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Simonin Y. Circulation of West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Europe: Overview and Challenges. Viruses 2024; 16:599. [PMID: 38675940 PMCID: PMC11055060 DOI: 10.3390/v16040599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) and Usutu Virus (USUV) are both neurotropic mosquito-borne viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family. These closely related viruses mainly follow an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes as vectors and birds as amplifying hosts, but humans and other mammals can also be infected through mosquito bites. WNV was first identified in Uganda in 1937 and has since spread globally, notably in Europe, causing periodic outbreaks associated with severe cases of neuroinvasive diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis. USUV was initially isolated in 1959 in Swaziland and has also spread to Europe, primarily affecting birds and having a limited impact on human health. There has been a recent expansion of these viruses' geographic range in Europe, facilitated by factors such as climate change, leading to increased human exposure. While sharing similar biological traits, ecology, and epidemiology, there are significant distinctions in their pathogenicity and their impact on both human and animal health. While WNV has been more extensively studied and is a significant public health concern in many regions, USUV has recently been gaining attention due to its emergence in Europe and the diversity of its circulating lineages. Understanding the pathophysiology, ecology, and transmission dynamics of these viruses is important to the implementation of effective surveillance and control measures. This perspective provides a brief overview of the current situation of these two viruses in Europe and outlines the significant challenges that need to be addressed in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France
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2
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Blanquer A, Rivas F, Gérardy M, Sarlet M, Moula N, Ziegler U, Groschup MH, Desmecht D, Marichal T, Garigliany M. Evaluation of Non-Vector Transmission of Usutu Virus in Domestic Canaries ( Serinus canaria). Viruses 2024; 16:79. [PMID: 38257779 PMCID: PMC10819963 DOI: 10.3390/v16010079] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a flavivirus transmitted to avian species through mosquito bites that causes mass mortalities in wild and captive bird populations. However, several cases of positive dead birds have been recorded during the winter, a vector-free period. To explain how USUV "overwinters", the main hypothesis is bird-to-bird transmission, as shown for the closely related West Nile virus. To address this question, we experimentally challenged canaries with intranasal inoculation of USUV, which led to systemic dissemination of the virus, provided the inoculated dose was sufficient (>102 TCID50). We also highlighted the oronasal excretion of infectious viral particles in infected birds. Next, we co-housed infected birds with naive sentinels, to determine whether onward transmission could be reproduced experimentally. We failed to detect such transmission but demonstrated horizontal transmission by transferring sputum from an infected to a naive canary. In addition, we evaluated the cellular tropism of respiratory mucosa to USUV in vitro using a canary tracheal explant and observed only limited evidence of viral replication. Further research is then needed to assess if and how comparable bird-to-bird transmission occurs in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Blanquer
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.B.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (D.D.)
| | - Felipe Rivas
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.B.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (D.D.)
| | - Mazarine Gérardy
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.B.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (D.D.)
| | - Michaël Sarlet
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.B.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (D.D.)
| | - Nassim Moula
- Animal Resources Veterinary Management Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, GIGA Research (AFT), Sart Tilman B23B, B-4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (U.Z.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (U.Z.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Daniel Desmecht
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.B.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (D.D.)
| | - Thomas Marichal
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B42, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Mutien Garigliany
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.B.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (D.D.)
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Musto C, Tamba M, Calzolari M, Rossi A, Grisendi A, Marzani K, Bonilauri P, Delogu M. Detection of West Nile and Usutu Virus RNA in Autumn Season in Wild Avian Hosts in Northern Italy. Viruses 2023; 15:1771. [PMID: 37632113 PMCID: PMC10458002 DOI: 10.3390/v15081771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) viruses are two mosquito-borne viruses belonging to the family Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus. The natural transmission cycle of WNV and USUV involves mosquitoes and birds, while mammals are thought to be accidental hosts. The goal of this study was to report-in the context of "off-season monitoring" and passive surveillance-the detection of WNV and USUV RNA in wild birds. To this end, we analyzed biological samples of wild birds in Northern Italy, from October to May, hence outside of the regional monitoring period (June-September). The virological investigations for the detection of USUV and WNV RNA were performed using real-time PCR on frozen samples of the brain, myocardium, kidney, and spleen. In a total sample of 164 wild birds belonging to 27 different species, sequences of both viruses were detected: four birds (2.44%) were positive for WNV and five (3.05%) for USUV. Off-season infections of WNV and especially USUV are still widely discussed and only a few studies have been published to date. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report on the detection of USUV RNA until December 22nd. Although further studies are required, our results confirm the viral circulation out-of-season of Flavivirus in wild birds, suggesting reconsidering the epidemiological monitoring period based on each individual climate zone and taking into consideration global warming which will play an important role in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Musto
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Marco Tamba
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.T.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.T.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Arianna Rossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.T.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Annalisa Grisendi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.T.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Katia Marzani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.T.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.T.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (K.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Mauro Delogu
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
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Rivas J, Dubois A, Blanquer A, Gérardy M, Ziegler U, Groschup MH, Grobet L, Garigliany MM. Tendon-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (TDSCs) as an In Vitro Model for Virological Studies in Wild Birds. Viruses 2023; 15:1455. [PMID: 37515142 PMCID: PMC10383174 DOI: 10.3390/v15071455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of wild animals in research is complicated due to the capture and housing conditions, as well as to legal aspects, making it difficult to develop in vivo and in vitro models for the study of pathologies that affect these species. Here we validate an in vitro model of tendon-derived mesenchymal cells (TDSC) from Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) cadaveric samples. Through the expression of surface markers and the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, the nature of the cells was confirmed. We then evaluated Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) as an infection model for the Usutu Flavivirus. To this aim, blackbird TDSCs were compared to Vero E6 cells, commonly used in Flavivirus studies. Both cells showed permissiveness to USUV infection as confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Moreover, TDSCs exhibited replication kinetics similar to, although slightly lower than, Vero E6, confirming these cells as a pertinent study model for the study of the pathogenesis of USUV. In this work, we isolated and characterized tendon-derived mesenchymal stem cells, which represent an interesting and convenient in vitro model for the study of wildlife species in laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Rivas
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (J.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Axel Dubois
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Aude Blanquer
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (J.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Mazarine Gérardy
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (J.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (U.Z.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (U.Z.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Luc Grobet
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Mutien-Marie Garigliany
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (J.R.); (A.B.); (M.G.)
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Bergmann F, Schmoock-Wellhausen M, Fast C, Holicki CM, Michel F, Wysocki P, Sadeghi B, Groschup MH, Ziegler U. Longitudinal Study of the Occurrence of Usutu Virus and West Nile Virus Infections in Birds in a Zoological Garden in Northern Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:753. [PMID: 37375443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060753] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are known to cause diseases and mortalities in bird populations. Since 2010/2011, USUV has circulated in Germany and spread nationwide, while WNV was only introduced into East Germany in 2018. The zoological garden investigated is located in Northern Germany, where USUV infections in wild birds have been detected for several years. In this longitudinal study conducted over a four-year period, zoo birds were sampled biannually and screened for molecular and serological evidence of USUV and WNV. USUV genomes were detected in eight of the sampled birds and whole-genome sequences revealed the circulation of USUV lineages Europe 3 and Africa 3. Of the eight birds infected with USUV during the study period, four died after the infection, while four survived without displaying clinical signs. Furthermore, in a few of the birds, a USUV (re-)infection was confirmed on a serological level with three birds producing USUV-neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) over a period of four years. Nonetheless, in two birds sampled throughout this longitudinal study, neither a USUV nor a WNV infection was evident. In 2022, WNV nAbs were detected for the first time in a juvenile zoo bird, indicating the introduction of the virus into this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Bergmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martina Schmoock-Wellhausen
- Wildpark Schwarze Berge GmbH & Co. KG, Am Wildpark 1, 21224 Rosengarten, Germany
- Tiermedizin am Rothenbaum, Rothenbaumchaussee 195, 20149 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Cora M Holicki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Friederike Michel
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Patrick Wysocki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Balal Sadeghi
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Agliani G, Giglia G, de Bruin E, van Mastrigt T, Blom R, Sikkema RS, Kik M, Koopmans MP, Gröne A, Van den Brand JM. The pathology of co-infection with Usutu virus and plasmodium spp. in naturally infected Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula). One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
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Agliani G, Giglia G, Marshall EM, Gröne A, Rockx BH, van den Brand JM. Pathological features of West Nile and Usutu virus natural infections in wild and domestic animals and in humans: A comparative review. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
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8
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Akinsulie OC, Adesola RO, Bakre A, Adebowale OO, Adeleke R, Ogunleye SC, Oladapo IP. Usutu virus: An emerging flavivirus with potential threat to public health in Africa: Nigeria as a case study. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1115501. [PMID: 36875996 PMCID: PMC9980716 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1115501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) of the flaviviridae family (genus Flavivirus) which belong to the Japanese encephalitis virus complex. Culex mosquitoes have been implicated in the transmission of this pathogen. The major susceptible hosts of USUV are migratory birds, thereby potentiating its ability to spread from one region to another globally. Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa with a significant percentage of the gross domestic product relying on the agricultural and animal production industry. This review explores the zoonotic potentials of the virus in Africa, especially Nigeria, with special focus on the devastating sequelae this might lead to in the future if necessary precautionary policies are not enacted and adopted to bolster the surveillance system for mosquito-borne viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adetolase Bakre
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Richard Adeleke
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Seto Charles Ogunleye
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
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Cadar D, Simonin Y. Human Usutu Virus Infections in Europe: A New Risk on Horizon? Viruses 2022; 15:77. [PMID: 36680117 PMCID: PMC9866956 DOI: 10.3390/v15010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV), a neurotropic mosquito-borne flavivirus discovered in 1959 in South Africa, has spread over the last twenty years across the European continent. This virus follows an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. This caused epizootics with significant bird mortality in Europe in 2016 and 2018. It can also occasionally infect humans and other mammals, including horses and bats, which act as incidental or dead-end hosts. The zoonotic risk associated with this succession of avian epizootics in Europe deserves attention, even if, to date, human cases remain exceptional. Human infection is most often asymptomatic or responsible for mild clinical symptoms. However, human Usutu infections have also been associated with neurological disorders, such as encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. One of the major complexities of the study of USUV pathogenesis is the presence of a great diversity of lineages which could co-circulate spatiotemporally. In this review we discuss several aspects of the circulation of Usutu virus in humans in Europe, the neurological disorders associated, involved viral lineages, and the issues and questions raised by their circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France
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Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV, Flaviviridae) is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that has been implicated in neuroinvasive disease in humans and epizootic deaths in wild birds. USUV is maintained in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitoes, primarily Culex spp., and wild birds, predominantly passerine species. However, limited experimental data exist on the species competent for USUV transmission. Here, we demonstrate that house sparrows are susceptible to multiple USUV strains. Our study also revealed that Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes are susceptible to USUV, with a significantly higher infection rate for the Netherlands 2016 USUV strain compared to the Uganda 2012 USUV strain at 50% and 19%, respectively. To assess transmission between avian host and mosquito vector, we allowed mosquitoes to feed on either juvenile chickens or house sparrows inoculated with USUV. Both bird models transmitted USUV to C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Linear regression analyses indicated that C. quinquefasciatus infection rates were positively correlated with avian viremia levels, with 3 to 4 log10 PFU/mL representing the minimum avian viremia threshold for transmission to mosquitoes. Based on the viremia required for transmission, house sparrows were estimated to more readily transmit the Netherlands 2016 strain compared to the Uganda 2012 strain. These studies provide insights on a competent reservoir host of USUV. IMPORTANCE Usutu virus (USUV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus that can cause neuroinvasive disease, including meningitis and encephalitis, in humans and has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths in wild birds. The perpetuation of USUV in nature is dependent on transmission between Culex spp. mosquitoes and various avian species. To date, few experimental data exist for determining which bird species are important for the maintenance of USUV. Our studies showed that house sparrows can transmit infectious Usutu virus, indicating their role as a competent host species. By identifying reservoir species of USUV, we can predict areas of USUV emergence and mitigate its impacts on global human and wildlife health.
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Wald ME, Claus C, Konrath A, Nieper H, Muluneh A, Schmidt V, Vahlenkamp TW, Sieg M. Ivermectin Inhibits the Replication of Usutu Virus In Vitro. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081641. [PMID: 36016263 PMCID: PMC9413757 DOI: 10.3390/v14081641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne arbovirus within the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. Similar to the closely related West Nile virus (WNV), USUV infections are capable of causing mass mortality in wild and captive birds, especially blackbirds. In the last few years, a massive spread of USUV was present in the avian population of Germany and other European countries. To date, no specific antiviral therapies are available. Nine different approved drugs were tested for their antiviral effects on the replication of USUV in vitro in a screening assay. Ivermectin was identified as a potent inhibitor of USUV replication in three cell types from different species, such as simian Vero CCL-81, human A549 and avian TME R. A 2- to 7-log10 reduction of the viral titer in the supernatant was detected at a non-cytotoxic concentration of 5 µM ivermectin dependent on the applied cell line. IC50 values of ivermectin against USUV lineage Africa 3 was found to be 0.55 µM in Vero CCL-81, 1.94 µM in A549 and 1.38 µM in TME-R cells. The antiviral efficacy was comparable between the USUV lineages Africa 2, Africa 3 and Europe 3. These findings show that ivermectin may be a candidate for further experimental and clinical studies addressing the treatment of USUV disease, especially in captive birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabeth Wald
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.E.W.); (T.W.V.)
| | - Claudia Claus
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Andrea Konrath
- Saxon State Laboratory of Health and Veterinary Affairs, 01099 Dresden, Germany; (A.K.); (H.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Hermann Nieper
- Saxon State Laboratory of Health and Veterinary Affairs, 01099 Dresden, Germany; (A.K.); (H.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Aemero Muluneh
- Saxon State Laboratory of Health and Veterinary Affairs, 01099 Dresden, Germany; (A.K.); (H.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Thomas Wilhelm Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.E.W.); (T.W.V.)
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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Combining host and vector data informs emergence and potential impact of an Usutu virus outbreak in UK wild birds. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10298. [PMID: 35717348 PMCID: PMC9206397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13258-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the first detection in the United Kingdom of Usutu virus (USUV) in wild birds in 2020, we undertook a multidisciplinary investigation that combined screening host and vector populations with interrogation of national citizen science monitoring datasets to assess the potential for population impacts on avian hosts. Pathological findings from six USUV-positive wild passerines were non-specific, highlighting the need for molecular and immunohistochemical examinations to confirm infection. Mosquito surveillance at the index site identified USUV RNA in Culex pipiens s.l. following the outbreak. Although the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) is most frequently impacted by USUV in Europe, national syndromic surveillance failed to detect any increase in occurrence of clinical signs consistent with USUV infection in this species. Furthermore, there was no increase in recoveries of dead blackbirds marked by the national ringing scheme. However, there was regional clustering of blackbird disease incident reports centred near the index site in 2020 and a contemporaneous marked reduction in the frequency with which blackbirds were recorded in gardens in this area, consistent with a hypothesis of disease-mediated population decline. Combining results from multidisciplinary schemes, as we have done, in real-time offers a model for the detection and impact assessment of future disease emergence events.
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Graninger M, Hubmer S, Riederer F, Kettner S, Hauk M, Auf T, Aberle JH, Stiasny K, Aberle SW, Camp JV. The first case of Usutu virus neuroinvasive disease in Austria, 2021. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac255. [PMID: 35873290 PMCID: PMC9297159 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus closely related to West Nile virus (WNV) that is endemic in many European countries. We report the first case of USUV neuroinvasive disease in Austria and discuss challenges in differentiating USUV from WNV infections in areas where both viruses are endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Hubmer
- Department of Neurology, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Riederer
- Department of Neurology, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Kettner
- Department for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Hauk
- Department for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tasnim Auf
- Department for Cardiology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith H. Aberle
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jeremy V. Camp
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Musto C, Tamba M, Calzolari M, Torri D, Marzani K, Cerri J, Bonilauri P, Delogu M. Usutu virus in blackbirds (Turdus merula) with clinical signs, a case study from northern Italy. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AbstractUsutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Natural transmission cycle of USUV involves mosquitoes and birds, so humans and other mammals are considered incidental hosts. In this study, USUV infection was diagnosed in all wild blackbirds, collected from July to September 2018 in a wildlife recovery center in the province of Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy. All blackbirds showed neurological clinical signs, such as overturning, pedaling, and incoordination. Moreover, the subjects died shortly after arriving at the hospitalization center. Virological investigations were performed by real-time PCR on frozen samples of the spleen, kidney, myocardium, and brain for the detection of Usutu (USUV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses. The small and large intestine were used as a matrix for the detection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). All 56 subjects with neurological clinical signs were positive for USUV, only one subject (1.8%) tested positive for WNV, and no subject was positive for NDV. The most represented age class was class 1 J (58.9%), followed by class 3 (25.0%), and lastly from class 4 (16.1%). Most of the blackbirds before dying were in good (51.8%) and fair (39.3%) nutritional status, while only five subjects (8.9%) were cachectic. The USUV genomes detected in the blackbirds of this study fall within the sub-clade already called EU2 that has been detected since 2009 in the Emilia-Romagna region. Neurological clinical signs in USUV-affected blackbirds are still widely discussed and there are few works in the literature. Although our results require further studies, we believe them to be useful for understanding the clinical signs of Usutu virus in blackbirds, helping to increase the knowledge of this zoonotic agent in wild species and to understand its effect on the ecosystem. The goal of this study was to report—in the context of the regional passive surveillance program—the detection of USUV RNA in its most important amplifying host, the common blackbird, when showing clinical signs before death.
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15
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West Nile and Usutu Virus Introduction via Migratory Birds: A Retrospective Analysis in Italy. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020416. [PMID: 35216009 PMCID: PMC8880244 DOI: 10.3390/v14020416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The actual contribution of migratory birds in spreading West Nile (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) across Europe and from Africa to old countries is still controversial. In this study, we reported the results of molecular and serological surveys on migrating birds sampled during peaks of spring and autumn migration at 11 Italian sites located along important flyways, from 2012 to 2014. A total of 1335 specimens made of individual or pooled sera, and organs from 275 dead birds were tested for WNV and USUV RNA by real time PCR (RT-PCR). Furthermore, sera were tested by serum neutralization assay for detecting WNV and USUV neutralizing antibodies. Molecular tests detected WNV lineage 2 RNA in a pool made of three Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) sera sampled in autumn, and lineage 1 in kidneys of six trans-Saharan birds sampled in spring. Neutralizing antibodies against WNV and USUV were found in 5.80% (n = 72; 17 bird species) and 0.32% (n = 4; 4 bird species) of the tested sera, respectively. Our results do not exclude the role of migratory birds as potential spreaders of WNV and USUV from Africa and Central Europe to Mediterranean areas and highlight the importance of a more extensive active surveillance of zoonotic viruses.
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16
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Störk T, de le Roi M, Haverkamp AK, Jesse ST, Peters M, Fast C, Gregor KM, Könenkamp L, Steffen I, Ludlow M, Beineke A, Hansmann F, Wohlsein P, Osterhaus ADME, Baumgärtner W. Analysis of avian Usutu virus infections in Germany from 2011 to 2018 with focus on dsRNA detection to demonstrate viral infections. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24191. [PMID: 34921222 PMCID: PMC8683490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03638-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a zoonotic arbovirus causing avian mass mortalities. The first outbreak in North-Western Germany occurred in 2018. This retrospective analysis focused on combining virological and pathological findings in birds and immunohistochemistry. 25 common blackbirds, one great grey owl, and one kingfisher collected from 2011 to 2018 and positive for USUV by qRT-PCR were investigated. Macroscopically, most USUV infected birds showed splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Histopathological lesions included necrosis and lymphohistiocytic inflammation within spleen, Bursa fabricii, liver, heart, brain, lung and intestine. Immunohistochemistry revealed USUV antigen positive cells in heart, spleen, pancreas, lung, brain, proventriculus/gizzard, Bursa fabricii, kidney, intestine, skeletal muscle, and liver. Analysis of viral genome allocated the virus to Europe 3 or Africa 2 lineage. This study investigated whether immunohistochemical detection of double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) serves as an alternative tool to detect viral intermediates. Tissue samples of six animals with confirmed USUV infection by qRT-PCR but lacking viral antigen in liver and spleen, were further examined immunohistochemically. Two animals exhibited a positive signal for dsRNA. This could indicate either an early state of infection without sufficient formation of virus translation products, occurrence of another concurrent virus infection or endogenous dsRNA not related to infectious pathogens and should be investigated in more detail in future studies.
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17
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Trogu T, Canziani S, Salvato S, Tolini C, Grilli G, Chiari M, Farioli M, Alborali L, Gaffuri A, Sala G, Bianchi A, Rosignoli C, Prati P, Gradassi M, Sozzi E, Lelli D, Lavazza A, Moreno A. Survey on the Presence of Viruses of Economic and Zoonotic Importance in Avifauna in Northern Italy. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1957. [PMID: 34576852 PMCID: PMC8471648 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds play an important role in the circulation and spread of pathogens that are potentially zoonotic or of high economic impact on zootechnical production. They include, for example, West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), avian influenza virus (AIV), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), which, despite having mostly an asymptomatic course in wild birds, have a strong impact on public health and zootechnical production. This study investigated the presence of these viruses in several wild bird species from North Italy during the biennium 2019-2020. Wild birds derived from 76 different species belonging to 20 orders. Out of 679 birds, 27 were positive for WNV (lineage 2) with a prevalence of 4%; all birds were negative for USUV; one gull was positive for H13N6 influenza virus, and 12 samples were positive for NDV with a prevalence of 2%. Despite the low prevalence observed, the analyses performed on these species provide further data, allowing a better understanding of the diffusion and evolution of diseases of both economic and zoonotic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Trogu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Sabrina Canziani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Sara Salvato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Clara Tolini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Guido Grilli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Mario Chiari
- Direzione Generale Welfare, Regional Health Authority of Lombardy, 20124 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Marco Farioli
- Direzione Generale Welfare, Regional Health Authority of Lombardy, 20124 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Loris Alborali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandra Gaffuri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Giovanni Sala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandro Bianchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Carlo Rosignoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Paola Prati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Matteo Gradassi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Enrica Sozzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Ana Moreno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (T.T.); (S.S.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.P.); (M.G.); (E.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
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18
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Kuchinsky SC, Frere F, Heitzman-Breen N, Golden J, Vázquez A, Honaker CF, Siegel PB, Ciupe SM, LeRoith T, Duggal NK. Pathogenesis and shedding of Usutu virus in juvenile chickens. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:725-738. [PMID: 33769213 PMCID: PMC8043533 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1908850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV; family: Flaviviridae, genus: Flavivirus), is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus that causes severe neuroinvasive disease in humans and has been implicated in the loss of breeding bird populations in Europe. USUV is maintained in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitos and wild birds. As a member of the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex, USUV is closely related to West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), both neuroinvasive arboviruses endemic in wild bird populations in the United States. An avian model for USUV is essential to understanding zoonotic transmission. Here we describe the first avian models of USUV infection with the development of viremia. Juvenile commercial ISA Brown chickens were susceptible to infection by multiple USUV strains with evidence of cardiac lesions. Juvenile chickens from two chicken lines selected for high (HAS) or low (LAS) antibody production against sheep red blood cells showed markedly different responses to USUV infection. Morbidity and mortality were observed in the LAS chickens, but not HAS chickens. LAS chickens had significantly higher viral titers in blood and other tissues, as well as oral secretions, and significantly lower development of neutralizing antibody responses compared to HAS chickens. Mathematical modelling of virus-host interactions showed that the viral clearance rate is a stronger mitigating factor for USUV viremia than neutralizing antibody response in this avian model. These chicken models provide a tool for further understanding USUV pathogenesis in birds and evaluating transmission dynamics between avian hosts and mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Kuchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Francesca Frere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nora Heitzman-Breen
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jacob Golden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ana Vázquez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Epidemiology and Public Health Network of Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christa F Honaker
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Paul B Siegel
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Stanca M Ciupe
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nisha K Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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19
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Schmidt V, Cramer K, Böttcher D, Heenemann K, Rückner A, Harzer M, Ziegler U, Vahlenkamp T, Sieg M. Usutu virus infection in aviary birds during the cold season. Avian Pathol 2021; 50:427-435. [PMID: 34351827 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2021.1962003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito-borne flavivirus Usutu virus (USUV) is responsible for countless deaths in both resident populations and birds kept in outdoor aviaries. Since 2001, USUV outbreaks attract increased attention due to the rapid geographical spread of the virus and its close relation to West Nile virus (WNV), an emerging pathogen in humans and animals. Similar to WNV, the USUV enzootic transmission cycle predominantly involves Culex spp. as vectors, whereas birds serve as amplifying reservoir hosts. In Europe, USUV-associated disease outbreaks in birds are nearly exclusively described during late spring and early autumn (early April to late October). Contagiousness of virus particles excreted by infected animals has not yet been proven, so that the role of non-vector-borne transmission, as it is known for the closely related WNV, remains unclear. Here we report the diagnosis of USUV infection in 15 of 24 birds from mortality outbreaks in eight different aviaries located in Germany, that occured during the cold season between late October 2018 and early April 2019. Detection of USUV was performed using standardized molecular biological methods and immunohistochemistry for verification of the infection. USUV infection in a parrot species, a tropical finch and two estrildid finches are reported for the first time. Further research on the occurrence of USUV infection during the cold season is key to understanding the dynamics of viral transmission as well as for a profound health risk assessment for aviary birds as well as humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 17, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kerstin Cramer
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 17, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Denny Böttcher
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 33, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristin Heenemann
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Rückner
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maxi Harzer
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
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20
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Giglia G, Agliani G, Munnink BBO, Sikkema RS, Mandara MT, Lepri E, Kik M, Ijzer J, Rijks JM, Fast C, Koopmans MPG, Verheije MH, Gröne A, Reusken CBEM, van den Brand JMA. Pathology and Pathogenesis of Eurasian Blackbirds ( Turdus merula) Naturally Infected with Usutu Virus. Viruses 2021; 13:1481. [PMID: 34452347 PMCID: PMC8402641 DOI: 10.3390/v13081481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus. Despite its continuous circulation in Europe, knowledge on the pathology, cellular and tissue tropism and pathogenetic potential of different circulating viral lineages is still fragmentary. Here, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations are performed in association with the study of cell and tissue tropism and comparison of lesion severity of two circulating virus lineages (Europe 3; Africa 3) in 160 Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) in the Netherlands. Results confirm hepatosplenomegaly, coagulative necrosis and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation as major patterns of lesions and, for the first time, vasculitis as a novel virus-associated lesion. A USUV and Plasmodium spp. co-infection was commonly identified. The virus was associated with lesions by immunohistochemistry and was reported most commonly in endothelial cells and blood circulating and tissue mononucleated cells, suggesting them as a major route of entry and spread. A tropism for mononuclear phagocytes cells was further supported by viral labeling in multinucleated giant cells. The involvement of ganglionic neurons and epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract suggests a possible role of oral transmission, while the involvement of feather follicle shafts and bulbs suggests their use as a diagnostic sample for live bird testing. Finally, results suggest similar pathogenicity for the two circulating lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giglia
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Gianfilippo Agliani
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Bas B. Oude Munnink
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Reina S. Sikkema
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Maria Teresa Mandara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Elvio Lepri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Marja Kik
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Jooske Ijzer
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Jolianne M. Rijks
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Christine Fast
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, D-17493 Isle of Riems, Germany;
| | - Marion P. G. Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Monique H. Verheije
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Chantal B. E. M. Reusken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
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21
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Abstract
Since 2010, sexual precocity, a typical sign of the iron prawn syndrome (IPS), resulting in the reduced size of farmed giant freshwater prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii, has caused substantial production losses. However, the cause of IPS was not clear. We ran tests for eight major shrimp pathogens, but none were detected from IPS-affected prawns. We performed the histopathological examination of tissues and identified an eosinophilic inclusion in the perinuclear cytoplasm of cells in various tissues associated with nervous and endocrinal functions in the compound eyes. A subsequent bioassay with viral extracts of IPS-affected samples reproduced the gross signs of IPS. Metatranscriptomic sequencing identified a novel virus of Flaviviridae in all IPS-affected M. rosenbergii prawns, which was not found in samples without IPS. This virus contains a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome of 12,630 nucleotides (nt). Phylogenetic analysis of the conserved RdRp and NS3 domains showed that it may belong to a new genus between Jingmenvirus and Flavivirus. Under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), putative virus particles showed as spherical with a diameter of 40 to 60 nm. In situ hybridization found hybridization signals consistent with the histopathology in the compound eyes from IPS-affected M. rosenbergii. We provisionally name this virus infectious precocity virus (IPV) and propose the binominal Latin name Crustaflavivirus infeprecoquis gen. nov., sp. nov. We developed a nested reverse transcription-PCR diagnostic assay and confirmed that all IPS-affected prawns tested IPV positive but normal prawns tested negative. Collectively, our study revealed a novel virus of Flaviviridae associated with sexual precocity in M. rosenbergii. IMPORTANCE The iron prawn syndrome (IPS), also described as sexual precocity, results in the reduced size of farmed prawns at harvest and significant economic losses. IPS has been frequently reported in populations of farmed Macrobrachium rosenbergii since 2010, but the cause was heretofore unknown. Here, we reported a novel virus identified from prawns with IPS using infection experiments, metatranscriptomic sequencing, and transmission electron microscopy and provisionally named it infectious precocity virus (IPV). Phylogenetic analysis showed that IPV represents a new genus, proposed as Crustaflavivirus gen. nov., in the family Flaviviridae. This study provides novel insight that a viral infection may cause pathological change and sexual maturation and subsequently affect crustacean growth. Therefore, we call for quarantine inspection of IPV in transboundary trade of live M. rosenbergii and enhanced surveillance of IPV in aquaculture in the region and globally.
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22
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Santos PD, Michel F, Wylezich C, Höper D, Keller M, Holicki CM, Szentiks CA, Eiden M, Muluneh A, Neubauer-Juric A, Thalheim S, Globig A, Beer M, Groschup MH, Ziegler U. Co-infections: Simultaneous detections of West Nile virus and Usutu virus in birds from Germany. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:776-792. [PMID: 33655706 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in Europe resulted in significant outbreaks leading to avifauna mortality and human infections. Both viruses have overlapping geographical, host and vector ranges, and are often co-circulating in Europe. In Germany, a nationwide bird surveillance network was established to monitor these zoonotic arthropod-borne viruses in migratory and resident birds. In this framework, co-infections with WNV and USUV were detected in six dead birds collected in 2018 and 2019. Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses classified the detected WNV strains as lineage 2 and the USUV strains as lineages Africa 2 (n = 2), Africa 3 (n = 3) and Europe 2 (n = 1). Preliminary attempts to co-propagate both viruses in vitro failed. However, we successfully cultivated WNV from two animals. Further evidence for WNV-USUV co-infection was obtained by sampling live birds in four zoological gardens with confirmed WNV cases. Three snowy owls had high neutralizing antibody titres against both WNV and USUV, of which two were also positive for USUV-RNA. In conclusion, further reports of co-infections in animals as well as in humans are expected in the future, particularly in areas where both viruses are present in the vector population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Dianne Santos
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Friederike Michel
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Claudia Wylezich
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Dirk Höper
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Cora M Holicki
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Aemero Muluneh
- Saxon State Laboratory of Health and Veterinary Affairs, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Sabine Thalheim
- Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - Anja Globig
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
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23
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Bates TA, Chuong C, Rai P, Marano J, Waldman A, Klinger A, Reinhold JM, Lahondère C, Weger-Lucarelli J. American Aedes japonicus japonicus, Culex pipiens pipiens, and Culex restuans mosquitoes have limited transmission capacity for a recent isolate of Usutu virus. Virology 2021; 555:64-70. [PMID: 33454558 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.12.023] [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: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV; Flavivirus) has caused massive die-offs in birds across Europe since the 1950s. Although rare, severe neurologic disease in humans has been reported. USUV is genetically related to West Nile virus (WNV) and shares an ecological niche, suggesting it could spread from Europe to the Americas. USUV's risk of transmission within the United States is currently unknown. To this end, we exposed field-caught Aedes japonicus, Culex pipiens pipiens, and Culex restuans-competent vectors for WNV-to a recent European isolate of USUV. While infection rates for each species varied from 7%-21%, no dissemination or transmission was observed. These results differed from a 2018 report by Cook and colleagues, who found high dissemination rates and evidence of transmission potential using a different USUV strain, U.S. mosquito populations, temperature, and extrinsic incubation period. Future studies should evaluate the impact of these experimental conditions on USUV transmission by North American mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A Bates
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Christina Chuong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Pallavi Rai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Marano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Aaron Waldman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Amy Klinger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Joanna M Reinhold
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Chloé Lahondère
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; The Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; The Global Change Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA; The Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; The Global Change Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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24
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Folly AJ, Lawson B, Lean FZ, McCracken F, Spiro S, John SK, Heaver JP, Seilern-Moy K, Masters N, Hernández-Triana LM, Phipps LP, Nuñez A, Fooks AR, Cunningham AA, Johnson N, McElhinney LM. Detection of Usutu virus infection in wild birds in the United Kingdom, 2020. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 25. [PMID: 33063656 PMCID: PMC7565854 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.41.2001732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In August 2020, as part of a long-term disease surveillance programme, Usutu virus was detected in five Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and one house sparrow (Passer domesticus) from Greater London, England. This was initially detected by reverse transcription-PCR and was confirmed by virus isolation and by immunohistochemical detection of flavivirus in tissues. Phylogenetic analysis identified Usutu virus African 3.2 lineage, which is prevalent in the Netherlands and Belgium, suggesting a potential incursion from mainland Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arran J Folly
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Becki Lawson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian Zx Lean
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona McCracken
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Spiro
- Wildlife Health Services, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shinto K John
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph P Heaver
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina Seilern-Moy
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nic Masters
- Wildlife Health Services, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - L Paul Phipps
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Nuñez
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony R Fooks
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew A Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Surrey, United Kingdom
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25
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Clé M, Constant O, Barthelemy J, Desmetz C, Martin MF, Lapeyre L, Cadar D, Savini G, Teodori L, Monaco F, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Saiz JC, Gonzales G, Lecollinet S, Beck C, Gosselet F, Van de Perre P, Foulongne V, Salinas S, Simonin Y. Differential neurovirulence of Usutu virus lineages in mice and neuronal cells. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:11. [PMID: 33407600 PMCID: PMC7789689 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging neurotropic arthropod-borne virus recently involved in massive die offs of wild birds predominantly reported in Europe. Although primarily asymptomatic or presenting mild clinical signs, humans infected by USUV can develop neuroinvasive pathologies (including encephalitis and meningoencephalitis). Similar to other flaviviruses, such as West Nile virus, USUV is capable of reaching the central nervous system. However, the neuropathogenesis of USUV is still poorly understood, and the virulence of the specific USUV lineages is currently unknown. One of the major complexities of the study of USUV pathogenesis is the presence of a great diversity of lineages circulating at the same time and in the same location. METHODS The aim of this work was to determine the neurovirulence of isolates from the six main lineages circulating in Europe using mouse model and several neuronal cell lines (neurons, microglia, pericytes, brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and in vitro Blood-Brain Barrier model). RESULTS Our results indicate that all strains are neurotropic but have different virulence profiles. The Europe 2 strain, previously described as being involved in several clinical cases, induced the shortest survival time and highest mortality in vivo and appeared to be more virulent and persistent in microglial, astrocytes, and brain endothelial cells, while also inducing an atypical cytopathic effect. Moreover, an amino acid substitution (D3425E) was specifically identified in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain of the NS5 protein of this lineage. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these data show a broad neurotropism for USUV in the central nervous system with lineage-dependent virulence. Our results will help to better understand the biological and epidemiological diversity of USUV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Clé
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
| | - Orianne Constant
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
| | - Jonathan Barthelemy
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Desmetz
- BioCommunication en CardioMétabolique (BC2M), Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie France Martin
- Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Viral Trafficking, Restriction and Innate Signaling, Montpellier, France
| | - Lina Lapeyre
- Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Viral Trafficking, Restriction and Innate Signaling, Montpellier, France
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giovanni Savini
- OIE Reference Centre for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale "G. Caporale", 46100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Liana Teodori
- OIE Reference Centre for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale "G. Caporale", 46100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Monaco
- OIE Reference Centre for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale "G. Caporale", 46100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20148, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Gaëlle Gonzales
- UPE, Anses Animal Health Laboratory, UMR1161 Virology, INRA, Anses, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- UPE, Anses Animal Health Laboratory, UMR1161 Virology, INRA, Anses, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cécile Beck
- UPE, Anses Animal Health Laboratory, UMR1161 Virology, INRA, Anses, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- Blood-Brain Barrier Laboratory (BBB Lab), University of Artois, UR2465, F-62300, Lens, France
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Foulongne
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France.
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26
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Holicki CM, Scheuch DE, Ziegler U, Lettow J, Kampen H, Werner D, Groschup MH. German Culex pipiens biotype molestus and Culex torrentium are vector-competent for Usutu virus. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:625. [PMID: 33380339 PMCID: PMC7774236 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04532-1] [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: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usutu virus (USUV) is a rapidly spreading zoonotic arbovirus (arthropod-borne virus) and a considerable threat to the global avifauna and in isolated cases to human health. It is maintained in an enzootic cycle involving ornithophilic mosquitoes as vectors and birds as reservoir hosts. Despite massive die-offs in wild bird populations and the detection of severe neurological symptoms in infected humans, little is known about which mosquito species are involved in the propagation of USUV. METHODS In the present study, the vector competence of a German (i.e. "Central European") and a Serbian (i.e. "Southern European") Culex pipiens biotype molestus laboratory colony was experimentally evaluated. For comparative purposes, Culex torrentium, a frequent species in Northern Europe, and Aedes aegypti, a primarily tropical species, were also tested. Adult female mosquitoes were exposed to bovine blood spiked with USUV Africa 2 and subsequently incubated at 25 °C. After 2 to 3 weeks saliva was collected from each individual mosquito to assess the ability of a mosquito species to transmit USUV. RESULTS Culex pipiens biotype molestus mosquitoes originating from Germany and the Republic of Serbia and Cx. torrentium mosquitoes from Germany proved competent for USUV, as indicated by harboring viable virus in their saliva 21 days post infection. By contrast, Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were relatively refractory to an USUV infection, exhibiting low infection rates and lacking virus in their saliva. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with the high prevalences and abundances of Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and Cx. torrentium in Central and Northern Europe, these two species have most likely played a historic role in the spread, maintenance, and introduction of USUV into Germany. Identification of the key USUV vectors enables the establishment and implementation of rigorous entomological surveillance programs and the development of effective, evidence-based vector control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora M Holicki
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Dorothee E Scheuch
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Julia Lettow
- Institute of Infectiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Helge Kampen
- Institute of Infectiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Biodiversity of Aquatic and Semiaquatic Landscape Features, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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27
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Josephine Schoenenwald AK, Pletzer M, Skern T. Structural and antigenic investigation of Usutu virus envelope protein domain III. Virology 2020; 551:46-57. [PMID: 33011522 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito-borne flavivirus Usutu virus (USUV) has recently emerged in birds and humans in Europe. Symptoms of a USUV infection resemble those of West Nile virus (WNV); further, the close antigenic relationship of domain III (DIII) of the USUV and WNV envelope (E) proteins has prevented the development of a reliable serological test to distinguish USUV from WNV. To begin to address this deficiency, we identified ten different sequence groups of DIII from 253 complete and 80 partial USUV genome sequences. We solved the DIII structures of four groups, including that of the outlying CAR-1969 strain, which shows an atypical DIII structure. Structural comparisons of the USUV DIII groups and the DIII of WNV bound to the neutralizing antibody E16 revealed why the E16 failed to neutralize all USUV strains tested except for USUV CAR-1969. The analyses allowed predictions to be made to engineer an antibody specific for USUV CAR-1969.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Pletzer
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tim Skern
- Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/3, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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28
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Benzarti E, Garigliany M. In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Study the Zoonotic Mosquito-Borne Usutu Virus. Viruses 2020; 12:E1116. [PMID: 33008141 PMCID: PMC7599730 DOI: 10.3390/v12101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus discovered in South Africa in 1959, has spread to many European countries over the last 20 years. The virus is currently a major concern for animal health due to its expanding host range and the growing number of avian mass mortality events. Although human infections with USUV are often asymptomatic, they are occasionally accompanied by neurological complications reminiscent of those due to West Nile virus (another flavivirus closely related to USUV). Whilst USUV actually appears less threatening than some other emergent arboviruses, the lessons learned from Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika viruses during the past few years should not be ignored. Further, it would not be surprising if, with time, USUV disperses further eastwards towards Asia and possibly westwards to the Americas, which may result in more pathogenic USUV strains to humans and/or animals. These observations, inviting the scientific community to be more vigilant about the spread and genetic evolution of USUV, have prompted the use of experimental systems to understand USUV pathogenesis and to boost the development of vaccines and antivirals. This review is the first to provide comprehensive coverage of existing in vitro and in vivo models for USUV infection and to discuss their contribution in advancing data concerning this neurotropic virus. We believe that this paper is a helpful tool for scientists to identify gaps in the knowledge about USUV and to design their future experiments to study the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mutien Garigliany
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium;
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29
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Vidaña B, Busquets N, Napp S, Pérez-Ramírez E, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Johnson N. The Role of Birds of Prey in West Nile Virus Epidemiology. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030550. [PMID: 32967268 PMCID: PMC7564710 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reported human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Europe increased dramatically in 2018. Lineage 1 strains had been circulating in Euro-Mediterranean countries since the early 1990s. The subsequent introduction of WNV lineage 2 has been responsible for the remarkable upsurge of European WNV outbreaks since 2004, including the dramatic increase in human cases observed since 2018. The virus exists in a natural cycle between mosquitoes and wild birds, with humans and horses acting as dead-end hosts. As the key vertebrate hosts in the transmission cycle of WNV, avian species have been the focus of surveillance across many countries. Raptors appear particularly susceptible to WNV infection, resulting in higher prevalence, and in some cases exhibiting neurological signs that lead to the death of the animal. In addition, birds of prey are known to play an important role as WNV reservoir and potentially amplifying hosts of infection. Importantly, raptor higher susceptibility/prevalence may indicate infection through predation of infected prey. Consequently, they are considered important target species when designing cost-effective surveillance for monitoring both seasonal WNV circulation in endemic countries and its emergence into new areas, where migrating raptors may play a critical role in virus introduction. This review summarizes the different aspects of the current knowledge of WNV infection in birds of prey and evaluates their role in the evolution of the epizootic that is spreading throughout Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Vidaña
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Núria Busquets
- IRTA, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA IRTA-UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (N.B.); (S.N.)
| | - Sebastian Napp
- IRTA, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA IRTA-UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (N.B.); (S.N.)
| | - Elisa Pérez-Ramírez
- Animal Health Research Centre INIA-CISA C, 28130 Madrid, Spain; (E.P.-R.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
| | | | - Nicholas Johnson
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK;
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Harl J, Himmel T, Valkiūnas G, Ilgūnas M, Bakonyi T, Weissenböck H. Geographic and host distribution of haemosporidian parasite lineages from birds of the family Turdidae. Malar J 2020; 19:335. [PMID: 32933526 PMCID: PMC7491118 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03408-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haemosporidians (Apicomplexa, Protista) are obligate heteroxenous parasites of vertebrates and blood-sucking dipteran insects. Avian haemosporidians comprise more than 250 species traditionally classified into four genera, Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Fallisia. However, analyses of the mitochondrial CytB gene revealed a vast variety of lineages not yet linked to morphospecies. This study aimed to analyse and discuss the data of haemosporidian lineages isolated from birds of the family Turdidae, to visualise host and geographic distribution using DNA haplotype networks and to suggest directions for taxonomy research on parasite species. Methods Haemosporidian CytB sequence data from 350 thrushes were analysed for the present study and complemented with CytB data of avian haemosporidians gathered from Genbank and MalAvi database. Maximum Likelihood trees were calculated to identify clades featuring lineages isolated from Turdidae species. For each clade, DNA haplotype networks were calculated and provided with information on host and geographic distribution. Results In species of the Turdidae, this study identified 82 Plasmodium, 37 Haemoproteus, and 119 Leucocytozoon lineages, 68, 28, and 112 of which are mainly found in this host group. Most of these lineages cluster in the clades, which are shown as DNA haplotype networks. The lineages of the Leucocytozoon clades were almost exclusively isolated from thrushes and usually were restricted to one host genus, whereas the Plasmodium and Haemoproteus networks featured multiple lineages also recovered from other passeriform and non-passeriform birds. Conclusion This study represents the first attempt to summarise information on the haemosporidian parasite lineages of a whole bird family. The analyses allowed the identification of numerous groups of related lineages, which have not been linked to morphologically defined species yet, and they revealed several cases in which CytB lineages were probably assigned to the wrong morphospecies. These taxonomic issues are addressed by comparing distributional patterns of the CytB lineages with data from the original species descriptions and further literature. The authors also discuss the availability of sequence data and emphasise that MalAvi database should be considered an extremely valuable addition to GenBank, but not a replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Támas Bakonyi
- Institute of Virology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging arbovirus that was first isolated in South Africa in 1959. This Flavivirus is maintained in the environment through a typical enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. USUV has spread to a large part of the European continent over the two decades mainly leading to substantial avian mortalities with a significant recrudescence of bird infections recorded throughout Europe within the few last years. USUV infection in humans is considered to be most often asymptomatic or to cause mild clinical signs. Nonetheless, a few cases of neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningoencephalitis have been reported. USUV and West Nile virus (WNV) share many features, like a close phylogenetic relatedness and a similar ecology, with co-circulation frequently observed in nature. However, USUV has been much less studied and in-depth comparisons of the biology of these viruses are yet rare. In this review, we discuss the main body of knowledge regarding USUV and compare it with the literature on WNV, addressing in particular virological and clinical aspects, and pointing data gaps.
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Trimmel NE, Walzer C. Infectious Wildlife Diseases in Austria-A Literature Review From 1980 Until 2017. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:3. [PMID: 32154271 PMCID: PMC7046627 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This literature review examines infectious wildlife disease research in Austria. We analyzed 226 research papers, published between 1980 and 2017. We determined that wildlife disease papers increased significantly from 0.8 ± 0.8 publications per year in the first decade (1980–1989) when compared to 2008–2017 with an average of 12.9 ± 4.1 publications per year. We illustrate information about the most investigated diseases and highlight the lack of research into certain wildlife pathogens. A special emphasis was given to diseases with zoonotic potential. The review showed that research focused on a few select species like the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa), all game species. Moreover, diseases affecting livestock and human health were seen more often. The review also found that only a low number of publications actually stated disease prevalence and confidence interval data. The reported diseases identified were classified according to their notifiable status and the distribution at the wildlife–human and wildlife–livestock interface. Furthermore, we try to argue why research into some diseases is prioritized, and why other diseases are underrepresented in current Austrian research. While spatiotemporal indicators could not be assessed due to the variability in methodologies and objectives of various studies, the information provided by this review offers the first comprehensive evaluation of the status of infectious wildlife disease research in Austria. Therefore, this study could assist investigators to identify further areas of priorities for research and conservation efforts and for wildlife management professionals to inform policy and funding strategies. With this review, we want to encourage research in the field of wildlife diseases in Austria to enhance current knowledge in the prevention of further loss in biodiversity and to find new measures to promote “One Health” on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Eva Trimmel
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chris Walzer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States
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Himmel T, Harl J, Pfanner S, Nedorost N, Nowotny N, Weissenböck H. Haemosporidioses in wild Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (T. philomelos): an in situ hybridization study with emphasis on exo-erythrocytic parasite burden. Malar J 2020; 19:69. [PMID: 32050970 PMCID: PMC7017459 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-3147-6] [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: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Passerine birds are frequently infected with diverse haemosporidian parasites. While infections are traditionally considered benign in wild birds, recent studies demonstrated mortalities of passerine species due to exo-erythrocytic development of the parasites, which can damage organs in affected hosts. However, exo-erythrocytic development remains insufficiently investigated for most haemosporidian species and thus little is known about the virulence of tissue stages in wild passerine birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural haemosporidian infections in deceased Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos) and to determine parasite burden and associated histological effects. Methods For molecular analysis, blood and tissue samples from 306 thrushes were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites by nested PCR. For the detection of parasite stages in organ samples, tissue sections were subjected to chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) using genus- and species-specific probes targeting the rRNAs of parasites. Exo-erythrocytic parasite burden was semi-quantitatively assessed and histological lesions were evaluated in haematoxylin–eosin-stained sections. Results By PCR, 179 of 277 Eurasian blackbirds and 15 of 29 song thrushes were positive for haemosporidians. Parasites of all three genera were detected, with Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 and Plasmodium vaughani SYAT05 showing the highest prevalence. CISH revealed significant differences in exo-erythrocytic parasite burden between lineages in Eurasian blackbirds, with P. matutinum LINN1 frequently causing high exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens in various organs that were associated with histological alterations. Song thrushes infected with P. matutinum LINN1 and birds infected with other haemosporidian lineages showed mostly low exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens. Two Eurasian blackbirds infected with Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 showed megalomeronts in various organs that were associated with inflammatory reactions and necroses. Conclusion This study suggests that P. matutinum LINN1, a common lineage among native thrushes, regularly causes high exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens in Eurasian blackbirds, which may result in disease and mortalities, indicating its high pathogenic potential. The findings further illustrate that the same parasite lineage may show different levels of virulence in related bird species which should be considered when assessing the pathogenicity of haemosporidian parasite species. Finally, the study provides evidence of virulent Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 infections in two Eurasian blackbirds caused by megalomeront formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Himmel
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Harl
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Pfanner
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Benzarti E, Sarlet M, Franssen M, Desmecht D, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Garigliany MM. New Insights into the Susceptibility of Immunocompetent Mice to Usutu Virus. Viruses 2020; 12:v12020189. [PMID: 32046265 PMCID: PMC7077335 DOI: 10.3390/v12020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that shares many similarities with the closely related West Nile virus (WNV) in terms of ecology and clinical manifestations. Initially distributed in Africa, USUV emerged in Italy in 1996 and managed to co-circulate with WNV in many European countries in a similar mosquito-bird life cycle. The rapid geographic spread of USUV, the seasonal mass mortalities it causes in the European avifauna, and the increasing number of infections with neurological disease both in healthy and immunocompromised humans has stimulated interest in infection studies to delineate USUV pathogenesis. Here, we assessed the pathogenicity of two USUV isolates from a recent Belgian outbreak in immunocompetent mice. The intradermal injection of USUV gave rise to disorientation and paraplegia and was associated with neuronal death in the brain and spinal cord in a single mouse. Intranasal inoculation of USUV could also establish the infection; viral RNA was detected in the brain 15 days post-infection. Overall, this pilot study probes the suitability of this murine model for the study of USUV neuroinvasiveness and the possibility of direct transmission in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emna Benzarti
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (E.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (D.D.)
| | - Michaël Sarlet
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (E.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (D.D.)
| | - Mathieu Franssen
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (E.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (D.D.)
| | - Daniel Desmecht
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (E.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (D.D.)
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mutien-Marie Garigliany
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (E.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (D.D.)
- Correspondence:
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35
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Experimental Usutu Virus Infection in Domestic Canaries Serinus canaria. Viruses 2020; 12:v12020164. [PMID: 32023880 PMCID: PMC7077186 DOI: 10.3390/v12020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a neurotropic flavivirus closely related to West Nile virus (WNV). Its enzootic cycle mainly involves mosquitoes and birds. Human infection can occur with occasional, but sometimes severe, neurological complications. Since its emergence and spread in Europe over the last two decades, USUV has been linked to significant avian outbreaks, especially among Passeriformes, including European blackbirds (Turdus merula). Strikingly, no in vivo avian model exists so far to study this arbovirus. The domestic canary (Serinus canaria) is a passerine, which is considered as a highly susceptible model of infection by WNV. Here, we experimentally challenged domestic canaries with two different doses of USUV. All inoculated birds presented detectable amounts of viral RNA in the blood and RNA shedding via feathers and droppings during the early stages of the infection, as determined by RT-qPCR. Mortality occurred in both infected groups (1/5 and 2/5, respectively) and was not necessarily correlated to a pure neurological disease. Subsequent analyses of samples from dead birds showed histopathological changes and virus tropism mimicking those reported in naturally infected birds. A robust seroconversion followed the infection in almost all the surviving canaries. Altogether, these results demonstrate that domestic canaries constitute an interesting experimental model for the study of USUV pathogenesis and transmission.
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Hönig V, Palus M, Kaspar T, Zemanova M, Majerova K, Hofmannova L, Papezik P, Sikutova S, Rettich F, Hubalek Z, Rudolf I, Votypka J, Modry D, Ruzek D. Multiple Lineages of Usutu Virus ( Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) in Blackbirds ( Turdus merula) and Mosquitoes ( Culex pipiens, Cx. modestus) in the Czech Republic (2016-2019). Microorganisms 2019; 7:E568. [PMID: 31744087 PMCID: PMC6920817 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a flavivirus (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) of an African origin transmitted among its natural hosts (diverse species of birds) by mosquitoes. The virus was introduced multiple times to Europe where it caused mortality of blackbirds (Turdus merula) and certain other susceptible species of birds. In this study, we report detection of USUV RNA in blackbirds, Culex pipiens and Cx. modestus mosquitoes in the Czech Republic, and isolation of 10 new Czech USUV strains from carcasses of blackbirds in cell culture. Multiple lineages (Europe 1, 2 and Africa 3) of USUV were found in blackbirds and mosquitoes in the southeastern part of the country. A single USUV lineage (Europe 3) was found in Prague and was likely associated with increased mortalities in the local blackbird population seen in this area in 2018. USUV genomic RNA (lineage Europe 2) was detected in a pool of Cx. pipiens mosquitoes from South Bohemia (southern part of the country), where no major mortality of birds has been reported so far, and no flavivirus RNA has been found in randomly sampled cadavers of blackbirds. The obtained data contributes to our knowledge about USUV genetic variability, distribution and spread in Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaclav Hönig
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (T.K.); (M.Z.); (K.M.); (J.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Palus
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (T.K.); (M.Z.); (K.M.); (J.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kaspar
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (T.K.); (M.Z.); (K.M.); (J.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Zemanova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (T.K.); (M.Z.); (K.M.); (J.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Karolina Majerova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (T.K.); (M.Z.); (K.M.); (J.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lada Hofmannova
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.H.); (P.P.)
| | - Petr Papezik
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.H.); (P.P.)
| | - Silvie Sikutova
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic; (S.S.); (Z.H.); (I.R.)
| | - Frantisek Rettich
- Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Zdenek Hubalek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic; (S.S.); (Z.H.); (I.R.)
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic; (S.S.); (Z.H.); (I.R.)
| | - Jan Votypka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (T.K.); (M.Z.); (K.M.); (J.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Modry
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (T.K.); (M.Z.); (K.M.); (J.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.H.); (P.P.)
- CEITEC, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Ruzek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (T.K.); (M.Z.); (K.M.); (J.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
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Weidinger P, Kolodziejek J, Bakonyi T, Brunthaler R, Erdélyi K, Weissenböck H, Nowotny N. Different dynamics of Usutu virus infections in Austria and Hungary, 2017-2018. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:298-307. [PMID: 31505099 PMCID: PMC7003936 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito‐borne flavivirus closely related to West Nile virus, emerged in Austria in 2001, when it caused a considerable mass‐mortality of Eurasian blackbirds. Cases in birds increased until 2003 and quickly declined thereafter, presumably due to developing herd immunity. Since 2006, no further cases were recorded, until two blackbirds were tested positive in 2016. In Hungary, USUV first appeared in 2005 and has caused only sporadic infections since then. Initially, the only genetic USUV lineage found across both countries was Europe 1. This changed in 2015/2016, when Europe 2 emerged, which has since then become the prevalent lineage. Due to dispersal of these strains and introduction of new genetic lineages, USUV infections are now widespread across Europe. In 2009, the first cases of USUV‐related encephalitis were described in humans, and the virus has been frequently detected in blood donations since 2016. To monitor USUV infections among the Austrian wild bird population in 2017/2018, 86 samples were investigated by RT‐PCR. In 67 of them, USUV nucleic acid was detected (17 in 2017, 50 in 2018). The majority of succumbed birds were blackbirds, found in Vienna and Lower Austria. However, the virus also spread westwards to Upper Austria and southwards to Styria and Carinthia. In Hungary, 253 wild birds were examined, but only six of them were infected with USUV (five in 2017, one in 2018). Thus, in contrast to the considerable increase in USUV‐associated bird mortality in Austria, the number of infections in Hungary declined after a peak in 2016. Except for one case of USUV lineage Africa 3 in Austria in 2017, Europe 2 remains the most prevalent genetic lineage in both countries. Since USUV transmission largely depends on temperature, which affects vector populations, climate change may cause more frequent USUV outbreaks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Weidinger
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamás Bakonyi
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - René Brunthaler
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Károly Erdélyi
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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38
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Michel F, Sieg M, Fischer D, Keller M, Eiden M, Reuschel M, Schmidt V, Schwehn R, Rinder M, Urbaniak S, Müller K, Schmoock M, Lühken R, Wysocki P, Fast C, Lierz M, Korbel R, Vahlenkamp TW, Groschup MH, Ziegler U. Evidence for West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Infections in Wild and Resident Birds in Germany, 2017 and 2018. Viruses 2019; 11:v11070674. [PMID: 31340516 PMCID: PMC6669720 DOI: 10.3390/v11070674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds play an important role as reservoir hosts and vectors for zoonotic arboviruses and foster their spread. Usutu virus (USUV) has been circulating endemically in Germany since 2011, while West Nile virus (WNV) was first diagnosed in several bird species and horses in 2018. In 2017 and 2018, we screened 1709 live wild and zoo birds with real-time polymerase chain reaction and serological assays. Moreover, organ samples from bird carcasses submitted in 2017 were investigated. Overall, 57 blood samples of the live birds (2017 and 2018), and 100 organ samples of dead birds (2017) were positive for USUV-RNA, while no WNV-RNA-positive sample was found. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of USUV lineage Europe 2 in Germany and the spread of USUV lineages Europe 3 and Africa 3 towards Northern Germany. USUV antibody prevalence rates were high in Eastern Germany in both years. On the contrary, in Northern Germany, high seroprevalence rates were first detected in 2018, with the first emergence of USUV in this region. Interestingly, high WNV-specific neutralizing antibody titers were observed in resident and short-distance migratory birds in Eastern Germany in 2018, indicating the first signs of a local WNV circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Michel
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominik Fischer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 91, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reuschel
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 17, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rebekka Schwehn
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
- Seehundstation Nationalpark-Haus Norden-Norddeich, Dörper Weg 24, D-26506 Norden, Germany
| | - Monika Rinder
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Sonnenstraße 18, D-85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Sylvia Urbaniak
- Birds of Prey Rehab Center Rhineland (Greifvogelhilfe Rheinland)/Tierarztpraxis Sudhoff, Hehnerholt 105, D-41069 Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Kerstin Müller
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19 b, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Schmoock
- Wildpark Schwarze Berge GmbH & Co. KG, Am Wildpark 1, D-21224 Rosengarten, Germany
- Tiermedizin am Rothenbaum, Rothenbaumchaussee 195, D-20149 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhardt-Nocht Straße 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Wysocki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Michael Lierz
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 91, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Korbel
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Sonnenstraße 18, D-85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Thomas W Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Usutu Virus: An Arbovirus on the Rise. Viruses 2019; 11:v11070640. [PMID: 31336826 PMCID: PMC6669749 DOI: 10.3390/v11070640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV) is a flavivirus that is drawing increasing attention because of its potential for emergence. First isolated in Africa, it was introduced into Europe where it caused significant outbreaks in birds, such as in Austria in 2001. Since then, its geographical distribution has rapidly expanded, with increased circulation, especially in the last few years. Similar to West Nile virus (WNV), the USUV enzootic transmission cycle involves Culex mosquitoes as vectors, and birds as amplifying reservoir hosts, with humans and other mammals likely being dead-end hosts. A similarity in the ecology of these two viruses, which co-circulate in several European countries, highlights USUV’s potential to become an important human pathogen. While USUV has had a severe impact on the blackbird population, the number of human cases remains low, with most infections being asymptomatic. However, some rare cases of neurological disease have been described, both in healthy and immuno-compromised patients. Here, we will discuss the transmission dynamics and the current state of USUV circulation in Europe.
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40
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Usutu virus induced mass mortalities of songbirds in Central Europe: Are habitat models suitable to predict dead birds in unsampled regions? Prev Vet Med 2018; 159:162-170. [PMID: 30314779 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus closely related to the better known West Nile virus, and it can cause mass mortalities of song birds. In the present paper, a dataset of georeferenced locations of USUV-positive birds was compiled and then used to map the geographical distribution of suitable USUV habitats in Central Europe. Six habitat models, comprising BIOCLIM, DOMAIN, maximum entropy model (MAXENT), generalized linear model (GLM), boosted regression trees model (BRT), and random forests model (RF), were selected and tested for their performance ability to predict cases of disease in unsampled areas. Suitability index maps, a diagram depicting model performance by the Area Under the Curve (AUC) vs. the True Skill Statistic (TSS), and a diagram ranking sensitivity vs. specificity as well as correct classification ratio (CCR) vs. misclassification ratio (MCR) were presented. Of the models tested GLM, BRT, RF, and MAXENT were shown suitable to predict USUV-positive dead birds in unsampled regions, with BRT the highest predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.75, TSS = 0.50). However, the four models classified major parts of the model domain as USUV-suitable, although USUV was never confirmed there so far (MCR=0.49 to 0.61). DOMAIN and especially BIOCLIM can only be recommended for interpolating point observations to raster files, i.e. for analyzing observed USUV distributions (MCR = 0.10). Habitat models can be a helpful tool for informing veterinary authorities about the possible distribution of a given mosquito-borne disease. Nevertheless, it should be taken in consideration, that the spatial and temporal scales, the selection of an appropriate model, the availability of significant predictive variables as well as the representativeness and completeness of collected species or disease cases may strongly influence the modeling results.
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41
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Bakonyi T, Erdélyi K, Brunthaler R, Dán Á, Weissenböck H, Nowotny N. Usutu virus, Austria and Hungary, 2010-2016. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e85. [PMID: 29018253 PMCID: PMC5658768 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV, Flaviviridae) was first reported in Europe in Austria in 2001, where it caused wild bird (mainly blackbird) mortality until 2005. Since 2006 no further USUV cases were diagnosed in the country. However, the virus emerged in other European countries (Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany and the Czech Republic) between 2005 and 2011. In 2016, widespread USUV-associated wild bird mortality was observed in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In this study, we report the results of passive monitoring for USUV in Austria and Hungary between 2010 and 2016. In Hungary, USUV caused sporadic cases of wild bird mortality between 2010 and 2015 (altogether 18 diagnosed cases), whereas in summer and autumn 2016 the number of cases considerably increased to 12 (ten blackbirds, one Eurasian jay and one starling). In Austria, USUV was identified in two blackbirds in 2016. Phylogenetic analyses of coding-complete genomes and partial regions of the NS5 protein gene revealed that USUVs from Hungary between 2010 and 2015 are closely related to the virus that emerged in Austria in 2001 and in Hungary in 2005, while one Hungarian sequence from 2015 and all sequences from Hungary and Austria from 2016 clustered together with USUV sequences reported from Italy between 2009 and 2010. The results of the study indicate continuous USUV circulation in the region and exchange of USUV strains between Italy, Austria and Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Bakonyi
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.,Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungária krt. 23-25, 1143 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Károly Erdélyi
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, 1149 Budapest, Hungary
| | - René Brunthaler
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ádám Dán
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, 1149 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 505055, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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42
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Salinas S, Constant O, Desmetz C, Barthelemy J, Lemaitre JM, Milhavet O, Nagot N, Foulongne V, Perrin FE, Saiz JC, Lecollinet S, Van de Perre P, Simonin Y. Deleterious effect of Usutu virus on human neural cells. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005913. [PMID: 28873445 PMCID: PMC5600396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the number of emerging Flaviviruses described worldwide has increased considerably. Among them Zika virus (ZIKV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are African mosquito-borne viruses that recently emerged. Recently, ZIKV has been intensely studied due to major outbreaks associated with neonatal death and birth defects, as well as neurological symptoms. USUV pathogenesis remains largely unexplored, despite significant human and veterinary associated disorders. Circulation of USUV in Africa was documented more than 50 years ago, and it emerged in Europe two decades ago, causing massive bird mortality. More recently, USUV has been described to be associated with neurological disorders in humans such as encephalitis and meningoencephalitis, highlighting USUV as a potential health threat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of USUV to infect neuronal cells. Our results indicate that USUV efficiently infects neurons, astrocytes, microglia and IPSc-derived human neuronal stem cells. When compared to ZIKV, USUV led to a higher infection rate, viral production, as well as stronger cell death and anti-viral response. Our results highlight the need to better characterize the physiopathology related to USUV infection in order to anticipate the potential threat of USUV emergence. Usutu virus (USUV) is an African mosquito-borne virus closely related to West Nile virus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup in the Flavivirus genus. Recently several neurological disorders such as encephalitis, meningitis and meningoencephalitis were associated with USUV-infection in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The goal of our work was to study the ability of USUV to infect neuronal cells and to characterize the effects of USUV infection in these cells. We have shown that USUV can infect efficiently several neuronal cells (mature neurons, astrocytes, microglia, IPSc-derived human neuronal stem cells (NSCs)). Interestingly, USUV replicates in human astrocytes more efficiently than another mosquito-borne flavivirus, Zika virus, reduces cell proliferation and induces strong anti-viral response. Moreover, USUV induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in NSCs. Our results suggest that USUV infection may lead to encephalitis and/or meningoencephalitis via neuronal toxicity and inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (SS); (YS)
| | - Orianne Constant
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Desmetz
- BioCommunication en CardioMétabolique (BC2M), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jonathan Barthelemy
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Marc Lemaitre
- Institut de Médecine Régénératrice et Biothérapies, Université de Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, INSERM, U1183, Montpellier, France
- Plateforme CHU SAFE-IPS, Infrastructure Nationale INGESTEM, Montpellier, France
| | - Ollivier Milhavet
- Institut de Médecine Régénératrice et Biothérapies, Université de Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, INSERM, U1183, Montpellier, France
- Plateforme CHU SAFE-IPS, Infrastructure Nationale INGESTEM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Foulongne
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
- Department of Bacteriology-Virology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- UPE, Anses Animal Health Laboratory, UMR1161 Virology, INRA, Anses, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
- Department of Bacteriology-Virology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (SS); (YS)
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43
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Gaibani P, Rossini G. An overview of Usutu virus. Microbes Infect 2017; 19:382-387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Rijks JM, Kik ML, Slaterus R, Foppen R, Stroo A, IJzer J, Stahl J, Gröne A, Koopmans M, van der Jeugd HP, Reusken C. Widespread Usutu virus outbreak in birds in the Netherlands, 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 21:30391. [PMID: 27918257 PMCID: PMC5144937 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2016.21.45.30391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We report a widespread Usutu virus outbreak in birds in the Netherlands. Viral presence had been detected through targeted surveillance as early as April 2016 and increased mortality in common blackbirds and captive great grey owls was noticed from August 2016 onwards. Usutu virus infection was confirmed by post-mortem examination and RT-PCR. Extensive Usutu virus activity in the Netherlands in 2016 underlines the need to monitor mosquito activity and mosquito-borne infections in 2017 and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Rijks
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,These authors contributed equally to the work
| | - M L Kik
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,These authors contributed equally to the work.,Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre (VPDC), Division of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Slaterus
- Sovon, Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rpb Foppen
- Sovon, Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Animal Ecology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Stroo
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), National Reference Centre (NRC), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J IJzer
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre (VPDC), Division of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Stahl
- Sovon, Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Gröne
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre (VPDC), Division of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mgp Koopmans
- ErasmusMC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H P van der Jeugd
- Vogeltrekstation - Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cbem Reusken
- ErasmusMC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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45
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Garigliany M, Linden A, Gilliau G, Levy E, Sarlet M, Franssen M, Benzarti E, Derouaux A, Francis F, Desmecht D. Usutu virus, Belgium, 2016. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 48:116-119. [PMID: 28017913 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
During late summer 2016, in a northwest European region extending over Belgium, the Netherlands and the eastern border of the German state of North Rhine Westphalia, an outbreak of wild bird deaths occurred similar to those reported on the continent since 1996. Dead birds were necropsied and examined by complementary methods. Pathologic and immunohistological investigations strongly suggested an infection by Usutu virus. Subsequently, genomic segments of the said virus were detected, the virus was isolated and its complete genome was sequenced. The strain, designated Usutu-LIEGE, is a close phylogenetic relative of those isolated in Germany which form a distinct group within the USUV phylogeny, the so-called Europe_3 lineage. Should this outbreak recapitulate the characteristics of those in southwest Germany in 2011 and in/around Vienna (Austria) in 2001, it is expected that specific avian populations in the affected area will face a significant reduction in size for a few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Garigliany
- FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - A Linden
- FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; Surveillance Network for Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - G Gilliau
- FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - E Levy
- FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - M Sarlet
- FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - M Franssen
- FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - E Benzarti
- FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - A Derouaux
- Natagora, c/o Maison Liégeoise de l'Environnement, Rue Fusch 3, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - F Francis
- Functional and Evolutive Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech., University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - D Desmecht
- FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B43, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
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46
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Ziegler U, Jöst H, Müller K, Fischer D, Rinder M, Tietze DT, Danner KJ, Becker N, Skuballa J, Hamann HP, Bosch S, Fast C, Eiden M, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Groschup MH. Epidemic Spread of Usutu Virus in Southwest Germany in 2011 to 2013 and Monitoring of Wild Birds for Usutu and West Nile Viruses. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:481-8. [PMID: 26273809 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses are becoming an increasing threat for Europe. One of these viruses is Usutu virus (USUV), a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Japanese encephalitis virus group within the family Flaviviridae. Since the occurrence of USUV among wild birds in June, 2011, infected Blackbirds (Turdus merula) have frequently been found dead in southwest Germany, cumulating in a massive die-off. Moreover, other bird species (Strigiformes) in this region have been affected. In a first study, 209 of over 600 dead birds (wild birds and birds kept in aviaries) collected from 2011 to 2013 carried USUV, more than 88% of them Blackbirds. USUV had already been detected in 2010, one year before the epizooty, in a mosquito-based surveillance program in Germany. The main epidemic area of the USUV outbreak in wild birds in southwest Germany has been similar for the last three years. In a second study during 2011 to 2013, 902 live migratory and resident birds (representing 87 bird species belonging to 14 bird orders) from four different sampling sites were bled and tested serologically and by qPCR for West Nile virus (WNV) and USUV infections. No USUV or WNV genomes were detected. Some migratory birds (mainly long-distance migrants and some partial migrants) carried neutralizing antibodies against WNV as discriminated by USUV and WNV cross-neutralization tests. Only few resident birds showed relevant USUV-specific neutralizing antibodies. The occurrence of USUV in the Upper Rhine valley area of southwest Germany is a proof of principle for the incursion and spread of other arthropod-borne (arbo)-viruses along these routes. Therefore, monitoring studies in birds and mosquitoes for the presence of arboviruses in these areas are indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Ziegler
- 1 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases , Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- 2 German Mosquito Control Association (KABS) Speyer , Germany
| | - Kerstin Müller
- 3 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Fischer
- 4 Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen , Giessen, Germany
| | - Monika Rinder
- 5 Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich , Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Dieter Thomas Tietze
- 6 Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Jürgen Danner
- 7 State Institute for Chemical and Veterinary Analysis (CVUA) , Freiburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- 2 German Mosquito Control Association (KABS) Speyer , Germany
| | - Jasmin Skuballa
- 8 State Institute for Chemical and Veterinary Analysis (CVUA) , Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hamann
- 9 Landesbetrieb Hessisches Landeslabor, Veterinary virology and molecular biology , Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Bosch
- 10 Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) Baden-Württemberg , Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- 1 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases , Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- 1 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases , Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- 11 Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) , Department of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- 1 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases , Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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47
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Ziegler U, Fast C, Eiden M, Bock S, Schulze C, Hoeper D, Ochs A, Schlieben P, Keller M, Zielke DE, Luehken R, Cadar D, Walther D, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Groschup MH. Evidence for an independent third Usutu virus introduction into Germany. Vet Microbiol 2016; 192:60-66. [PMID: 27527765 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an arbovirus within the genus flavivirus, which was first introduced to Southern Europe approximately twenty years ago causing epizootics among wild and captive birds. In Germany USUV was initially discovered in wild birds, mainly Common blackbirds (Turdus merula), in the Upper Rhine valley in southwest of the country in 2011 and has not spread much northwards since. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the still ongoing USUV epidemic is caused by two different USUV strains, USUV-Germany belonging to the USUV Europe 3 lineage and USUV-Bonn belonging to the USUV Africa 3 lineage. The two strains were introduced independently. In August 2015 a new USUV strain, named USUV-Berlin, was isolated in Vero cells from two carcasses of juvenile Great grey owls (Strix nebulosa) kept in the Zoological Garden Berlin, which had suffered from a hyperacute fatal systemic infection. Both owls carried high USUV genome loads. Full-length USUV genomes sequences were determined and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close relationship with a Spanish mosquito-derived sequence from 2006. Immunohistochemical antigen detection in organ samples of the owls showed the typical USUV infection patterns. According to the phylogenetic analysis, USUV-Berlin belongs to the Africa 2 lineage, and can thus be distinguished from the other strains circulating in Germany. Repeated findings of different USUV strains suggest more frequent introductions into Central Europe and a higher mobility of this virus than assumed to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Sabine Bock
- Berlin-Brandenburg, State Laboratory, Gerhard-Neumann-Str. 2, 15236 Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - Christoph Schulze
- Berlin-Brandenburg, State Laboratory, Gerhard-Neumann-Str. 2, 15236 Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - Dirk Hoeper
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Andreas Ochs
- Zoological Garden Berlin AG, Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Schlieben
- Berlin-Brandenburg, State Laboratory, Gerhard-Neumann-Str. 2, 15236 Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Dorothee E Zielke
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Renke Luehken
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Doreen Walther
- Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Institute of Land Use Systems, Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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A recombinant DNA vaccine protects mice deficient in the alpha/beta interferon receptor against lethal challenge with Usutu virus. Vaccine 2016; 34:2066-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Wellehan • JF, Lierz • M, Phalen • D, Raidal • S, Styles • DK, Crosta • L, Melillo • A, Schnitzer • P, Lennox • A, Lumeij JT. Infectious disease. CURRENT THERAPY IN AVIAN MEDICINE AND SURGERY 2016. [PMCID: PMC7158187 DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-4671-2.00011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Ashraf U, Ye J, Ruan X, Wan S, Zhu B, Cao S. Usutu virus: an emerging flavivirus in Europe. Viruses 2015; 7:219-38. [PMID: 25606971 PMCID: PMC4306835 DOI: 10.3390/v7010219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an African mosquito-borne flavivirus belonging to the Japanese encephalitis virus serocomplex. USUV is closely related to Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus. USUV was discovered in South Africa in 1959. In Europe, the first true demonstration of circulation of USUV was reported in Austria in 2001 with a significant die-off of Eurasian blackbirds. In the subsequent years, USUV expanded to neighboring countries, including Italy, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, England, Czech Republic, Greece, and Belgium, where it caused unusual mortality in birds. In 2009, the first two human cases of USUV infection in Europe have been reported in Italy, causing meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. This review describes USUV in terms of its life cycle, USUV surveillance from Africa to Europe, human cases, its cellular tropism and pathogenesis, its genetic relationship with other flaviviruses, genetic diversity among USUV strains, its diagnosis, and a discussion of the potential future threat to Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usama Ashraf
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Jing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Xindi Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Shengfeng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Bibo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Shengbo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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