1
|
Xie Q, Zhu C, Ai L, Nie D, Wu Y, Wang C, He J, Tan W, Zhang L. Epidemiology and Genomic characteristics of arenavirus in rodents from the southeast coast of P.R. China. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:253. [PMID: 38031051 PMCID: PMC10685642 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03798-8] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wenzhou virus (WENV), a member of the Mammarenavirus genus in the Arenaviridae family, has been detected in wild rodents from eight provinces in China, including Zhejiang, Shandong, Hainan, Xinjiang, Hunan, Guangdong, Yunnan, and Jiangxi provinces, and some countries from Southeast Asia. The IgG-antibodies of WENV have been detected in both healthy populations and patients with unknown fever and respiratory symptoms. However, the potential harmfulness of WENV to humans has been underestimated due to mild symptoms after infection, similar to respiratory diseases. Thus, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance of WENV in wild rodents, particularly Rattus norvegicus, and continuously monitor its prevalence. RESULTS From 2017 to 2021, a total of 390 wild rodents were collected from six provinces in the eastern and southern coastal areas, containing nine species of rats. Samples of each tissue were collected, and PCR amplified for identification. Four R. norvegicus samples were detected to be WENV-positive. No genomic sequence of WENV was detected in Rattus flavipectus, Rattus losea, Suncus murinus, Apodemus agrarius, Mus musculus, Microtus fortis, Micromys minutus, and Niviventer niviventer from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. Three genomic sequences were identified to be WENV by phylogenetic analysis. The full-length sequences of HAIKOU-40 were amplified in R. norvegicus from Hainan, which showed a close relationship to Wufeng/ WFS, sharing 84.5-89.4% homology at the nucleotide level and 91.6-98.9% homology at the amino acid level. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HAIKOU-40 formed an Asia-specific cluster with all WENVs and Loie River mammarenavirus (LORV), provisionally named Asian ancestry. This cluster has diverged earlier from the remaining mammarenavirus. The sequences obtained in Xiamen, Fujian province showed more than 90% nucleotide identities with WENV, which may be a strain of WENV. Additionally, the sequence of Wuxi-87 which was a positive sequence detected in Wuxi, Jiangsu province exhibited 83% nucleotide identity with Lassa virus (LASV). Further efforts will be made to isolate and identify this virus strain, verify the relationship between Wuxi-87 and LASV, and confirm whether R. norvegicus is a new host of LASV. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we conducted a systematic examination of the prevalence of WENV among rodents on the southeast coast of China. Additionally, we characterized the genome of a newly discovered WENV strain, that confirmed the role of R. norvegicus in the transmission of WENV. This highlights the importance of investigating the prevalence of WENV in both wild rodents and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Changqiang Zhu
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Lele Ai
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Danyue Nie
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Chongcai Wang
- Hainan International Travel Healthcare Center, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Ji He
- Xiamen International Travel Healthcare Center, (Xiamen Customs Port Outpatient Department), Xiamen, Fujian, 361012, China.
| | - Weilong Tan
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Lingling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shi X, Liu X, Sun Y. The Pathogenesis of Cytomegalovirus and Other Viruses Associated with Hearing Loss: Recent Updates. Viruses 2023; 15:1385. [PMID: 37376684 DOI: 10.3390/v15061385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus infection is one of the most common etiologies of hearing loss. Hearing loss associated with viral infection can be unilateral or bilateral, mild or severe, sudden or progressive, and permanent or recoverable. Many viruses cause hearing loss in adults and children; however, the pathogenesis of hearing loss caused by viral infection is not fully understood. This review describes cytomegalovirus, the most common virus causing hearing loss, and other reported hearing loss-related viruses. We hope to provide a detailed description of pathogenic characteristics and research progress on pathology, hearing phenotypes, possible associated mechanisms, treatment, and prevention measures. This review aims to provide diagnostic and treatment assistance to clinical workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaozhou Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan 430022, China
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aloke C, Obasi NA, Aja PM, Emelike CU, Egwu CO, Jeje O, Edeogu CO, Onisuru OO, Orji OU, Achilonu I. Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Viruses 2023; 15:146. [PMID: 36680186 PMCID: PMC9864412 DOI: 10.3390/v15010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne disease that threatens human health in the sub-region of West Africa where the zoonotic host of Lassa virus (LASV) is predominant. Currently, treatment options for LF are limited and since no preventive vaccine is approved for its infectivity, there is a high mortality rate in endemic areas. This narrative review explores the transmission, pathogenicity of LASV, advances, and challenges of different treatment options. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity among the different strains of LASV and their ability to circumvent the immune system poses a critical challenge to the development of LASV vaccines/therapeutics. Thus, understanding the biochemistry, physiology and genetic polymorphism of LASV, mechanism of evading host immunity are essential for development of effective LASV vaccines/therapeutics to combat this lethal viral disease. The LASV nucleoprotein (NP) is a novel target for therapeutics as it functions significantly in several aspects of the viral life cycle. Consequently, LASV NP inhibitors could be employed as effective therapeutics as they will potentially inhibit LASV replication. Effective preventive control measures, vaccine development, target validation, and repurposing of existing drugs, such as ribavirin, using activity or in silico-based and computational bioinformatics, would aid in the development of novel drugs for LF management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere Aloke
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Nwogo Ajuka Obasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Bushenyi, Ishaka P.O. Box 71, Uganda
| | - Chinedum Uche Emelike
- Department of Physiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olamide Jeje
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Chuks Oswald Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan Olugbenga Onisuru
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Obasi Uche Orji
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pseudotyped Viruses for Mammarenavirus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1407:279-297. [PMID: 36920703 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-0113-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Mammarenaviruses are classified into New World arenaviruses (NW) and Old World arenaviruses (OW). The OW arenaviruses include the first discovered mammarenavirus-lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and the highly lethal Lassa virus (LASV). Mammarenaviruses are transmitted to human by rodents, resulting in severe acute infections and hemorrhagic fever. Pseudotyped viruses have been widely used as a tool in the study of mammarenaviruses. HIV-1, SIV, FIV-based lentiviral vectors, VSV-based vectors, MLV-based vectors, and reverse genetic approaches have been applied in the construction of pseudotyped mammarenaviruses. Pseudotyped mammarenaviruses are commonly used in receptor research, neutralizing antibody detection, inhibitor screening, viral virulence studies, functional analysis of N-linked glycans, and studies of viral infection, endocytosis, and fusion mechanisms.
Collapse
|
5
|
Shieh WJ, Demby A, Jones T, Goldsmith CS, Rollin PE, Ksiazek TG, Peters CJ, Zaki SR. Pathology and Pathogenesis of Lassa Fever: Novel Immunohistochemical Findings in Fatal Cases and Clinico-pathologic Correlation. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1821-1830. [PMID: 34463715 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lassa fever is a zoonotic, acute viral illness first identified in Nigeria in 1969. An estimate shows that the "at risk" seronegative population (in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria) may be as high as 59 million, with an annual incidence of all illnesses of three million, and fatalities up to 67,000, demonstrating the serious impact of the disease on the region and global health. METHODS Histopathologic evaluation, immunohistochemical assay, and electron microscopic examination were performed on postmortem tissue samples from 12 confirmed Lassa fever cases. RESULTS Lassa fever virus antigens and viral particles were observed in multiple organ systems and cells, including cells in the mononuclear phagocytic system and other specialized cells where it had not been described previously. CONCLUSIONS The immunolocalization of Lassa fever virus antigens in fatal cases provides novel insightful information with clinical and pathogenetic implications. The extensive involvement of the mononuclear phagocytic system, including tissue macrophages and endothelial cells suggests participation of inflammatory mediators from this lineage with the resulting vascular dilatation and increasing permeability. Other findings indicate the pathogenesis of LF is multifactorial and additional studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wun-Ju Shieh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Austin Demby
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone.,All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tara Jones
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogen and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cynthia S Goldsmith
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogen and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Pierre E Rollin
- All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Thomas G Ksiazek
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Immunology, Galveston National Laboratory University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.,All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Clarence J Peters
- All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sherif R Zaki
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogen and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kolawole D, Raji H, Okeke MI. Phylogenetic and Mutational Analysis of Lassa Virus Strains Isolated in Nigeria: Proposal for an In Silico Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e23015. [PMID: 33769296 PMCID: PMC8088840 DOI: 10.2196/23015] [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: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2018, the total number of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria was significantly higher than that observed in previous years. Hence, studies had attempted to determine the underlying cause. However, reports using phylogenetic methods to analyze this finding ruled out the emergence of potentially more transmissible Lassa virus strains or an increase in human-to-human viral transmission as the cause underlying the increase in cases. Two years later, the situation seems even worse as the number of confirmed cases has reached an all-time high according to situational reports released by the Nigerian Center for Disease Control. Objective Considering the increasing trend of Lassa fever cases and related mortality, the major objective of this study is to map mutations within the genomes of Lassa virus isolates from 2018 and 2019 using the reference sequence available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information as a benchmark and compare them to the genomes of viruses isolated during 1969-2017. This study would also attempt to identify a viral marker gene for easier identification and grouping. Finally, the time-scaled evolution of Lassa virus in Nigeria will be reconstructed. Methods After collecting the sequence data of Lassa virus isolates, Bayesian phylogenetic trees, a sequence identity matrix, and a single nucleotide polymorphism matrix will be generated using BEAST (version 2.6.2), Base-By-Base, and DIVEIN (a web-based tool for variant calling), respectively. Results Mining and alignment of Lassa virus genome sequences have been completed, while mutational analysis and the reconstruction of time-scaled maximum clade credibility trees, congruence tests for inferred segments, and gene phylogeny analysis are ongoing. Conclusions The findings of this study would further the current knowledge of the evolutionary history of the Lassa virus in Nigeria and would document the mutations in Nigerian isolates from 1969 to 2019. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/23015
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kolawole
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Nigeria
| | - Hayatu Raji
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Nigeria
| | - Malachy Ifeanyi Okeke
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Meganck RM, Baric RS. Developing therapeutic approaches for twenty-first-century emerging infectious viral diseases. Nat Med 2021; 27:401-410. [PMID: 33723456 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The twenty-first century has already recorded more than ten major epidemic or pandemic virus emergence events, including the ongoing and devastating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As viral disease emergence is expected to accelerate, these data dictate a need for proactive approaches to develop broadly active family-specific and cross-family therapeutics for use in future disease outbreaks. Emphasis should focus not only on the development of broad-spectrum small-molecule and antibody direct-acting antivirals, but also on host-factor therapeutics, including repurposing previously approved or in-pipeline drugs. Another new class of therapeutics with great antiviral therapeutic potential is RNA-based therapeutics. Rather than only focusing on known risks, dedicated efforts must be made toward pre-emptive research focused on outbreak-prone virus families, ultimately offering a strategy to shorten the gap between outbreak and response. Emphasis should also focus on orally available drugs for outpatient use, if possible, and on identifying combination therapies that combat viral and immune-mediated pathologies, extend the effectiveness of therapeutic windows and reduce drug resistance. While such an undertaking will require new vision, dedicated funding and private, federal and academic partnerships, this approach offers hope that global populations need never experience future pandemics such as COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita M Meganck
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Overbosch F, de Boer M, Veldkamp KE, Ellerbroek P, Bleeker-Rovers CP, Goorhuis B, van Vugt M, van der Eijk A, Leenstra T, Khargi M, Ros J, Brandwagt D, Haverkate M, Swaan C, Reusken C, Timen A, Koopmans M, van Dissel J. Public health response to two imported, epidemiologically related cases of Lassa fever in the Netherlands (ex Sierra Leone), November 2019. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 25. [PMID: 32317052 PMCID: PMC7175652 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.15.2000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
On 20 November 2019, Lassa fever was diagnosed in a physician repatriated from Sierra Leone to the Netherlands. A second physician with suspected Lassa fever, repatriated a few days later from the same healthcare facility, was confirmed infected with Lassa virus on 21 November. Comprehensive contact monitoring involving high- and low-risk contacts proved to be feasible and follow-up of the contacts did not reveal any case of secondary transmission in the Netherlands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Femke Overbosch
- Stichting BeroepsOpleiding Huisartsen (SBOH), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark de Boer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Karin Ellen Veldkamp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pauline Ellerbroek
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Chantal P Bleeker-Rovers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Goorhuis
- Centre of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michele van Vugt
- Centre of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annemiek van der Eijk
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tjalling Leenstra
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Khargi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Hollands Midden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanette Ros
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Kennemerland, Haarlem, the Netherlands
| | - Diederik Brandwagt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service region Utrecht, Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Manon Haverkate
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Communicable Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Corien Swaan
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Communicable Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Chantal Reusken
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Communicable Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aura Timen
- Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Communicable Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marion Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Dissel
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Communicable Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | -
- The members of the Lassa fever response team of the Netherlands have been listed at the end of this article
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fernandes J, Miranda RL, de Lemos ERS, Guterres A. MicroRNAs and Mammarenaviruses: Modulating Cellular Metabolism. Cells 2020; 9:E2525. [PMID: 33238430 PMCID: PMC7709035 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammarenaviruses are a diverse genus of emerging viruses that include several causative agents of severe viral hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality in humans. Although these viruses share many similarities, important differences with regard to pathogenicity, type of immune response, and molecular mechanisms during virus infection are different between and within New World and Old World viral infections. Viruses rely exclusively on the host cellular machinery to translate their genome, and therefore to replicate and propagate. miRNAs are the crucial factor in diverse biological processes such as antiviral defense, oncogenesis, and cell development. The viral infection can exert a profound impact on the cellular miRNA expression profile, and numerous RNA viruses have been reported to interact directly with cellular miRNAs and/or to use these miRNAs to augment their replication potential. Our present study indicates that mammarenavirus infection induces metabolic reprogramming of host cells, probably manipulating cellular microRNAs. A number of metabolic pathways, including valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, d-Glutamine and d-glutamate metabolism, thiamine metabolism, and pools of several amino acids were impacted by the predicted miRNAs that would no longer regulate these pathways. A deeper understanding of mechanisms by which mammarenaviruses handle these signaling pathways is critical for understanding the virus/host interactions and potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets, through the inhibition of specific pathologic metabolic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorlan Fernandes
- Hantaviruses and Rickettsiosis Laboratory, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Renan Lyra Miranda
- Neurochemistry Interactions Laboratory, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24020-150, Brazil;
| | - Elba Regina Sampaio de Lemos
- Hantaviruses and Rickettsiosis Laboratory, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Alexandro Guterres
- Hantaviruses and Rickettsiosis Laboratory, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Samuels RJ, Moon TD, Starnes JR, Alhasan F, Gbakie M, Goba A, Koroma V, Momoh M, Sandi JD, Garry RF, Engel EJ, Shaffer JG, Schieffelin JS, Grant DS. Lassa Fever among Children in Eastern Province, Sierra Leone: A 7-year Retrospective Analysis (2012-2018). Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 104:585-592. [PMID: 33241780 PMCID: PMC7866338 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric Lassa fever (LF) usually presents as a nonspecific febrile illness, similar to other endemic diseases in countries like Sierra Leone, where LF is considered to be hyperendemic. The nonspecificity of presentation and lack of research have made it difficult to fully understand best practices for pediatric management. We aim to describe clinical characteristics of hospitalized pediatric patients suspected or diagnosed with LF and assess factors associated with hospital outcomes among those with LF antigen-positive results. We conducted a 7-year retrospective cohort study using routine data for all children younger than 18 years admitted at the Kenema Government Hospital's LF ward. A total of 292 children with suspected or confirmed LF were analyzed. Overall, mortality was high (21%). Children with antigen-positive results had a high case fatality rate of 63% (P < 0.01). In univariate analyses, children who presented with unexplained bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.08-11.86; P = 0.040) and confusion (altered sensorium) (OR: 5.37; 95% CI: 1.34-21.48; P = 0.020) had increased odds of death. Abnormal serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.001), creatinine (P = 0.004), and potassium (P = 0.003) were associated with increased likelihood of death in these children. Treatment with ribavirin was not significantly associated with survival (P = 0.916). Our findings provide insights into current pediatric LF clinical presentation and management. More evidence-based, high-quality research in creating predictive algorithms of antigen-positivity and hospital outcomes is needed in the management of pediatric LF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Samuels
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone.,Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Troy D Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Joseph R Starnes
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Foday Alhasan
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Michael Gbakie
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Augustine Goba
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Veronica Koroma
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Mambu Momoh
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - John Demby Sandi
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert F Garry
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Emily J Engel
- Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Sections of Pediatric and Adult Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Jeffrey G Shaffer
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - John S Schieffelin
- Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Sections of Pediatric and Adult Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Donald S Grant
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.,Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asogun DA, Günther S, Akpede GO, Ihekweazu C, Zumla A. Lassa Fever: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Management and Prevention. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2020; 33:933-951. [PMID: 31668199 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Lassa fever outbreaks West Africa have caused up to 10,000 deaths annually. Primary infection occurs from contact with Lassa virus-infected rodents and exposure to their excreta, blood, or meat. Incubation takes 2 to 21 days. Symptoms are difficult to distinguish from malaria, typhoid, dengue, yellow fever, and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic, to mild, to severe fulminant disease. Ribavirin can improve outcomes. Overall mortality is between 1% and 15%. Lassa fever should be considered in the differential diagnosis with travel to West Africa. There is an urgent need for rapid field-friendly diagnostics and preventive vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danny A Asogun
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Department of Public Health, Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, P.M.B 008, Kilometre 87, Benin City-Auchi Road, Irrua, Nigeria.
| | - Stephan Günther
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Strab 74, Hamburg 20359, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - George O Akpede
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - Chikwe Ihekweazu
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Plot 801, Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Center for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, Royal Free Campus 2nd Floor, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|