with meningitis, while a 22-year old patient presented with meningoencephalitis and right-sided brachial plexitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, and urine samples were collected and tested for neuroinvasive arboviruses: tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, Usutu, TOSV, Tahyna, and Bhanja virus. In addition, CSF and serum samples were tested for the anti-viral cytokine response. High titers of TOSV IgM (1000–3200) and IgG (3200−10,000) antibodies in serum samples confirmed TOSV infection. Antibodies to other phleboviruses (sandfly fever Sicilian/Naples/Cyprus virus) were negative. CSF samples showed high concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6; range 162.32−2683.90 pg/mL), interferon gamma (IFN-γ; range 110.12−1568.07 pg/mL), and IL-10 (range 28.08−858.91 pg/mL), while significantly lower cytokine production was observed in serum. Two patients recovered fully. The patient with a brachial plexitis improved significantly at discharge. The presented cases highlight the need of increasing awareness of a TOSV as a possible cause of aseptic meningitis/meningoencephalitis during summer months. Association of TOSV and brachial plexitis with long-term sequelae detected in one patient indicates the possibility of more severe disease, even in young patients.
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Gori Savellini G, Gandolfo C, Cusi MG. Epidemiology of Toscana virus in South Tuscany over the years 2011-2019. J Clin Virol 2020; 128:104452. [PMID: 32474372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus transmitted to humans by phlebotomines and represent an etiological agent of acute aseptic meningitis (AAM) in countries where the virus is endemic, including Italy. Incidence of TOSV infections is closely associated with the geographical distribution of the phlebotomine vectors which in turn is affected by climate changes that determine survival and spread. As a result, TOSV infections show a seasonal trend with a peak of incidence in summer months. OBJECTIVES To measure the prevalence of TOSV infections in AAM patients in central Italy and evaluate the climate changes in phlebotomine vectors ecology and virus propagation. STUDY DESIGN One thousand and seventy-three cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSFs), collected from patients with suspected viral meningitis, were collected over nine years (2011-2019) during the May to October period and tested for viruses most commonly associated with AAM. Serum samples addressed to the Microbiology and Virology Unit of "S. Maria delle Scotte" Hospital for confirmation acute TOSV infection (n = 324) were tested for TOSV-specific IgM and IgG. RESULTS Among the CSF samples, 1.3% were positive for Enteroviruses; 0.9% for Varicella zoster virus, 1.9% for Herpes simplex virus type-1/2 and 4.6% for TOSV. Serum IgM analyses disclosed TOSV-specific IgM in 27.1% of sera suggesting the predominant involvement of TOSV in neuroinvasive infections. CONCLUSIONS This data confirms the predominant role of TOSV as causative agent of AAM during the summer time in endemic countries. Moreover, climate changes affecting phlebotomine vectors persistence, reproduction and activity could be involved in the cyclic nature of TOSV infection reported during the last nine years.
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Alexander AJT, Confort MP, Desloire S, Dunlop JI, Kuchi S, Sreenu VB, Mair D, Wilkie GS, Da Silva Filipe A, Brennan B, Ratinier M, Arnaud F, Kohl A. Development of a Reverse Genetics System for Toscana Virus (Lineage A). Viruses 2020; 12:E411. [PMID: 32272808 DOI: 10.3390/v12040411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus in the Phenuiviridae family, order Bunyavirales, found in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. TOSV is an important cause of seasonal acute meningitis and encephalitis within its range. Here, we determined the full sequence of the TOSV strain 1500590, a lineage A virus obtained from an infected patient (Marseille, 2007) and used this in combination with other sequence information to construct functional cDNA plasmids encoding the viral L, M, and S antigenomic sequences under the control of the T7 RNA promoter to recover recombinant viruses. Importantly, resequencing identified two single nucleotide changes to a TOSV reference genome, which, when corrected, restored functionality to the polymerase L and made it possible to recover infectious recombinant TOSV (rTOSV) from cDNA, as well as establish a minigenome system. Using reverse genetics, we produced an NSs-deletant rTOSV and also obtained viruses expressing reporter genes instead of NSs. The availability of such a system assists investigating questions that require genetic manipulation of the viral genome, such as investigations into replication and tropism, and beyond these fundamental aspects, also the development of novel vaccine design strategies.
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Morini S, Calzolari M, Rossini G, Pascarelli N, Porcellini A, Randi V, Re MC, Albieri A, Bonilauri P, Bellini R, Ayhan N, Charrel R, Varani S. Detection of Specific Antibodies against Toscana Virus among Blood Donors in Northeastern Italy and Correlation with Sand Fly Abundance in 2014. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020145. [PMID: 31973058 PMCID: PMC7074719 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies and is an important etiological agent of summer meningitis in the Mediterranean basin. Since TOSV infection is often asymptomatic, we evaluated the seroprevalence in blood donors (BDs) in the Bologna and Ferrara provinces (Northeastern Italy)-the areas with the highest and lowest numbers of TOSV neuroinvasive cases in the region, respectively. A total of 1208 serum samples from BDs were collected in April-June 2014 and evaluated for the presence of specific TOSV-IgG by ELISA. The IgG-reactive samples were confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) and by microneutralization test (MN). Serum samples were defined as positive for anti-TOSV IgG when reactive by ELISA and by at least one second-level test; TOSV seroprevalence was 6.8% in the Bologna province, while no circulation of TOSV was detected in the Ferrara province. Sand fly abundance in 2014 was also estimated by a geographic information system using a generalized linear model applied to a series of explanatory variables. TOSV seroprevalence rate was strongly associated with the sand fly abundance index in each municipality, pointing out the strong association between sand fly abundance and human exposure to TOSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Morini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Laboratory of Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZLER), 42124 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Giada Rossini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Nadia Pascarelli
- Centro Regionale Sangue Emilia-Romagna, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Andrea Porcellini
- Centro Regionale Sangue Emilia-Romagna, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Vanda Randi
- Centro Regionale Sangue Emilia-Romagna, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Maria Carla Re
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.R.)
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Albieri
- Department of Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Centro Agricoltura Ambiente ‘G. Nicoli’, 40014 Crevalcore, Italy; (A.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Laboratory of Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZLER), 42124 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Romeo Bellini
- Department of Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Centro Agricoltura Ambiente ‘G. Nicoli’, 40014 Crevalcore, Italy; (A.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (N.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (N.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Stefania Varani
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.R.)
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-2143013
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Ayhan N, Prudhomme J, Laroche L, Bañuls AL, Charrel RN. Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8010114. [PMID: 31947561 PMCID: PMC7022675 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.)perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
- Unité de Virologie EA7310 Bioscope, Université de Corse Pasquale Paoli (UCPP), 20250 Corte, France
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Lison Laroche
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
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Ayhan N, Charrel RN. An update on Toscana virus distribution, genetics, medical and diagnostic aspects. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 26:1017-23. [PMID: 31904562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toscana virus is an arbovirus transmitted by sand flies within the Mediterranean area where it can cause febrile illness and neuroinvasive infections during the seasonal circulation period of the vector. Although it is an important cause of meningitis and encephalitis, it remains a neglected virus with limited published data, as demonstrated by <250 peer-reviewed articles since the 1970s. OBJECTIVE The last review article on Toscana virus was published in 2012. The aim was to compile peer-reviewed articles to provide an updated review highlighting recent findings to complement previous review articles. SOURCES PubMed database was searched using the 'Toscana virus' keyword from 2010 to present. A total of 152 articles were retrieved and identified studies were assessed for novel information on virus genetics, and geographic and medical aspects compared with existing knowledge reported in previous review articles. CONTENT Studies addressing medical, veterinary and entomological aspects have provided evidence that Toscana virus is present in North Africa, in the Balkan Peninsula, and in most of the Mediterranean islands. Besides the two previously recognized genetic lineages, a novel evolutionary lineage has been identified in the Balkan Peninsula. Co-circulation of two genetic lineages has been demonstrated in France, in Turkey and in Croatia. In addition to meningitis and meningo-encephalitis, which have been reported for 40 years, various neuroinvasive forms have been recently reported such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, hydrocephalus, myositis, fasciitis, polymyeloradiculopathy, deafness and facial paralysis. IMPLICATION Because it is endemic in countries bordering the Mediterranean, physicians should include Toscana virus in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with febrile illness and/or neurological manifestations.
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Endy TP. Viral Febrile Illnesses and Emerging Pathogens. Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases 2020. [PMCID: PMC7151808 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-55512-8.00036-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Emerging or emerged diseases and viral pathogens are responsible historically and currently for large epidemics, global pandemics, and significant morbidity and mortality. Our civilization will continue to face the emergence of new pathogens and viruses: viruses will continue to evolve and adapt to new environments at a high rate; our population continues to grow through birth rate, land development, and migration; climate change will continue to increase the vector burden and spread and change the migratory pattern of animals; and our societal mobility will continue to increase through rapid transportation. The clinical evaluation of the febrile patient with a potential emerging viral pathogen involves documenting the likelihood for an infection by a detailed travel history, calculation of an incubation time by exposure, and an understanding of the disease progression though the clinical illness, which drives the differential diagnosis and the type of diagnostics ordered. Ultimately, the proper identification and diagnosis of a patient with a viral febrile illness due to an emerging pathogen will elicit the appropriate precautions to protect health care providers and communities, deliver appropriate therapeutic interventions, and initiate a targeted public health response. The majority of emerging diseases are caused by viruses, with many that are transmitted by insect vectors or are zoonotic. RNA viruses in particular have high mutation rates and can evolve rapidly in new and changing environments. This, in combination with societal factors, climate change, and rapid travel, has increased the number of epidemics from emerging pathogens in the last several decades. Understanding the travel history, incubation time of potential viruses, and the clinical presentation by illness day is essential in making the right diagnosis and identifying the infecting virus.
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Masse S, Ayhan N, Capai L, Bosseur F, de Lamballerie X, Charrel R, Falchi A. Circulation of Toscana Virus in a Sample Population of Corsica, France. Viruses 2019; 11:E817. [PMID: 31487870 DOI: 10.3390/v11090817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses pathogenic to humans, such as Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), are endemic in the Mediterranean region. In France, several autochthonous cases of TOSV infection have been described, causing either meningitis or encephalitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of TOSV and SFSV antibodies in a healthy population from Corsica. In this cross-sectional study, participants were enrolled (i) from a medical staff at the University of Corsica and (ii) from general practitioners of the Corsican Sentinelles Network. The seroprevalence study was based on a virus microneutralization assay. A total of 240 sera were tested. Altogether, 54 sera (22.5%) were confirmed positive for TOSV antibodies, whereas none were positive for SFSV (0/240). The residential district of participants was significantly associated with TOSV seropositivity (p value = 0.005). The rate of the seropositivity against TOSV in our study suggests that the Corsican population is well exposed to the TOSV. These results encourage the implementation of a systematic surveillance system including entomological, microbiological, and medical aspects for the collection of better information on the diseases that are associated with phleboviruses in Corsica and beyond in the regions where these viruses are present.
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Christova I, Panayotova E, Trifonova I, Taseva E, Gladnishka T, Ivanova V. Serologic evidence of widespread Toscana virus infection in Bulgaria. J Infect Public Health 2019; 13:164-166. [PMID: 31401037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toscana virus (TOSV) is an emerging sandfly-borne virus that is endemic in Mediterranean countries. METHODS In order to detect TOSV circulation among the human population of Bulgaria, serum samples from 459 apparently healthy adult individuals, residing in19 out of 28 districts in the country, were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to TOSV. RESULTS An overall seroprevalence rate of 24.4% was observed, ranging from 4.4% to 53.5% in the districts. Rates were highest in persons over 60 years of age and residing in the southern districts. CONCLUSION The results of the first TOSV seroprevalence study in Bulgaria revealed that infection is widespread. Physicians should be aware of the virus circulation during summer and consider the diagnosis in cases of febrile illness, meningitis or meningoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Christova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Elitsa Panayotova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iva Trifonova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Evgenia Taseva
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Rauch J, Zammarchi L, Corti G, Bartoloni A, Schlaphof A, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Tappe D. Serum cytokine and chemokine changes during Toscana virus meningitis. Med Microbiol Immunol 2019; 208:727-730. [PMID: 30976912 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-019-00611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Toscana virus is an important arbovirus causing meningitis and meningoencephalitis in countries around the Mediterranean Sea. While the clinical syndrome and laboratory diagnostic procedures have been well described, less is known about the immune response in Toscana virus meningitis and a possible use of cytokine and chemokine changes for the clinical follow-up of patients. We here characterized serum cytokine and chemokine profiles from 37 patients during the acute and convalescent phase of the infection. Only few serum cytokine/chemokine changes were detected during Toscana virus meningitis. Markedly increased concentrations of IP-10, interferon-α, IL-22, and eotaxin were found in the acute phase. Levels of interferon-α, IL-22, and eotaxin remained elevated in the convalescent phase, but decreased concentrations of GM-CSF were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rauch
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Corti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alexander Schlaphof
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Tappe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
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Jancarova M, Bichaud L, Hlavacova J, Priet S, Ayhan N, Spitzova T, Volf P, Charrel RN. Experimental Infection of Sand Flies by Massilia Virus and Viral Transmission by Co-Feeding on Sugar Meal. Viruses 2019; 11:E332. [PMID: 30970559 DOI: 10.3390/v11040332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Massilia virus (MASV) is a phlebovirus isolated from Phlebotomus perniciosus in various regions of southwestern Europe. It is closely related to human pathogens such as Toscana virus and sandfly fever Naples virus. The natural cycle of phleboviruses is poorly understood. Indeed, experimental studies demonstrate that transovarial and sexual transmission are not efficient enough for the maintenance of the virus in nature and to date there is no convincing evidence that a species of vertebrates is the reservoir of the virus. Here, we studied various transmission routes of MASV taking advantage of experimental colonies representing different species of sand flies. Methodology/Principal findings: In P. perniciosus, four sources of infection were compared: (i) Virus-seeded larval food to the first instar larvae (L1), or (ii) to the fourth instar larvae (L4), (iii) virus-seeded blood meal to adult females, and (iv) virus-seeded sugar meal to adults of both sexes. From 875 adults emerged from infected L1 and L4, only three were positive. In females infected by bloodmeal the infection rate was high before defecation, then it decreased drastically; MASV RNA was detected in only 5 out of 27 post-defecation. Surprisingly, the most efficient route of infection was observed after intake of virus-seeded sugar meal: 72% of females (79/110) and 52% of males (51/99) were found to be MASV RNA-positive. In addition, MASV-infected sandflies regurgitated virus particules into the sugar drop and MASV RNA was detectable in this drop for at least 24 h after regurgitation. MASV RNA was detected in about one third of the P. perniciosus exposed to this sugar drop contaminated by regurgitation. Sugar meal infection was also tested with six other species of sand flies. In males, there were no significant differences in infection rates when compared to P. perniciosus. In females, most species tested showed high infection rate at the beginning but then significant gradual decrease in infection rate during the experiment. Conclusions/Significance: We present the first description of arboviral infection of a dipteran vector using sugar meal. In all seven sand fly species tested, MASV was detected for two weeks post-infection. Our results showed that MASV can be transmitted between P. perniciosus either through co-feeding or via an infected sugar source such as plant sap. These newly described routes of horizontal transmission may play an important role in the circulation of phleboviruses in nature.
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Billioud G, Tryfonos C, Richter J. The Prevalence of Antibodies against Sandfly Fever Viruses and West Nile Virus in Cyprus. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2019; 13:116-125. [PMID: 31346541 PMCID: PMC6643013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sandfly fever is an incapacitating disease caused by sandfly-borne Phleboviruses that can lead to meningitis, encephalitis or meningoencephalitis. West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne Flavivirus, can induce neuroinvasive disease manifested by meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis. Both vectors are endemic in Cyprus and very active during summer. The aims of this study were to determine first the prevalence of sandfly fever viruses (SFV) and WNV infections in Cyprus and second, to investigate their role in central nervous system (CNS) infections. METHODS For the prevalence study, 327 sera collected in 2013 and 2014 were tested for anti-SFV and anti-WNV IgG using indirect immunofluorescence assay and ELISA, respectively. In order to investigate a possible role of SFV and WNV in CNS infections, 127 sera of patients presenting symptoms of SFV or WNV infections were screened for IgM specific to SFV and WNV. RESULTS The overall anti-SFV IgG seroprevalence was 28% and was increasing with age (P< 0.01). The seroprevalence rate for anti-WNV IgG in Cyprus was 5%. Concerning the role of SFVs in CNS infections, anti-SFV IgM was detected in 8 out of 127 sera from selected patients presenting relevant symptoms of infections during vector's active period. In addition, anti-WNV IgM were detected in 17 out of the 127 patients with compatible symptoms. CONCLUSION The findings confirm the presence of sandfly fever and WNV in Cyprus and should, therefore, be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with febrile illness/meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Richter
- Corresponding author: Dr Jan Richter, E-mail:
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Laroche M, Bérenger JM, Delaunay P, Charrel R, Pradines B, Berger F, Ranque S, Bitam I, Davoust B, Raoult D, Parola P. Medical Entomology: A Reemerging Field of Research to Better Understand Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 65:S30-S38. [PMID: 28859353 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the Chikungunya and Zika virus outbreaks have turned public attention to the possibility of the expansion of vector-borne infectious diseases worldwide. Medical entomology is focused on the study of arthropods involved in human health. We review here some of the research approaches taken by the medical entomology team of the University Hospital Institute (UHI) Méditerranée Infection of Marseille, France, with the support of recent or representative studies. We propose our approaches to technical innovations in arthropod identification and the detection of microorganisms in arthropods, the use of arthropods as epidemiological or diagnostic tools, entomological investigations around clinical cases or within specific populations, and how we have developed experimental models to decipher the interactions between arthropods, microorganisms, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Laroche
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille
| | - Jean-Michel Bérenger
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille
| | - Pascal Delaunay
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital de l'Archet, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis
| | - Remi Charrel
- UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, EHESP), AP-HM, IHU Méditerranée Infection
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille ( AP-HM), Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille.,Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme
| | - Franck Berger
- GSBDD Marseille-Aubagne, Centre d'épidémiologie et de santé publique des armées, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Ranque
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille
| | - Idir Bitam
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions Génomes, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille
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Remoli ME, Fiorentini C, Marchi A, Di Renzi S, Vonesch N, Peri MV, Bastianini L, Rossi S, Bartoccini G, Kuttappasery ML, Ciufolini MG, Tomao P. Seroprevalence survey of arboviruses in workers from Tuscany, Italy. Med Lav 2018; 109:125-131. [PMID: 29701628 PMCID: PMC7682178 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v109i2.5024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Arthropod-borne viruses (Arbovirus) play an important role among emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and in the spreading of infections in new geographic areas. Although some arboviral infections may be asymptomatic or mild flu-like illnesses, many occur as severe forms of meningitis and meningoencephalitis. Objectives: To assess whether arboviral infections may be associated with occupational risk, in a population of agricultural and forestry workers potentially at high risk for arthropods bite and sting. Methods: A seroprevalence survey for arboviruses belonging to the genera Flaviviruses (West Nile, Tick-borne encephalitis and Usutu viruses) and Phlebovirus (Toscana virus) was carried out in Grosseto province (Tuscany, Italy). One hundred and one serum samples of occupationally exposed workers and 100 serum samples of not exposed workers were analyzed using commercial and home-made serological assays. Serological data were obtained in 2012 and analyzed according to demographic characteristics, recollection of insect-bites, and time spent in outdoor activities. Results: A total seropositivity of 10% (21/201) was observed for Toscana virus. No difference in seroprevalence for Toscana virus was observed among the exposed (10/101) versus the not exposed (11/100) workers. No seropositivity for West Nile, Usutu and Tick-borne encephalitis viruses was detected. Conclusions: Although circulation of Toscana virus is recognized in the study area, our results did not reveal a higher risk for workers exposed to arthropods bite and sting. Health surveillance programs remain useful to monitor the potential emergence of arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Remoli
- ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITÀ, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate, Roma, Italy.
| | - Cristiano Fiorentini
- ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITÀ, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate, Roma, Italy.
| | - Antonella Marchi
- ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITÀ, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate, Roma, Italy.
| | - Simona Di Renzi
- INAIL, Dipartimento di Medicina, Epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro e Ambientale, Monteporzio Catone (Rome), Italy;.
| | - Nicoletta Vonesch
- INAIL, Dipartimento di Medicina, Epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro e Ambientale, Monteporzio Catone (Rome), Italy;.
| | - Maria Vittoria Peri
- INAIL, Dipartimento di Medicina, Epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro e Ambientale, Monteporzio Catone (Rome), Italy;.
| | - Lucia Bastianini
- AZIENDA SANITARIA LOCALE, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Grosseto, Italy..
| | - Sonia Rossi
- AZIENDA SANITARIA LOCALE, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Grosseto, Italy..
| | - Giulia Bartoccini
- AZIENDA SANITARIA LOCALE, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Grosseto, Italy..
| | - Maya Lissa Kuttappasery
- INAIL, Dipartimento di Medicina, Epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro e Ambientale, Monteporzio Catone (Rome), Italy;.
| | - Maria Grazia Ciufolini
- ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITÀ, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate, Roma, Italy.
| | - Paola Tomao
- INAIL, Dipartimento di Medicina, Epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro e Ambientale, Monteporzio Catone (Rome), Italy;.
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Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne phlebovirus within the family Phenuiviridae in the order Bunyavirales. It seems to be an important agent of human meningoencephalitis in the warm season in the Mediterranean area. Because the polymerase of Bunyavirales lacks a capping activity, it cleaves short-capped RNA leaders derived from the host cell, and uses them to initiate viral mRNA synthesis. To determine the size and nucleotide composition of the host-derived RNA leaders, and to elucidate the first steps of TOSV transcription initiation, we performed a high-throughput sequencing of the 5' end of TOSV mRNAs in infected cells at different times post-infection. Our results indicated that the viral polymerase cleaved the host-capped RNA leaders within a window of 11-16 nucleotides. A single population of cellular mRNAs could be cleaved at different sites to prime the synthesis of several viral mRNA species. The majority of the mRNA resulted from direct priming, but we observed mRNAs resulting from several rounds of prime-and-realign events. Our data suggest that the different rounds of the prime-and-realign mechanism result from the blocking of the template strand in a static position in the active site, leading to the slippage of the nascent strand by two nucleotides when the growing duplex is sorted out from the active site. To minimize this rate-limiting step, TOSV polymerase cleaves preferentially capped RNA leaders after GC, so as to greatly reduce the number of cycles of priming and realignment, and facilitate the separation of the growing duplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdennour Amroun
- UMR 'Emergence des Pathologies Virales' (EPV: Aix-Marseille Université - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Priet
- UMR 'Emergence des Pathologies Virales' (EPV: Aix-Marseille Université - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Querat
- UMR 'Emergence des Pathologies Virales' (EPV: Aix-Marseille Université - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
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Abstract
RATIONALE Numerous cases of post-infectious Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have been reported in the literature. Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne emerging pathogen in the Mediterranean area. PATIENT CONCERNS A 40-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital for acute facial weakness, associated to numbness paraesthesias at lower and upper limbs. The neurological examination revealed facial diplegia and reduced tendon reflexes. The nerve conduction studies documented an acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN); the lumbar puncture detected albuminocytologic dissociation. Serology for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), mumps, and Borrelia was negative, as was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction assay for Herpes virus, Borrelia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Cryptococcus, and Mycobacterium tubercolosis. Positivity for TOSV IgG antibodies was found on both CSF and serum; the patient remembered being recently exposed to mosquitoes. DIAGNOSES The AMSAN subtype of GBS, subsequent to a TOSV infection, was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS The patient was treated with plasma-exchange with complete clinical recovery, but a relapse occurred 9 months later, when the nerve conduction studies confirmed the presence of an AMSAN, which benefited from oral steroids. OUTCOMES A good clinical recovery was achieved after treatments. LESSONS This is the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of a TOSV infection associated to a peripheral neuropathy mimicking a GBS syndrome, both clinically and electrophysiologically. The clinical spectrum of TOSV neurological complications seems to be wider than previously known: this should be taken into account by the scientific community and public health institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Rota
- Neurology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza
- Neurology Unit, San Giacomo Hospital, Novi Ligure, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Nicola Morelli
- Neurology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza
| | | | - Paola De Mitri
- Neurology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza
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Veater J, Mehedi F, Cheung CK, Nabarro L, Osborne J, Wong N, Wiselka M, Tang JW. Toscana virus meningo-encephalitis: an important differential diagnosis for elderly travellers returning from Mediterranean countries. BMC Geriatr 2017; 17:193. [PMID: 28851278 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-017-0593-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elderly patients have a long list of differentials for causes of acute confusion and altered consciousness levels, including infectious agents. In addition, elderly, retired patients often have more time to travel for tourism, particularly to exotic, warmer locations. Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Italy are popular holiday destinations for British and other tourists, especially during the winter months. However, these warm climates allow insect vectors to proliferate, increasing the risk of exposure to endemic vectorborne viral infections whilst on vacation. Such infections may not be routinely considered by geriatric medical teams. Case presentation An 87-year old gentleman presented with a three-day history of worsening confusion, lethargy, ataxia, and fevers following a trip to Spain, where he may have sustained a sandfly bite. By the time of admission, he had a reduced GCS, was hallucinating, and was incontinent of urine and faeces, though blood pressure and heart rate were normal. He also appeared hyperaesthetic, and found even capillary blood sugar testing extremely painful. He had no history of cognitive defect or other neurological conditions. He had been previously independently active, with frequent trips to Spain where he maintained a holiday home. He probably sustained a sandfly bite during this most recent trip, whilst cleaning out a shed. Acute and convalescent sera demonstrated IgG antibodies to Toscana virus at extremely high titres of ≥1:10,000 by immunofluorescence assay, though no Toscana virus RNA was detectable in these sera by the time of presentation. Conclusions Toscana virus should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patients presenting with meningo-encephalitis who have recently returned from a Mediterranean country. Testing for Toscana virus infection is performed by serological testing on acute/convalescent paired sera, and/or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) if presenting within 5 days of illness onset. Making a diagnosis of Toscana virus meningitis/encephalitis (where no other pathogen is detected) has additional clinical utility in reducing or preventing unnecessary use of antibiotics, as well as reassuring the patient and family that generally, this illness is generally self-limiting and full recovery within a few weeks is expected, as in the case reported here.
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Hacioglu S, Dincer E, Isler CT, Karapinar Z, Ataseven VS, Ozkul A, Ergunay K. A Snapshot Avian Surveillance Reveals West Nile Virus and Evidence of Wild Birds Participating in Toscana Virus Circulation. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:698-708. [PMID: 28832259 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Birds are involved in the epidemiology of several vector-borne viruses, as amplification hosts for viruses, dissemination vehicles for the vectors, and sources of emerging strains in cross-species transmission. Turkey provides diverse habitats for a variety of wild birds and is located along major bird migration routes. This study was undertaken to provide a cross-sectional screening of avian specimens for a spectrum of vector-borne viruses. MATERIALS AND METHODS The specimens were collected in Hatay province, in the Mediterranean coast of the Anatolian peninsula, located in the convergence zone of the known migration routes. Generic PCR assays were used for the detection of members of Nairovirus, Flavivirus, and Phlebovirus genera of Flaviviridae and Bunyaviridae families. The circulating viruses were characterized via sequencing and selected specimens were inoculated onto Vero cell lines for virus isolation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Specimens from 72 wild birds belonging in 8 orders and 14 species were collected. A total of 158 specimens that comprise 32 sera (20.3%) from 7 species and 126 tissues (79.7%) from 14 species were screened. Eight specimens (8/158, 5%), obtained from 4 individuals (4/72, 5.5%), were positive. West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 1 sequences were characterized in the spleen, heart, and kidney tissues from a lesser spotted eagle (Clanga pomarina), which distinctly clustered from sequences previously identified in Turkey. Toscana virus (TOSV) genotype A and B sequences were identified in brain and kidney tissues from a greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), a great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), and a black stork (Ciconia nigra), without successful virus isolation. Partial amino acid sequences of the viral nucleocapsid protein revealed previously unreported substitutions. This study documents the involvement of avians in WNV dispersion in Anatolia as well in TOSV life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabri Hacioglu
- 1 Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ender Dincer
- 2 Advanced Technology Education, Research and Application Center, Mersin University , Mersin, Turkey
| | - Cafer Tayer Isler
- 3 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University , Hatay, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Karapinar
- 4 Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yuzuncu Yıl University , Van, Turkey
| | - Veysel Soydal Ataseven
- 5 Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University , Hatay, Turkey
| | - Aykut Ozkul
- 1 Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Koray Ergunay
- 6 Virology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University , Ankara, Turkey
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Baklouti A, Goulet A, Lichière J, Canard B, Charrel RN, Ferron F, Coutard B, Papageorgiou N. Toscana virus nucleoprotein oligomer organization observed in solution. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2017; 73:650-659. [PMID: 28777080 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798317008774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus belonging to the Phlebovirus genus within the Bunyaviridae family. As in other bunyaviruses, the genome of TOSV is made up of three RNA segments. They are encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N), which also plays an essential role in virus replication. To date, crystallographic structures of phlebovirus N have systematically revealed closed-ring organizations which do not fully match the filamentous organization of the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex observed by electron microscopy. In order to further bridge the gap between crystallographic data on N and observations of the RNP by electron microscopy, the structural organization of recombinant TOSV N was investigated by an integrative approach combining X-ray diffraction crystallography, transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, size-exclusion chromatography and multi-angle laser light scattering. It was found that in solution TOSV N forms open oligomers consistent with the encapsidation mechanism of phlebovirus RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Baklouti
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Adeline Goulet
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Julie Lichière
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Rémi N Charrel
- Emergence des Pathologies Virales (EPV), Aix-Marseille Université, UMR_D 190 IRD French Institute of Research for Development, U1207 INSERM, EHESP French School of Public Health, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospital Samsos of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - François Ferron
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Coutard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Papageorgiou
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
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Mansfield KL, Jizhou L, Phipps LP, Johnson N. Emerging Tick-Borne Viruses in the Twenty-First Century. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:298. [PMID: 28744449 PMCID: PMC5504652 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks, as a group, are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of pathogens to humans and are the primary vector for pathogens of livestock, companion animals, and wildlife. The role of ticks in the transmission of viruses has been known for over 100 years and yet new pathogenic viruses are still being detected and known viruses are continually spreading to new geographic locations. Partly as a result of their novelty, tick-virus interactions are at an early stage in understanding. For some viruses, even the principal tick-vector is not known. It is likely that tick-borne viruses will continue to emerge and challenge public and veterinary health long into the twenty-first century. However, studies focusing on tick saliva, a critical component of tick feeding, virus transmission, and a target for control of ticks and tick-borne diseases, point toward solutions to emerging viruses. The aim of this review is to describe some currently emerging tick-borne diseases, their causative viruses, and to discuss research on virus-tick interactions. Through focus on this area, future protein targets for intervention and vaccine development may be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Mansfield
- Animal and Plant Health AgencyAddlestone, United Kingdom.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lv Jizhou
- Animal and Plant Health AgencyAddlestone, United Kingdom.,Chinese Academy of Inspection and QuarantineBeijing, China
| | - L Paul Phipps
- Animal and Plant Health AgencyAddlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Animal and Plant Health AgencyAddlestone, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of SurreyGuildford, United Kingdom
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Ayhan N, Baklouti A, Prudhomme J, Walder G, Amaro F, Alten B, Moutailler S, Ergunay K, Charrel RN, Huemer H. Practical Guidelines for Studies on Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses: Part I: Important Points to Consider Ante Field Work. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:73-80. [PMID: 28055576 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to provide practical information to help researchers intending to perform "from field to laboratory" studies on phleboviruses transmitted by sandflies. This guideline addresses the different steps to be considered starting from the field collection of sandflies to the laboratory techniques aiming at the detection, isolation, and characterization of sandfly-borne phleboviruses. In this guideline article, we address the impact of various types of data for an optimal organization of the field work intending to collect wildlife sandflies for subsequent virology studies. Analysis of different data sets should result in the geographic positioning of the trapping stations. The overall planning, the equipment and tools needed, the manpower to be deployed, and the logistics to be anticipated and set up should be organized according to the objectives of the field study for optimal efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- 1 UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ. - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP), Fondation IHU Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille , Marseille, France
| | - Amal Baklouti
- 1 UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ. - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP), Fondation IHU Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille , Marseille, France
| | - Jorian Prudhomme
- 2 Centre IRD, UMR MIVEGEC (IRD 224 - CNRS 5290 - Université Montpellier) , Montpellier, France
| | | | - Fatima Amaro
- 4 Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Ricardo Jorge , Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Bulent Alten
- 5 Ecology Section, ESRL Laboratories, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sara Moutailler
- 6 Animal Health Laboratory , UMR BIPAR, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris, France
| | - Koray Ergunay
- 7 Virology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Remi N Charrel
- 1 UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ. - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP), Fondation IHU Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille , Marseille, France
| | - Hartwig Huemer
- 8 Division of Virology, Departments Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University , Innsbruck, Austria
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Sigfrid L, Reusken C, Eckerle I, Nussenblatt V, Lipworth S, Messina J, Kraemer M, Ergonul O, Papa A, Koopmans M, Horby P. Preparing clinicians for (re-)emerging arbovirus infectious diseases in Europe. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24:229-39. [PMID: 28648861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthropod-borne virus (Arbovirus) infections are considered an emerging threat for Europe, with an increase in cases in recent decades. The increase in global travel and trade has contributed to the introduction of vectors and viruses into new geographical areas. Tropical arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya have re-emerged causing local, sporadic outbreaks ignited by travel-imported cases. The recent Zika virus outbreak in the Americas highlighted a need to strengthen preparedness for (re-)emerging arbovirus infections globally. AIMS To strengthen preparedness for the early identification of (re-)emerging arbovirus outbreaks in Europe and highlight areas for research. SOURCES An evidence review of published and grey literature together with consultations with European arbovirus experts. CONTENT This paper presents an overview of endemic and travel-imported arboviruses of clinical significance in Europe. The overview includes syndromic presentation, risk factors for infection and risk of transmission as well as an update on treatments and vaccinations and surveillance notifications and reporting. The paper also presents predictive modelled risks of further geographical expansion of vectors and viruses. IMPLICATIONS There are a range of arboviruses of clinical significance to Europe. There has been an increase in notifications of endemic and travel-imported arbovirus cases in recent years and an increased geographical range of vectors and viruses. The heterogeneity in surveillance reporting indicates a risk for the early identification of (re-)emerging outbreaks. The data presented show a need to strengthen preparedness for (re-)emerging arbovirus infections and a need for research into neglected arboviruses, risks of non-vector transmission and effective therapeutics and vaccinations.
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Pierro A, Ficarelli S, Ayhan N, Morini S, Raumer L, Bartoletti M, Mastroianni A, Prati F, Schivazappa S, Cenni P, Vocale C, Rossini G, Gaibani P, Sambri V, Landini MP, Lewis RE, Charrel RN, Varani S. Characterization of antibody response in neuroinvasive infection caused by Toscana virus. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017; 23:868-873. [PMID: 28344163 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Among sandfly-borne pathogens, Toscana virus (TOSV) is a prominent cause of summer meningitis in Mediterranean Europe. Here, we assessed the kinetics of anti-TOSV antibodies over time in 41 patients diagnosed with TOSV meningitis or meningoencephalitis in northeastern Italy. METHODS Acute and follow-up serum samples were collected up to 20 months after diagnosis of TOSV infection and tested for the presence of specific antibody using immunoenzymatic and indirect immunofluorescence assays. In addition, maturation of anti-TOSV IgG over time was evaluated as well as production of neutralizing antibodies. RESULTS Specific IgM and IgG response was present at diagnosis in 100% of patients; TOSV-specific IgM and IgG were detected in patients' sera up to 6 and 20 months after diagnosis, respectively. The avidity index (AI) increased over the first month after infection in 100% of patients and most cases exceeded 60% by Day 30 post infection. The AI subsequently plateaued then declined at 20 months after diagnosis. Finally, neutralization assay to TOSV was performed in 217 sera collected from 41 patients; 69.6% of tested samples resulted in reactive and moderate levels of neutralizing antibodies observed during all phases of infection despite high titres of total anti-TOSV IgG. CONCLUSIONS Specific antibody response develops rapidly and is long-lasting for neuroinvasive TOSV infection. Serodiagnosis of neuroinvasive TOSV requires simultaneous detection of specific IgM and IgG. Moderate levels of neutralizing antibodies were maintained over the study period, while the protective role of antibodies lacking neutralizing activity is unclear and requires further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pierro
- Unit of Microbiology, CRREM Laboratory, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy; Unit of Microbiology, The Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Italy.
| | - S Ficarelli
- Unit of Microbiology, CRREM Laboratory, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - N Ayhan
- UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm1207 - EHESP) & Fondation IHU Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - S Morini
- Unit of Microbiology, CRREM Laboratory, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Raumer
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Bartoletti
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Mastroianni
- Infectious Disease Unit, G.B. Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - F Prati
- Infectious Disease Division, Reggio Emilia Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - S Schivazappa
- Infectious Disease Division, Reggio Emilia Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - P Cenni
- Emergency Department, St. Maria della Scaletta, Imola, Italy
| | - C Vocale
- Unit of Microbiology, CRREM Laboratory, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Rossini
- Unit of Microbiology, CRREM Laboratory, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Gaibani
- Unit of Microbiology, CRREM Laboratory, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, The Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M P Landini
- Unit of Microbiology, CRREM Laboratory, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - R E Lewis
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - R N Charrel
- UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm1207 - EHESP) & Fondation IHU Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - S Varani
- Unit of Microbiology, CRREM Laboratory, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Maia C, Alwassouf S, Cristóvão JM, Ayhan N, Pereira A, Charrel RN, Campino L. Serological association between Leishmania infantum and sand fly fever Sicilian (but not Toscana) virus in sheltered dogs from southern Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:92. [PMID: 28285587 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phlebotomine sand fly-borne diseases such as leishmanioses and phleboviruses are emerging threats to animal and public health. Canine leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is an endemic zoonosis in Portugal. Antibodies to Toscana virus (TOSV) and sand fly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) were also reported in dogs from the south of the country. The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible association between exposure to L. infantum, TOSV and SFSV in sheltered dogs from the south of Portugal. Results Seventy-six (13.1%) out of 581 dogs were seropositive for L. infantum, 327 (56.3%) for SFSV and 36 (6.2%) for TOSV. Six dogs were co-exposed with L. infantum and TOSV, 51 with L. infantum and SFSV and 25 with TOSV and SFSV. One dog had antibodies to the three pathogens. Leishmania infantum seroprevalence was significantly higher in pure breed dogs than in mongrels and in dogs with clinical signs while SFSV positivity was significantly higher in males, in pure and cross-breed dogs than in mongrels and in those not treated with insecticides. Seroprevalence for both viruses was significantly higher in dogs over than 7 years-old than in those aged 1–7. A significant association was observed between the presence of antibodies to L. infantum and SFSV. Conclusions The presence of antibodies to several phlebotomine sand fly-borne pathogens in dogs, reinforces the need to implement efficient prophylactic measures to prevent infection among vertebrate hosts including humans. The results also indicate that dogs are good sentinels for assessing human exposure to TOSV and SFSV. Further studies must be performed to elucidate the role of dogs in the dynamics of transmission and if they can play a role as amplifying or reservoir hosts in the natural cycle of these viruses. Public and animal health impacts of these phleboviruses in Portugal should be addressed via serological and virological studies on both phlebotomine sand flies and vertebrate hosts, especially on humans.
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Ergunay K, Ayhan N, Charrel RN. Novel and emergent sandfly-borne phleboviruses in Asia Minor: a systematic review. Rev Med Virol 2017; 27:e1898. [PMID: 27531681 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sandfly-transmitted phleboviruses are globally spread agents causing febrile diseases and central nervous system infections. The activity of pathogenic phleboviruses, as well as several novel strains, has been reported from Turkey, a transboundary country connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa with suitable habitats for sandflies. This study overviews all published data on phleboviruses from Turkey and evaluates the impact from the virological, epidemiological, and public health perspectives. A systematic review of Web-based global and local resources was performed. Comparison and phylogenetic analyses of particular phlebovirus sequences were also undertaken. Through the evaluation of 1693 international and regional entries, 31 manuscripts providing data on case reports or outbreaks, serological surveillance, animal infections and exposure, virus characterization, vector surveillance, and/or diagnostics were accessed. Detailed information on 5 novel phleboviruses completely or partially characterized during 2008-2015 as well as on clinical and epidemiological features of major phleboviruses established as human pathogens such as Toscana virus and sandfly fever Sicilian virus has been compiled. The ongoing activity of these agents, as indicated by consistently reported symptomatic cases and confirmed exposure in vertebrates including humans, was noted. The circulation in the Anatolian peninsula of phleboviruses with surprising diversity as well as distinct virus species is documented. Specific phlebovirus strains constitute a public health threat for local populations and travelers and must be considered in the diagnostic workup of clinically compatible cases. Human health impact and epidemiological aspects of certain viruses require further investigation via intensive surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koray Ergunay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales,", IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Remi N Charrel
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales,", IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. de Vries
- Department of Internal Medicine; Tergooi Hospital; Hilversum The Netherlands
| | - Eric Caumes
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière; Université Pierre et Marie Curie; Paris France
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Velazquez-Salinas L, Zarate S, Eschbaumer M, Pereira Lobo F, Gladue DP, Arzt J, Novella IS, Rodriguez LL. Selective Factors Associated with the Evolution of Codon Usage in Natural Populations of Arboviruses. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159943. [PMID: 27455096 PMCID: PMC4959722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses (arthropod borne viruses) have life cycles that include both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts with substantial differences in vector and host specificity between different viruses. Most arboviruses utilize RNA for their genetic material and are completely dependent on host tRNAs for their translation, suggesting that virus codon usage could be a target for selection. In the current study we analyzed the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) patterns of 26 arboviruses together with 25 vectors and hosts, including 8 vertebrates and 17 invertebrates. We used hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify trends in codon usage. HCA demonstrated that the RSCU of arboviruses reflects that of their natural hosts, but not that of dead-end hosts. Of the two major components identified by PCA, the first accounted for 62.1% of the total variance, and among the 59 codons analyzed in this study, the leucine codon CTG had the highest correlation with the first principal component, however isoleucine had the highest correlation during amino acid analysis. Nucleotide and dinucleotide composition were the variables that explained most of the total codon usage variance. The results suggest that the main factors driving the evolution of codon usage in arboviruses is based on the nucleotide and dinucleotide composition present in the host. Comparing codon usage of arboviruses and potential vector hosts can help identifying potential vectors for emerging arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Velazquez-Salinas
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA/ARS Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Orient Point, New York, United States of America.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Selene Zarate
- Autonomous University of Mexico City, Genomics Sciences Program, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Michael Eschbaumer
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA/ARS Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Orient Point, New York, United States of America.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Francisco Pereira Lobo
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Bioinformática, Embrapa Informática Agropecuária, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa) Campinas, Brazil
| | - Douglas P Gladue
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA/ARS Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Orient Point, New York, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Arzt
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA/ARS Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Orient Point, New York, United States of America
| | - Isabel S Novella
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Luis L Rodriguez
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA/ARS Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Orient Point, New York, United States of America
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Dincer E, Karapinar Z, Oktem M, Ozbaba M, Ozkul A, Ergunay K. Canine Infections and Partial S Segment Sequence Analysis of Toscana Virus in Turkey. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:611-8. [PMID: 27400226 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toscana virus (TOSV) is a sandfly-borne bunyavirus with a significant public health impact. Preliminary studies have revealed TOSV exposure in dogs and they were suggested as potential reservoirs. This study was performed to characterize canine TOSV infections in an endemic region. Sequencing of TOSV small (S) segment in several previously identified specimens was also undertaken to reveal viral genealogy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Canine and feline plasma were collected in several districts of Mersin province, Mediterranean Anatolia, Turkey, during May-September, 2015. Phlebovirus RNA was screened through two nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, targeting S and large (L) segments of the viral genome. A kinetoplast minicircle nested PCR was employed for Leishmania DNA detection and typing. Previously collected TOSV-positive specimens from humans, dogs, cats, and sandflies from various regions in Turkey and Cyprus were further evaluated through the S segment PCR. All amplicons were characterized through sequencing. RESULTS A total of 210 specimens that comprise canine (76.2%) and feline (23.8%) plasma were screened. In three (1.9%) and two (1.3%) canine specimens, TOSV and Leishmania nucleic acids were detected, respectively. The TOSV strains were characterized as genotype B, and Leishmania infantum was identified in positive specimens. Twenty-four partial S segment sequences were amplified, which demonstrated a maximum intramural diversity of 3.88% in the nucleotide level. Sequence comparisons revealed significant similarities to particular genotype B strains characterized in Spain and France, whereas a notable divergence was observed among several TOSV strains. Single or recurrent amino acid substitutions were noted in eight residues of the viral nucleocapsid. DISCUSSION Canine infections of TOSV genotype B, with temporal and spatial association with L. infantum, were detected. Divergent TOSV S segment sequences with amino acid substitutions, presumably associated with host adaptation, were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ender Dincer
- 1 Advanced Technology of Education, Research and Application Center, Mersin University , Mersin, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Karapinar
- 2 Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yuzuncu Yıl University , Van, Turkey
| | - Mert Oktem
- 3 Department of Biotechnology, Mersin University , Mersin, Turkey
| | | | - Aykut Ozkul
- 5 Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Koray Ergunay
- 6 Virology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University , Ankara, Turkey
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Dahmani M, Alwassouf S, Grech-Angelini S, Marié JL, Davoust B, Charrel RN. Seroprevalence of Toscana virus in dogs from Corsica, France. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:381. [PMID: 27368162 PMCID: PMC4930604 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1665-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arbovirus belonging to the Bunyaviridae, a family of negative-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses. The virus can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female sand fly of the genus Phlebotomus. Infections are usually asymptomatic but the virus is known to cause aseptic meningitis and/or meningo-encephalitis in the Mediterranean countries. Dogs are good sentinels for detection of viral circulation and are more easily accessible than wild animals. FINDINGS In 2013 and 2014, we collected sera from 231 adult dogs living in 26 counties in two departments in Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean. The virus microneutralization-based seroprevalence assay revealed a seropositivity of 3.9 % dogs on the eastern coast of Corsica. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the circulation of TOSV in Corsica. Accordingly, in geographical areas where dogs possess TOSV neutralizing antibodies, direct and indirect TOSV diagnosis should be implemented in patients presenting with febrile illnesses and central nervous system infections such as meningitis and encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Dahmani
- Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases (URMITE) UMR CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1015, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France. .,Fondation Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France.
| | - Sulaf Alwassouf
- UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille University - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP), Marseille, France.,Fondation Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jean-Lou Marié
- Working Group of Animal Epidemiology of French Army Health Service, DRSSA Toulon, French Military Health Service Academy - École du Val-de-Grâce, Paris, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases (URMITE) UMR CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1015, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Fondation Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France.,French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), LRDE UR045, Corte, France
| | - Rémi N Charrel
- UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille University - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP), Marseille, France.,Fondation Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
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