1
|
Tsioka K, Gewehr S, Pappa S, Kalaitzopoulou S, Stoikou K, Mourelatos S, Papa A. West Nile Virus in Culex Mosquitoes in Central Macedonia, Greece, 2022. Viruses 2023; 15:224. [PMID: 36680264 PMCID: PMC9863787 DOI: 10.3390/v15010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2022, Greece was the second most seriously affected European country in terms of the West Nile virus (WNV), after Italy. Specifically, Central Macedonia was the region with the most reported human cases (81.5%). In the present study, 30,816 female Culex pipiens sensu lato mosquitoes were collected from May to September 2022 in the seven regional units of Central Macedonia; they were then grouped into 690 pools and tested for WNV, while next-generation sequencing was applied to the samples, which showed a cycle threshold of Ct < 30 in a real-time RT-PCR test. WNV was detected in 5.9% of pools, with significant differences in the detection rate among regional units and months. It is of interest that in the Thessaloniki regional unit, where most of the human cases were observed, the virus circulation started earlier, peaked earlier, and lasted longer than in the other regional units. All sequences clustered into the Central European subclade of WNV lineage 2, and the virus strain differed from the initial Greek strain of 2010 by 0.52% and 0.27% at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Signature substitutions were present, such as S73P and T157A in the prM and E structural proteins, respectively. The screening of mosquitoes provides useful information for virus circulation in a region with a potential for early warning, while the availability of whole-genome sequences is essential for further studies, including virus evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Tsioka
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Styliani Pappa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Konstantina Stoikou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Anna Papa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tsioka K, Gewehr S, Kalaitzopoulou S, Pappa S, Stoikou K, Mourelatos S, Papa A. Detection and molecular characterization of West Nile virus in Culex pipiens mosquitoes in Central Macedonia, Greece, 2019-2021. Acta Trop 2022; 230:106391. [PMID: 35271813 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Since 2010 when West Nile virus (WNV) emerged in Greece, it causes seasonal outbreaks of human infections almost every year. During May-October of 2019-2021 a total number of 51,504 Culex pipiens mosquitoes were trapped in all seven regional units of Central Macedonia in northern Greece. They were grouped into 1099 pools and tested for WNV. The virus was detected in 5% of the mosquito pools (1.5%, 3.6% and 9.6% pools in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively), with significant rate differences among the regional units and years. The highest maximum likelihood estimation for WNV infection rates calculated per 1000 mosquitoes for 2019 and 2020 were 1.89 and 3.84 in Serres, and 7.08 for 2021 in Pella regional unit. Sixteen whole genome sequences were taken by applying a recently described PCR-based next generation sequencing protocol. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequences belonged to the Central European clade of WNV lineage 2, and that a virus strain introduced in Greece in 2019 continued to circulate and spread further during 2020-2021. The data are useful for public health and mosquito control programs' operational scheduling, while the whole genome sequences are an added value for molecular epidemiology and evolutionary studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Tsioka
- National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | | | - Styliani Pappa
- National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantina Stoikou
- National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Anna Papa
- National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Miranda MÁ, Barceló C, Arnoldi D, Augsten X, Bakran-Lebl K, Balatsos G, Bengoa M, Bindler P, Boršová K, Bourquia M, Bravo-Barriga D, Čabanová V, Caputo B, Christou M, Delacour S, Eritja R, Fassi-Fihri O, Ferraguti M, Flacio E, Frontera E, Fuehrer HP, García-Pérez AL, Georgiades P, Gewehr S, Goiri F, González MA, Gschwind M, Gutiérrez-López R, Horváth C, Ibáñez-Justicia A, Jani V, Kadriaj P, Kalan K, Kavran M, Klobucar A, Kurucz K, Lucientes J, Lühken R, Magallanes S, Marini G, Martinou AF, Michelutti A, Mihalca AD, Montalvo T, Montarsi F, Mourelatos S, Muja-Bajraktari N, Müller P, Notarides G, Osório HC, Oteo JA, Oter K, Pajović I, Palmer JRB, Petrinic S, Răileanu C, Ries C, Rogozi E, Ruiz-Arrondo I, Sanpera-Calbet I, Sekulić N, Sevim K, Sherifi K, Silaghi C, Silva M, Sokolovska N, Soltész Z, Sulesco T, Šušnjar J, Teekema S, Valsecchi A, Vasquez MI, Velo E, Michaelakis A, Wint W, Petrić D, Schaffner F, della Torre A. AIMSurv: First pan-European harmonized surveillance of Aedes invasive mosquito species of relevance for human vector-borne diseases. GigaByte 2022; 2022:gigabyte57. [PMID: 36824512 PMCID: PMC9930523 DOI: 10.46471/gigabyte.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human and animal vector-borne diseases, particularly mosquito-borne diseases, are emerging or re-emerging worldwide. Six Aedes invasive mosquito (AIM) species were introduced to Europe since the 1970s: Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. atropalpus and Ae. triseriatus. Here, we report the results of AIMSurv2020, the first pan-European surveillance effort for AIMs. Implemented by 42 volunteer teams from 24 countries. And presented in the form of a dataset named "AIMSurv Aedes Invasive Mosquito species harmonized surveillance in Europe. AIM-COST Action. Project ID: CA17108". AIMSurv2020 harmonizes field surveillance methodologies for sampling different AIMs life stages, frequency and minimum length of sampling period, and data reporting. Data include minimum requirements for sample types and recommended requirements for those teams with more resources. Data are published as a Darwin Core archive in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility- Spain, comprising a core file with 19,130 records (EventID) and an occurrences file with 19,743 records (OccurrenceID). AIM species recorded in AIMSurv2020 were Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus, as well as native mosquito species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Carlos Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige (TN), Italy
| | - Xenia Augsten
- Kommunale Aktionsgemeinschaft zur Bekämpfung der Schnakenplage (KABS) e.V. Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 3, 67346 Speyer, Germany
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Division for Public Health, Währinger Strasse 25a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - George Balatsos
- Laboratory of Insects & Parasites of Medical Importance, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, St. Delta 8, Kifisia 14561, Athens, Greece
| | - Mikel Bengoa
- Anticimex Spain, Carrer Jesús Serra Santamans 5 Planta 3, 08174 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippe Bindler
- Brigade Verte du Haut-Rhin, Service démoustication, 92 rue Mal. de Lattre de Tassigny, 68360 Soultz, France
| | - Kristina Boršová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Maria Bourquia
- Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II, BP 6202, Rabat-Instituts 10100, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad, s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Beniamino Caputo
- Dep. Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Christou
- Environmental Predictions Department, Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Konstantinou Kavafi Street, 2121 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sarah Delacour
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Zaragoza, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Roger Eritja
- Consell Comarcal del Baix Llobregat, 08980 Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Martina Ferraguti
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura Av. de Elvas, s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Eleonora Flacio
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Institute of Microbiology, Vector Ecology Unit, Via Flora Ruchat-Roncati 15, 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Eva Frontera
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad, s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Ana L. García-Pérez
- NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Pantelis Georgiades
- Environmental Predictions Department, Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Konstantinou Kavafi Street, 2121 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sandra Gewehr
- Ecodevelopment S.A., PO Box 2420, Thesi Mezaria, 57010 Filyro, Greece
| | - Fátima Goiri
- NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Martin Gschwind
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- Universität Basel, Petersplatz 1, P.O. Box CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Cintia Horváth
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adolfo Ibáñez-Justicia
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors, National Reference Centre, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Geertjesweg 15, 6706 EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Viola Jani
- Vectors’ Control Unit, Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases Department, Institute of Public Health, Rruga Aleksander Moisiu 80, Tirana, Albania
| | - Përparim Kadriaj
- Vectors’ Control Unit, Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases Department, Institute of Public Health, Rruga Aleksander Moisiu 80, Tirana, Albania
| | - Katja Kalan
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška ulica 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Mihaela Kavran
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Laboratory for Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21 000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ana Klobucar
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Mirogojska c. 16, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Javier Lucientes
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Zaragoza, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Arbovirology, Hamburg, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura Av. de Elvas, s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Giovanni Marini
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige (TN), Italy
| | | | - Alice Michelutti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona, Plaça Lesseps 8 entresol, 08023 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Spiros Mourelatos
- Ecodevelopment S.A., PO Box 2420, Thesi Mezaria, 57010 Filyro, Greece
| | - Nesade Muja-Bajraktari
- Departament of Biology, Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina, Str. Eqrem Qabej 9, Pristina, Republic of Kosovo
| | - Pie Müller
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- Universität Basel, Petersplatz 1, P.O. Box CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregoris Notarides
- Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Archiepiskopou Kyprianou 30, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | - Hugo Costa Osório
- National Institute of Health/ Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José A. Oteo
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, C/Piqueras 98, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Kerem Oter
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Buyukcekmece Yerleskesi, Alkent 2000 Mah, Yigitturk Cad. 5/9/1, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Igor Pajović
- University of Montenegro. Biotechnical Faculty, Mihaila Lalića 15, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - John R. B. Palmer
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Mosquito Alert, C/Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27. 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Suncica Petrinic
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Mirogojska c. 16, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Christian Ries
- Luxembourg National Museum of Natural History, Rue Münster 25, L-2160, Luxembourg
| | - Elton Rogozi
- Vectors’ Control Unit, Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases Department, Institute of Public Health, Rruga Aleksander Moisiu 80, Tirana, Albania
| | - Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, C/Piqueras 98, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Isis Sanpera-Calbet
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Mosquito Alert, C/Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27. 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nebojša Sekulić
- Institute for Public Health of Montenegro, bb John Jackson Street, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Kivanc Sevim
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University Hasan Prishtina, M546+72H, Prishtinë, Republic of Kosovo
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Manuel Silva
- National Institute of Health/ Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nikolina Sokolovska
- PHI Center for Public Health-Skopje, blv.3rd Macedonian brigade 18, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Zoltán Soltész
- Centre for Ecological Research, Eötvös Lóránd Research Network, Alkotmány út 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Tatiana Sulesco
- Institute of Zoology, Ministry of Education and Research st. Academiei 1, Chisinau MD-2028, Republic of Moldova
| | - Jana Šušnjar
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška ulica 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Steffanie Teekema
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors, National Reference Centre, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Geertjesweg 15, 6706 EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Valsecchi
- Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona, Plaça Lesseps 8 entresol, 08023 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marlen Ines Vasquez
- Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Archiepiskopou Kyprianou 30, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | - Enkelejda Velo
- Institute of Public Health, Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases Department, Vectors’ Control Unit, Rruga Aleksander Moisiu, No. 80, Tirana, Albania
| | - Antonios Michaelakis
- Laboratory of Insects & Parasites of Medical Importance, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, St. Delta 8, Kifisia 14561, Athens, Greece
| | - William Wint
- Environmental Research Group Oxford, c/o Department of Zoology, Mansfiled Road, Oxford, UK
| | - Dušan Petrić
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Laboratory for Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21 000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Francis Schaffner
- Francis Schaffner Consultancy, Lörracherstrasse 50, 4125 Riehen, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra della Torre
- Dep. Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fotakis EA, Mavridis K, Kampouraki A, Balaska S, Tanti F, Vlachos G, Gewehr S, Mourelatos S, Papadakis A, Kavalou M, Nikolakakis D, Moisaki M, Kampanis N, Loumpounis M, Vontas J. Mosquito population structure, pathogen surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring in urban regions of Crete, Greece. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010186. [PMID: 35176020 PMCID: PMC8890720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Greece vector borne diseases (VBD) and foremost West Nile virus (WNV) pose an important threat to public health and the tourist industry, the primary sector of contribution to the national economy. The island of Crete, is one of Greece’s major tourist destinations receiving annually over 5 million tourists making regional VBD control both a public health and economic priority. Methodology Under the auspices of the Region of Crete, a systematic integrative surveillance network targeting mosquitoes and associated pathogens was established in Crete for the years 2018–2020. Using conventional and molecular diagnostic tools we investigated the mosquito species composition and population dynamics, pathogen infection occurrences in vector populations and in sentinel chickens, and the insecticide resistance status of the major vector species. Principal findings Important disease vectors were recorded across the island including Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, and Anopheles superpictus. Over 75% of the sampled specimens were collected in the western prefectures potentially attributed to the local precipitation patterns, with Cx. pipiens being the most dominant species. Although no pathogens (flaviviruses) were detected in the analysed mosquito specimens, chicken blood serum analyses recorded a 1.7% WNV antibody detection rate in the 2018 samples. Notably detection of the first WNV positive chicken preceded human WNV occurrence in the same region by approximately two weeks. The chitin synthase mutation I1043F (associated with high diflubenzuron resistance) was recorded at an 8% allelic frequency in Lasithi prefecture Cx. pipiens mosquitoes (sampled in 2020) for the first time in Greece. Markedly, Cx. pipiens populations in all four prefectures were found harboring the kdr mutations L1014F/C/S (associated with pyrethroid resistance) at a close to fixation rate, with mutation L1014C being the most commonly found allele (≥74% representation). Voltage gated sodium channel analyses in Ae. albopictus revealed the presence of the kdr mutations F1534C and I1532T (associated with putative mild pyrethroid resistance phenotypes) yet absence of V1016G. Allele F1534C was recorded in all prefectures (at an allelic frequency range of 25–46.6%) while I1532T was detected in populations from Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion (at frequencies below 7.1%). Finally, no kdr mutations were detected in the Anopheles specimens included in the analyses. Conclusions/Significance The findings of our study are of major concern for VBD control in Crete, highlighting (i) the necessity for establishing seasonal integrated entomological/pathogen surveillance programs, supporting the design of targeted vector control responses and; ii) the need for establishing appropriate insecticide resistance management programs ensuring the efficacy and sustainable use of DFB and pyrethroid based products in vector control. The island of Crete, is one of Greece’s major tourist destinations, receiving over 5 million tourists annually, making control of vector borne diseases (VBD) like West Nile virus (WNV) both a public health and economic priority. A comprehensive surveillance network targeting mosquitoes and associated pathogens was established in Crete for the years 2018–2020. Important disease vectors (Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus and Anopheles superpictus) were recorded across the island. The presence of WNV antibodies in sentinel chickens was also recorded and, notably, preceded human WNV occurrence in the same region by approximately two weeks. Mutations associated with resistance to insecticides used for vector control were also detected; most importantly the chitin synthase mutation I1043F (associated with high diflubenzuron resistance) was recorded for the first time in Greece. The findings of our study are of major concern for VBD control in Greece (and Crete specifically), highlighting (i) the necessity for establishing seasonal surveillance programs and ii) the need for establishing appropriate insecticide resistance management programs for sustainable vector control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil A. Fotakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mavridis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- * E-mail: (KM); (JV)
| | - Anastasia Kampouraki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Crop Science, Pesticide Science Laboratory, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Balaska
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Filianna Tanti
- Department of Crop Science, Pesticide Science Laboratory, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Vlachos
- EcoDevelopment SA-Integrated Mosquito Control, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sandra Gewehr
- EcoDevelopment SA-Integrated Mosquito Control, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Antonios Papadakis
- General Directorate of Public Health & Social Care of Region of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Kavalou
- General Directorate of Public Health & Social Care of Region of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Nikolakakis
- General Directorate of Public Health & Social Care of Region of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Moisaki
- General Directorate of Public Health & Social Care of Region of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kampanis
- General Directorate of Public Health & Social Care of Region of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis Loumpounis
- General Directorate of Public Health & Social Care of Region of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Vontas
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Crop Science, Pesticide Science Laboratory, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail: (KM); (JV)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Papa A, Tsioka K, Gewehr S, Kalaitzopoulou S, Pappa S, Mourelatos S. West Nile virus lineage 2 in Culex mosquitoes in Thessaly, Greece, 2019. Acta Trop 2020; 208:105514. [PMID: 32422381 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus is a flavivirus transmitted to humans mainly by mosquito bites. Outbreaks are observed in several European countries, and Greece is one of the most affected countries during the recent years. Thessaly was one of the most affected regions in Greece in 2019. A total of 3,025 Culex spp. mosquitoes collected in Thessaly were grouped into 47 pools and tested for West Nile virus (WNV). Eight (17%) pools were found positive. Whole genome sequences were obtained from two positive pools. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the causative strain was an evolutionary variant of the strains circulating in 2018 belonging to the Balkan subgroup of the Central European subclade of WNV lineage 2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papa
- National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124 Greece.
| | - Katerina Tsioka
- National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124 Greece
| | | | | | - Styliani Pappa
- National Reference Centre for Arboviruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124 Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Karydas C, Iatrou M, Kouretas D, Patouna A, Iatrou G, Lazos N, Gewehr S, Tseni X, Tekos F, Zartaloudis Z, Mainos E, Mourelatos S. Prediction of Antioxidant Activity of Cherry Fruits from UAS Multispectral Imagery Using Machine Learning. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E156. [PMID: 32075036 PMCID: PMC7070805 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9020156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this research, a model for the estimation of antioxidant content in cherry fruits from multispectral imagery acquired from drones was developed, based on machine learning methods. For two consecutive cultivation years, the trees were sampled on different dates and then analysed for their fruits' radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and Folin-Ciocalteu (FCR) reducing capacity. Multispectral images from unmanned aerial vehicles were acquired on the same dates with fruit sampling. Soil samples were collected throughout the study fields at the end of the season. Topographic, hydrographic and weather data also were included in modelling. First-year data were used for model-fitting, whereas second-year data for testing. Spatial autocorrelation tests indicated unbiased sampling and, moreover, allowed restriction of modelling input parameters to a smaller group. The optimum model employs 24 input variables resulting in a 6.74 root mean square error. Provided that soil profiles and other ancillary data are known in advance of the cultivation season, capturing drone images in critical growth phases, together with contemporary weather data, can support site- and time-specific harvesting. It could also support site-specific treatments (precision farming) for improving fruit quality in the long-term, with analogous marketing perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Karydas
- Ecodevelopment S.A., Environmental Applications, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.I.); (N.L.); (S.G.); (X.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Miltiadis Iatrou
- Agroecosystem L.P., Research and Trade of Agricultural Products, 63200 Nea Moudania, Greece; (M.I.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Dimitrios Kouretas
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (D.K.); (A.P.); (F.T.)
| | - Anastasia Patouna
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (D.K.); (A.P.); (F.T.)
| | - George Iatrou
- Ecodevelopment S.A., Environmental Applications, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.I.); (N.L.); (S.G.); (X.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Nikolaos Lazos
- Ecodevelopment S.A., Environmental Applications, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.I.); (N.L.); (S.G.); (X.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Sandra Gewehr
- Ecodevelopment S.A., Environmental Applications, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.I.); (N.L.); (S.G.); (X.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Xanthi Tseni
- Ecodevelopment S.A., Environmental Applications, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.I.); (N.L.); (S.G.); (X.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Fotis Tekos
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (D.K.); (A.P.); (F.T.)
| | - Zois Zartaloudis
- Agroecosystem L.P., Research and Trade of Agricultural Products, 63200 Nea Moudania, Greece; (M.I.); (Z.Z.)
| | | | - Spiros Mourelatos
- Ecodevelopment S.A., Environmental Applications, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.I.); (N.L.); (S.G.); (X.T.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Papa A, Gewehr S, Tsioka K, Kalaitzopoulou S, Pappa S, Mourelatos S. Detection of flaviviruses and alphaviruses in mosquitoes in Central Macedonia, Greece, 2018. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105278. [PMID: 31756306 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105278] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Culex mosquitoes are vectors of several flaviviruses and alphaviruses posing a potential risk to public and veterinary health. In order to gain an insight into the flaviviruses and alphaviruses circulating in the five regional units of Central Macedonia in northern Greece, 17,470 female Culex spp. mosquitoes collected during 2018 were tested for these viruses. Among 229 mosquito pools, West Nile virus (WNV) was detected in 10 (4.4%) pools, while insect-specific flavi- and alphaviruses were detected in 2 (0.9%) and 8 (3.5%) pools, respectively. WNV minimum infection rate (MIR) was 0.57. The highest MIR was identified in Thessaloniki regional unit, where several human cases of WNV infection occurred in 2018. All ten WNV sequences cluster into the Central European subclade of lineage 2. It is of note that the first WNV-positive mosquito pool was detected two weeks prior the report of the first human case in the area, suggesting that testing of mosquitoes could serve as early warning system.
Collapse
|
8
|
Mavridis K, Fotakis EA, Kioulos I, Mpellou S, Konstantas S, Varela E, Gewehr S, Diamantopoulos V, Vontas J. Detection of West Nile Virus - Lineage 2 in Culex pipiens mosquitoes, associated with disease outbreak in Greece, 2017. Acta Trop 2018; 182:64-68. [PMID: 29474832 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
During July-October 2017 a WNV outbreak took place in the Peloponnese, Southern Greece with five confirmed deaths. During routine monitoring survey in the Peloponnese, supported by the local Prefecture, we have confirmed the presence of all three Culex pipiens biotypes in the region, with a high percentage of Culex pipiens/molestus hybrids (37.0%) which are considered a highly competent vector of WNV. Kdr mutations related to pyrethroid resistance were found at relatively low levels (14.3% homozygosity) while no mosquitoes harboring the recently identified chitin synthase diflubenzuron-resistance mutations were detected in the region. As an immediate action, following the disease outbreak (within days), we collected a large number of mosquitoes using CO2 CDC traps from the villages in the Argolis area of the Peloponnese, where high incidence of WNV human infections were reported. WNV lineage 2 was detected in 3 out of 47 Cx. pipiens mosquito pools (detection rate = 6.38%). The virus was not detected in any other mosquito species, such as Aedes albopictus, sampled from the region at the time of the disease outbreak. Our results show that detection of WNV lineage 2 in Cx. pipiens pools is spatially and chronologically associated with human clinical cases, thus implicating Cx. pipiens mosquitoes as the most likely WNV vector. The absence of diflubenzuron resistance mutations and the low frequency of pyrethroid (kdr) resistance mutations indicates the suitability of these insecticides for Cx. pipiens control, in the format of larvicides and/or residual spraying applications respectively, which was indeed the main (evidence based) response, following the disease outbreak.
Collapse
|
9
|
Iatrou G, Mourelatos S, Gewehr S, Kalaitzopoulou S, Iatrou M, Zartaloudis Z. Using multispectral imaging to improve berry harvest for wine making grapes. Ciência Téc Vitiv 2017. [DOI: 10.1051/ctv/20173201033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
|
10
|
Chaintoutis SC, Gewehr S, Mourelatos S, Dovas CI. Serological monitoring of backyard chickens in Central Macedonia-Greece can detect low transmission of West Nile virus in the absence of human neuroinvasive disease cases. Acta Trop 2016; 163:26-31. [PMID: 27469618 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.07.018] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
During 2010-13, West Nile virus (WNV) epidemics occurred in Greece with high numbers of human cases. In parallel, WNV serological surveillance utilizing domestic birds was applied mainly in Central Macedonia, as well as in other areas of the country, and allowed efficient detection of WNV activity during this period. The objective of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity of chicken-based WNV surveillance in periods of low-level virus transmission (2014-15) in a well-studied area, i.e. the epicenter of the 2010 WNV epidemic (Central Macedonia), which is considered endemic since then. WNV activity was monitored via determination of antiviral immune responses in juvenile backyard chickens. The birds were sampled twice per transmission period. WNV-specific antibodies were detected by ELISA in 2.8% out of 255 chickens sampled early in the 2014 transmission period (95% CI: 1-6%). Continued virus transmission was detected at the end of the period, as 4.2% out of 240 sampled chickens seroconverted to WNV (95% CI: 2-8%). Although 14 human neuroinvasive cases occurred in Greece during 2014, no such cases were reported in the study area. During the 2015 early warning period, antibodies against WNV were not detected in sampled chickens (n=250, 95% CI: 0-2%). However, humoral immune responses were detected in 6 out of 240 chicken sampled at the end of the transmission period (2.5%; 95% CI: 1-6%), indicating continued WNV activity. No human cases were reported in Greece during 2015. All samples were negative with real-time RT-PCR. Serological surveillance of chickens resulted in identification of areas with low WNV activity levels during 2014-15, and provided indications of its overwintering in Central Macedonia. The findings suggest that surveillance based on serological testing of domestic birds is sensitive and able to detect low-level of WNV enzootic transmission, in the absence of human cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serafeim C Chaintoutis
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sandra Gewehr
- Ecodevelopment S.A.-Environmental Applications, Filyro, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spiros Mourelatos
- Ecodevelopment S.A.-Environmental Applications, Filyro, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos I Dovas
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stilianakis NI, Syrris V, Petroliagkis T, Pärt P, Gewehr S, Kalaitzopoulou S, Mourelatos S, Baka A, Pervanidou D, Vontas J, Hadjichristodoulou C. Identification of Climatic Factors Affecting the Epidemiology of Human West Nile Virus Infections in Northern Greece. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161510. [PMID: 27631082 PMCID: PMC5025206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate can affect the geographic and seasonal patterns of vector-borne disease incidence such as West Nile Virus (WNV) infections. We explore the association between climatic factors and the occurrence of West Nile fever (WNF) or West Nile neuro-invasive disease (WNND) in humans in Northern Greece over the years 2010–2014. Time series over a period of 30 years (1979–2008) of climatic data of air temperature, relative humidity, soil temperature, volumetric soil water content, wind speed, and precipitation representing average climate were obtained utilising the ECMWF’s (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) system allowing for a homogeneous set of data in time and space. We analysed data of reported human cases of WNF/WNND and Culex mosquitoes in Northern Greece. Quantitative assessment resulted in identifying associations between the above climatic variables and reported human cases of WNF/WNND. A substantial fraction of the cases was linked to the upper percentiles of the distribution of air and soil temperature for the period 1979–2008 and the lower percentiles of relative humidity and soil water content. A statistically relevant relationship between the mean weekly value climatic anomalies of wind speed (negative association), relative humidity (negative association) and air temperature (positive association) over 30 years, and reported human cases of WNF/WNND during the period 2010–2014 could be shown. A negative association between the presence of WNV infected Culex mosquitoes and wind speed could be identified. The statistically significant associations could also be confirmed for the week the WNF/WNND human cases appear and when a time lag of up to three weeks was considered. Similar statistically significant associations were identified with the weekly anomalies of the maximum and minimum values of the above climatic factors. Utilising the ERA-Interim re-analysis methodology it could be shown that besides air temperature, climatic factors such as soil temperature, relative humidity, soil water content and wind speed may affect the epidemiology of WNV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos I. Stilianakis
- Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra (VA), Italy
- Department of Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Peeter Pärt
- Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | | | | | | | - Agoritsa Baka
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO), Athens, Greece
| | - Danai Pervanidou
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO), Athens, Greece
| | - John Vontas
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kolimenakis A, Bithas K, Richardson C, Latinopoulos D, Baka A, Vakali A, Hadjichristodoulou C, Mourelatos S, Kalaitzopoulou S, Gewehr S, Michaelakis A, Koliopoulos G. Economic appraisal of the public control and prevention strategy against the 2010 West Nile Virus outbreak in Central Macedonia, Greece. Public Health 2015; 131:63-70. [PMID: 26710663 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the economic efficiency of the public control and prevention strategies to tackle the 2010 West Nile Virus (WNV) outbreak in the Region of Central Macedonia, Greece. Efficiency is examined on the basis of the public prevention costs incurred and their potential in justifying the costs arising from health and nuisance impacts in the succeeding years. STUDY DESIGN Economic appraisal of public health management interventions. METHODS Prevention and control cost categories including control programmes, contingency planning and blood safety testing, are analyzed based on market prices. A separate cost of illness approach is conducted for the estimation of medical costs and productivity losses from 2010 to 2013 and for the calculation of averted health impacts. The averted mosquito nuisance costs to households are estimated on the basis of a contingent valuation study. Based on these findings, a limited cost-benefit analysis is employed in order to evaluate the economic efficiency of these strategies in 2010-2013. RESULTS Results indicate that cost of illness and prevention costs fell significantly in the years following the 2010 outbreak, also as a result of the epidemic coming under control. According to the contingent valuation survey, the annual average willingness to pay to eliminate the mosquito problem in the study area ranged between 22 and 27 € per household. Cost-benefit analysis indicates that the aggregate benefit of implementing the previous 3-year strategy creates a net socio-economic benefit in 2013. However the spread of the WNV epidemic and the overall socio-economic consequences, had the various costs not been employed, remain unpredictable and extremely difficult to calculate. CONCLUSIONS The application of a post epidemic strategy appears to be of utmost importance for public health safety. An updated well designed survey is needed for a more precise definition of the optimum prevention policies and levels and for the establishment of the various cost/benefit parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Kolimenakis
- Institute of Urban Environment & Human Resources, Department of Economic and Regional Development, Panteion University, 14 Aristotelous St., GR-17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece.
| | - K Bithas
- Institute of Urban Environment & Human Resources, Department of Economic and Regional Development, Panteion University, 14 Aristotelous St., GR-17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - C Richardson
- Institute of Urban Environment & Human Resources, Department of Economic and Regional Development, Panteion University, 14 Aristotelous St., GR-17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - D Latinopoulos
- School of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Baka
- Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - A Vakali
- Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - S Gewehr
- Ecodevelopment SA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Michaelakis
- Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - G Koliopoulos
- Laboratory of Biological Control of Pesticides, Department of Pesticides Control & Phytopharmacy Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chaintoutis SC, Dovas CI, Danis K, Gewehr S, Mourelatos S, Hadjichristodoulou C, Papanastassopoulou M. Surveillance and Early Warning of West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Using Backyard Chickens and Correlation to Human Neuroinvasive Cases. Zoonoses Public Health 2014; 62:344-55. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. C. Chaintoutis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - C. I. Dovas
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - K. Danis
- Department of Surveillance and Intervention; Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention; Athens Greece
| | - S. Gewehr
- Ecodevelopment S.A. - Environmental Applications; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - S. Mourelatos
- Ecodevelopment S.A. - Environmental Applications; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - C. Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology; School of Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Thessaly; Larissa Greece
| | - M. Papanastassopoulou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chaintoutis SC, Dovas CI, Papanastassopoulou M, Gewehr S, Danis K, Beck C, Lecollinet S, Antalis V, Kalaitzopoulou S, Panagiotopoulos T, Mourelatos S, Zientara S, Papadopoulos O. Evaluation of a West Nile virus surveillance and early warning system in Greece, based on domestic pigeons. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 37:131-41. [PMID: 24503179 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In the summer of 2010 an epidemic of West Nile virus (WNV) occurred in Central Macedonia, Greece, with 197 human neuroinvasive disease (WNND) cases. In the following years the virus spread to new areas, with a total of 76 WNND cases in 2011, and 109 WNND cases in 2012 (14 and 12 WNND cases, respectively, in Central Macedonia). We established a surveillance system based on serological testing of domestic pigeons, using cELISA confirmed by serum neutralization test. In Central Macedonia, pigeon seroprevalence was 54% (95% CI: 49-59%) and 31% (95% CI: 24-37%) at the end of the 2010 and 2011 epidemic seasons, respectively. One serum was positive for neutralizing antibodies directed against Usutu virus. Pigeon WNV seroprevalence and incidence rates of human WNND after the 2010 epidemic were positively correlated (ρ=0.94, at the regional unit level), while in 2011 the correlation (ρ=0.56) was not statistically significant, possibly due to small number of human WNND cases recorded. To evaluate the efficacy of the system at alerting upon WNV enzootic circulation before the onset of human cases, we tested 270 pigeons in 2011 and 240 pigeons in 2012. In Central Macedonia, the first seroconversions in pigeons were recorded 44 and 47 days, respectively, before the first human WNND cases. Pigeon surveillance was used successfully for identification of areas with WNV enzootic transmission and for early warning. Timely diffusion of information to health authorities facilitated the implementation of preparedness plans to protect public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serafeim C Chaintoutis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos I Dovas
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Maria Papanastassopoulou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sandra Gewehr
- Ecodevelopment S.A. - Environmental Applications, Filyro, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostas Danis
- Department of Surveillance and Intervention, Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 15123 Athens, Greece
| | - Cécile Beck
- European Reference Laboratory for Equine Diseases, UPEC, UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, ANSES, ENVA, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- European Reference Laboratory for Equine Diseases, UPEC, UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, ANSES, ENVA, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Vasilis Antalis
- Ecodevelopment S.A. - Environmental Applications, Filyro, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stella Kalaitzopoulou
- Ecodevelopment S.A. - Environmental Applications, Filyro, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Takis Panagiotopoulos
- Department of Surveillance and Intervention, Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 15123 Athens, Greece; Department of Child Health, National School of Public Health, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Spiros Mourelatos
- Ecodevelopment S.A. - Environmental Applications, Filyro, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stéphan Zientara
- European Reference Laboratory for Equine Diseases, UPEC, UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, ANSES, ENVA, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Orestis Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gewehr S, Kalaitzopoulou S, Slavi L, Mourelatos S. Risk assessment for West Nile Virus in Northern Greece (2010-2013). Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMCID: PMC4094293 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-o2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
16
|
Ladbury GAF, Gavana M, Danis K, Papa A, Papamichail D, Mourelatos S, Gewehr S, Theocharopoulos G, Bonovas S, Benos A, Panagiotopoulos T. Population seroprevalence study after a West Nile virus lineage 2 epidemic, Greece, 2010. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80432. [PMID: 24260390 PMCID: PMC3832368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction During summer 2010, 262 human cases including 35 deaths from West Nile virus (WNV) infection were reported from Central Macedonia, Greece. Evidence from mosquitoes, birds and blood donors demonstrated that the epidemic was caused by WNV lineage 2, which until recently was considered of low virulence. We conducted a household seroprevalence study to estimate the spread of infection in the population during the epidemic, ascertain the relationship of infection to clinical disease, and identify risk factors for infection. Methods We used a two-stage cluster design to select a random sample of residents aged ≥18 years in the outbreak epicentre. We collected demographic, medical, and risk factor data using standard questionnaires and environmental checklists, and tested serum samples for presence of WNV IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. Results Overall, 723 individuals participated in the study, and 644 blood samples were available. Weighted seropositivity for IgG antibodies was 5.8% (95% CI: 3.8–8.6; n=41). We estimated that about 1 in 130 (1:141 to 1:124) infected individuals developed WNV neuroinvasive disease, and approximately 18% had clinical manifestations attributable to their infection. Risk factors for infection reflected high exposure to mosquitoes; rural residents were particularly at risk (prevalence ratio: 8.2, 95% CI: 1.1–58.7). Discussion This study adds to the evidence that WNV lineage 2 strains can cause significant illness, demonstrating ratios of infection to clinical disease similar to those found previously for WNV lineage 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A. F. Ladbury
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Magda Gavana
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostas Danis
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO), Athens, Greece
- National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Papa
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Stefanos Bonovas
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO), Athens, Greece
| | - Alexis Benos
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Danis K, Baka A, Lenglet A, Van Bortel W, Terzaki I, Tseroni M, Detsis M, Papanikolaou E, Balaska A, Gewehr S, Dougas G, Sideroglou T, Economopoulou A, Vakalis N, Tsiodras S, Bonovas S, Kremastinou J. Autochthonous Plasmodium vivax malaria in Greece, 2011. Euro Surveill 2011. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.16.42.19993-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Between May and September 2011, twenty cases of Plasmodium vivax infection were reported in Greek citizens without reported travel history. The vast majority of those cases were confined to a delimited agricultural area of Evrotas, Lakonia. Conditions favouring locally acquired transmission of malaria, including the presence of competent vectors and migrants from endemic countries exist in Greece, underscoring the need for the development of an integrated preparedness and response plan for malaria prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Danis
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - A Baka
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - A Lenglet
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - W Van Bortel
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - I Terzaki
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - M Tseroni
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - M Detsis
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - E Papanikolaou
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - A Balaska
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - S Gewehr
- Ecodevelopment S.A., Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Dougas
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - T Sideroglou
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - A Economopoulou
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - N Vakalis
- National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - S Tsiodras
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - S Bonovas
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - J Kremastinou
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Danis K, Baka A, Lenglet A, Van Bortel W, Terzaki I, Tseroni M, Detsis M, Papanikolaou E, Balaska A, Gewehr S, Dougas G, Sideroglou T, Economopoulou A, Vakalis N, Tsiodras S, Bonovas S, Kremastinou J. Autochthonous Plasmodium vivax malaria in Greece, 2011. Euro Surveill 2011; 16:19993. [PMID: 22027375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Between May and September 2011, twenty cases of Plasmodium vivax infection were reported in Greek citizens without reported travel history. The vast majority of those cases were confined to a delimited agricultural area of Evrotas, Lakonia. Conditions favouring locally acquired transmission of malaria, including the presence of competent vectors and migrants from endemic countries exist in Greece, underscoring the need for the development of an integrated preparedness and response plan for malaria prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Danis
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
A human outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) infections occurred in 2010 in central Macedonia, northern Greece. Most cases were observed close to four rivers forming a large Delta, a major Mediterranean wetland. WNV lineage 2 sequences were obtained from two pools of Culex pipiens mosquitoes trapped in sites where encephalitis cases occurred a few days before the trapping. The Greek strain showed the highest homology to Hungarian and South African strains, differing from the Russian WNV lineage 2 strain, which suggests that at least two lineage 2 strains have been introduced and established in Europe, causing severe disease to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|