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Braddick M, O’Brien HM, Lim CK, Feldman R, Bunter C, Neville P, Bailie CR, Butel-Simoes G, Jung MH, Yuen A, Hughes N, Friedman ND. An integrated public health response to an outbreak of Murray Valley encephalitis virus infection during the 2022-2023 mosquito season in Victoria. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1256149. [PMID: 37860808 PMCID: PMC10582942 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1256149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus known to cause infrequent yet substantial human outbreaks around the Murray Valley region of south-eastern Australia, resulting in significant mortality. Methods The public health response to MVEV in Victoria in 2022-2023 included a climate informed pre-season risk assessment, and vector surveillance with mosquito trapping and laboratory testing for MVEV. Human cases were investigated to collect enhanced surveillance data, and human clinical samples were subject to serological and molecular testing algorithms to assess for co-circulating flaviviruses. Equine surveillance was carried out via enhanced investigation of cases of encephalitic illness. Integrated mosquito management and active health promotion were implemented throughout the season and in response to surveillance signals. Findings Mosquito surveillance included a total of 3,186 individual trapping events between 1 July 2022 and 20 June 2023. MVEV was detected in mosquitoes on 48 occasions. From 2 January 2023 to 23 April 2023, 580 samples (sera and CSF) were tested for flaviviruses. Human surveillance detected 6 confirmed cases of MVEV infection and 2 cases of "flavivirus-unspecified." From 1 September 2022 to 30 May 2023, 88 horses with clinical signs consistent with flavivirus infection were tested, finding one probable and no confirmed cases of MVE. Discussion The expanded, climate-informed vector surveillance system in Victoria detected MVEV in mosquitoes in advance of human cases, acting as an effective early warning system. This informed a one-health oriented public health response including enhanced human, vector and animal surveillance, integrated mosquito management, and health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Braddick
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen M. O’Brien
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chuan K. Lim
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca Feldman
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cathy Bunter
- Agriculture Victoria, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Neville
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher R. Bailie
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Grace Butel-Simoes
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Min-Ho Jung
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aidan Yuen
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole Hughes
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - N. Deborah Friedman
- Communicable Diseases Section, Health Protection Branch, Victorian Department of Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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de Vries EM, Cogan NOI, Gubala AJ, Rodoni BC, Lynch SE. Fine-scale genomic tracking of Ross River virus using nanopore sequencing. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:186. [PMID: 37280650 PMCID: PMC10243270 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05734-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ross River virus (RRV) is Australia's most common and widespread mosquito-transmitted arbovirus and is of significant public health concern. With increasing anthropogenic impacts on wildlife and mosquito populations, it is important that we understand how RRV circulates in its endemic hotspots to determine where public health efforts should be directed. Current surveillance methods are effective in locating the virus but do not provide data on the circulation of the virus and its strains within the environment. This study examined the ability to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the variable E2/E3 region by generating full-length haplotypes from a range of mosquito trap-derived samples. METHODS A novel tiled primer amplification workflow for amplifying RRV was developed with analysis using Oxford Nanopore Technology's MinION and a custom ARTIC/InterARTIC bioinformatic protocol. By creating a range of amplicons across the whole genome, fine-scale SNP analysis was enabled by specifically targeting the variable region that was amplified as a single fragment and established haplotypes that informed spatial-temporal variation of RRV in the study site in Victoria. RESULTS A bioinformatic and laboratory pipeline was successfully designed and implemented on mosquito whole trap homogenates. Resulting data showed that genotyping could be conducted in real time and that whole trap consensus of the viruses (with major SNPs) could be determined in a timely manner. Minor variants were successfully detected from the variable E2/E3 region of RRV, which allowed haplotype determination within complex mosquito homogenate samples. CONCLUSIONS The novel bioinformatic and wet laboratory methods developed here will enable fast detection and characterisation of RRV isolates. The concepts presented in this body of work are transferable to other viruses that exist as quasispecies in samples. The ability to detect minor SNPs, and thus haplotype strains, is critically important for understanding the epidemiology of viruses their natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. de Vries
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Noel O. I. Cogan
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Aneta J. Gubala
- Sensors and Effectors Division, Defence Science & Technology Group, Fishermans Bend, VIC 3207 Australia
| | - Brendan C. Rodoni
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Stacey E. Lynch
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
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Wong ML, Zulzahrin Z, Vythilingam I, Lau YL, Sam IC, Fong MY, Lee WC. Perspectives of vector management in the control and elimination of vector-borne zoonoses. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1135977. [PMID: 37025644 PMCID: PMC10070879 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1135977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex transmission profiles of vector-borne zoonoses (VZB) and vector-borne infections with animal reservoirs (VBIAR) complicate efforts to break the transmission circuit of these infections. To control and eliminate VZB and VBIAR, insecticide application may not be conducted easily in all circumstances, particularly for infections with sylvatic transmission cycle. As a result, alternative approaches have been considered in the vector management against these infections. In this review, we highlighted differences among the environmental, chemical, and biological control approaches in vector management, from the perspectives of VZB and VBIAR. Concerns and knowledge gaps pertaining to the available control approaches were discussed to better understand the prospects of integrating these vector control approaches to synergistically break the transmission of VZB and VBIAR in humans, in line with the integrated vector management (IVM) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2004.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li Wong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zulhisham Zulzahrin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - I-Ching Sam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mun Yik Fong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wenn-Chyau Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Wenn-Chyau Lee,
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Batovska J, Mee PT, Sawbridge TI, Rodoni BC, Lynch SE. Enhanced Arbovirus Surveillance with High-Throughput Metatranscriptomic Processing of Field-Collected Mosquitoes. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122759. [PMID: 36560765 PMCID: PMC9782886 DOI: 10.3390/v14122759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Surveillance programs are essential for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne arboviruses that cause serious human and animal diseases. Viral metatranscriptomic sequencing can enhance surveillance by enabling untargeted, high-throughput arbovirus detection. We used metatranscriptomic sequencing to screen field-collected mosquitoes for arboviruses to better understand how metatranscriptomics can be utilised in routine surveillance. Following a significant flood event in 2016, more than 56,000 mosquitoes were collected over seven weeks from field traps set up in Victoria, Australia. The traps were split into samples of 1000 mosquitoes or less and sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq. Five arboviruses relevant to public health (Ross River virus, Sindbis virus, Trubanaman virus, Umatilla virus, and Wongorr virus) were detected a total of 33 times in the metatranscriptomic data, with 94% confirmed using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Analysis of metatranscriptomic cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences enabled the detection of 12 mosquito and two biting midge species. Screening of the same traps by an established public health arbovirus surveillance program corroborated the metatranscriptomic arbovirus and mosquito species detections. Assembly of genome sequences from the metatranscriptomic data also led to the detection of 51 insect-specific viruses, both known and previously undescribed, and allowed phylogenetic comparison to past strains. We have demonstrated how metatranscriptomics can enhance surveillance by enabling untargeted arbovirus detection, providing genomic epidemiological data, and simultaneously identifying vector species from large, unsorted mosquito traps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Batovska
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (P.T.M.); Tel.: +61-3-9623-1442 (J.B.); +61-3-9032-7143 (P.T.M.)
| | - Peter T. Mee
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (P.T.M.); Tel.: +61-3-9623-1442 (J.B.); +61-3-9032-7143 (P.T.M.)
| | - Tim I. Sawbridge
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Brendan C. Rodoni
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Stacey E. Lynch
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
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Williams CR, Webb CE, Higgs S, van den Hurk AF. Japanese Encephalitis Virus Emergence in Australia: Public Health Importance and Implications for Future Surveillance. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:529-534. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Craig R. Williams
- UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Cameron E. Webb
- Medical Entomology, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Higgs
- Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Andrew F. van den Hurk
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
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Khare B, Kuhn RJ. The Japanese Encephalitis Antigenic Complex Viruses: From Structure to Immunity. Viruses 2022; 14:2213. [PMID: 36298768 PMCID: PMC9607441 DOI: 10.3390/v14102213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades, several flaviviruses of concern that belong to different antigenic groups have expanded geographically. This has resulted in the presence of often more than one virus from a single antigenic group in some areas, while in Europe, Africa and Australia, additionally, multiple viruses belonging to the Japanese encephalitis (JE) serogroup co-circulate. Morphological heterogeneity of flaviviruses dictates antibody recognition and affects virus neutralization, which influences infection control. The latter is further impacted by sequential infections involving diverse flaviviruses co-circulating within a region and their cross-reactivity. The ensuing complex molecular virus-host interplay leads to either cross-protection or disease enhancement; however, the molecular determinants and mechanisms driving these outcomes are unclear. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of four JE serocomplex viruses, parameters affecting flaviviral heterogeneity and antibody recognition, host immune responses and the current knowledge of the cross-reactivity involving JE serocomplex flaviviruses that leads to differential clinical outcomes, which may inform future preventative and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baldeep Khare
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Richard J. Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Kurucz N, McMahon JL, Warchot A, Hewitson G, Barcelon J, Moore F, Moran J, Harrison JJ, Colmant AMG, Staunton KM, Ritchie SA, Townsend M, Steiger DM, Hall RA, Isberg SR, Hall-Mendelin S. Nucleic Acid Preservation Card Surveillance Is Effective for Monitoring Arbovirus Transmission on Crocodile Farms and Provides a One Health Benefit to Northern Australia. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061342. [PMID: 35746812 PMCID: PMC9227548 DOI: 10.3390/v14061342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Kunjin strain of West Nile virus (WNVKUN) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that can infect farmed saltwater crocodiles in Australia and cause skin lesions that devalue the hides of harvested animals. We implemented a surveillance system using honey-baited nucleic acid preservation cards to monitor WNVKUN and another endemic flavivirus pathogen, Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), on crocodile farms in northern Australia. The traps were set between February 2018 and July 2020 on three crocodile farms in Darwin (Northern Territory) and one in Cairns (North Queensland) at fortnightly intervals with reduced trapping during the winter months. WNVKUN RNA was detected on all three crocodile farms near Darwin, predominantly between March and May of each year. Two of the NT crocodile farms also yielded the detection of MVE viral RNA sporadically spread between April and November in 2018 and 2020. In contrast, no viral RNA was detected on crocodile farms in Cairns during the entire trapping period. The detection of WNVKUN and MVEV transmission by FTATM cards on farms in the Northern Territory generally correlated with the detection of their transmission to sentinel chicken flocks in nearby localities around Darwin as part of a separate public health surveillance program. While no isolates of WNVKUN or MVEV were obtained from mosquitoes collected on Darwin crocodile farms immediately following the FTATM card detections, we did isolate another flavivirus, Kokobera virus (KOKV), from Culex annulirostris mosquitoes. Our studies support the use of the FTATM card system as a sensitive and accurate method to monitor the transmission of WNVKUN and other arboviruses on crocodile farms to enable the timely implementation of mosquito control measures. Our detection of MVEV transmission and isolation of KOKV from mosquitoes also warrants further investigation of their potential role in causing diseases in crocodiles and highlights a “One Health” issue concerning arbovirus transmission to crocodile farm workers. In this context, the introduction of FTATM cards onto crocodile farms appears to provide an additional surveillance tool to detect arbovirus transmission in the Darwin region, allowing for a more timely intervention of vector control by relevant authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kurucz
- Medical Entomology, Centre for Disease Control, Public Health Unit, NT Health, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia; (N.K.); (A.W.)
| | - Jamie Lee McMahon
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia; (J.L.M.); (G.H.); (J.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Allan Warchot
- Medical Entomology, Centre for Disease Control, Public Health Unit, NT Health, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia; (N.K.); (A.W.)
| | - Glen Hewitson
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia; (J.L.M.); (G.H.); (J.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Jean Barcelon
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia; (J.L.M.); (G.H.); (J.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Frederick Moore
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia; (J.L.M.); (G.H.); (J.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Jasmin Moran
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, NT 0837, Australia;
| | - Jessica J. Harrison
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (A.M.G.C.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Agathe M. G. Colmant
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (A.M.G.C.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Kyran M. Staunton
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (K.M.S.); (S.A.R.); (M.T.); (D.M.S.)
| | - Scott A. Ritchie
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (K.M.S.); (S.A.R.); (M.T.); (D.M.S.)
| | - Michael Townsend
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (K.M.S.); (S.A.R.); (M.T.); (D.M.S.)
| | - Dagmar Meyer Steiger
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (K.M.S.); (S.A.R.); (M.T.); (D.M.S.)
| | - Roy A. Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (A.M.G.C.); (R.A.H.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Centre, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sally R. Isberg
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, NT 0837, Australia;
- Correspondence: (S.R.I.); (S.H.-M.)
| | - Sonja Hall-Mendelin
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia; (J.L.M.); (G.H.); (J.B.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.R.I.); (S.H.-M.)
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Chan-Cuzydlo A, Harrison DJ, Pike BL, Currie BJ, Mayo M, Salvador MG, Hulsey WR, Azzarello J, Ellis J, Kim D, King-Lewis W, Smith JN, Rodriguez B, Maves RC, Lawler JV, Schully KL. Cohort profile: a migratory cohort study of US Marines who train in Australia. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050330. [PMID: 34526342 PMCID: PMC8444257 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In 2012, US Marines and Sailors began annual deployments to Australia to participate in joint training exercises with the Australian Defence Force and other partners in the region. During their training, US service members are exposed to a variety of infectious disease threats not normally encountered by American citizens. This paper describes a cohort of US Marines and Sailors enrolled during five rotations to Australia between 2016 and 2020. PARTICIPANTS Study participation is strictly voluntary. Group informational sessions are held prior to deployment to describe the study structure and goals, as well as the infectious disease threats that participants may encounter while in Australia. All participants provided written informed consent. Consented participants complete a pre-deployment questionnaire to collect data including basic demographic information, military occupational specialty, travel history, family history, basic health status and personal habits such as alcohol consumption. Blood is collected for serum, plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) processing. Data and specimen collection is repeated up to three times: before, during and after deployment. FINDINGS TO DATE From the five rotations that comprised the 2016-2020 Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, we enrolled 1289 volunteers. Enrolments during this period were overwhelmingly white male under the age of 24 years. Most of the enrollees were junior enlisted and non-commissioned officers, with a smaller number of staff non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers, and minimal warrant officers. Over half of the enrollees had occupational specialty designations for infantry. FUTURE PLANS In the future, we will screen samples for serological evidence of infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei, Coxiella burnetii, Ross River virus, SARS-CoV-2 and other operationally relevant pathogens endemic in Australia. Antigenic stimulation assays will be performed on PBMCs collected from seropositive individuals to characterise the immune response to these infections in this healthy American population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Chan-Cuzydlo
- The Austere environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), The Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Brian L Pike
- Naval Medical Research Center, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bart J Currie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mark G Salvador
- The Austere environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), The Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - William R Hulsey
- The Austere environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), The Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Azzarello
- 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ellis
- 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, USA
| | - Daniel Kim
- 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, USA
| | | | | | - Barbara Rodriguez
- 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, USA
| | - Ryan C Maves
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - James V Lawler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kevin L Schully
- Austere environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO), Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Australia's notifiable disease status, 2016: Annual report of the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 45. [PMID: 34074234 DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2021.45.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract In 2016, a total of 67 diseases and conditions were nationally notifiable in Australia. The states and territories reported 330,387 notifications of communicable diseases to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Notifications have remained stable between 2015 and 2016. In 2016, the most frequently notified diseases were vaccine preventable diseases (139,687 notifications, 42% of total notifications); sexually transmissible infections (112,714 notifications, 34% of total notifications); and gastrointestinal diseases (49,885 notifications, 15% of total notifications). Additionally, there were 18,595 notifications of bloodborne diseases; 6,760 notifications of vectorborne diseases; 2,020 notifications of other bacterial infections; 725 notifications of zoonoses and one notification of a quarantinable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
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- Australian Government Department of Health
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10
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Ong OTW, Skinner EB, Johnson BJ, Old JM. Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Non-Human Vertebrates in Australia: A Review. Viruses 2021; 13:265. [PMID: 33572234 PMCID: PMC7915788 DOI: 10.3390/v13020265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses are well recognized as a global public health burden amongst humans, but the effects on non-human vertebrates is rarely reported. Australia, houses a number of endemic mosquito-borne viruses, such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. In this review, we synthesize the current state of mosquito-borne viruses impacting non-human vertebrates in Australia, including diseases that could be introduced due to local mosquito distribution. Given the unique island biogeography of Australia and the endemism of vertebrate species (including macropods and monotremes), Australia is highly susceptible to foreign mosquito species becoming established, and mosquito-borne viruses becoming endemic alongside novel reservoirs. For each virus, we summarize the known geographic distribution, mosquito vectors, vertebrate hosts, clinical signs and treatments, and highlight the importance of including non-human vertebrates in the assessment of future disease outbreaks. The mosquito-borne viruses discussed can impact wildlife, livestock, and companion animals, causing significant changes to Australian ecology and economy. The complex nature of mosquito-borne disease, and challenges in assessing the impacts to non-human vertebrate species, makes this an important topic to periodically review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oselyne T. W. Ong
- Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Eloise B. Skinner
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Biology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brian J. Johnson
- Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Julie M. Old
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury, Locked bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
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Zaid A, Burt FJ, Liu X, Poo YS, Zandi K, Suhrbier A, Weaver SC, Texeira MM, Mahalingam S. Arthritogenic alphaviruses: epidemiological and clinical perspective on emerging arboviruses. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 21:e123-e133. [PMID: 33160445 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses, or arboviruses, have been part of the infectious disease landscape for centuries, and are often, but not exclusively, endemic to equatorial and subtropical regions of the world. The past two decades saw the re-emergence of arthritogenic alphaviruses, a genus of arboviruses that includes several members that cause severe arthritic disease. Recent outbreaks further highlight the substantial public health burden caused by these viruses. Arthritogenic alphaviruses are often reported in the context of focused outbreaks in specific regions (eg, Caribbean, southeast Asia, and Indian Ocean) and cause debilitating acute disease that can extend to chronic manifestations for years after infection. These viruses are classified among several antigenic complexes, span a range of hosts and mosquito vectors, and can be distributed along specific geographical locations. In this Review, we highlight key features of alphaviruses that are known to cause arthritic disease in humans and outline the present findings pertaining to classification, immunogenicity, pathogenesis, and experimental approaches aimed at limiting disease manifestations. Although the most prominent alphavirus outbreaks in the past 15 years featured chikungunya virus, and a large body of work has been dedicated to understanding chikungunya disease mechanisms, this Review will instead focus on other arthritogenic alphaviruses that have been identified globally and provide a comprehensive appraisal of present and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Zaid
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Felicity J Burt
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Services, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Xiang Liu
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Yee Suan Poo
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Keivan Zandi
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mauro M Texeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
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12
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Madzokere ET, Hallgren W, Sahin O, Webster JA, Webb CE, Mackey B, Herrero LJ. Integrating statistical and mechanistic approaches with biotic and environmental variables improves model predictions of the impact of climate and land-use changes on future mosquito-vector abundance, diversity and distributions in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:484. [PMID: 32967711 PMCID: PMC7510059 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04360-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes to Australia's climate and land-use patterns could result in expanded spatial and temporal distributions of endemic mosquito vectors including Aedes and Culex species that transmit medically important arboviruses. Climate and land-use changes greatly influence the suitability of habitats for mosquitoes and their behaviors such as mating, feeding and oviposition. Changes in these behaviors in turn determine future species-specific mosquito diversity, distribution and abundance. In this review, we discuss climate and land-use change factors that influence shifts in mosquito distribution ranges. We also discuss the predictive and epidemiological merits of incorporating these factors into a novel integrated statistical (SSDM) and mechanistic species distribution modelling (MSDM) framework. One potentially significant merit of integrated modelling is an improvement in the future surveillance and control of medically relevant endemic mosquito vectors such as Aedes vigilax and Culex annulirostris, implicated in the transmission of many arboviruses such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, and exotic mosquito vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. We conducted a focused literature search to explore the merits of integrating SSDMs and MSDMs with biotic and environmental variables to better predict the future range of endemic mosquito vectors. We show that an integrated framework utilising both SSDMs and MSDMs can improve future mosquito-vector species distribution projections in Australia. We recommend consideration of climate and environmental change projections in the process of developing land-use plans as this directly impacts mosquito-vector distribution and larvae abundance. We also urge laboratory, field-based researchers and modellers to combine these modelling approaches. Having many different variations of integrated (SDM) modelling frameworks could help to enhance the management of endemic mosquitoes in Australia. Enhanced mosquito management measures could in turn lead to lower arbovirus spread and disease notification rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene T. Madzokere
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4215 Australia
| | - Willow Hallgren
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Gold Coast campus, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Oz Sahin
- Cities Research Institute, Gold Coast campus, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Julie A. Webster
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Cameron E. Webb
- Department of Medical Entomology, NSW Health Pathology, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Brendan Mackey
- Griffith Climate Change Response Program, Griffith School of Environment, Gold Coast campus, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Lara J. Herrero
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4215 Australia
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13
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Azar SR, Campos RK, Bergren NA, Camargos VN, Rossi SL. Epidemic Alphaviruses: Ecology, Emergence and Outbreaks. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081167. [PMID: 32752150 PMCID: PMC7464724 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past century, the emergence/reemergence of arthropod-borne zoonotic agents has been a growing public health concern. In particular, agents from the genus Alphavirus pose a significant risk to both animal and human health. Human alphaviral disease presents with either arthritogenic or encephalitic manifestations and is associated with significant morbidity and/or mortality. Unfortunately, there are presently no vaccines or antiviral measures approved for human use. The present review examines the ecology, epidemiology, disease, past outbreaks, and potential to cause contemporary outbreaks for several alphavirus pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha R. Azar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | - Rafael K. Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | | | - Vidyleison N. Camargos
- Host-Microorganism Interaction Lab, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0610, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +409-772-9033
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14
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West Nile Virus: An Update on Pathobiology, Epidemiology, Diagnostics, Control and "One Health" Implications. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070589. [PMID: 32707644 PMCID: PMC7400489 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important zoonotic flavivirus responsible for mild fever to severe, lethal neuroinvasive disease in humans, horses, birds, and other wildlife species. Since its discovery, WNV has caused multiple human and animal disease outbreaks in all continents, except Antarctica. Infections are associated with economic losses, mainly due to the cost of treatment of infected patients, control programmes, and loss of animals and animal products. The pathogenesis of WNV has been extensively investigated in natural hosts as well as in several animal models, including rodents, lagomorphs, birds, and reptiles. However, most of the proposed pathogenesis hypotheses remain contentious, and much remains to be elucidated. At the same time, the unavailability of specific antiviral treatment or effective and safe vaccines contribute to the perpetuation of the disease and regular occurrence of outbreaks in both endemic and non-endemic areas. Moreover, globalisation and climate change are also important drivers of the emergence and re-emergence of the virus and disease. Here, we give an update of the pathobiology, epidemiology, diagnostics, control, and “One Health” implications of WNV infection and disease.
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The Diversity and Distribution of Viruses Associated with Culex annulirostris Mosquitoes from the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070717. [PMID: 32630711 PMCID: PMC7411826 DOI: 10.3390/v12070717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metagenomics revealed an impressive breadth of previously unrecognized viruses. Here, we report the virome of the Culex annulirostris Skuse mosquito, an important vector of pathogenic arboviruses in Australia. Mosquitoes were collected from three sites in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Unbiased high-throughput sequencing (HTS) revealed the presence of 16 novel viral sequences that share less than 90% identity with known viruses. None were closely related to pathogenic arboviruses. Viruses were distributed unevenly across sites, indicating a heterogeneous Cx. annulirostris virome. Polymerase chain reaction assays confirmed HTS data and identified marked variation between the virus prevalence identified at each site.
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16
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El-Hage CM, Bamford NJ, Gilkerson JR, Lynch SE. Ross River Virus Infection of Horses: Appraisal of Ecological and Clinical Consequences. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 93:103143. [PMID: 32972681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ross River virus (RRV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus of the genus Alphavirus that causes disease in humans and horses in Australia. A temporal association of RRV infection in horses with clinical signs including pyrexia, malaise, and polyarthralgia has been reported, along with reduced athletic performance, often for extended periods. Despite these reports, disease due to RRV remains somewhat controversial as experimental infection of horses has resulted in obvious viraemia yet minimal signs of clinical disease. The relatively high viraemia demonstrated by horses infected with RRV has led to speculation that they could act as an important reservoir host of the virus, although this remains unclear. This review sought to appraise the existing literature relating to RRV infection of horses and to summarize the ecological and clinical consequences of RRV of relevance to the equine industry and to public health more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M El-Hage
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Bamford
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James R Gilkerson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stacey E Lynch
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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17
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Mrozowich T, Henrickson A, Demeler B, Patel TR. Nanoscale Structure Determination of Murray Valley Encephalitis and Powassan Virus Non-Coding RNAs. Viruses 2020; 12:E190. [PMID: 32046304 PMCID: PMC7077200 DOI: 10.3390/v12020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are responsible for numerous deaths worldwide. Flaviviruses, which contain RNA as their genetic material, are one of the most pathogenic families of viruses. There is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that their 5' and 3' non-coding terminal regions are critical for their survival. Information on their structural features is essential to gain detailed insights into their functions and interactions with host proteins. In this study, the 5' and 3' terminal regions of Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Powassan virus were examined using biophysical and computational modeling methods. First, we used size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifuge methods to investigate the purity of in-vitro transcribed RNAs. Next, we employed small-angle X-ray scattering techniques to study solution conformation and low-resolution structures of these RNAs, which suggest that the 3' terminal regions are highly extended as compared to the 5' terminal regions for both viruses. Using computational modeling tools, we reconstructed 3-dimensional structures of each RNA fragment and compared them with derived small-angle X-ray scattering low-resolution structures. This approach allowed us to reinforce that the 5' terminal regions adopt more dynamic structures compared to the mainly double-stranded structures of the 3' terminal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Mrozowich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (T.M.); (A.H.); (B.D.)
| | - Amy Henrickson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (T.M.); (A.H.); (B.D.)
| | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (T.M.); (A.H.); (B.D.)
- Department of Chemistry And Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- NorthWest Biophysics Consortium, University of Lethbridge, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (T.M.); (A.H.); (B.D.)
- NorthWest Biophysics Consortium, University of Lethbridge, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Discovery Lab, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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18
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Caly L, Horwood PF, Vijaykrishna D, Lynch S, Greenhill AR, Pomat W, Rai G, Kisa D, Bande G, Druce J, Abdad MY. Divergent Barmah Forest Virus from Papua New Guinea. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:2266-2269. [PMID: 31742504 PMCID: PMC6874237 DOI: 10.3201/eid2512.191070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of Barmah Forest virus infection in a child from Central Province, Papua New Guinea, who had no previous travel history. Genomic characterization of the virus showed divergent origin compared with viruses previously detected, supporting the hypothesis that the range of Barmah Forest virus extends beyond Australia.
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19
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Walker LJ, Selvey LA, Jardine A, Johansen CA, Lindsay MDA. Mosquito and Virus Surveillance as a Predictor of Human Ross River Virus Infection in South-West Western Australia: How Useful Is It? Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 99:1066-1073. [PMID: 30182918 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito and virus surveillance systems are widely used in Western Australia (WA) to support public health efforts to reduce mosquito-borne disease. However, these programs are costly to maintain on a long-term basis. Therefore, we aimed to assess the validity of mosquito numbers and Ross River virus (RRV) isolates from surveillance trap sites as predictors of human RRV cases in south-west WA between 2003 and 2014. Using negative binomial regression modeling, mosquito surveillance was found to be a useful tool for predicting human RRV cases. In eight of the nine traps, when adjusted for season, there was an increased risk of RRV cases associated with elevated mosquito numbers detected 1 month before the onset of human cases for at least one quartile compared with the reference group. The most predictive urban trap sites were located near saltmarsh mosquito habitat, bushland that could sustain macropods and densely populated residential suburbs. This convergence of environments could allow enzootic transmission of RRV to spillover and infect the human population. Close proximity of urban trap sites to each other suggested these sites could be reduced. Ross River virus isolates were infrequent at some trap sites, so ceasing RRV isolation from mosquitoes at these sites or where isolates were not predictive of human cases could be considered. In future, trap sites could be reduced for routine surveillance, allowing other environments to be monitored to broaden the understanding of RRV ecology in the region. A more cost-effective and efficient surveillance program may result from these modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz J Walker
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Linda A Selvey
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew Jardine
- Environmental Health Hazards Unit, Environmental Health Directorate, Public and Aboriginal Health Division, Department of Health Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Cheryl A Johansen
- The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia and PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Department of Health Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Michael D A Lindsay
- Environmental Health Hazards Unit, Environmental Health Directorate, Public and Aboriginal Health Division, Department of Health Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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20
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Australia’s notifiable disease status, 2015: Annual report of the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Commun Dis Intell (2018) 2019. [DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2019.43.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, 67 diseases and conditions were nationally notifiable in Australia. States and territories reported a total of 320,480 notifications of communicable diseases to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, an increase of 16% on the number of notifications in 2014. In 2015, the most frequently notified diseases were vaccine preventable diseases (147,569 notifications, 46% of total notifications), sexually transmissible infections (95,468 notifications, 30% of total notifications), and gastrointestinal diseases (45,326 notifications, 14% of total notifications). There were 17,337 notifications of bloodborne diseases; 12,253 notifications of vectorborne diseases; 1,815 notifications of other bacterial infections; 710 notifications of zoonoses and 2 notifications of quarantinable diseases.
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21
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The distribution of important sero-complexes of flaviviruses in Malaysia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 51:495-506. [PMID: 30604332 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-01786-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses (FVs) are arthropod-borne viruses of medical and veterinary importance. Numerous species of FVs have been isolated from various host; mainly humans, animals, ticks, and mosquitoes. Certain FVs are extremely host-specific; at the same time, some FVs can infect an extensive range of species. Based on published literatures, 11 species of FVs have been detected from diverse host species in Malaysia. In humans, dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus have been reported since 1901 and 1942. In animals, the Batu Cave virus, Sitiawan virus, Carey Island, Tembusu virus, Duck Tembusu virus, and Japanese encephalitis viruses were isolated from various species. In mosquitoes, Japanese encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus were isolated from Culex spp., while Zika virus and Jugra virus were isolated from Aedes spp. In ticks, the Langat virus was isolated from Ixodes spp. One of the major challenges in the diagnosis of FVs is the presence of sero-complexes as a result of cross-reactivity with one or more FV species. Subsequently, the distribution of specific FVs among humans and animals in a specific population is problematic to assess and often require comprehensive and thorough analyses. Molecular assays such as quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and digital droplet RT-PCR (ddRT-PCR) have been used for the differentiation of flavivirus infections to increase the accuracy of epidemiological data for disease surveillance, monitoring, and control. In situations where sero-complexes are common in FVs, even sensitive assays such as qRT-pCR can produce false positive results. In this write up, an overview of the various FV sero-complexes reported in Malaysia to date and the challenges faced in diagnosis of FV infections are presented.
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22
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Mavian C, Dulcey M, Munoz O, Salemi M, Vittor AY, Capua I. Islands as Hotspots for Emerging Mosquito-Borne Viruses: A One-Health Perspective. Viruses 2018; 11:E11. [PMID: 30585228 PMCID: PMC6356932 DOI: 10.3390/v11010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past ten years, an increasing number of arbovirus outbreaks have affected tropical islands worldwide. We examined the available literature in peer-reviewed journals, from the second half of the 20th century until 2018, with the aim of gathering an overall picture of the emergence of arboviruses in these islands. In addition, we included information on environmental and social drivers specific to island setting that can facilitate the emergence of outbreaks. Within the context of the One Health approach, our review highlights how the emergence of arboviruses in tropical islands is linked to the complex interplay between their unique ecological settings and to the recent changes in local and global sociodemographic patterns. We also advocate for greater coordination between stakeholders in developing novel prevention and mitigation approaches for an intractable problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mavian
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
- Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Melissa Dulcey
- Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Olga Munoz
- Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
- One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Marco Salemi
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
- Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Amy Y Vittor
- Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Ilaria Capua
- Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
- One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Abstract
Australian mosquito species significantly impact human health through nuisance biting and the transmission of endemic and exotic pathogens. Surveillance programmes designed to provide an early warning of mosquito-borne disease risk require reliable identification of mosquitoes. This study aimed to investigate the viability of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a rapid and inexpensive approach to the identification of Australian mosquitoes and was validated using a three-step taxonomic approach. A total of 300 mosquitoes representing 21 species were collected from south-eastern New South Wales and morphologically identified. The legs from the mosquitoes were removed and subjected to MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Fifty-eight mosquitoes were sequenced at the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene region and genetic relationships were analysed. We create the first MALDI-TOF MS spectra database of Australian mosquito species including 19 species. We clearly demonstrate the accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of Australian mosquitoes. It is especially useful for assessing gaps in the effectiveness of DNA barcoding by differentiating closely related taxa. Indeed, cox1 DNA barcoding was not able to differentiate members of the Culex pipiens group, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. pipiens molestus, but these specimens were correctly identified using MALDI-TOF MS.
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24
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Mackenzie JS, Lindsay MDA, Smith DW, Imrie A. The ecology and epidemiology of Ross River and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses in Western Australia: examples of One Health in Action. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2018; 111:248-254. [PMID: 29044370 PMCID: PMC5914307 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trx045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses are maintained and transmitted through an alternating biological cycle in arthropods and vertebrates, with largely incidental disease in humans and animals. As such, they provide excellent examples of One Health, as their health impact is inextricably linked to their vertebrate hosts, their arthropod vectors and the environment. Prevention and control requires a comprehensive understanding of these interactions, and how they may be effectively and safely modified. This review concentrates on human disease due to Ross River and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses, the two major arboviral pathogens in Australia. It describes how their pattern of infection and disease is influenced by natural climatic and weather patterns, and by anthropogenic activities. The latter includes human-mediated environmental manipulations, such as water impoundment infrastructures, human movements and migration, and community and social changes, such as urban spread into mosquito larval habitats. Effective interventions need to be directed at the environmental precursors of risk. This can best be achieved using One Health approaches to improve collaboration and coordination between different disciplines and cross-sectoral jurisdictions in order to develop more holistic mitigation and control procedures, and to address poorly understood ecological issues through multidisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Mackenzie
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845
- Corresponding author: Present address: 5E, 16 Kings Park Avenue, Crawley, WA 6009; Tel: +61 439 875 697; E-mail:
| | - Michael D A Lindsay
- Public and Aboriginal Health Division, Department of Health, Grace Vaughan House, Shenton Park, Western Australia, WA 6008
| | - David W Smith
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Allison Imrie
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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Amuzu HE, Tsyganov K, Koh C, Herbert RI, Powell DR, McGraw EA. Wolbachia enhances insect-specific flavivirus infection in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:5441-5454. [PMID: 29938064 PMCID: PMC6010864 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes transmit a diverse group of human flaviviruses including West Nile, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. Mosquitoes are also naturally infected with insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), a subgroup of the family not capable of infecting vertebrates. Although ISFs are not medically important, they are capable of altering the mosquito's susceptibility to flaviviruses and may alter host fitness. Wolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium of insects that when present in mosquitoes limits the replication of co-infecting pathogens, including flaviviruses. Artificially created Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are being released into the wild in a series of trials around the globe with the hope of interrupting dengue and Zika virus transmission from mosquitoes to humans. Our work investigated the effect of Wolbachia on ISF infection in wild-caught Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from field release zones. All field mosquitoes were screened for the presence of ISFs using general degenerate flavivirus primers and their PCR amplicons sequenced. ISFs were found to be common and widely distributed in Ae. aegypti populations. Field mosquitoes consistently had higher ISF infection rates and viral loads compared to laboratory colony material indicating that environmental conditions may modulate ISF infection in Ae. aegypti. Surprisingly, higher ISF infection rates and loads were found in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes compared to the Wolbachia-free mosquitoes. Our findings demonstrate that the symbiont is capable of manipulating the mosquito virome and that Wolbachia-mediated viral inhibition is not universal for flaviviruses. This may have implications for the Wolbachia-based DENV control strategy if ISFs confer fitness effects or alter mosquito susceptibility to other flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilaria E. Amuzu
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVic.Australia
| | - Kirill Tsyganov
- Monash Bioinformatics PlatformMonash UniversityClaytonVic.Australia
| | - Cassandra Koh
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVic.Australia
| | | | - David R. Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics PlatformMonash UniversityClaytonVic.Australia
| | - Elizabeth A. McGraw
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVic.Australia
- Department of EntomologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania
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Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus: An Ongoing Cause of Encephalitis in Australia's North. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3020049. [PMID: 30274445 PMCID: PMC6073153 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) is a mosquito-borne virus endemic to Australia and New Guinea. Encephalitis due to MVEV is potentially devastating, and no therapeutic interventions of proven value exist. Prevention relies largely on personal protective measures against mosquito bites. We present a case of MVEV encephalitis with a favourable outcome following intensive care management and prolonged rehabilitation, and the epidemiological features of a further 21 cases notified to the health department of Australia’s Northern Territory. As cases occur in travellers, and epidemics occur sporadically in south-eastern Australia, clinicians across Australia and further abroad should be familiar with the disease and its diagnosis and management.
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27
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Abstract
Equine populations worldwide are at increasing risk of infection by viruses transmitted by biting arthropods, including mosquitoes, biting midges (Culicoides), sandflies and ticks. These include the flaviviruses (Japanese encephalitis, West Nile and Murray Valley encephalitis), alphaviruses (eastern, western and Venezuelan encephalitis) and the orbiviruses (African horse sickness and equine encephalosis). This review provides an overview of the challenges faced in the surveillance, prevention and control of the major equine arboviruses, particularly in the context of these viruses emerging in new regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Chapman
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - M Baylis
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - D Archer
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J M Daly
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, UK
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Niven DJ, Afra K, Iftinca M, Tellier R, Fonseca K, Kramer A, Safronetz D, Holloway K, Drebot M, Johnson AS. Fatal Infection with Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus Imported from Australia to Canada, 2011. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:280-283. [PMID: 28098530 PMCID: PMC5324805 DOI: 10.3201/eid2302.161161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), a flavivirus belonging to the Japanese encephalitis serogroup, can cause severe clinical manifestations in humans. We report a fatal case of MVEV infection in a young woman who returned from Australia to Canada. The differential diagnosis for travel-associated encephalitis should include MVEV, particularly during outbreak years.
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29
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Smith DW. Endemic Australian arboviruses of human health significance. MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/ma18024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Each year many thousands of cases of human arbovirus infection are notified within Australia, acquired either within Australia or when travelling overseas1. These cause diseases varying from fever and aches, to debilitating joint disease, to encephalitis and death. The arboviruses endemic to Australia are all maintained in a cycle between mosquitoes (and rarely midges) and a bird or mammalian host2. As such, the virus activity is dependent on rainfall and temperature conditions that are conducive to mosquito breeding, and to virus replication and amplification (Figure 1). Those conditions being met, there have to be suitable amplifying animal hosts nearby, and their absence is one of the factors that protects most of the larger urban populations in Australia. Then, of course, humans have to be exposed to the infected mosquitoes to get disease.
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Lamichhane RS, Neville PJ, Oosthuizen J, Clark K, Mainali S, Fatouros M, Beatty S. The Highs and Lows of Making a Bucket List-Quantifying Potential Mosquito Breeding Habitats in Metropolitan Backyards. Front Public Health 2017; 5:292. [PMID: 29164098 PMCID: PMC5681743 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While the development of land for residential housing along the Swan and Canning Rivers in Perth, WA, Australia has reduced natural mosquito breeding sites, the role of backyard container breeding remains a relatively unknown factor. Local Governments responsible for these areas focus management and control efforts on low lying, tidally driven mosquito habitats to control Aedes vigilax (Skuse) and Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson) mosquitoes in an effort to reduce both the nuisance and disease risk to residents. In spite of their efforts, Local Governments continue to receive complaints regarding mosquito nuisance, even when environmental conditions do not favor hatching and development of the two species in the Swan River tidal flats. In this study, 150 backyard inspections were conducted in the residential suburb of Bassendean, Perth, WA, Australia, situated in close proximity to the Swan River tidal plain. The occurrence and species composition of the mosquito fauna found in residential backyards was documented. Of the backyards inspected, 94% were found to possess containers capable of breeding mosquitoes, although only 3% contained mosquito larvae. Nine species of mosquito were collected from containers ranging in capacity from 0.05 to 50 L across the study area. Additionally, encephalitis virus surveillance trapping was conducted within residential properties and compared to the tidally driven natural habitat at Ashfield Flats and a tidally influenced brackish creekline at Bindaring Park. The species composition of the fauna at the three habitat types differed significantly, with Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) dominating residential lots and A. vigilax more prevalent at the saltmarsh site. Bindaring Park had an adult composition at the mid-point of these two habitats, reflecting its proximity to both the Swan River and residential lots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Sharan Lamichhane
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Peter J Neville
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.,Medical Entomology, Environmental Health Directorate, Public Health Division, Department of Health, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jacques Oosthuizen
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Kim Clark
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Samir Mainali
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Maria Fatouros
- Environmental Health Officer, Town of Bassendean, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Shelley Beatty
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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31
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Piyasena TBH, Setoh YX, Hobson-Peters J, Prow NA, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Khromykh AA, Perera D, Cardosa MJ, Kirkland PD, Hall RA. Differential Diagnosis of Flavivirus Infections in Horses Using Viral Envelope Protein Domain III Antigens in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:825-835. [PMID: 29083957 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Australia, infection of horses with the West Nile virus (WNV) or Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) occasionally results in severe neurological disease that cannot be clinically differentiated. Confirmatory serological tests to detect antibody specific for MVEV or WNV in horses are often hampered by cross-reactive antibodies induced to conserved epitopes on the envelope (E) protein. This study utilized bacterially expressed recombinant antigens derived from domain III of the E protein (rE-DIII) of MVEV and WNV, respectively, to determine whether these subunit antigens provided specific diagnostic markers of infection with these two viruses. When a panel of 130 serum samples, from horses with known flavivirus infection status, was tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using rE-DIII antigens, a differential diagnosis of MVEV or WNV was achieved for most samples. Time-point samples from horses exposed to flavivirus infection during the 2011 outbreak of equine encephalitis in south-eastern Australia also indicated that the rE-DIII antigens were capable of detecting and differentiating MVEV and WNV infection in convalescent sera with similar sensitivity and specificity to virus neutralization tests and blocking ELISAs. Overall, these results indicate that the rE-DIII is a suitable antigen for use in rapid immunoassays for confirming MVEV and WNV infections in horses in the Australian context and warrant further assessment on sensitive, high-throughput serological platforms such as multiplex immune assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thisun B H Piyasena
- 1 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Australia
| | - Yin X Setoh
- 1 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Australia
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- 1 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Australia
| | - Natalie A Prow
- 1 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- 1 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Australia .,2 School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland , Gatton, Australia
| | - Alexander A Khromykh
- 1 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Australia
| | - David Perera
- 3 Institute of Health & Community Medicine , Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia
| | - Mary J Cardosa
- 3 Institute of Health & Community Medicine , Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia
| | - Peter D Kirkland
- 4 Virology Laboratory, Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute , Menangle, Australia
| | - Roy A Hall
- 1 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Australia
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32
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Gyawali N, Taylor-Robinson AW. Confronting the Emerging Threat to Public Health in Northern Australia of Neglected Indigenous Arboviruses. Trop Med Infect Dis 2017; 2:E55. [PMID: 30270912 PMCID: PMC6082055 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed2040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In excess of 75 arboviruses have been identified in Australia, some of which are now well established as causative agents of debilitating diseases. These include Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus, each of which may be detected by both antibody-based recognition and molecular typing. However, for most of the remaining arboviruses that may be associated with pathology in humans, routine tests are not available to diagnose infection. A number of these so-called 'neglected' or 'orphan' arboviruses that are indigenous to Australia might have been infecting humans at a regular rate for decades. Some of them may be associated with undifferentiated febrile illness-fever, the cause of which is not obvious-for which around half of all cases each year remain undiagnosed. This is of particular relevance to Northern Australia, given the Commonwealth Government's transformative vision for the midterm future of massive infrastructure investment in this region. An expansion of the industrial and business development of this previously underpopulated region is predicted. This is set to bring into intimate proximity infection-naïve human hosts, native reservoir animals, and vector mosquitoes, thereby creating a perfect storm for increased prevalence of infection with neglected Australian arboviruses. Moreover, the escalating rate and effects of climate change that are increasingly observed in the tropical north of the country are likely to lead to elevated numbers of arbovirus-transmitting mosquitoes. As a commensurate response, continuing assiduous attention to vector monitoring and control is required. In this overall context, improved epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic screening, including establishing novel, rapid pan-viral tests to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of febrile primary care patients, should be considered a public health priority. Investment in a rigorous identification program would reduce the possibility of significant outbreaks of these indigenous arboviruses at a time when population growth accelerates in Northern Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Gyawali
- School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia.
- Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia.
| | - Andrew W Taylor-Robinson
- School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
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Fine-temporal forecasting of outbreak probability and severity: Ross River virus in Western Australia. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:2949-2960. [DOI: 10.1017/s095026881700190x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYHealth warnings of mosquito-borne disease risk require forecasts that are accurate at fine-temporal resolutions (weekly scales); however, most forecasting is coarse (monthly). We use environmental and Ross River virus (RRV) surveillance to predict weekly outbreak probabilities and incidence spanning tropical, semi-arid, and Mediterranean regions of Western Australia (1991–2014). Hurdle and linear models were used to predict outbreak probabilities and incidence respectively, using time-lagged environmental variables. Forecast accuracy was assessed by model fit and cross-validation. Residual RRV notification data were also examined against mitigation expenditure for one site, Mandurah 2007–2014. Models were predictive of RRV activity, except at one site (Capel). Minimum temperature was an important predictor of RRV outbreaks and incidence at all predicted sites. Precipitation was more likely to cause outbreaks and greater incidence among tropical and semi-arid sites. While variable, mitigation expenditure coincided positively with increased RRV incidence (r2 = 0·21). Our research demonstrates capacity to accurately predict mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and incidence at fine-temporal resolutions. We apply our findings, developing a user-friendly tool enabling managers to easily adopt this research to forecast region-specific RRV outbreaks and incidence. Approaches here may be of value to fine-scale forecasting of RRV in other areas of Australia, and other mosquito-borne diseases.
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34
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Neglected Australian arboviruses: quam gravis? Microbes Infect 2017; 19:388-401. [PMID: 28552411 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
At least 75 arboviruses have been identified from Australia. Most have a zoonotic transmission cycle, maintained in the environment by cycling between arthropod vectors and susceptible mammalian or avian hosts. The primary arboviruses that cause human disease in Australia are Ross River, Barmah Forest, Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin and dengue. Several other arboviruses are associated with human disease but little is known about their clinical course and diagnostic testing is not routinely available. Given the significant prevalence of undifferentiated febrile illness in Australia, investigation of the potential threat to public health presented by these viruses is required.
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Toi CS, Webb CE, Haniotis J, Clancy J, Doggett SL. Seasonal activity, vector relationships and genetic analysis of mosquito-borne Stratford virus. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173105. [PMID: 28253306 PMCID: PMC5333861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many gaps to be filled in our understanding of mosquito-borne viruses, their relationships with vectors and reservoir hosts, and the environmental drivers of seasonal activity. Stratford virus (STRV) belongs to the genus Flavivirus and has been isolated from mosquitoes and infected humans in Australia but little is known of its vector and reservoir host associations. A total of 43 isolates of STRV from mosquitoes collected in New South Wales between 1995 and 2013 was examined to determine the genetic diversity between virus isolates and their relationship with mosquito species. The virus was isolated from six mosquito species; Aedes aculeatus, Aedes alternans, Aedes notoscriptus, Aedes procax, Aedes vigilax, and Anopheles annulipes. While there were distinct differences in temporal and spatial activity of STRV, with peaks of activity in 2006, 2010 and 2013, a sequence homology of 95.9%-98.4% was found between isolates and the 1961 STRV prototype with 96.2%-100% identified among isolates. Temporal differences but no apparent nucleotide divergence by mosquito species or geographic location was evident. The result suggests the virus is geographically widespread in NSW (albeit only from coastal regions) and increased local STRV activity is likely to be driven by reservoir host factors and local environmental conditions influencing vector abundance. While STRV may not currently be associated with major outbreaks of human disease, with the potential for urbanisation and climate change to increase mosquito-borne disease risks, and the possibility of genomic changes which could produce pathogenic strains, understanding the drivers of STRV activity may assist the development of strategic response to public health risks posed by zoonotic flaviviruses in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S. Toi
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cameron E. Webb
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Haniotis
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Clancy
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Doggett
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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36
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Niven DJ, Afra K, Iftinca M, Tellier R, Fonseca K, Kramer A, Safronetz D, Holloway K, Drebot M, Johnson AS. Fatal Infection with Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus Imported from Australia to Canada, 2011. Emerg Infect Dis 2017. [DOI: 10.3201/eid2302.161611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Smith DR. Waiting in the wings: The potential of mosquito transmitted flaviviruses to emerge. Crit Rev Microbiol 2016; 43:405-422. [PMID: 27800692 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2016.1230974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The sudden dramatic emergence of the mosquito transmitted flavivirus Zika virus has bought to the world's attention a relatively obscure virus that was previously only known to specialist researchers. The genus Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae contains a number of well-known mosquito transmitted human pathogenic viruses including the dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile viruses. However, the genus also contains a number of lesser known human pathogenic viruses transmitted by mosquitoes including Wesselsbron virus, Ilheus virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus and Usutu virus. This review summarizes our knowledge of these lesser known mosquito transmitted flaviviruses and highlights their potential to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan R Smith
- a Institute of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Emerging and Neglected Infectious Diseases, Mahidol University , Thailand
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38
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The phylogenetic and evolutionary history of Kokobera virus. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:968-972. [PMID: 27794390 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.07.028] [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] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the genetic diversity of Kokobera virus, the date of origin and the spread among different viruses in the endemic regions of Australia. METHODS Two datasets were built. The first consisting of 29 sequences of the NS5/3' UTR region of Kokobera group downloaded from GenBank, the second including only 24 sequences of Kokobera viruses, focus is on this group. RESULTS Bayesian time analysis revealed two different entries in Australia of Kokobera virus in the 50s years with the dated ancestor in 1861 year. Clades A and B showed a clear separation of the Kokobera sequences according to the geographic region. CONCLUSIONS Data from the study showed as Kokobera virus, despite of its ancient origin and its circulation before the European colonization, remained limited to the Australian country and nowadays limited mostly to the regions were Australian marsupials are mostly found.
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Inglis TJJ, Bradbury RS, McInnes RL, Frances SP, Merritt AJ, Levy A, Nicholson J, Neville PJ, Lindsay M, Smith DW. Deployable Molecular Detection of Arboviruses in the Australian Outback. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:633-8. [PMID: 27402516 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common causes of human infection from the arboviruses that are endemic in Australia are the arthritogenic alphaviruses: Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV). The most serious infections are caused by the neurotropic flaviviruses, Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) and the Kunjin subtype of West Nile virus. The greatest individual risk of arbovirus infection occurs in tropical/subtropical northern Australia because of the warm, wet summer conditions from December to June, where conventional arbovirus surveillance is difficult due to a combination of low population density, large distances between population centers, poor roads, and seasonal flooding. Furthermore, virus detection requires samples to be sent to Perth up to 2,000 km away for definitive analysis, causing delays of days to weeks before test results are available and public health interventions can be started. We deployed a portable molecular biology laboratory for remote field detection of endemic arboviruses in northern Queensland, then in tropical Western Australia and detected BFV, MVEV, and RRV RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays of extracts from mosquitoes trapped in Queensland. We then used a field-portable compact real-time thermocycler for the samples collected in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Real-time field PCR assays enabled concurrent endemic arbovirus distribution mapping in outback Queensland and Western Australia. Our deployable laboratory method provides a concept of operations for future remote area arbovirus surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J J Inglis
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia. School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia. 3rd Health Support Battalion, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Richard S Bradbury
- 3rd Health Support Battalion, Adelaide, Australia. School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | | | | | - Adam J Merritt
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia. School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Avram Levy
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia. School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | | | | | | | - David W Smith
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia. School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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40
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Selvey LA, Speers DJ, Smith DW. Long-term outcomes of Murray Valley encephalitis cases in Western Australia: what have we learnt? Intern Med J 2016; 46:193-201. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. A. Selvey
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - D. J. Speers
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - D. W. Smith
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences; University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia Australia
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41
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Williams DT, Diviney SM, Niazi AUR, Durr PA, Chua BH, Herring B, Pyke A, Doggett SL, Johansen CA, Mackenzie JS. The Molecular Epidemiology and Evolution of Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus: Recent Emergence of Distinct Sub-lineages of the Dominant Genotype 1. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004240. [PMID: 26600318 PMCID: PMC4657991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent increased activity of the mosquito-borne Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) in Australia has renewed concerns regarding its potential to spread and cause disease. Methodology/Principal Findings To better understand the genetic relationships between earlier and more recent circulating strains, patterns of virus movement, as well as the molecular basis of MVEV evolution, complete pre-membrane (prM) and Envelope (Env) genes were sequenced from sixty-six MVEV strains from different regions of the Australasian region, isolated over a sixty year period (1951–2011). Phylogenetic analyses indicated that, of the four recognized genotypes, only G1 and G2 are contemporary. G1 viruses were dominant over the sampling period and found across the known geographic range of MVEV. Two distinct sub-lineages of G1 were observed (1A and 1B). Although G1B strains have been isolated from across mainland Australia, Australian G1A strains have not been detected outside northwest Australia. Similarly, G2 is comprised of only Western Australian isolates from mosquitoes, suggesting G1B and G2 viruses have geographic or ecological restrictions. No evidence of recombination was found and a single amino acid substitution in the Env protein (S332G) was found to be under positive selection, while several others were found to be under directional evolution. Evolutionary analyses indicated that extant genotypes of MVEV began to diverge from a common ancestor approximately 200 years ago. G2 was the first genotype to diverge, followed by G3 and G4, and finally G1, from which subtypes G1A and G1B diverged between 1964 and 1994. Conclusions/Significance The results of this study provides new insights into the genetic diversity and evolution of MVEV. The demonstration of co-circulation of all contemporary genetic lineages of MVEV in northwestern Australia, supports the contention that this region is the enzootic focus for this virus. Murray Valley encephalitis virus is the most significant cause of mosquito-borne encephalitis in humans in Australia, and can also cause neurological disease in horses. This study reports an expanded phylogenetic study of this virus and the first molecular evolutionary analysis. Of the four recognized genotypes of Murray Valley encephalitis virus, only two were found to be actively circulating (genotypes 1 and 2), and genotype 1 was dominant. Distinct genetic sub-lineages within genotype 1 were found to have recently emerged. Molecular clock analysis indicated that genotype 2 viruses are the oldest genetic lineage while genotype 1 viruses are the most recent to diverge. The co-circulation of distinct genetic lineages of this virus in northwestern Australia, comprising the oldest and youngest lineages, supports previous findings that MVEV circulates endemically in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T. Williams
- CSIRO, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (DW); (SMD)
| | - Sinéad M. Diviney
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail: (DW); (SMD)
| | - Aziz-ur-Rahman Niazi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter A. Durr
- CSIRO, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beng Hooi Chua
- Office of Research and Development, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Belinda Herring
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alyssa Pyke
- Public Health Virology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Doggett
- Department of Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney and Institute for Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheryl A. Johansen
- Arbovirus Surveillance and Research Laboratory, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John S. Mackenzie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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The global ecology and epidemiology of West Nile virus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:376230. [PMID: 25866777 PMCID: PMC4383390 DOI: 10.1155/2015/376230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Since its initial isolation in Uganda in 1937 through the present, West Nile virus (WNV) has become an important cause of human and animal disease worldwide. WNV, an enveloped virus of the genus Flavivirus, is naturally maintained in an enzootic cycle between birds and mosquitoes, with occasional epizootic spillover causing disease in humans and horses. The mosquito vectors for WNV are widely distributed worldwide, and the known geographic range of WNV transmission and disease has continued to increase over the past 77 years. While most human infections with WNV are asymptomatic, severe neurological disease may develop resulting in long-term sequelae or death. Surveillance and preventive measures are an ongoing need to reduce the public health impact of WNV in areas with the potential for transmission.
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Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Prow NA, Wang W, Tan CSE, Coyle M, Douma A, Hobson-Peters J, Kidd L, Hall RA, Petrovsky N. Safety and immunogenicity of a delta inulin-adjuvanted inactivated Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine in pregnant mares and foals. Vet Res 2014; 45:130. [PMID: 25516480 PMCID: PMC4268807 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-014-0130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2011, following severe flooding in Eastern Australia, an unprecedented epidemic of equine encephalitis occurred in South-Eastern Australia, caused by Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) and a new variant strain of Kunjin virus, a subtype of West Nile virus (WNVKUN). This prompted us to assess whether a delta inulin-adjuvanted, inactivated cell culture-derived Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine (JE-ADVAX™) could be used in horses, including pregnant mares and foals, to not only induce immunity to JEV, but also elicit cross-protective antibodies against MVEV and WNVKUN. Foals, 74–152 days old, received two injections of JE-ADVAX™. The vaccine was safe and well-tolerated and induced a strong JEV-neutralizing antibody response in all foals. MVEV and WNVKUN antibody cross-reactivity was seen in 33% and 42% of the immunized foals, respectively. JE-ADVAX™ was also safe and well-tolerated in pregnant mares and induced high JEV-neutralizing titers. The neutralizing activity was passively transferred to their foals via colostrum. Foals that acquired passive immunity to JEV via maternal antibodies then were immunized with JE-ADVAX™ at 36–83 days of age, showed evidence of maternal antibody interference with low peak antibody titers post-immunization when compared to immunized foals of JEV-naïve dams. Nevertheless, when given a single JE-ADVAX™ booster immunization as yearlings, these animals developed a rapid and robust JEV-neutralizing antibody response, indicating that they were successfully primed to JEV when immunized as foals, despite the presence of maternal antibodies. Overall, JE-ADVAX™ appears safe and well-tolerated in pregnant mares and young foals and induces protective levels of JEV neutralizing antibodies with partial cross-neutralization of MVEV and WNVKUN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton 4343, Qld, Australia.
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Selvey LA, Johansen CA, Broom AK, Antão C, Lindsay MD, Mackenzie JS, Smith DW. Rainfall and sentinel chicken seroconversions predict human cases of Murray Valley encephalitis in the north of Western Australia. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:672. [PMID: 25490948 PMCID: PMC4273426 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0672-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) is a flavivirus that occurs in Australia and New Guinea. While clinical cases are uncommon, MVEV can cause severe encephalitis with high mortality. Sentinel chicken surveillance is used at many sites around Australia to provide an early warning system for risk of human infection in areas that have low population density and geographical remoteness. MVEV in Western Australia occurs in areas of low population density and geographical remoteness, resulting in logistical challenges with surveillance systems and few human cases. While epidemiological data has suggested an association between rainfall and MVEV activity in outbreak years, it has not been quantified, and the association between rainfall and sporadic cases is less clear. In this study we analysed 22 years of sentinel chicken and human case data from Western Australia in order to evaluate the effectiveness of sentinel chicken surveillance for MVEV and assess the association between rainfall and MVEV activity. METHODS Sentinel chicken seroconversion, human case and rainfall data from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia from 1990 to 2011 were analysed using negative binomial regression. Sentinel chicken seroconversion and human cases were used as dependent variables in the model. The model was then tested against sentinel chicken and rainfall data from 2012 and 2013. RESULTS Sentinel chicken seroconversion preceded all human cases except two in March 1993. Rainfall in the prior three months was significantly associated with both sentinel chicken seroconversion and human cases across the regions of interest. Sentinel chicken seroconversion was also predictive of human cases in the models. The model predicted sentinel chicken seroconversion in the Kimberley but not in the Pilbara, where seroconversions early in 2012 were not predicted. The latter may be due to localised MVEV activity in isolated foci at dams, which do not reflect broader virus activity in the region. CONCLUSIONS We showed that rainfall and sentinel chickens provide a useful early warning of MVEV risk to humans across endemic and epidemic areas, and that a combination of the two indicators improves the ability to assess MVEV risk and inform risk management measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Selvey
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia.
| | - Cheryl A Johansen
- The Arbovirus Surveillance and Research Laboratory, M504 School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Annette K Broom
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Catarina Antão
- NSW Department of Family and Community Services, 320 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield, NSW, 2131, Australia.
| | | | - John S Mackenzie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia.
| | - David W Smith
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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Abstract
The objective of this chapter is to provide an updated and concise systematic review on taxonomy, history, arthropod vectors, vertebrate hosts, animal disease, and geographic distribution of all arboviruses known to date to cause disease in homeotherm (endotherm) vertebrates, except those affecting exclusively man. Fifty arboviruses pathogenic for animals have been documented worldwide, belonging to seven families: Togaviridae (mosquito-borne Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan equine encephalilitis viruses; Sindbis, Middelburg, Getah, and Semliki Forest viruses), Flaviviridae (mosquito-borne yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, West Nile, Usutu, Israel turkey meningoencephalitis, Tembusu and Wesselsbron viruses; tick-borne encephalitis, louping ill, Omsk hemorrhagic fever, Kyasanur Forest disease, and Tyuleniy viruses), Bunyaviridae (tick-borne Nairobi sheep disease, Soldado, and Bhanja viruses; mosquito-borne Rift Valley fever, La Crosse, Snowshoe hare, and Cache Valley viruses; biting midges-borne Main Drain, Akabane, Aino, Shuni, and Schmallenberg viruses), Reoviridae (biting midges-borne African horse sickness, Kasba, bluetongue, epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer, Ibaraki, equine encephalosis, Peruvian horse sickness, and Yunnan viruses), Rhabdoviridae (sandfly/mosquito-borne bovine ephemeral fever, vesicular stomatitis-Indiana, vesicular stomatitis-New Jersey, vesicular stomatitis-Alagoas, and Coccal viruses), Orthomyxoviridae (tick-borne Thogoto virus), and Asfarviridae (tick-borne African swine fever virus). They are transmitted to animals by five groups of hematophagous arthropods of the subphyllum Chelicerata (order Acarina, families Ixodidae and Argasidae-ticks) or members of the class Insecta: mosquitoes (family Culicidae); biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae); sandflies (subfamily Phlebotominae); and cimicid bugs (family Cimicidae). Arboviral diseases in endotherm animals may therefore be classified as: tick-borne (louping ill and tick-borne encephalitis, Omsk hemorrhagic fever, Kyasanur Forest disease, Tyuleniy fever, Nairobi sheep disease, Soldado fever, Bhanja fever, Thogoto fever, African swine fever), mosquito-borne (Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitides, Highlands J disease, Getah disease, Semliki Forest disease, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, Usutu disease, Israel turkey meningoencephalitis, Tembusu disease/duck egg-drop syndrome, Wesselsbron disease, La Crosse encephalitis, Snowshoe hare encephalitis, Cache Valley disease, Main Drain disease, Rift Valley fever, Peruvian horse sickness, Yunnan disease), sandfly-borne (vesicular stomatitis-Indiana, New Jersey, and Alagoas, Cocal disease), midge-borne (Akabane disease, Aino disease, Schmallenberg disease, Shuni disease, African horse sickness, Kasba disease, bluetongue, epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer, Ibaraki disease, equine encephalosis, bovine ephemeral fever, Kotonkan disease), and cimicid-borne (Buggy Creek disease). Animals infected with these arboviruses regularly develop a febrile disease accompanied by various nonspecific symptoms; however, additional severe syndromes may occur: neurological diseases (meningitis, encephalitis, encephalomyelitis); hemorrhagic symptoms; abortions and congenital disorders; or vesicular stomatitis. Certain arboviral diseases cause significant economic losses in domestic animals-for example, Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalitides, West Nile encephalitis, Nairobi sheep disease, Rift Valley fever, Akabane fever, Schmallenberg disease (emerged recently in Europe), African horse sickness, bluetongue, vesicular stomatitis, and African swine fever; all of these (except for Akabane and Schmallenberg diseases) are notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE, 2012).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenek Hubálek
- Medical Zoology Laboratory, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Medical Zoology Laboratory, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Yu W, Mengersen K, Dale P, Mackenzie JS, Toloo G(S, Wang X, Tong S. Epidemiologic patterns of Ross River virus disease in Queensland, Australia, 2001-2011. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 91:109-118. [PMID: 24799374 PMCID: PMC4080548 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Ross River virus (RRV) infection is a debilitating disease that has a significant impact on population health, economic productivity, and tourism in Australia. This study examined epidemiologic patterns of RRV disease in Queensland, Australia, during January 2001-December 2011 at a statistical local area level. Spatio-temporal analyses were used to identify the patterns of the disease distribution over time stratified by age, sex, and space. The results show that the mean annual incidence was 54 per 100,000 persons, with a male:female ratio of 1:1.1. Two space-time clusters were identified: the areas adjacent to Townsville, on the eastern coast of Queensland, and the southeast areas. Thus, although public health intervention should be considered across all areas in which RRV occurs, it should specifically focus on high-risk regions, particularly during summer and autumn to reduce the social and economic impacts of RRV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Yu
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; Disciplines of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Environmental Futures Centre, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Complete genome sequences of the prototype isolates of genotypes 2, 3, and 4 of murray valley encephalitis virus. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2014; 2:2/3/e00581-14. [PMID: 24948762 PMCID: PMC4064027 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00581-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) (Flaviviridae family, Flavivirus genus), a mosquito-borne pathogen of humans and horses, is endemic to the Australasian region. We report here the complete genomes of the prototype strains of MVEV genotypes 2, 3, and 4.
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Ng V, Dear K, Harley D, McMichael A. Analysis and prediction of Ross River virus transmission in New South Wales, Australia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:422-38. [PMID: 24745350 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ross River virus (RRV) disease is the most widespread mosquito-borne disease in Australia. The disease is maintained in enzootic cycles between mosquitoes and reservoir hosts. During outbreaks and in endemic regions, RRV transmission can be sustained between vectors and reservoir hosts in zoonotic cycles with spillover to humans. Symptoms include arthritis, rash, fever and fatigue and can persist for several months. The prevalence and associated morbidity make this disease a medically and economically important mosquito-borne disease in Australia. METHODS Climate, environment, and RRV vector and reservoir host information were used to develop predictive models in four regions in NSW over a 13-year period (1991-2004). Polynomial distributed lag (PDL) models were used to explore long-term influences of up to 2 years ago that could be related to RRV activity. RESULTS Each regional model consisted of a unique combination of predictors for RRV disease highlighting the differences in the disease ecology and epidemiology in New South Wales (NSW). Events up to 2 years before were found to influence RRV activity. The shorter-term associations may reflect conditions that promote virus amplification in RRV vectors whereas long-term associations may reflect RRV reservoir host breeding and herd immunity. The models indicate an association between host populations and RRV disease, lagged by 24 months, suggesting two or more generations of susceptible juveniles may be necessary for an outbreak. Model sensitivities ranged from 60.4% to 73.1%, and model specificities ranged from 57.9% to 90.7%. This was the first study to include reservoir host data into statistical RRV models; the inclusion of host parameters was found to improve model fit significantly. CONCLUSION The research presents the novel use of a combination of climate, environment, and RRV vector and reservoir host information in statistical predictive models. The models have potential for public health decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ng
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University , Canberra, Australia
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Projecting the impact of climate change on the transmission of Ross River virus: methodological challenges and research needs. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 142:2013-23. [PMID: 24612684 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814000399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common vector-borne disease in Australia. It is vitally important to make appropriate projections on the future spread of RRV under various climate change scenarios because such information is essential for policy-makers to identify vulnerable communities and to better manage RRV epidemics. However, there are many methodological challenges in projecting the impact of climate change on the transmission of RRV disease. This study critically examined the methodological issues and proposed possible solutions. A literature search was conducted between January and October 2012, using the electronic databases Medline, Web of Science and PubMed. Nineteen relevant papers were identified. These studies demonstrate that key challenges for projecting future climate change on RRV disease include: (1) a complex ecology (e.g. many mosquito vectors, immunity, heterogeneous in both time and space); (2) unclear interactions between social and environmental factors; and (3) uncertainty in climate change modelling and socioeconomic development scenarios. Future risk assessments of climate change will ultimately need to better understand the ecology of RRV disease and to integrate climate change scenarios with local socioeconomic and environmental factors, in order to develop effective adaptation strategies to prevent or reduce RRV transmission.
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Selvey LA, Dailey L, Lindsay M, Armstrong P, Tobin S, Koehler AP, Markey PG, Smith DW. The changing epidemiology of Murray Valley encephalitis in Australia: the 2011 outbreak and a review of the literature. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2656. [PMID: 24466360 PMCID: PMC3900403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) is the most serious of the endemic arboviruses in Australia. It was responsible for six known large outbreaks of encephalitis in south-eastern Australia in the 1900s, with the last comprising 58 cases in 1974. Since then MVEV clinical cases have been largely confined to the western and central parts of northern Australia. In 2011, high-level MVEV activity occurred in south-eastern Australia for the first time since 1974, accompanied by unusually heavy seasonal MVEV activity in northern Australia. This resulted in 17 confirmed cases of MVEV disease across Australia. Record wet season rainfall was recorded in many areas of Australia in the summer and autumn of 2011. This was associated with significant flooding and increased numbers of the mosquito vector and subsequent MVEV activity. This paper documents the outbreak and adds to our knowledge about disease outcomes, epidemiology of disease and the link between the MVEV activity and environmental factors. Clinical and demographic information from the 17 reported cases was obtained. Cases or family members were interviewed about their activities and location during the incubation period. In contrast to outbreaks prior to 2000, the majority of cases were non-Aboriginal adults, and almost half (40%) of the cases acquired MVEV outside their area of residence. All but two cases occurred in areas of known MVEV activity. This outbreak continues to reflect a change in the demographic pattern of human cases of encephalitic MVEV over the last 20 years. In northern Australia, this is associated with the increasing numbers of non-Aboriginal workers and tourists living and travelling in endemic and epidemic areas, and also identifies an association with activities that lead to high mosquito exposure. This outbreak demonstrates that there is an ongoing risk of MVEV encephalitis to the heavily populated areas of south-eastern Australia. An outbreak of Murray Valley encephalitis with 17 confirmed cases occurred across Australia in 2011. This outbreak involved parts of Australia where cases had not occurred for many decades. The epidemiology in this outbreak reflects a change that has occurred over the past 15 years, with more non-Aboriginal cases, fewer children and more cases that were not resident where they acquired the infection than had been observed prior to 2000. The outbreak was associated with significant flooding in many parts of Australia and most cases reported either outdoor activities where mosquito exposure was highly likely or significant mosquito exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A. Selvey
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Lynne Dailey
- Independent consultant, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Lindsay
- Environmental Health Directorate, WA Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Armstrong
- Communicable Disease Control Directorate, WA Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Tobin
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Health Protection NSW, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ann P. Koehler
- Communicable Disease Control Branch, SA Department for Health and Ageing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter G. Markey
- Centre for Disease Control, Department of Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - David W. Smith
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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