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Werblow A, Flechl E, Klimpel S, Zittra C, Lebl K, Kieser K, Laciny A, Silbermayr K, Melaun C, Fuehrer HP. Direct PCR of indigenous and invasive mosquito species: a time- and cost-effective technique of mosquito barcoding. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 30:8-13. [PMID: 26663040 PMCID: PMC4982094 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Millions of people die each year as a result of pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes. However, the morphological identification of mosquito species can be difficult even for experts. The identification of morphologically indistinguishable species, such as members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae), and possible hybrids, such as Culex pipiens pipiens/Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae), presents a major problem. In addition, the detection and discrimination of newly introduced species can be challenging, particularly to researchers without previous experience. Because of their medical importance, the clear identification of all relevant mosquito species is essential. Using the direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method described here, DNA amplification without prior DNA extraction is possible and thus species identification after sequencing can be achieved. Different amounts of tissue (leg, head; larvae or adult) as well as different storage conditions (dry, ethanol, -20 and -80 °C) and storage times were successfully applied and showed positive results after amplification and gel electrophoresis. Overall, 28 different indigenous and non-indigenous mosquito species were analysed using a gene fragment of the COX1 gene for species differentiation and identification by sequencing this 658-bp fragment. Compared with standard PCR, this method is time- and cost-effective and could thus improve existing surveillance and control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Werblow
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - E Flechl
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - C Zittra
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Lebl
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Kieser
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Laciny
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Silbermayr
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Melaun
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - H-P Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Börstler J, Engel D, Petersen M, Poggensee C, Jansen S, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Lühken R. Surveillance of maternal antibodies against West Nile virus in chicken eggs in South-West Germany. Trop Med Int Health 2016; 21:687-90. [PMID: 26847641 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) in several European countries increases the risk of its introduction to Germany. This study evaluated a new method for WNV surveillance by testing for maternal antibodies in chicken eggs. METHODS A total of 1,990 eggs were collected in 35 sampling sites in the south-west of Germany and tested for WNV-specific antibodies. RESULTS The results did not indicate evidence for WNV circulation in the study area. CONCLUSION This work serves as a proof-of-concept that such a method is useful and a potential alternative to use of sentinel chicken for regular WNV surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Börstler
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dimitri Engel
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathis Petersen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Poggensee
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
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Hesson JC, Verner-Carlsson J, Larsson A, Ahmed R, Lundkvist Å, Lundström JO. Culex torrentium Mosquito Role as Major Enzootic Vector Defined by Rate of Sindbis Virus Infection, Sweden, 2009. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 21:875-8. [PMID: 25898013 PMCID: PMC4412225 DOI: 10.3201/eid2105.141577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We isolated Sindbis virus (SINV) from the enzootic mosquito vectors Culex torrentium, Cx. pipiens, and Culiseta morsitans collected in an area of Sweden where SINV disease is endemic. The infection rate in Cx. torrentium mosquitoes was exceptionally high (36 infections/1,000 mosquitoes), defining Cx. torrentium as the main enzootic vector of SINV in Scandinavia.
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Kampen H, Werner D. Die wiederkehrende Notwendigkeit von Stechmücken-Surveillance und -Forschung. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2015; 58:1101-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00103-015-2218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Chavshin AR, Dabiri F, Vatandoost H, Bavani MM. Susceptibility of Anopheles maculipennis to different classes of insecticides in West Azarbaijan Province, Northwestern Iran. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(15)30376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Werblow A, Martin P, Dörge DD, Koch LK, Mehlhorn H, Melaun C, Klimpel S. Hyperparasitism of mosquitoes by water mite larvae. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2757-65. [PMID: 25899329 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4482-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hyperparasitism of ectoparasitic water mite larvae on mosquitoes is still a neglected relationship and was investigated only in a few studies. We analysed 2313 female mosquitoes from six different sampling localities with regard to their degree of parasitism with water mite larvae. In total, we found 38 mosquito individuals parasitized by 93 water mite larvae, ranging from 1 to 12 larvae per mosquito. Water mite larvae detected are members of the two species Parathyas cf. barbigera (n = 92) and Arrenurus cf. globator (n = 1). Out of the analysed mosquitoes, individuals out of the species Aedes vexans, Anopheles claviger, Ochlerotatus communis, the Ochlerotatus cantans/annulipes group, Ochlerotatus cataphylla and Ochlerotatus sticticus were tested to be parasitized by water mite larvae. The highest prevalence was found within the species Oc. cataphylla (28.6 %) and Oc. cantans/annulipes (21.7 %). No water mite larvae were found, e.g. on individuals of Aedes cinereus, Coquillettidia richiardii, the Culex pipiens/torrentium group, Ochlerotatus caspius, Ochlerotatus dorsalis or Ochlerotatus punctor. All of the attachment sites were located between the neck and abdomen with the ventral thorax site being the most frequent one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Werblow
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
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Becker N, Krüger A, Kuhn C, Plenge-Bönig A, Thomas SM, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Tannich E. [Mosquitoes as vectors for exotic pathogens in Germany]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2015; 57:531-40. [PMID: 24781910 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-013-1918-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As a result of intensified globalization of international trade and of substantial travel activities, mosquito-borne exotic pathogens are becoming an increasing threat for Europe. In Germany some 50 different mosquito species are known, several of which have vector competence for pathogens. During the last few years a number of zoonotic arboviruses that are pathogenic for humans have been isolated from mosquitoes in Germany including Usutu, Sindbis and Batai viruses. In addition, filarial worms, such as Dirofilaria repens have been repeatedly detected in mosquitoes from the federal state of Brandenburg. Other pathogens, in particular West Nile virus, are expected to emerge sooner or later in Germany as the virus is already circulating in neighboring countries, e.g. France, Austria and the Czech Republic. In upcoming years the risk for arbovirus transmission might increase in Germany due to increased occurrence of new so-called "invasive" mosquito species, such as the Asian bush mosquito Ochlerotatus japonicus or the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. These invasive species are characterized by high vector competence for a broad range of pathogens and a preference for human blood meals. For risk assessment, a number of mosquito and pathogen surveillance projects have been initiated in Germany during the last few years; however, mosquito control strategies and plans of action have to be developed and put into place to allow early and efficient action against possible vector-borne epidemics.
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Abstract
In this chapter, we describe 73 zoonotic viruses that were isolated in Northern Eurasia and that belong to the different families of viruses with a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome. The family includes viruses with a segmented negative-sense ssRNA genome (families Bunyaviridae and Orthomyxoviridae) and viruses with a positive-sense ssRNA genome (families Togaviridae and Flaviviridae). Among them are viruses associated with sporadic cases or outbreaks of human disease, such as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (viruses of the genus Hantavirus), Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHFV, Nairovirus), California encephalitis (INKV, TAHV, and KHATV; Orthobunyavirus), sandfly fever (SFCV and SFNV, Phlebovirus), Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV, Flavivirus), Omsk hemorrhagic fever (OHFV, Flavivirus), West Nile fever (WNV, Flavivirus), Sindbis fever (SINV, Alphavirus) Chikungunya fever (CHIKV, Alphavirus) and others. Other viruses described in the chapter can cause epizootics in wild or domestic animals: Geta virus (GETV, Alphavirus), Influenza A virus (Influenzavirus A), Bhanja virus (BHAV, Phlebovirus) and more. The chapter also discusses both ecological peculiarities that promote the circulation of these viruses in natural foci and factors influencing the occurrence of epidemic and epizootic outbreaks
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Burt FJ, Goedhals D, Mathengtheng L. Arboviruses in southern Africa: are we missing something? Future Virol 2014. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.14.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The occurrence of the tick-borne zoonosis Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is well established in South Africa. Similarly, mosquito-borne viruses Rift Valley fever, West Nile, Wesselsbron and Sindbis cause sporadic outbreaks. There is serological and/or virological evidence supporting the presence of lesser known arboviruses: the flaviviruses Usutu, Banzi and Spondweni, an Old World alphavirus Middelburg, orthobunyaviruses Germiston and Shuni and a tick-borne nairovirus, Dugbe. The medical significance of these viruses has not been established and lack of awareness and diagnostic capacity may lead to misdiagnosis. Historically, there have been outbreaks of chikungunya virus and dengue fever. This review focuses on arboviruses known to cause disease in South Africa or that have historically been shown to occur with potential for re-emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity J Burt
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Virology, National Health Laboratory Service Universitas Academic/Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Dominique Goedhals
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Virology, National Health Laboratory Service Universitas Academic/Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Lehlohonolo Mathengtheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Virology, National Health Laboratory Service Universitas Academic/Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Wernike K, Jöst H, Becker N, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Beer M. Lack of evidence for the presence of Schmallenberg virus in mosquitoes in Germany, 2011. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:402. [PMID: 25174354 PMCID: PMC4158055 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2011, a novel orthobunyavirus of the Simbu serogroup was discovered near the German-Dutch border and named Schmallenberg virus (SBV). So far, SBV genome has been detected in various field-collected Culicoides species; however, other members of the Simbu serogroup are also transmitted by mosquitoes. Findings In the present study, approximately 50,000 mosquitoes of various species were collected during summer and early autumn 2011 in Germany. None of them tested positive in an SBV-specific real-time PCR. Conclusions The absence of SBV in mosquitoes caught in 2011 in Germany suggests that they play no or only a negligible role in the spread of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
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Population structure and distribution patterns of the sibling mosquito species Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium (Diptera: Culicidae) reveal different evolutionary paths. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102158. [PMID: 25048456 PMCID: PMC4105623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays a number of endemic mosquito species are known to possess vector abilities for various diseases, as e.g. the sibling species Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium. Due to their morphological similarity, ecology, distribution and vector abilities, knowledge about these species' population structure is essential. Culicidae from 25 different sampling sites were collected from March till October 2012. All analyses were performed with aligned cox1 sequences with a total length of 658 bp. Population structure as well as distribution patterns of both species were analysed using molecular methods and different statistical tests like distance based redundancy analysis (dbDRA), analysis of molecular variances (AMOVA) or McDonald & Kreitman test and Tajima's D. Within both species, we could show a genetic variability among the cox1 fragment. The construction of haplotype networks revealed one dominating haplotype for Cx. pipiens, widely distributed within Germany and a more homogeneous pattern for Cx. torrentium. The low genetic differences within Cx. pipiens could be a result of an infection with Wolbachia which can induce a sweep through populations by passively taking the also maternally inherited mtDNA through the population, thereby reducing the mitochondrial diversity as an outcome of reproductive incompatibility. Pairwise population genetic differentiation (FST) ranged significantly from moderate to very great between populations of Cx. pipiens and Cx. torrentium. Analyses of molecular variances revealed for both species that the main genetic variability exists within the populations (Cx. pipiens [88.38%]; Cx. torrentium [66.54%]). Based on a distance based redundancy analysis geographical origin explained a small but significant part of the species' genetic variation. Overall, the results confirm that Cx. pipiens and Cx. torrentium underlie different factors regarding their mitochondrial differentiation, which could be a result of endosymbiosis, dispersal between nearly located populations or human introduction.
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Hesson JC, Rettich F, Merdić E, Vignjević G, Ostman O, Schäfer M, Schaffner F, Foussadier R, Besnard G, Medlock J, Scholte EJ, Lundström JO. The arbovirus vector Culex torrentium is more prevalent than Culex pipiens in northern and central Europe. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 28:179-186. [PMID: 23947434 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Two species of arbovirus vector, Culex torrentium and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), occur in several European countries, but difficulties in their accurate identification and discrimination have hampered both detailed and large-scale distribution and abundance studies. Using a molecular identification method, we identified to species 2559 larvae of Cx. pipiens/torrentium collected from 138 sites in 13 European countries ranging from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean coast. In addition, samples of 1712 males of Cx. pipiens/torrentium collected at several sites in the Czech Republic were identified to species based on the morphology of their hypopygia. We found that the two species occur together in large areas of Europe, and that Cx. torrentium dominates in northern Europe and Cx. pipiens dominates south of the Alps. The transition in dominance occurs in central Europe, where both species are roughly equally common. There was a strong correlation between the length of the growing season at different sites and occurrences of the two species. As the growing season increases, the proportion and detection of Cx. torrentium decrease, whereas those of Cx. pipiens increase. The present findings have important consequences for the interpretation of the results of studies on major enzootic and link-vectors of mosquito-borne bird-associated viruses (i.e. Sindbis, West Nile and Usutu viruses), especially in central Europe and Scandinavia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Hesson
- Population Conservation Biology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of metropolitan Hamburg, Germany. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2907-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3952-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Eiden M, Ziegler U, Keller M, Müller K, Granzow H, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Groschup MH. Isolation of Sindbis Virus from a Hooded Crow in Germany. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:220-2. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Kerstin Müller
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Granzow
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Climate change and public health policy: translating the science. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 11:13-29. [PMID: 24452252 PMCID: PMC3924434 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Public health authorities are required to prepare for future threats and need predictions of the likely impact of climate change on public health risks. They may get overwhelmed by the volume of heterogeneous information in scientific articles and risk relying purely on the public opinion articles which focus mainly on global warming trends, and leave out many other relevant factors. In the current paper, we discuss various scientific approaches investigating climate change and its possible impact on public health and discuss their different roles and functions in unraveling the complexity of the subject. It is not our objective to review the available literature or to make predictions for certain diseases or countries, but rather to evaluate the applicability of scientific research articles on climate change to evidence-based public health decisions. In the context of mosquito borne diseases, we identify common pitfalls to watch out for when assessing scientific research on the impact of climate change on human health. We aim to provide guidance through the plethora of scientific papers and views on the impact of climate change on human health to those new to the subject, as well as to remind public health experts of its multifactorial and multidisciplinary character.
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Abstract
Alphaviruses are enveloped single-stranded positive sense RNA viruses of the family Togaviridae. The genus alphavirus contains nine viruses, which are of medical, theoretical, or economic importance, and which will be considered. Sindbis virus (SINV) and Semliki Forest (SFV), although of some medical importance, have largely been studied as models of viral pathogenicity. In mice, SINV and SFV infect neurons in the central nervous system and virulent strains induce lethal encephalitis, whereas avirulent strains of SFV induce demyelination. SFV infects the developing foetus and can be teratogenic. Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and Western Equine Encephalitis virus can induce encephalitis in horses and humans. They are prevalent in the Americas and are mosquito transmitted. Ross River virus, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and O’nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) are prevalent in Australasia, Africa and Asia, and Africa, respectively. ONNV virus is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, while the other alphaviruses are transmitted by culicine mosquitoes. CHIKV has undergone adaptation to a new mosquito host which has increased its host range beyond Africa. Salmonid alphavirus is of economic importance in the farmed salmon and trout industry. It is postulated that future advances in research on alphavirus pathogenicity will come in the field of innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J. Atkins
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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67
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Engler O, Savini G, Papa A, Figuerola J, Groschup MH, Kampen H, Medlock J, Vaux A, Wilson AJ, Werner D, Jöst H, Goffredo M, Capelli G, Federici V, Tonolla M, Patocchi N, Flacio E, Portmann J, Rossi-Pedruzzi A, Mourelatos S, Ruiz S, Vázquez A, Calzolari M, Bonilauri P, Dottori M, Schaffner F, Mathis A, Johnson N. European surveillance for West Nile virus in mosquito populations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4869-95. [PMID: 24157510 PMCID: PMC3823308 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10104869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of arthropod-borne viruses threaten both human and animal health either through their presence in Europe or through risk of introduction. Prominent among these is West Nile virus (WNV), primarily an avian virus, which has caused multiple outbreaks associated with human and equine mortality. Endemic outbreaks of West Nile fever have been reported in Italy, Greece, France, Romania, Hungary, Russia and Spain, with further spread expected. Most outbreaks in Western Europe have been due to infection with WNV Lineage 1. In Eastern Europe WNV Lineage 2 has been responsible for human and bird mortality, particularly in Greece, which has experienced extensive outbreaks over three consecutive years. Italy has experienced co-circulation with both virus lineages. The ability to manage this threat in a cost-effective way is dependent on early detection. Targeted surveillance for pathogens within mosquito populations offers the ability to detect viruses prior to their emergence in livestock, equine species or human populations. In addition, it can establish a baseline of mosquito-borne virus activity and allow monitoring of change to this over time. Early detection offers the opportunity to raise disease awareness, initiate vector control and preventative vaccination, now available for horses, and encourage personal protection against mosquito bites. This would have major benefits through financial savings and reduction in equid morbidity/mortality. However, effective surveillance that predicts virus outbreaks is challenged by a range of factors including limited resources, variation in mosquito capture rates (too few or too many), difficulties in mosquito identification, often reliant on specialist entomologists, and the sensitive, rapid detection of viruses in mosquito pools. Surveillance for WNV and other arboviruses within mosquito populations varies between European countries in the extent and focus of the surveillance. This study reviews the current status of WNV in mosquito populations across Europe and how this is informing our understanding of virus epidemiology. Key findings such as detection of virus, presence of vector species and invasive mosquito species are summarized, and some of the difficulties encountered when applying a cost-effective surveillance programme are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Engler
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez 3700, Switzerland; E-Mails: (O.E.); (J.P.)
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Zooprofilactic Institute Abruzzo and Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy; E-Mails: (G.S.); (M.G.); (V.F.)
| | - Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece; E-Mail:
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, Sevilla 41092, Spain; E-Mail:
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald—Insel Riems, Südufer 17493, Germany; E-Mails: (M.H.G.); (H.K.)
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald—Insel Riems, Südufer 17493, Germany; E-Mails: (M.H.G.); (H.K.)
| | - Jolyon Medlock
- Public Health England, Medical Entomology group, MRA, Emergency Response Department, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; E-Mails: (J.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Alexander Vaux
- Public Health England, Medical Entomology group, MRA, Emergency Response Department, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; E-Mails: (J.M.); (A.V.)
| | | | - Doreen Werner
- Institute of Land Use Systems, Leibnitz Centre for Agricultural Lanscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Strasse 84, Müncheberg 15374, Germany; E-Mail:
| | - Hanna Jöst
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany and German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Waldsee and Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg D-20359, Germany; E-Mail:
| | - Maria Goffredo
- Zooprofilactic Institute Abruzzo and Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy; E-Mails: (G.S.); (M.G.); (V.F.)
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Zooprofilactic Institute Venezie, Viale dell’ Università, 10, Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Valentina Federici
- Zooprofilactic Institute Abruzzo and Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy; E-Mails: (G.S.); (M.G.); (V.F.)
| | - Mauro Tonolla
- Institute of Microbiology, Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Via Mirasole 22a, Bellinzona CH-6500, Switzerland; E-Mail:
| | - Nicola Patocchi
- Mosquito Working Group, via al Castello, Canobbio CH-6952, Switzerland; E-Mails: (N.P.); (E.F.); (A.R.-P.)
| | - Eleonora Flacio
- Mosquito Working Group, via al Castello, Canobbio CH-6952, Switzerland; E-Mails: (N.P.); (E.F.); (A.R.-P.)
| | - Jasmine Portmann
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez 3700, Switzerland; E-Mails: (O.E.); (J.P.)
| | - Anya Rossi-Pedruzzi
- Mosquito Working Group, via al Castello, Canobbio CH-6952, Switzerland; E-Mails: (N.P.); (E.F.); (A.R.-P.)
| | | | - Santiago Ruiz
- Servicio de Control de Mosquitos, Diputación Provincial de Huelva, Huelva E-21003, Spain; E-Mail:
| | - Ana Vázquez
- CNM-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain; E-Mail:
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Zooprofilactic Institute Lombardy and Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini”, Brescia 25124, Italy; E-Mails: (M.C.); (P.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Zooprofilactic Institute Lombardy and Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini”, Brescia 25124, Italy; E-Mails: (M.C.); (P.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Michele Dottori
- Zooprofilactic Institute Lombardy and Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini”, Brescia 25124, Italy; E-Mails: (M.C.); (P.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Francis Schaffner
- Institute of Parasitology, National Centre for Vector Entomology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; E-Mails: (F.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Alexander Mathis
- Institute of Parasitology, National Centre for Vector Entomology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; E-Mails: (F.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Woodham Lane, Surrey KT15, 3NB, UK
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +44-(0)1932-357-937; Fax: +44-(0)1932-357-239
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Carter JR, Balaraman V, Kucharski CA, Fraser TS, Fraser MJ. A novel dengue virus detection method that couples DNAzyme and gold nanoparticle approaches. Virol J 2013; 10:201. [PMID: 23809208 PMCID: PMC3765938 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent epidemics of dengue viruses (DENV) coupled with new outbreaks on the horizon have renewed the demand for novel detection methods that have the ability to identify this viral pathogen prior to the manifestation of symptoms. The ability to detect DENV in a timely manner is essential for rapid recovery from disease symptoms. A modified lab-derived 10-23 DNAzyme tethered to gold nanoparticles provides a powerful tool for the detection of viruses, such as DENV. Results We examined the effectiveness of coupling DNAzyme (DDZ) activation to the salt-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) to detect dengue virus (DENV) progeny in mosquito cells. A DNAzyme was designed to recognize the 5’ cyclization sequence (5’ CS) that is conserved among all DENV, and conjugated to AuNPs. DDZ-AuNP has demonstrated the ability to detect the genomic RNA of our model dengue strain, DENV-2 NGC, isolated from infected Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells. These targeting events lead to the rapid aggregation of AuNPs, resulting in a red to clear color transition of the reaction mixes, and thus positive detection of the DENV RNA genome. The inclusion of SDS in the reaction mixture permitted the detection of DENV directly from cell culture supernatants without additional sample processing. Specificity assays demonstrated detection is DENV-specific, while sensitivity assays confirm detection at levels of 1 × 101 TCID50 units. These results demonstrate DDZ-AuNP effectively detects DENV genomes in a sequence specific manner and at concentrations that are practical for field use. Conclusions We have developed an effective detection assay using DNAzyme catalysis coupled with AuNP aggregation for the detection of DENV genomes in a sequence specific manner. Full development of our novel DDZ-AuNP detection method will provide a practical, rapid, and low cost alternative for the detection of DENV in mosquito cells and tissues, and possibly infected patient serum, in a matter of minutes with little to no specialized training required.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Carter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute of Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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Werblow A, Bolius S, Dorresteijn AWC, Melaun C, Klimpel S. Diversity of Culex torrentium Martini, 1925 - a potential vector of arboviruses and filaria in Europe. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2495-501. [PMID: 23604567 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3418-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Culex torrentium is one of the most common mosquito species in Germany. Due to its sympatric occurrence as well as its similar morphological and ecological characteristics, it has often been confused with another common species, Culex pipiens. Both species are known to be potential vectors for different arboviruses (not only in Germany) with C. torrentium being a possible vector for Sindbis or Ockelbo virus. In our study, we analyzed the genetic variability in a 658 bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (coxI) of C. torrentium, from nine localities in the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region. The results of our genetic survey indicate a higher genetic diversity in this gene region for C. torrentium than for the morphologically similar C. pipiens. Our findings may explain the difficulties in the past to find morphological characteristics that apply to all populations of C. torrentium, when attempting to separate them clearly from C. pipiens, by any other criteria than male genitalia. Being ornithophilic, possible hybrids between C. torrentium and the humanophilic C. pipiens biotype molestus, could potentially serve as important vectors for zoonotic diseases. Therefore, we recommend that greater emphasis is placed on the ecological characteristics, population structure, and the taxonomy of this often neglected species, in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Werblow
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Medical Biodiversity and Parasitology; Goethe-University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity; Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main 60325, Germany
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Becker N, Jöst A, Weitzel T. The Culex pipiens complex in Europe. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2012; 28:53-67. [PMID: 23401944 DOI: 10.2987/8756-971x-28.4s.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study examines the mating and breeding behavior as well as the genetic differentiation of Culex pipiens biotype pipiens and Cx. pipiens biotype molestus. Firstly, the mating behavior of Cx. pipiens s.l. originating from larval populations of various epigeous and hypogeous breeding sites in Germany was examined. Autogeny was prevailing in underground populations, occasionally found in semi-open water reservoirs like drains, rarely in containers, but never in ponds and ditches. Secondly, in a multilocus enzyme electrophoretic study the gene flow among seven geographic populations of Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and the biotype molestus from several European countries was quantified. For comparison, five populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus from Asia, Africa and North America, three populations of Cx. torrentium (Germany) and other outgroup species were also examined. Thirdly, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase submit I gene of both biotypes from Germany was analysed by a polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and the ascertained DNA-sequences were aligned with genebank data of Russian populations. The population genetic analyses revealed much higher genetic distances between local populations of Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and Cx. pipiens biotype molestus compared to the low differentiation between geographically remote populations within each taxon. The UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) analysis and F-statistics positioned the biotypes pipiens on one side and molestus on the other side in discrete monophyletic clusters. Gene flow between local populations of the biotypes pipiens and molestus could be shown to be lower than gene flow between geographically distant populations within each of the two groups, leading to the conclusion that Cx. pipiens biotype molestus could be a distinct taxon. Culex quinquefasciatus was genetically well-separated, in particular by the diagnostic enzyme marker malate dehydrogenase (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). The genetic markers adenylatekinase and hydrobutyrate dehydrogenase allowed to screen thousands of morphologically similar samples of either Cx. pipiens s.l. and Cx torrentium and it could be shown that Cx. torrentium is a very frequent species in central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Becker
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Ludwigstr. 99, 67165 Waldsee, Germany
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71
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Kronefeld M, Dittmann M, Zielke D, Werner D, Kampen H. Molecular confirmation of the occurrence in Germany of Anopheles daciae (Diptera, Culicidae). Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:250. [PMID: 23146352 PMCID: PMC3537658 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anopheles daciae, a newly described member of the Maculipennis group, was recently reported from western, southern and eastern Europe. Before its recognition, it had commonly been listed under the name of An. messeae, due to its extreme morphological and genetic similarities. As the sibling species of the Maculipennis group are known to differ in their vector competences for malaria parasites and other pathogens, the occurrence of An. daciae in a given region might have an impact on the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito collections from different localities in Germany were therefore screened for An. daciae. Methods Adult and immature Maculipennis group mosquitoes were collected between May 2011 and June 2012 at 23 different sites in eight federal states of Germany. A standard PCR assay was used to differentiate the previously known sibling species while the ITS2 rDNA of specimens preliminarily identified as An. messeae/daciae was sequenced and analysed for species-specific nucleotide differences. Results Four hundred and seventy-seven Anopheles specimens were successively identified to Maculipennis group level by morphology and to species level by DNA-based methods. Four species of the Maculipennis group were registered: An. messeae (n = 384), An. maculipennis (n = 82), An. daciae (n = 10) and An. atroparvus (n = 1). Anopheles daciae occurred at four sites in three federal states of Germany, three of the sites being located in north-eastern Germany (federal states of Brandenburg and Saxony) while one collection site was situated in the northern Upper Rhine Valley in the federal state of Hesse, south-western Germany. Conclusions The detection of An. daciae represents the first recognition of this species in Germany where it was found to occur in sympatry with An. messeae and An. maculipennis. As the collection sites were in both north-eastern and south-western parts of Germany, the species is probably even more widely distributed in Germany than demonstrated, albeit apparently with low population densities. Research is needed that confirms the species status of An. daciae and elucidates its vector competence as compared to An. messeae and the other species of the Maculipennis group, in order to optimize management of possible future outbreaks of diseases caused by pathogen transmission through Maculipennis group mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Kronefeld
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, Greifswald - Insel Riems 17493, Germany
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Sane J, Kurkela S, Putkuri N, Huhtamo E, Vaheri A, Vapalahti O. Complete coding sequence and molecular epidemiological analysis of Sindbis virus isolates from mosquitoes and humans, Finland. J Gen Virol 2012; 93:1984-1990. [PMID: 22647374 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.042853-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is an arthropod-borne alphavirus, which causes rash-arthritis, particularly in Finland. SINV is transmitted by mosquitoes in Finland but thus far no virus has been isolated from mosquitoes. In this study, we report the isolation of the first SINV strain from mosquitoes in Finland and its full-length protein-coding sequence. We furthermore describe the full-length coding sequence of six SINV strains previously isolated from humans in Finland and from a mosquito in Russia. The strain isolated from mosquitoes (Ilomantsi-2005M) was very closely related to all the other Northern European SINV strains. We found 9 aa positions, of which five in the nsP3 protein C terminus, to be distinctive signatures for the Northern European strains that may be associated with vector or host species adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses further indicate that SINV has a local circulation in endemic regions in Northern Europe and no novel strains are frequently being introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Sane
- Infection Biology Research Program, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 21, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Kurkela
- Department of Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, PO Box 400, FI-00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland.,Infection Biology Research Program, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 21, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niina Putkuri
- Infection Biology Research Program, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 21, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eili Huhtamo
- Infection Biology Research Program, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 21, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Vaheri
- Department of Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, PO Box 400, FI-00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland.,Infection Biology Research Program, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 21, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 66, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, PO Box 400, FI-00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland.,Infection Biology Research Program, Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 21, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Czajka C, Becker N, Poppert S, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Krüger A. Molecular detection of Setaria tundra (Nematoda: Filarioidea) and an unidentified filarial species in mosquitoes in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:14. [PMID: 22236560 PMCID: PMC3277475 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Knowledge of the potential vector role of Culicidae mosquitoes in Germany is very scanty, and until recently it was generally assumed that they are not involved in the transmission of anthroponotic or zoonotic pathogens in this country. However, anticipated changes in the course of global warming and globalization may alter their status. Methods We conducted a molecular mass screening of mosquitoes for filarial parasites using mitochondrial 12S rRNA-based real-time PCR. Results No parasites causing disease in humans such as Dirofilaria spp. were detected in about 83,000 mosquitoes tested, which had been collected in 2009 and 2010 in 16 locations throughout Germany. However, minimum infection rates of up to 24 per 1000 mosquitoes were revealed, which could be attributed to mosquito infection with Setaria tundra and a yet unidentified second parasite. Setaria tundra was found to be widespread in southern Germany in various mosquito species, except Culex spp. In contrast, the unidentified filarial species was exclusively found in Culex spp. in northern Baden-Württemberg, and is likely to be a bird parasite. Conclusions Although dirofilariasis appears to be emerging and spreading in Europe, the absence of Dirofilaria spp. or other zoonotic filariae in our sample allows the conclusion that the risk of autochthonous infection in Germany is still very low. Potential vectors of S. tundra in Germany are Ochlerotatus sticticus, Oc. cantans, Aedes vexans and Anopheles claviger. Technically, the synergism between entomologists, virologists and parasitologists, combined with state-of-the-art methods allows a very efficient near-real-time monitoring of a wide spectrum of both human and veterinary pathogens, including new distribution records of parasite species and the incrimination of their potential vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Czajka
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Development and evaluation of a real-time RT-PCR assay for Sindbis virus detection. J Virol Methods 2012; 179:185-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
The genus Alphavirus comprises a diverse group of viruses, including some that cause severe disease. Using full-length sequences of all known alphaviruses, we produced a robust and comprehensive phylogeny of the Alphavirus genus, presenting a more complete evolutionary history of these viruses compared to previous studies based on partial sequences. Our phylogeny suggests the origin of the alphaviruses occurred in the southern oceans and spread equally through the Old and New World. Since lice appear to be involved in aquatic alphavirus transmission, it is possible that we are missing a louse-borne branch of the alphaviruses. Complete genome sequencing of all members of the genus also revealed conserved residues forming the structural basis of the E1 and E2 protein dimers.
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Jöst H, Bialonski A, Maus D, Sambri V, Eiden M, Groschup MH, Günther S, Becker N, Schmidt-Chanasit J. Isolation of usutu virus in Germany. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011; 85:551-3. [PMID: 21896821 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.11-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that emerged 2001 in Austria and caused deaths in wild birds. In Germany, 70,378 female mosquitoes were captured in 2009 and 2010 and assayed for USUV. Virus was isolated in cell culture from one pool of Culex pipiens pipiens mosquitoes trapped exclusively in August 2010 in Weinheim, Germany. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close relationship between the isolated USUV strain from Germany and a USUV strain from Austria, which was detected in a dead blackbird in 2004.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Jöst
- German Mosquito Control Association, Waldsee, Germany
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Medical importance of Sindbis virus in south-west Germany. J Clin Virol 2011; 52:278-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Hesson JC, Östman Ö, Schäfer M, Lundström JO. Geographic Distribution and Relative Abundance of the Sibling Vector Species Culex torrentium and Culex pipiens in Sweden. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:1383-9. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny C. Hesson
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Population and Conservation Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Örjan Östman
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Population and Conservation Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martina Schäfer
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Population and Conservation Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Swedish Biological Mosquito Control Project, Nedre Dalälvens Utvecklings AB, Gysinge, Sweden
| | - Jan O. Lundström
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Population and Conservation Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Swedish Biological Mosquito Control Project, Nedre Dalälvens Utvecklings AB, Gysinge, Sweden
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Jöst H, Bialonski A, Schmetz C, Günther S, Becker N, Schmidt-Chanasit J. Isolation and phylogenetic analysis of Batai virus, Germany. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011; 84:241-3. [PMID: 21292892 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A molecular survey including 16,057 mosquitoes captured in Southwest Germany during the summer of 2009 showed the presence of Batai virus (BATV) in Anopheles maculipennis sensu lato. Until this survey, there was no evidence for circulation of BATV in Germany. Analysis of partial S, M, and L segments showed that the sequences from all three segments were most closely related to BATV, indicating that the virus has not undergone reassortment. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship of the isolated BATV strain from Germany with strains from Slovakia, Ukraine, and Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Jöst
- German Mosquito Control Association, Waldsee, Germany.
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Lack of Evidence for the Presence of Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses in the Upper Rhine Valley, Germany, in 1999 to 2000. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 48:3457-8. [DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01156-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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