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Weidinger P, Kolodziejek J, Loney T, Kannan DO, Osman BM, Khafaga T, Howarth B, Sher Shah M, Mazrooei H, Wolf N, Karuvantevida N, Abou Tayoun A, Alsheikh-Ali A, Camp JV, Nowotny N. MERS-CoV Found in Hyalomma dromedarii Ticks Attached to Dromedary Camels at a Livestock Market, United Arab Emirates, 2019. Viruses 2023; 15:1288. [PMID: 37376588 DOI: 10.3390/v15061288] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The main mode of transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) between dromedaries is likely via the respiratory route. However, there must be other modes to explain how the infection is brought to MERS-CoV-negative closed herds, such as transmission by ticks. Here, we present a study performed at three different locations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involving 215 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) and the ticks attached to them. We tested the camels and ticks via RT-(q)PCR for the presence of MERS-CoV nucleic acids, as well as flaviviruses that may be present in the region (e.g., Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus). Camel sera were additionally analyzed for evidence of previous exposure to MERS-CoV. In total, 8 out of 242 tick pools were positive for MERS-CoV RNA (3.3%; Ct 34.6-38.3), 7 of which contained Hyalomma dromedarii ticks, and one contained a Hyalomma sp. tick (species not identified). All of the virus-positive ticks' host camels were also positive for MERS-CoV RNA in their nasal swab samples. Short sequences established in the N gene region from two positive tick pools were identical to viral sequences from their hosts' nasal swabs. In total, 59.3% of dromedaries at the livestock market had MERS-CoV RNA in their nasal swabs (Ct 17.7-39.5). While dromedaries at all locations were negative for MERS-CoV RNA in their serum samples, antibodies were detected in 95.2% and 98.7% of them (tested by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence test, respectively). Given the probably transient and/or low level of MERS-CoV viremia in dromedaries and the rather high Ct values observed in the ticks, it seems unlikely that Hyalomma dromedarii is a competent vector for MERS-CoV; however, its role in mechanical or fomite transmission between camels should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Weidinger
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dafalla O Kannan
- Al Ain City Municipality, Al Ain P.O. Box 1003, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Tamer Khafaga
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group, Dubai P.O. Box 686, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brigitte Howarth
- Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD), Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 94000, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moayyed Sher Shah
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group, Dubai P.O. Box 686, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hessa Mazrooei
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nadine Wolf
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Noushad Karuvantevida
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Abou Tayoun
- Al Jalila Genomics Center of Excellence, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai P.O. Box 7662, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomic Discovery, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alawi Alsheikh-Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jeremy V Camp
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
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Weidinger P, Kolodziejek J, Khafaga T, Loney T, Howarth B, Sher Shah M, Abou Tayoun A, Alsheikh-Ali A, Camp JV, Nowotny N. Potentially Zoonotic Viruses in Wild Rodents, United Arab Emirates, 2019—A Pilot Study. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030695. [PMID: 36992404 PMCID: PMC10054371 DOI: 10.3390/v15030695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of emerging viral infectious diseases in humans originate from wildlife reservoirs, such as rodents and bats. We investigated a possible reservoir, namely wild gerbils and mice trapped in a desert reserve within the emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In total, 52 gerbils and 1 jird (Gerbillinae), 10 house mice (Mus musculus), and 1 Arabian spiny mouse (Acomys dimidiatus) were sampled. Oro-pharyngeal swabs, fecal samples, attached ticks, and organ samples (where available) were screened by (RT-q)PCR for the following viruses: Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus, Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus, hantaviruses, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis mammarenavirus, Rustrela virus, poxviruses, flaviviruses, and herpesviruses. All of the samples were negative for all investigated viruses, except for herpesviruses: 19 gerbils (35.8%) and 7 house mice (70.0%) were positive. The resulting sequences were only partly identical to sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three novel betaherpesviruses and four novel gammaherpesviruses. Interestingly, species identification of the positive gerbils resulted in eight individuals clustering in a separate clade, most closely related to Dipodillus campestris, the North African gerbil, indicating either the expansion of the geographic range of this species, or the existence of a closely related, yet undiscovered species in the UAE. In conclusion, we could not find evidence of persistence or shedding of potentially zoonotic viruses in the investigated rodent cohorts of limited sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Weidinger
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamer Khafaga
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group, Dubai P.O. Box 686, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brigitte Howarth
- American University in Dubai, Al Sufouh 2, Dubai P.O. Box 28282, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moayyed Sher Shah
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group, Dubai P.O. Box 686, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Abou Tayoun
- Al Jalila Genomics Center of Excellence, Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai 7662, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomic Discovery, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alawi Alsheikh-Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jeremy V. Camp
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-25077-2704
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Teng JLL, Wernery U, Lee HH, Fung J, Joseph S, Li KSM, Elizabeth SK, Fong JYH, Chan KH, Chen H, Lau SKP, Woo PCY. Co-circulation of a Novel Dromedary Camel Parainfluenza Virus 3 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in a Dromedary Herd With Respiratory Tract Infections. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:739779. [PMID: 34956112 PMCID: PMC8705932 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.739779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2012, there have been a surge in the discovery and evolutionary studies of viruses in dromedaries. Here, we investigated a herd of nine dromedary calves from Umm Al Quwain, the United Arab Emirates that developed respiratory signs. Viral culture of the nasal swabs from the nine calves on Vero cells showed two different types of cytopathic effects (CPEs), suggesting the presence of two different viruses. Three samples showed typical CPEs of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Vero cells, which was confirmed by partial RdRp gene sequencing. Complete genome sequencing of the three MERS-CoV strains showed that they belonged to clade B3, most closely related to another dromedary MERS-CoV isolate previously detected in Dubai. They also showed evidence of recombination between lineages B4 and B5 in ORF1ab. Another three samples showed non-typical CPEs of MERS-CoV with cell rounding, progressive degeneration, and detachment. Electron microscopy revealed spherical viral particles with peplomers and diameter of about 170nm. High-throughput sequencing and metagenomic analysis showed that the genome organization (3'-N-P-M-F-HN-L-5') was typical of paramyxovirus. They possessed typical genome features similar to other viruses of the genus Respirovirus, including a conserved motif 323FAPGNYALSYAM336 in the N protein, RNA editing sites 5'-717AAAAAAGGG725-3', and 5'-1038AGAAGAAAGAAAGG1051-3' (mRNA sense) in the P gene with multiple polypeptides coding capacity, a nuclear localization signal sequence 245KVGRMYSVEYCKQKIEK261 in the M protein, a conserved sialic acid binding motif 252NRKSCS257 in the HN protein, conserved lengths of the leader (55nt) and trailer (51nt) sequences, total coding percentages (92.6–93.4%), gene-start (AGGANNAAAG), gene-end (NANNANNAAAAA), and trinucleotide intergenic sequences (CTT, mRNA sense). Phylogenetic analysis of their complete genomes showed that they were most closely related to bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV3) genotype C strains. In the phylogenetic tree constructed using the complete L protein, the branch length between dromedary camel PIV3 (DcPIV3) and the nearest node is 0.04, which is >0.03, the definition used for species demarcation in the family Paramyxoviridae. Therefore, we show that DcPIV3 is a novel species of the genus Respirovirus that co-circulated with MERS-CoV in a dromedary herd in the Middle East.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Lee Lee Teng
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ulrich Wernery
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hwei Huih Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joshua Fung
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sunitha Joseph
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kenneth Sze Ming Li
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Jordan Yik Hei Fong
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Honglin Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susanna Kar Pui Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick Chiu Yat Woo
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Sero-surveillance of emerging viral diseases in camels and cattle in Nouakchott, Mauritania: an abattoir study. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:195. [PMID: 33666802 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the monitoring of several emerging viral pathogens in Mauritania, which was carried out by the analysis of bovine and camel samples taken at the slaughterhouse of Nouakchott. Blood and serum were collected by random sampling from 159 camels and 118 cattle in March 2013 at the large animals abattoir in Nouakchott. Serological tests for Rift Valley Fever (RVF), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), West Nile disease (WND), epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) and African horse sickness (AHS) were carried out using commercial ELISA kits. The samples, which resulted positives for PPR, WND and AHS, were tested with the confirmatory virus neutralization test (VNT). According to ELISA results, serological prevalence of RVF was 45% (95% CI 52.3-37.7) in camels and 16% (95% CI 22.6-9.4) in cattle. The difference between the observed prevalences in camels and in cattle was significant (p value ≤ 0.01). PPR was absent in camels and had 12% prevalence (95% CI, 17.86-6.14) in cattle. Furthermore, camels showed 92% (95% CI, 96.1-87.9) prevalence of WNV, 73% (95% CI, 82.3-63.64) of EHD and 3% (95% CI, 5.6-0.4) of AHS. This data are of relevance since provided useful feedbacks on the circulation of the pathogens in field. Moreover, this survey provided new information on the susceptibility of camels to several emerging pathogens and on the possible use of this species as sentinel animal.
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Obaidat MM, Stringer AP, Roess AA. Seroprevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of West Nile virus in Jordan. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 113:24-30. [PMID: 30299511 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/try111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This is the first countrywide study of the seroprevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of West Nile virus (WNV) in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional sample of 801 participants was administered a comprehensive questionnaire survey and tested for WNV immunoglobulin G antibodies. Results The point seroprevalence rate for WNV infection was 8.61% (95% confidence interval 6.8 to 10.8). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that sex, age, climate, income and drinking water source were significantly associated with seropositivity (p≤0.05). Males had 1.73 greater odds of infection compared with females. Compared with 15 to 29-year-olds, adults 30-49 y old and adults ≥50 y old had 2.0 and 3.1 greater odds of infection, respectively. Individuals living in the Jordan Valley and Badia had 22.2 and 7.2 times greater odds of infection, respectively, compared with individuals living in the highlands. Households with an income of <US$750/month had 1.8 greater odds of infection compared with those with higher household incomes. Individuals using spring lakes as a drinking water source had 5.1 greater odds of infection than people who used water from any other source. Conclusions This study demonstrates that WNV is circulating in Jordan and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in medical cases presenting with nervous system symptoms, especially for older populations living in the Jordan Valley and Badia areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Obaidat
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Ar-Ramtha, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Andrew P Stringer
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Amira A Roess
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
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Teng JLL, Wernery U, Lee HH, Joseph S, Fung J, Elizabeth SK, Yeong KY, Kinne J, Chan KH, Lau SKP, Woo PCY. First Isolation and Rapid Identification of Newcastle Disease Virus from Aborted Fetus of Dromedary Camel Using Next-Generation Sequencing. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090810. [PMID: 31480604 PMCID: PMC6783818 DOI: 10.3390/v11090810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes morbidities and mortalities in wild and domestic birds globally. For humans, exposure to infected birds can cause conjunctivitis and influenza-like symptoms. NDV infections in mammals are rarely reported. In this study, using next-generation sequencing, an NDV was identified and isolated from Vero cells inoculated with the nasal swab of an aborted dromedary fetus in Dubai, during the time when an NDV outbreak occurred in a pigeon farm located in close proximity to the dairy camel farm where the mother of the aborted dromedary fetus resided, and there were a lot of pigeons in the camel farm. Genome analysis revealed that the structurally and functionally important features of other NDVs were also present in this dromedary NDV genome. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of fusion protein (F), hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein (HN) and complete polyprotein showed that the virus belonged to sub-genotype VIg of class II NDV and is most closely related to pigeon NDVs in Egypt in the same year. The present study is the first that demonstrated isolation of NDV in dromedaries. Further study is warranted to investigate the relationship between NDV infection and abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Lee Lee Teng
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ulrich Wernery
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai 00000, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Hwei Huih Lee
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sunitha Joseph
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai 00000, United Arab Emirates
| | - Joshua Fung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Kai Yan Yeong
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joerg Kinne
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai 00000, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Susanna Kar Pui Lau
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Patrick Chiu Yat Woo
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Root JJ, Bosco-Lauth AM. West Nile Virus Associations in Wild Mammals: An Update. Viruses 2019; 11:v11050459. [PMID: 31117189 PMCID: PMC6563505 DOI: 10.3390/v11050459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although West Nile virus (WNV) is generally thought to circulate among mosquitoes and birds, several historic and recent works providing evidence of WNV activity in wild mammals have been published. Indeed, a previous review tabulated evidence of WNV exposure in at least 100 mammalian species. Herein, we provide an update on WNV activity in wild and select other mammals that have been reported since the last major review article on this subject was published in early 2013. Of interest, new species, such as Hoffman’s two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni), are now included in the growing list of wild mammals that have been naturally exposed to WNV. Furthermore, new instances of WNV viremia as well as severe disease presumably caused by this virus have been reported in wild mammals (e.g., the Virginia opossum [Didelphis virginiana]) from natural and semi-captive (e.g., zoological institution) settings. Regrettably, few recent challenge studies have been conducted on wild mammals, which would provide key information as to their potential role(s) in WNV cycles. Largely based on these recent findings, important future lines of research are recommended to assess which mammalian species are commonly exposed to WNV, which mammal species develop viremias sufficient for infecting mosquitoes, and which mammal species might be negatively affected by WNV infection at the species or population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jeffrey Root
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| | - Angela M Bosco-Lauth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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Camp JV, Karuvantevida N, Chouhna H, Safi E, Shah JN, Nowotny N. Mosquito biodiversity and mosquito-borne viruses in the United Arab Emirates. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:153. [PMID: 30944019 PMCID: PMC6448230 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the last 50 years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced rapid population growth and urbanization. Urbanization is known to influence biodiversity, and there appears to be a link between the emergence of arboviruses and urban growth. Very little is known about the UAE mosquito species richness and dominant vectors. We performed a mosquito survey comparing peri-urban sites in Dubai and Al Ain to a protected, natural site in Fujairah emirate. We measured mosquito biodiversity and species composition, and screened mosquito pools for common arboviruses to measure arbovirus activity in the region. Results We report ten species of mosquitoes from the UAE, with highest species diversity in the natural site, a protected wadi near the eastern coast. The predominant mosquito was Culex perexiguus, and was associated with peri-urban habitats. The site with lowest mosquito species diversity but relatively high species richness was the peri-urban site of Al Ain Zoo, where we identified Bagaza virus and Barkedji virus, two flaviviruses, in pools of Cx. perexiguus. Conclusions Decreased mosquito biodiversity was associated with increased levels of urbanization. The predominance of two species at peri-urban sites was related to the availability of their larval habitats. Arboviruses were associated with the presence of a single predominant mosquito species, Cx. perexiguus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Noushad Karuvantevida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Houda Chouhna
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ebtesam Safi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Junid N Shah
- Natural Resources Conservation Section, Environment Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-borne Infections Group, 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.
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Transmission of a Novel Genotype of Hepatitis E Virus from Bactrian Camels to Cynomolgus Macaques. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.02014-18. [PMID: 30700602 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02014-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is zoonotic and a major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Recently, we identified a novel HEV genotype 8 (HEV8) in Bactrian camels in Xinjiang, China. However, the epidemiology, pathogenicity, and zoonotic potential of HEV8 are unclear. Here, we present the prevalence of HEV8 in China and investigate its pathogenicity and cross-species transmission in cynomolgus macaques. Fresh fecal and milk samples from Bactrian camels collected from four provinces/regions in China were screened for HEV RNA by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). An HEV8-positive sample was used to inoculate two cynomolgus macaques to examine the potential for cross-species infection. The pathogenicity of HEV8 was analyzed by testing HEV markers and liver function during the study period and histopathology of liver biopsy specimens at 3, 13, and 25 weeks postinoculation. Extrahepatic replication was tested by using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence assays. The overall prevalence of HEV8 RNA in Chinese Bactrian camels was 1.4% (4/295), and positive samples were found in three different provinces/regions in China. Histopathology confirmed acute and chronic HEV8 infections in the two monkeys. Multiple tissues were positive for HEV RNA and ORF2 proteins. Renal pathology was observed in the monkey with chronic hepatitis. Whole-genome sequencing showed only 1 to 3 mutations in the HEV8 in the fecal samples from the two monkeys compared to that from the camel. HEV8 is circulating in multiple regions in China. Infection of two monkeys with HEV8 induced chronic and systemic infections, demonstrating the high potential zoonotic risk of HEV8.IMPORTANCE It is estimated that one-third of the world population have been exposed to hepatitis E virus (HEV). In developed countries and China, zoonotic HEV strains are responsible for almost all acute and chronic HEV infection cases. It is always of immediate interest to investigate the zoonotic potential of novel HEV strains. In 2016, we discovered a novel HEV genotype, HEV8, in Bactrian camels, but the epidemiology, zoonotic potential, and pathogenicity of the virus were unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that HEV8 was circulating in multiple regions in China and was capable of infecting cynomolgus macaques, a surrogate for humans, posing high risk of zoonosis. Chronic hepatitis, systemic infection, and renal pathology were observed. Collectively, these data indicate that HEV8 exhibits a high potential for zoonotic transmission. Considering the importance of Bactrian camels as livestock animals, risk groups, such as camelid meat and milk consumers, should be screened for HEV8 infection.
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Al-Tayib OA. An Overview of the Most Significant Zoonotic Viral Pathogens Transmitted from Animal to Human in Saudi Arabia. Pathogens 2019; 8:E25. [PMID: 30813309 PMCID: PMC6471281 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there has been an increasing socioeconomic impact of zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animals to humans worldwide. Recently, in the Arabian Peninsula, including in Saudi Arabia, epidemiological data indicated an actual increase in the number of emerging and/or reemerging cases of several viral zoonotic diseases. Data presented in this review are very relevant because Saudi Arabia is considered the largest country in the Peninsula. We believe that zoonotic pathogens in Saudi Arabia remain an important public health problem; however, more than 10 million Muslim pilgrims from around 184 Islamic countries arrive yearly at Makkah for the Hajj season and/or for the Umrah. Therefore, for health reasons, several countries recommend vaccinations for various zoonotic diseases among preventive protocols that should be complied with before traveling to Saudi Arabia. However, there is a shortage of epidemiological data focusing on the emerging and reemerging of zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animal to humans in different densely populated cities and/or localities in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, further efforts might be needed to control the increasing impacts of zoonotic viral disease. Also, there is a need for a high collaboration to enhance the detection and determination of the prevalence, diagnosis, control, and prevention as well as intervention and reduction in outbreaks of these diseases in Saudi Arabia, particularly those from other countries. Persons in the health field including physicians and veterinarians, pet owners, pet store owners, exporters, border guards, and people involved in businesses related to animal products have adopted various preventive strategies. Some of these measures might pave the way to highly successful prevention and control results on the different transmission routes of these viral zoonotic diseases from or to Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the prevention of these viral pathogens depends on socioeconomic impacts, available data, improved diagnosis, and highly effective therapeutics or prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Al-Tayib
- Abdullah Bagshan for Dental and Oral Rehabilitation (DOR), Dental College Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan.
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11
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Parin U, Erbas G, Kirkan S, Savasan S, Tugba Yuksel H, Balat G. Detection of Candida species by nested PCR method in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius). Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 50:421-425. [PMID: 29080936 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1452-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Systemic fungal diseases are the infections caused by false treatment protocols and generally are not taken into consideration especially in the veterinary field. One-humped camels are found in the western side of the Aegean region of our country and bred for wrestling. The aim of this study is the application of diagnosing systemic fungi infection from camel blood samples by the PCR method. In this study, specific primers for DNA topoisomerase II gene sequences were used. As a result, a systemic fungal infection was detected by the nested PCR method from 10 (20%) out of 50 DNA samples taken from camels located on the western side of the Aegean region. In this study, 3 (30%) samples were identified as Candida albicans, 3 (30%) samples were identified as C. glabrata, and 4 (40%) samples were identified as C. parapsilosis. In conclusion, the 20% positive systemic fungal infection rate in one-humped camels observed in the present study showed that the systemic fungal infections are not taken into considerations in veterinary medicine. Further studies are suggested in order to obtain and to maintain extensive data for systemic fungal diseases in our country for one-humped camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Parin
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Adnan Menderes, 09016, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Goksel Erbas
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Adnan Menderes, 09016, Aydın, Turkey.
| | - Sukru Kirkan
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Adnan Menderes, 09016, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Serap Savasan
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Adnan Menderes, 09016, Aydın, Turkey
| | - H Tugba Yuksel
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Adnan Menderes, 09016, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Gamze Balat
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Adnan Menderes, 09016, Aydın, Turkey
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12
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Complete Genome Sequence of West Nile Virus (WNV) from the First Human Case of Neuroinvasive WNV Infection in Cyprus. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2017; 5:5/43/e01110-17. [PMID: 29074649 PMCID: PMC5658487 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01110-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We report here the complete genome sequence of a West Nile virus (WNV) strain from the first laboratory-confirmed human case of neuroinvasive WNV infection in Cyprus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this WNV strain grouped clearly into genetic lineage 1, clade 1a, cluster 2.
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13
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Woo PCY, Lau SKP, Tsoi HW, Patteril NG, Yeung HC, Joseph S, Wong EYM, Muhammed R, Chow FWN, Wernery U, Yuen KY. Two novel dromedary camel bocaparvoviruses from dromedaries in the Middle East with unique genomic features. J Gen Virol 2017; 98:1349-1359. [PMID: 28613145 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus and its discovery from dromedary camels has boosted interest in the search for novel viruses in dromedaries. While bocaparvoviruses are known to infect various animals, it was not known that they exist in dromedaries. In this study, we describe the discovery of two novel dromedary camel bocaparvoviruses (DBoVs), DBoV1 and DBoV2, from dromedary faecal samples in Dubai. Among 667 adult dromedaries and 72 dromedary calves, 13.9 % of adult dromedaries and 33.3 % of dromedary calves were positive for DBoV1, while 7.0 % of adult dromedaries and 25.0 % of dromedary calves were positive for DBoV2, as determined by PCR. Sequencing of 21 DBoV1 and 18 DBoV2 genomes and phylogenetic analysis showed that DBoV1 and DBoV2 formed two distinct clusters, with only 32.6-36.3 % amino acid identities between the DBoV1 and DBoV2 strains. Quasispecies were detected in both DBoVs. The amino acid sequences of the NS1 proteins of all the DBoV1 and DBoV2 strains showed <85 % identity to those of all the other bocaparvoviruses, indicating that DBoV1 and DBoV2 are two bocaparvovirus species according to the ICTV criteria. Although the typical genome structure of NS1-NP1-VP1/VP2 was observed in DBoV1 and DBoV2, no phospholipase A2 motif and associated calcium binding site were observed in the predicted VP1 sequences for any of the 18 sequenced DBoV2, and no start codons were found for their VP1. For all 18 DBoV2 genomes, an AT-rich region of variable length and composition was present downstream to NP1. Further studies will be crucial to understand the pathogenic potential of DBoVs in this unique group of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Y Woo
- Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Susanna K P Lau
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hoi-Wah Tsoi
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | | | - Hazel C Yeung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | | | - Emily Y M Wong
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | | | - Franklin W N Chow
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | | | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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14
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Uhde AK, Lehmbecker A, Baumgärtner W, Spitzbarth I. Evaluation of a panel of antibodies for the immunohistochemical identification of immune cells in paraffin-embedded lymphoid tissues of new- and old-world camelids. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2017; 184:42-53. [PMID: 28166931 PMCID: PMC7111308 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Different species of camelids play
an important role in the epidemiology of various emerging infectious
diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome. For precise
investigations of the immunopathogenesis in these host species,
appropriate immunohistochemical markers are highly needed in order to
phenotype distinct immune cells populations in camelids. So far, specific
immunohistochemical markers for camelid immune cells are rarely
commercially available, and cross-reactivity studies are restricted to
the use of frozen dromedary tissues. To bridge this gap, 14 commercially
available primary antibodies were tested for their suitability to
demonstrate immune cell populations on formalin fixed paraffin-embedded
(FFPE) tissue sections of dromedaries, Bactrian camels, llamas, and
alpacas in the present study. Out of these, 9 antibodies directed against
CD3, CD20, CD79α, HLA-DR, Iba-1, myeloid/histiocyte antigen, CD204,
CD208, and CD68 antigen exhibited distinct immunoreaction patterns to
certain camelid immune cell subsets. The distribution of these antigens
was comparatively evaluated in different anatomical compartments of
thymus, spleen, mesenteric, and tracheobronchial lymph nodes. The
presented results will provide a basis for further investigations in
camelids, especially with respect to the role of the immune response in
certain infectious diseases, which harbor a considerable risk to spill
over to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Uhde
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Annika Lehmbecker
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Ingo Spitzbarth
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
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15
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Wernery U, Lau SKP, Woo PCY. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus and dromedaries. Vet J 2017; 220:75-79. [PMID: 28190501 PMCID: PMC7110516 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a zoonotic viral disease transmissible from dromedaries to human beings. MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in dromedaries is usually asymptomatic but mild respiratory signs may occur. No MERS-CoV or antibodies against the virus have been detected in camelids other than dromedaries. Dromedaries acquire MERS-CoV at less than 1 year of age and 100% of adult dromedaries are seropositive for the virus. MERS-CoV in dromedaries is detected by virus isolation, quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR or antigen detection.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a zoonotic viral disease that can be transmitted from dromedaries to human beings. More than 1500 cases of MERS have been reported in human beings to date. Although MERS has been associated with 30% case fatality in human beings, MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in dromedaries is usually asymptomatic. In rare cases, dromedaries may develop mild respiratory signs. No MERS-CoV or antibodies against the virus have been detected in camelids other than dromedaries. MERS-CoV is mainly acquired in dromedaries when they are less than 1 year of age, and the proportion of seropositivity increases with age to a seroprevalence of 100% in adult dromedaries. Laboratory diagnosis of MERS-CoV infection in dromedaries can be achieved through virus isolation using Vero cells, RNA detection by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR and antigen detection using respiratory specimens or serum. Rapid nucleocapsid antigen detection using a lateral flow platform allows efficient screening of dromedaries carrying MERS-CoV. In addition to MERS-CoV, which is a lineage C virus in the Betacoronavirus (betaCoV) genus, a lineage B betaCoV and a virus in the Alphacoronavirus (alphaCoV) genus have been detected in dromedaries. Dromedary CoV UAE-HKU23 is closely related to human CoV OC43, whereas the alphaCoV has not been detected in human beings to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Wernery
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Susanna K P Lau
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Patrick C Y Woo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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