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Golchin M, Di Marco M, Horwood PF, Paini DR, Hoskins AJ, Hickson R. Prediction of viral spillover risk based on the mass action principle. One Health 2024; 18:100737. [PMID: 38694617 PMCID: PMC11061335 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100737] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious zoonotic disease emergence, through spillover events, is of global concern and has the potential to cause significant harm to society, as recently demonstrated by COVID-19. More than 70% of the 400 infectious diseases that emerged in the past five decades have a zoonotic origin, including all recent pandemics. There have been several approaches used to predict the risk of spillover through some of the known or suspected infectious disease emergence drivers, largely using correlative approaches. Here, we predict the spatial distribution of spillover risk by approximating general transmission through animal and human interactions. These mass action interactions are approximated through the multiplication of the spatial distribution of zoonotic virus diversity and human population density. Although our results indicate higher risk in regions along the equator and in Southeast Asia where both virus diversity and human population density are high, it should be noted that this is primarily a conceptual exercise. We compared our spillover risk map to key factors, including the model inputs of zoonotic virus diversity estimate map, human population density map, and the spatial distribution of species richness. Despite the limitations of this approach, this viral spillover map is a step towards developing a more comprehensive spillover risk prediction system to inform global monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Golchin
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, and Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Moreno Di Marco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Paul F. Horwood
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, and Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Dean R. Paini
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, and Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- CSIRO, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Hoskins
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, and Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - R.I. Hickson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, and Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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2
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Ho T, Broome JC, Buhler JP, O'Donovan W, Tian T, Diaz-Lara A, Martin RR, Tzanetakis IE. Integration of Rubus yellow net virus in the raspberry genome: A story centuries in the making. Virology 2024; 591:109991. [PMID: 38242059 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.109991] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Rubus yellow net virus (RYNV) belongs to genus Badnavirus. Badnaviruses are found in plants as endogenous, inactive or activatable sequences, and/or in episomal (infectious and active) forms. To assess the state of RYNV in Rubus germplasm, we sequenced the genomes of various cultivars and mined eight raspberry whole genome datasets. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of a diverse array of endogenous RYNV (endoRYNV) sequences that differ significantly in their structure; some lineages have nearly complete, yet non-functional genomes whereas others have rudimentary, short sequence fragments. We developed assays to genotype the main lineages as well as the only known episomal lineage present in the United States. This study discloses the widespread presence of endoRYNVs in commercial raspberries, likely because breeding efforts have focused on a limited pool of germplasm that harbored endoRYNVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thien Ho
- Driscoll's Inc., Watsonville, CA, 95076, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Tongyan Tian
- California Department of Food and Agriculture, Sacramento, CA 95832, USA
| | - Alfredo Diaz-Lara
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Queretaro, Queretaro 76130, Mexico
| | - Robert R Martin
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA; USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Unit, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
| | - Ioannis E Tzanetakis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas System, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
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3
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Melchert J, Radbruch H, Hanitsch LG, Baylis SA, Beheim-Schwarzbach J, Bleicker T, Hofmann J, Jones TC, Drosten C, Corman VM. Whole genome sequencing reveals insights into hepatitis E virus genome diversity, and virus compartmentalization in chronic hepatitis E. J Clin Virol 2023; 168:105583. [PMID: 37716229 PMCID: PMC10643812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105583] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis and can cause chronic infections in immunocompromised patients. Although HEV infections can be treated with ribavirin, antiviral efficacy is hampered by resistance mutations, normally detected by virus sequencing. OBJECTIVES High-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows for cost-effective complete viral genome sequencing. This enables the discovery and delineation of new subtypes, and revised the recognition of quasispecies and putative resistance mutations. However, HTS is challenged by factors including low viral load, sample degradation, high host background, and high viral diversity. STUDY DESIGN We apply complete genome sequencing strategies for HEV, including a targeted enrichment approach. These approaches were used to investigate sequence diversity in HEV RNA-positive animal and human samples and intra-host diversity in a chronically infected patient. RESULTS Here, we describe the identification of potential novel subtypes in a blood donation (genotype 3) and in an ancient livestock sample (genotype 7). In a chronically infected patient, we successfully investigated intra-host virus diversity, including the presence of ribavirin resistance mutations. Furthermore, we found convincing evidence for HEV compartmentalization, including the central nervous system, in this patient. CONCLUSIONS Targeted enrichment of viral sequences enables the generation of complete genome sequences from a variety of difficult sample materials. Moreover, it enables the generation of greater sequence coverage allowing more advanced analyses. This is key for a better understanding of virus diversity. Investigation of existing ribavirin resistance, in the context of minorities or compartmentalization, may be critical in treatment strategies of HEV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Melchert
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif G Hanitsch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sally A Baylis
- Viral Safety Section, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Jörn Beheim-Schwarzbach
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Tobias Bleicker
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Terry C Jones
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany; Centre for Pathogen Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor M Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany; Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin 13353, Germany.
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Rivarez MPS, Pecman A, Bačnik K, Maksimović O, Vučurović A, Seljak G, Mehle N, Gutiérrez-Aguirre I, Ravnikar M, Kutnjak D. In-depth study of tomato and weed viromes reveals undiscovered plant virus diversity in an agroecosystem. Microbiome 2023; 11:60. [PMID: 36973750 PMCID: PMC10042675 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In agroecosystems, viruses are well known to influence crop health and some cause phytosanitary and economic problems, but their diversity in non-crop plants and role outside the disease perspective is less known. Extensive virome explorations that include both crop and diverse weed plants are therefore needed to better understand roles of viruses in agroecosystems. Such unbiased exploration is available through viromics, which could generate biological and ecological insights from immense high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data. RESULTS Here, we implemented HTS-based viromics to explore viral diversity in tomatoes and weeds in farming areas at a nation-wide scale. We detected 125 viruses, including 79 novel species, wherein 65 were found exclusively in weeds. This spanned 21 higher-level plant virus taxa dominated by Potyviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Tombusviridae, and four non-plant virus families. We detected viruses of non-plant hosts and viroid-like sequences and demonstrated infectivity of a novel tobamovirus in plants of Solanaceae family. Diversities of predominant tomato viruses were variable, in some cases, comparable to that of global isolates of the same species. We phylogenetically classified novel viruses and showed links between a subgroup of phylogenetically related rhabdoviruses to their taxonomically related host plants. Ten classified viruses detected in tomatoes were also detected in weeds, which might indicate possible role of weeds as their reservoirs and that these viruses could be exchanged between the two compartments. CONCLUSIONS We showed that even in relatively well studied agroecosystems, such as tomato farms, a large part of very diverse plant viromes can still be unknown and is mostly present in understudied non-crop plants. The overlapping presence of viruses in tomatoes and weeds implicate possible presence of virus reservoir and possible exchange between the weed and crop compartments, which may influence weed management decisions. The observed variability and widespread presence of predominant tomato viruses and the infectivity of a novel tobamovirus in solanaceous plants, provided foundation for further investigation of virus disease dynamics and their effect on tomato health. The extensive insights we generated from such in-depth agroecosystem virome exploration will be valuable in anticipating possible emergences of plant virus diseases and would serve as baseline for further post-discovery characterization studies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Paul Selda Rivarez
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
- Present Address: College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City, 8600 Philippines
| | - Anja Pecman
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
| | - Katarina Bačnik
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
| | - Olivera Maksimović
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
| | - Ana Vučurović
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
| | - Gabrijel Seljak
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
| | - Nataša Mehle
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
- School for Viticulture and Enology, University of Nova Gorica, Dvorec Lanthieri Glavni trg 8, Vipava, 5271 Slovenia
| | - Ion Gutiérrez-Aguirre
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
| | - Maja Ravnikar
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
| | - Denis Kutnjak
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
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5
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Abstract
Knowledge of mycovirus diversity, evolution, horizontal gene transfer and shared ancestry with viruses infecting distantly related hosts, such as plants and arthropods, has increased vastly during the last few years due to advances in the high throughput sequencing methodologies. This also has enabled the discovery of novel mycoviruses with previously unknown genome types, mainly new positive and negative single-stranded RNA mycoviruses ((+) ssRNA and (-) ssRNA) and single-stranded DNA mycoviruses (ssDNA), and has increased our knowledge of double-stranded RNA mycoviruses (dsRNA), which in the past were thought to be the most common viruses infecting fungi. Fungi and oomycetes (Stramenopila) share similar lifestyles and also have similar viromes. Hypothesis about the origin and cross-kingdom transmission events of viruses have been raised and are supported by phylogenetic analysis and by the discovery of natural exchange of viruses between different hosts during virus-fungus coinfection in planta. In this review we make a compilation of the current information on the genome organization, diversity and taxonomy of mycoviruses, discussing their possible origins. Our focus is in recent findings suggesting the expansion of the host range of many viral taxa previously considered to be exclusively fungal, but we also address factors affecting virus transmissibility and coexistence in single fungal or oomycete isolates, as well as the development of synthetic mycoviruses and their use in investigating mycovirus replication cycles and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Ayllón
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)-Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA/CSIC), Campus de Montegancedo, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain; Departamento Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, E.T.S.I. Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eeva J Vainio
- Forest Health and Biodiversity, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland
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6
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Wang J, Xiao J, Zhu Z, Wang S, Zhang L, Fan Z, Deng Y, Hu Z, Peng F, Shen S, Deng F. Diverse viromes in polar regions: A retrospective study of metagenomic data from Antarctic animal feces and Arctic frozen soil in 2012-2014. Virol Sin 2022; 37:883-893. [PMID: 36028202 PMCID: PMC9797369 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antarctica and the Arctic are the coldest places, containing a high diversity of microorganisms, including viruses, which are important components of polar ecosystems. However, owing to the difficulties in obtaining access to animal and environmental samples, the current knowledge of viromes in polar regions is still limited. To better understand polar viromes, this study performed a retrospective analysis using metagenomic sequencing data of animal feces from Antarctica and frozen soil from the Arctic collected during 2012-2014. The results reveal diverse communities of DNA and RNA viruses from at least 23 families from Antarctic animal feces and 16 families from Arctic soils. Although the viral communities from Antarctica and the Arctic show a large diversity, they have genetic similarities with known viruses from different ecosystems and organisms with similar viral proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of Microviridae, Parvoviridae, and Larvidaviridae was further performed, and complete genomic sequences of two novel circular replication-associated protein (rep)-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses closely related to Circoviridae were identified. These results reveal the high diversity, complexity, and novelty of viral communities from polar regions, and suggested the genetic similarity and functional correlations of viromes between the Antarctica and Arctic. Variations in viral families in Arctic soils, Arctic freshwater, and Antarctic soils are discussed. These findings improve our understanding of polar viromes and suggest the importance of performing follow-up in-depth investigations of animal and environmental samples from Antarctica and the Arctic, which would reveal the substantial role of these viruses in the global viral community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China,Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhaojun Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yali Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fang Peng
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Shu Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Fei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China,Corresponding authors.
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7
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Pavletić B, Runzheimer K, Siems K, Koch S, Cortesão M, Ramos-Nascimento A, Moeller R. Spaceflight Virology: What Do We Know about Viral Threats in the Spaceflight Environment? Astrobiology 2022; 22:210-224. [PMID: 34981957 PMCID: PMC8861927 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Viruses constitute a significant part of the human microbiome, so wherever humans go, viruses are brought with them, even on space missions. In this mini review, we focus on the International Space Station (ISS) as the only current human habitat in space that has a diverse range of viral genera that infect microorganisms from bacteria to eukaryotes. Thus, we have reviewed the literature on the physical conditions of space habitats that have an impact on both virus transmissibility and interaction with their host, which include UV radiation, ionizing radiation, humidity, and microgravity. Also, we briefly comment on the practices used on space missions that reduce virus spread, that is, use of antimicrobial surfaces, spacecraft sterilization practices, and air filtration. Finally, we turn our attention to the health threats that viruses pose to space travel. Overall, even though efforts are taken to ensure safe conditions during human space travel, for example, preflight quarantines of astronauts, we reflect on the potential risks humans might be exposed to and how those risks might be aggravated in extraterrestrial habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pavletić
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Katharina Runzheimer
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Katharina Siems
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Stella Koch
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Marta Cortesão
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Ana Ramos-Nascimento
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
- Address correspondence to: Ralf Moeller, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology, Linder Hoehe, Building 24, Room 104, D-51147 Köln, Germany
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8
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Abstract
Influenza viruses and coronaviruses have linear single-stranded RNA genomes with negative and positive sense polarities and genes encoded in viral genomes are expressed in these viruses as positive and negative genes, respectively. Here we consider a novel gene identified in viral genomes in opposite direction, as positive in influenza and negative in coronaviruses, suggesting an ambisense genome strategy for both virus families. Noteworthy, the identified novel genes colocolized in the same RNA regions of viral genomes, where the previously known opposite genes are encoded, a so-called ambisense stacking architecture of genes in virus genome. It seems likely, that ambisense gene stacking in influenza and coronavirus families significantly increases genetic potential and virus diversity to extend virus-host adaptation pathways in nature. These data imply that ambisense viruses may have a multivirion mechanism, like "a dark side of the Moon", allowing production of the heterogeneous population of virions expressed through positive and negative sense genome strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Zhirnov
- Gamaleya Microbiology and Epidemiology Research Center, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Moscow 123098, Russia
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9
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Al Khatib HA, Coyle PV, Al Maslamani MA, Al Thani AA, Pathan SA, Yassine HM. Molecular and biological characterization of influenza A viruses isolated from human fecal samples. Infect Genet Evol 2021; 93:104972. [PMID: 34153546 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human influenza viruses are occasionally detected in the stools of influenza patients. OBJECTIVES Here, we investigated the molecular and biological characteristics of intestinal influenza viruses and their potential role in virus transmission. METHODS Fecal samples were first screened for the presence of influenza viral RNA using RT-qPCR. Positive fecal samples were subjected to cell culture. Isolated viruses were then sequenced using MiSeq platform. Replication kinetics and receptor binding affinity were also evaluated. RESULTS Influenza RNA was detected in stool samples of 41% (36/87) of influenza A positive patients. Among the 36 stool samples subjected to viral isolation, 5 showed virus growth. Sequence analysis of isolated viruses revealed two distinct mutation patterns in fecal viruses. Set I viruses was able to replicate to higher titers in cell culture despite the limited number of mutations (6 mutations) compared to set II viruses (>10 mutations). Functional analysis of both sets revealed the ability to replicate efficiently in differentiated human bronchial cells. Receptor binding testing has also demonstrated their ability to bind α 2,3 and α 2,6 sialic acid receptors. CONCLUSION The ability of fecal influenza viruses to replicate in intestinal cells and human 3D bronchial cells might suggest their possible contribution in virus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter V Coyle
- Virology Laboratory, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.
| | | | - Asmaa A Al Thani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Sameer A Pathan
- Emergency Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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10
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Shaffer CM, Michener DC, Vlasava NB, Chotkowski H, Lamour K, Stainton D, Tzanetakis IE. The population structure of the secovirid lychnis mottle virus based on the RNA2 coding sequences. Virus Res 2021; 303:198468. [PMID: 34090963 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198468] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Lychnis mottle virus (LycMoV), family Secoviridae, is one of several viruses recently detected in peony. Given the high prevalence of the virus in the more than 300 samples tested, the population structure of the virus was studied using 48 isolates representing at least 20 cultivars and collected from major producing and propagating states in the United States. The homogeneity of the United States population, based on data from the RNA2 coding region, along with phylogenetic analyses of all publicly available sequences point to the dissemination of the virus through propagation material rather that active vector-mediated transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cullen M Shaffer
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas System, Fayetteville, AR 72701
| | - David C Michener
- University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
| | | | | | - Kurt Lamour
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996
| | - Daisy Stainton
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas System, Fayetteville, AR 72701
| | - Ioannis E Tzanetakis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas System, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
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11
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Xavier CAD, Allen ML, Whitfield AE. Ever-increasing viral diversity associated with the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta (Formicidae: Hymenoptera). Virol J 2021; 18:5. [PMID: 33407622 PMCID: PMC7788728 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01469-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advances in sequencing and analysis tools have facilitated discovery of many new viruses from invertebrates, including ants. Solenopsis invicta is an invasive ant that has quickly spread worldwide causing significant ecological and economic impacts. Its virome has begun to be characterized pertaining to potential use of viruses as natural enemies. Although the S. invicta virome is the best characterized among ants, most studies have been performed in its native range, with less information from invaded areas. Methods Using a metatranscriptome approach, we further identified and molecularly characterized virus sequences associated with S. invicta, in two introduced areas, U.S and Taiwan. The data set used here was obtained from different stages (larvae, pupa, and adults) of S. invicta life cycle. Publicly available RNA sequences from GenBank’s Sequence Read Archive were downloaded and de novo assembled using CLC Genomics Workbench 20.0.1. Contigs were compared against the non-redundant protein sequences and those showing similarity to viral sequences were further analyzed. Results We characterized five putative new viruses associated with S. invicta transcriptomes. Sequence comparisons revealed extensive divergence across ORFs and genomic regions with most of them sharing less than 40% amino acid identity with those closest homologous sequences previously characterized. The first negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus genomic sequences included in the orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales are reported. In addition, two positive single-strand virus genome sequences and one single strand DNA virus genome sequence were also identified. While the presence of a putative tenuivirus associated with S. invicta was previously suggested to be a contamination, here we characterized and present strong evidence that Solenopsis invicta virus 14 (SINV-14) is a tenui-like virus that has a long-term association with the ant. Furthermore, based on virus sequence abundance compared to housekeeping genes, phylogenetic relationships, and completeness of viral coding sequences, our results suggest that four of five virus sequences reported, those being SINV-14, SINV-15, SINV-16 and SINV-17, may be associated to viruses actively replicating in the ant S. invicta. Conclusions The present study expands our knowledge about viral diversity associated with S. invicta in introduced areas with potential to be used as biological control agents, which will require further biological characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Augusto Diniz Xavier
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, 840 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Margaret Louise Allen
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, 59 Lee Road, Stoneville, MS, 38776, USA.
| | - Anna Elizabeth Whitfield
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, 840 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
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12
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McCall C, Wu H, Miyani B, Xagoraraki I. Identification of multiple potential viral diseases in a large urban center using wastewater surveillance. Water Res 2020; 184:116160. [PMID: 32738707 PMCID: PMC7342010 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are linked to a multitude of human illnesses and can disseminate widely in urbanized environments causing global adverse impacts on communities and healthcare infrastructures. Wastewater-based epidemiology was employed using metagenomics and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays to identify enteric and non-enteric viruses collected from a large urban area for potential public health monitoring and outbreak analysis. Untreated wastewater samples were collected from November 2017 to February 2018 (n = 54) to evaluate the diversity of human viral pathogens in collected samples. Viruses were classified into virus types based on primary transmission routes and reviewed against viral associated diseases reported in the catchment area. Metagenomics detected the presence of viral pathogens that cause clinically significant diseases reported within the study area during the sampling year. Detected viruses belong to the Adenoviridae, Astroviridae, Caliciviridae, Coronaviridae, Flaviviridae, Hepeviridae, Herpesviridae, Matonaviridae, Papillomaviridae, Parvoviridae, Picornaviridae, Poxviridae, Retroviridae, and Togaviridae families. Furthermore, concentrations of adenovirus, norovirus GII, sapovirus, hepatitis A virus, human herpesvirus 6, and human herpesvirus 8 were measured in wastewater samples and compared to metagenomic findings to confirm detected viral genus. Hepatitis A virus obtained the greatest average viral load (1.86 × 107 genome copies/L) in wastewater samples compared to other viruses quantified using qPCR with a 100% detection rate in metagenomic samples. Average concentration of sapovirus (1.36 × 106 genome copies/L) was significantly greater than norovirus GII (2.94 × 104 genome copies/L) indicating a higher burden within the study area. Findings obtained from this study aid in evaluating the utility of wastewater-based epidemiology for identification and routine monitoring of various viruses in large communities. This methodology has the potential to improve public health responses to large scale outbreaks and viral pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille McCall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Huiyun Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Brijen Miyani
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Irene Xagoraraki
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA.
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13
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Abstract
The diversity of RNA viruses in vertebrates remains largely unexplored. The discovery of 214 novel vertebrate-associated RNA viruses will likely help us to understand the diversity and evolution of RNA viruses in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Guan-Zhu Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
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14
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Pauly M, Oni OO, Sausy A, Owoade AA, Adeyefa CAO, Muller CP, Hübschen JM, Snoeck CJ. Molecular epidemiology of Avian Rotaviruses Group A and D shed by different bird species in Nigeria. Virol J 2017; 14:111. [PMID: 28606119 PMCID: PMC5469043 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian rotaviruses (RVs) cause gastrointestinal diseases of birds worldwide. However, prevalence, diversity, epidemiology and phylogeny of RVs remain largely under-investigated in Africa. Methods Fecal samples from 349 birds (158 symptomatic, 107 asymptomatic and 84 birds without recorded health status) were screened by reverse transcription PCR to detect RV groups A and D (RVA and RVD). Partial gene sequences of VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4 for RVA, and of VP6 and VP7 for RVD were obtained and analyzed to infer phylogenetic relationship. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were applied to identify factors potentially influencing virus shedding in chickens. Results A high prevalence of RVA (36.1%; 126/349) and RVD (31.8%; 111/349) shedding was revealed in birds. In chickens, RV shedding was age-dependent and highest RVD shedding rates were found in commercial farms. No negative health effect could be shown, and RVA and RVD shedding was significantly more likely in asymptomatic chickens: RVA/RVD were detected in 51.9/48.1% of the asymptomatic chickens, compared to 18.9/29.7% of the symptomatic chickens (p < 0.001/p = 0.01). First RVA sequences were obtained from mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). Phylogenetic analyses illustrated the high genetic diversity of RVA and RVD in Nigerian birds and suggested cross-species transmission of RVA, especially at live bird markets. Indeed, RVA strains highly similar to a recently published fox rotavirus (RVA/Fox-tc/ITA/288356/2011/G18P[17]) and distantly related to other avian RVs were detected in different bird species, including pigeons, ducks, guinea fowls, quails and chickens. Conclusion This study provides new insights into epidemiology, diversity and classification of avian RVA and RVD in Nigeria. We show that cross-species transmission of host permissive RV strains occurs when different bird species are mixed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-017-0778-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Pauly
- Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Oluwole O Oni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Aurélie Sausy
- Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Ademola A Owoade
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Claude P Muller
- Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Judith M Hübschen
- Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Chantal J Snoeck
- Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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15
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Nunes MRT, Contreras-Gutierrez MA, Guzman H, Martins LC, Barbirato MF, Savit C, Balta V, Uribe S, Vivero R, Suaza JD, Oliveira H, Nunes Neto JP, Carvalho VL, da Silva SP, Cardoso JF, de Oliveira RS, da Silva Lemos P, Wood TG, Widen SG, Vasconcelos PFC, Fish D, Vasilakis N, Tesh RB. Genetic characterization, molecular epidemiology, and phylogenetic relationships of insect-specific viruses in the taxon Negevirus. Virology 2017; 504:152-167. [PMID: 28193550 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The recently described taxon Negevirus is comprised of a diverse group of insect-specific viruses isolated from mosquitoes and phlebotomine sandflies. In this study, a comprehensive genetic characterization, molecular, epidemiological and evolutionary analyses were conducted on nearly full-length sequences of 91 new negevirus isolates obtained in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Panama, USA and Nepal. We demonstrated that these arthropod restricted viruses are clustered in two major phylogenetic groups with origins related to three plant virus genera (Cilevirus, Higrevirus and Blunevirus). Molecular analyses demonstrated that specific host correlations are not present with most negeviruses; instead, high genetic variability, wide host-range, and cross-species transmission were noted. The data presented here also revealed the existence of five novel insect-specific viruses falling into two arthropod-restrictive virus taxa, previously proposed as distinct genera, designated Nelorpivirus and Sandewavirus. Our results provide a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology, evolution, taxonomy and stability of this group of insect-restricted viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio R T Nunes
- Center for Technological Innovation, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | - María Angélica Contreras-Gutierrez
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales - PECET - SIU-Sede de Investigación Universitaria - Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Sistemática Molecular-GSM, Facultad de Ciencias,Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Hilda Guzman
- Department of Pathology and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States; Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States; Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | - Livia C Martins
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | | | - Chelsea Savit
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Victoria Balta
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Sandra Uribe
- Grupo de Investigación en Sistemática Molecular-GSM, Facultad de Ciencias,Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Rafael Vivero
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales - PECET - SIU-Sede de Investigación Universitaria - Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Sistemática Molecular-GSM, Facultad de Ciencias,Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan David Suaza
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales - PECET - SIU-Sede de Investigación Universitaria - Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Sistemática Molecular-GSM, Facultad de Ciencias,Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Hamilton Oliveira
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | - Joaquin P Nunes Neto
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | | | - Sandro Patroca da Silva
- Center for Technological Innovation, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | - Jedson F Cardoso
- Center for Technological Innovation, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Santo de Oliveira
- Center for Technological Innovation, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | - Poliana da Silva Lemos
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | - Thomas G Wood
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0645, United States
| | - Steven G Widen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0645, United States
| | - Pedro F C Vasconcelos
- Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil
| | - Durland Fish
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Department of Pathology and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States; Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States; Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil.
| | - Robert B Tesh
- Department of Pathology and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States; Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States; Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Para, Brazil.
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16
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Rodgers MA, Vallari AS, Harris B, Yamaguchi J, Holzmayer V, Forberg K, Berg MG, Kenmenge J, Ngansop C, Awazi B, Mbanya D, Kaptue L, Brennan C, Cloherty G, Ndembi N. Identification of rare HIV-1 Group N, HBV AE, and HTLV-3 strains in rural South Cameroon. Virology 2017; 504:141-151. [PMID: 28193549 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Surveillance of emerging viral variants is critical to ensuring that blood screening and diagnostic tests detect all infections regardless of strain or geographic location. In this study, we conducted serological and molecular surveillance to monitor the prevalence and diversity of HIV, HBV, and HTLV in South Cameroon. The prevalence of HIV was 8.53%, HBV was 10.45%, and HTLV was 1.04% amongst study participants. Molecular characterization of 555 HIV-1 specimens identified incredible diversity, including 7 subtypes, 12 CRFs, 6 unclassified, 24 Group O and 2 Group N infections. Amongst 401 HBV sequences were found a rare HBV AE recombinant and two emerging sub-genotype A strains. In addition to HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 strains, sequencing confirmed the fifth known HTLV-3 infection to date. Continued HIV/HBV/HTLV surveillance and vigilance for newly emerging strains in South Cameroon will be essential to ensure diagnostic tests and research stay a step ahead of these rapidly evolving viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - B Harris
- Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | | | | | - K Forberg
- Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - M G Berg
- Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - J Kenmenge
- Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - C Ngansop
- Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - B Awazi
- Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - D Mbanya
- Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - L Kaptue
- Université des Montagnes, Montagnes, Bangangté, Cameroon
| | - C Brennan
- Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - G Cloherty
- Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - N Ndembi
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
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