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Sarvari J, Hosseini SY, Mosayebi F, Ardekani MT, Joharinia N, Arefinia N, Azad-Manjiri S, Fazlalipour M, Pouriayevali MH, Salehi-Vaziri M. The seroepidemiology and risk factors of West Nile virus infection in blood donors of Fars province, southwest of Iran. Future Virol 2021. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2020-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the frequency of West Nile virus (WNV) in blood donors of the blood transfusion center of Fars province, Iran. Materials & methods: A total of 337 participants referred for blood donation to Fars blood centers were included. The presence of anti-WNV antibodies was analyzed using the WNV IgG ELISA kit. Results: Out of all participants, 76 (22.6%) were positive for anti-WNV IgG antibodies. Our results also showed that the frequency of WNV was associated with the age, educational level, job and city of residency of participants (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated the high frequency of WNV seropositivity among blood donors in southwest Iran. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to establish an integrated surveillance system for monitoring WNV infection in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Sarvari
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 1316943551, Iran
- Shiraz Blood Transfusion Organization, Shiraz, 7193734881, Iran
| | - Seyed Y Hosseini
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Faezeh Mosayebi
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Masoud T Ardekani
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7134845794, Iran
| | - Negar Joharinia
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Nasir Arefinia
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Sanam Azad-Manjiri
- Department of Arboviruses & Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Mehdi Fazlalipour
- Department of Arboviruses & Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Pouriayevali
- Department of Arboviruses & Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
| | - Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri
- Department of Arboviruses & Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
- Research Center for Emerging & Reemerging Infectious Disease, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
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Lustig Y, Kaufman Z, Mendelson E, Orshan L, Anis E, Glazer Y, Cohen D, Shohat T, Bassal R. Spatial distribution of West Nile virus in humans and mosquitoes in Israel, 2000-2014. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 64:20-26. [PMID: 28882664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Israel has a long history of West Nile virus (WNV) morbidity, and the rate of detection of WNV in mosquitoes has been high since 2000. The aim of this study was to integrate several WNV datasets in order to gain an insight into the geographical distribution of WNV in Israel. METHODS Three choropleth maps were generated showing WNV human morbidity, WNV prevalence in mosquitoes, and the results of a nationwide serological survey, based on the division of Israel into 15 sub-districts. RESULTS The maps show a high endemicity of WNV in Israel. In respect to the morbidity map, the population residing in the central part of the country and in Arava Region is at higher risk of developing the disease than the population of the rest of Israel. Interestingly, high prevalence rates of both WNV serology and WNV-infected mosquitoes were detected in Arava Region, but lower prevalence rates were detected in most areas of the coastal region, suggesting that other factors might also be important in the development of symptomatic WNV infections. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the high prevalence of WNV in Israel and point to specific risk areas for WNV infections across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Zalman Kaufman
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Emilia Anis
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Glazer
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamy Shohat
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ravit Bassal
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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3
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Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is endemic in Israel, affecting yearly 40-160 individuals. Israel is located on a central migratory path between Africa and Eurasia and most West Nile Fever (WNF) cases reported in recent years were among residents of the coastal plain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of WNV among the Israeli population and to assess correlates for WNV infection. A cross-sectional nationwide serologic survey was conducted using 3,145 serum samples collected by the national Israeli serum bank during 2011-2014, representing all age and population groups in Israel. Prevalence rates of WNV IgG antibodies were determined. Logistic regressions models were applied to assess the associations between demographic characteristics and WNV seropositivity. 350 samples were positive to WNV (11.1%; 95%CI: 10.0-12.3%). In the multivariable analysis, there was a significant association between seropositivity and the Arab population group vs. Jews and others (OR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.37-2.52), the time lived in Israel [50-59 years vs. 0-9 years; OR = 10.80 (95%CI: 1.03-113.46) and ≥60 years vs. 0-9 years; OR = 14.00 (1.32-148.31)] residence area] Coastal Plain, Inland Plain (Shfela) and Great Rift Valley vs. Upper Galilee; OR = 2.24 (95%CI: 1.37-3.65), OR = 2.18 (95%CI: 1.18-4.03), OR = 1.90 (95%CI: 1.10-3.30), respectively [and rural vs. urban settlement (OR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.26-2.16). People, who reside in the Coastal Plain, Inland Plain and Great Rift Valley, should be aware of the risk of contracting WNV and reduce exposure to mosquito bites, using insect repellents, and wearing protective clothing. The Ministry of Environmental Protection should be active in reducing the mosquito population by eliminating sources of standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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Hadjichristodoulou C, Pournaras S, Mavrouli M, Marka A, Tserkezou P, Baka A, Billinis C, Katsioulis A, Psaroulaki A, Papa A, Papadopoulos N, Mamuris Z, Tsakris A, Kremastinou J. West Nile Virus Seroprevalence in the Greek Population in 2013: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143803. [PMID: 26605539 PMCID: PMC4659653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) disease were recorded for three consecutive years in Greece following the year 2010 outbreak. A cross-sectional serologic survey was conducted to estimate the WNV seroprevalence and assess the ratio of infection to neuroinvasive disease. A stratified left-over sampling methodology was used including age and residence strata. A total of 3,962 serum samples was collected and tested for WNV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies by Enzyme–Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). All positive samples were further tested by Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) and WNV Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. WNV IgG antibodies were detected in 82 samples and 61 were also positive in PRNT representing a weighted seroprevalence of 2.1% (95% C.I.: 1.7–2.6) and 1.5% (95% C.I.: 1.2–2.0), respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that seroprevalence was associated with age and residence. The overall ratio of neuroinvasive disease to infected persons was estimated at 1:376 (95% C.I.: 1:421–1:338), while the elderly people had the highest ratio. This nationwide study provided valuable data regarding the epidemiology of WNV in Greece based on the fact that elderly people have higher risk of being both infected and having severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Mavrouli
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andriani Marka
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Persefoni Tserkezou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Agoritsa Baka
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (KEELPNO), Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Antonios Katsioulis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anna Psaroulaki
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geogrphical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Anna Papa
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Zissis Mamuris
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Jenny Kremastinou
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (KEELPNO), Athens, Greece
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Aharonson-Raz K, Lichter-Peled A, Tal S, Gelman B, Cohen D, Klement E, Steinman A. Spatial and temporal distribution of West Nile virus in horses in Israel (1997-2013)--from endemic to epidemics. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113149. [PMID: 25402217 PMCID: PMC4234662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid global spread of West Nile virus (WNV) and the endemic state it has acquired in new geographical areas, we hereby bring a thorough serological investigation of WNV in horses in a longstanding endemic region, such as Israel. This study evaluates the environmental and demographic risk factors for WNV infection in horses and suggests possible factors associated with the transition from endemic to epidemic state. West Nile virus seroprevalence in horses in Israel was determined throughout a period of more than a decade, before (1997) and after (2002 and 2013) the massive West Nile fever outbreak in humans and horses in 2000. An increase in seroprevalence was observed, from 39% (113/290) in 1997 to 66.1% (547/827) in 2002 and 85.5% (153/179) in 2013, with persistent significantly higher seroprevalence in horses situated along the Great Rift Valley (GRV) area, the major birds' migration route in Israel. Demographic risk factors included age and breed of the horse. Significantly lower spring precipitation was observed during years with increased human incidence rate that occurred between 1997–2007. Hence, we suggest referring to Israel as two WNV distinct epidemiological regions; an endemic region along the birds' migration route (GRV) and the rest of the country which perhaps suffers from cyclic epidemics. In addition, weather conditions, such as periods of spring drought, might be associated with the transition from endemic state to epidemic state of WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Aharonson-Raz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Anat Lichter-Peled
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Shlomit Tal
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 39040, Israel
| | - Boris Gelman
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Daniel Cohen
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 39040, Israel
| | - Eyal Klement
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Ladbury GAF, Gavana M, Danis K, Papa A, Papamichail D, Mourelatos S, Gewehr S, Theocharopoulos G, Bonovas S, Benos A, Panagiotopoulos T. Population seroprevalence study after a West Nile virus lineage 2 epidemic, Greece, 2010. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80432. [PMID: 24260390 PMCID: PMC3832368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction During summer 2010, 262 human cases including 35 deaths from West Nile virus (WNV) infection were reported from Central Macedonia, Greece. Evidence from mosquitoes, birds and blood donors demonstrated that the epidemic was caused by WNV lineage 2, which until recently was considered of low virulence. We conducted a household seroprevalence study to estimate the spread of infection in the population during the epidemic, ascertain the relationship of infection to clinical disease, and identify risk factors for infection. Methods We used a two-stage cluster design to select a random sample of residents aged ≥18 years in the outbreak epicentre. We collected demographic, medical, and risk factor data using standard questionnaires and environmental checklists, and tested serum samples for presence of WNV IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. Results Overall, 723 individuals participated in the study, and 644 blood samples were available. Weighted seropositivity for IgG antibodies was 5.8% (95% CI: 3.8–8.6; n=41). We estimated that about 1 in 130 (1:141 to 1:124) infected individuals developed WNV neuroinvasive disease, and approximately 18% had clinical manifestations attributable to their infection. Risk factors for infection reflected high exposure to mosquitoes; rural residents were particularly at risk (prevalence ratio: 8.2, 95% CI: 1.1–58.7). Discussion This study adds to the evidence that WNV lineage 2 strains can cause significant illness, demonstrating ratios of infection to clinical disease similar to those found previously for WNV lineage 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A. F. Ladbury
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Magda Gavana
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostas Danis
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO), Athens, Greece
- National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Papa
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Stefanos Bonovas
- Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO), Athens, Greece
| | - Alexis Benos
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Anis E, Grotto I, Mendelson E, Bin H, Orshan L, Gandacu D, Warshavsky B, Shinar E, Slater PE, Lev B. West Nile fever in Israel: the reemergence of an endemic disease. J Infect 2013; 68:170-5. [PMID: 24183889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a crossroads for bird migration between Africa and Eurasia and with its long history of human infection, Israel has been a major focus of attention during the continuing global spread of West Nile fever (WNF). This article reviews the background and reemergence of WNF in Israel; the recent epidemiology of WNF among Israelis; and the disease-control strategies being used to combat the disease. METHODS Employing the comprehensive base of case data that are reported to the Ministry of Health, an epidemiological record was constructed that details the incidence and distribution of WNF cases in Israel in recent years. RESULTS After decades of small, intermittent outbreaks, nearly 1400 cases of WNF were reported in Israel between 2000 and 2012. Incidence was consistently highest in the coastal cities, among elderly patients, and in the late summer months and early autumn. A broad range of control measures to prevent human infection has been implemented, and attention has been given to issues such as the protection of the national blood bank and the occurrence of long-term sequelae. CONCLUSIONS The reemergence of WNF in Israel is likely the result of a combination of factors including past immunity to the virus among the human population, a marked increase in awareness of WNF among physicians, and more frequent requests for the laboratory testing of suspected cases. In the absence of effective vaccine to protect humans from WNF, the best disease-control strategies include intensive vector-control measures, the continued development of techniques to forecast outbreaks, and effective public education programs that are targeted toward the high-risk elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Anis
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Central Virology Laboratory, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Hanna Bin
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Central Virology Laboratory, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Laboratory of Entomology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Paul E Slater
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Boaz Lev
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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Gangwar RS, Shil P, Sapkal GN, Khan SA, Gore MM. Induction of virus-specific neutralizing immune response against West Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses by chimeric peptides representing T-helper and B-cell epitopes. Virus Res 2012; 163:40-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Beasley DWC. Vaccines and immunotherapeutics for the prevention and treatment of infections with West Nile virus. Immunotherapy 2011; 3:269-85. [PMID: 21322763 DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) in North America in 1999 as a cause of severe neurological disease in humans, horses and birds stimulated development of vaccines for human and veterinary use, as well as polyclonal/monoclonal antibodies and other immunomodulating compounds for use as therapeutics. Although disease incidence in North America has declined since the peak epidemics in 2002-2003, the virus has continued to be annually transmitted in the Americas and to cause periodic epidemics in Europe and the Middle East. Continued transmission of the virus with human and animal disease suggests that vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of WNV disease could be of great benefit. This article focuses on progress in development and evaluation of vaccines and immunotherapeutics for the prevention and treatment of WNV disease in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W C Beasley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, & Galveston National Laboratory, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA.
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Gershoni-Yahalom O, Landes S, Kleiman-Shoval S, Ben-Nathan D, Kam M, Lachmi BE, Khinich Y, Simanov M, Samina I, Eitan A, Cohen IR, Rager-Zisman B, Porgador A. Chimeric vaccine composed of viral peptide and mammalian heat-shock protein 60 peptide protects against West Nile virus challenge. Immunology 2010; 130:527-35. [PMID: 20331473 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2010.03251.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The protective efficacy and immunogenicity of a chimeric peptide against West Nile virus (WNV) was evaluated. This virus is the aetiological agent of West Nile fever, which has recently emerged in the western hemisphere. The rapid spread of WNV throughout North America, as well as the constantly changing epidemiology and transmission of the virus by blood transfusion and transplantation, have raised major public-health concerns. Currently, there are no effective treatments for WNV or vaccine for human use. We previously identified a novel, continuous B-cell epitope from domain III of the WNV envelope protein, termed Ep15. To test whether this epitope can protect against WNV infection, we synthesized a linear chimeric peptide composed of Ep15 and the heat-shock protein 60 peptide, p458. The p458 peptide is an effective carrier peptide for subunit vaccines against other infectious agents. We now report that mice immunized with the chimeric peptide, p458-Ep15, were resistant to lethal challenges with three different WNV strains. Moreover, their brains were free of viral genome and infectious virus. Mice immunized with Ep15 alone or with p431-Ep15, a control conjugate, were not protected. The chimeric p458-Ep15 peptide induced WNV-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies that neutralized the virus and induced the secretion of interferon-gammain vitro. Challenge of chimeric peptide-immunized mice considerably enhanced WNV-specific neutralizing antibodies. We conclude that this chimeric peptide can be used for formulation of a human vaccine against WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Gershoni-Yahalom
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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