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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Krcmar S, Bogdanic M, Tomljenovic M, Barbic L, Roncevic D, Sabadi D, Vucelja M, Santini M, Hunjak B, Stevanovic V, Boljfetic M, Bjedov L, Masovic V, Potocnik-Hunjadi T, Lakoseljac D, Al-Mufleh M, Savic V. An Overview of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Epidemiology in Endemic Regions of Continental Croatia, 2017-2023. Microorganisms 2024; 12:386. [PMID: 38399790 PMCID: PMC10891638 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020386] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) represents an important public health problem in Europe. We analyzed the epidemiology of TBE based on data from humans, animals, and Ixodes ricinus ticks in endemic regions of continental Croatia. In the period from 2017 to 2023, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples of 684 patients with neuroinvasive diseases, 2240 horse serum samples, and 300 sheep serum samples were tested for TBEV. In addition, 8751 I. ricinus ticks were collected. CSF samples were tested using RT-PCR. Serological tests (serum, CSF) were performed using commercial ELISA, with confirmation of cross-reactive samples by a virus neutralization test. Eighty-four autochthonous human TBEV cases were confirmed. The majority of patients were in the age group of 40-69 years (58.3%) with a male predominance (70.2%). TBE showed a bimodal seasonality with a large peak in April-August and a small one in October-November. In addition to humans, TBEV IgG antibodies were found in 12.2% of horses and 9.7% of sheep. Seasonal tick abundance corresponds to the reported number of human infections. Continental Croatia is still an active natural focus of TBE. Continuous monitoring of infections in humans, sentinel animals, and ticks is needed for the implementation of preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Stjepan Krcmar
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Morana Tomljenovic
- Department of Epidemiology, Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.T.); (D.R.); (D.L.)
- Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.B.); (V.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Dobrica Roncevic
- Department of Epidemiology, Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.T.); (D.R.); (D.L.)
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Dario Sabadi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Medical Faculty, University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marko Vucelja
- Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.V.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Marija Santini
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljevic”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Blazenka Hunjak
- Department of Bacteriology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Microbiology, University of Applied Health Sciences, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.B.); (V.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Marko Boljfetic
- Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.V.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Linda Bjedov
- Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.V.); (M.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Viktor Masovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.B.); (V.S.); (V.M.)
| | | | - Danijela Lakoseljac
- Department of Epidemiology, Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (M.T.); (D.R.); (D.L.)
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mahmoud Al-Mufleh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, County Hospital Cakovec, 40000 Cakovec, Croatia;
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Poultry Center, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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2
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Gupta PC, Satapathy P, Gupta A, Asumah MN, Padhi BK. Usutu virus: a Flavivirus on the rise amid COVID-19 and monkeypox. Int J Surg 2023; 109:614-615. [PMID: 37093099 PMCID: PMC10389476 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
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3
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Trozzi G, Adjadj NR, Vervaeke M, Matthijs S, Sohier C, De Regge N. Comparison of Serological Methods for Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus-Specific Antibody Detection in Wild Boar and Sheep: Impact of the Screening Approach on the Estimated Seroprevalence. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020459. [PMID: 36851673 PMCID: PMC9958861 DOI: 10.3390/v15020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus transmitted by ticks. Serological screenings in animals are performed to estimate the prevalence and distribution of TBEV. Most screenings consist of a primary screening by ELISA, followed by confirmation of positive samples by plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs). In this study, 406 wild boar sera were tested with 2 regularly used commercial ELISAs for flavivirus screening in animals (Immunozym FSME (TBEV) IgG All Species (Progen) and ID Screen West Nile Competition (Innovative Diagnostics)) and PRNTs for TBEV and USUTU virus. The results showed that the Immunozym and IDScreen ELISAs had low relative sensitivities of 23% and 20%, respectively, compared to the PRNT results. The relative specificities were 88% and 84% due to cross reactions with USUTU virus-specific antibodies. The minimal TBEV prevalence in our sample set was 8.6% when determined by PRNT. When the screening approach of ELISA testing followed by PRNT confirmation was applied, a TBEV seroprevalence of only 2.0% and 1.7% was found. The suboptimal performance of the ELISAs was confirmed by testing sera collected from experimentally TBEV-infected sheep. While the PRNT detected TBEV specific antibodies in 94% of samples collected between 7 and 18 days post-infection, the ELISAs classified only 50% and 31% of the samples as positive. Both routinely used ELISAs for TBEV antibody screening in animal sera were shown to have a low sensitivity, potentially leading to an underestimation of the true prevalence, and furthermore cross-react with other flavivirus antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Trozzi
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Nadjah Radia Adjadj
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Severine Matthijs
- Viral Reemerging, Enzootic and Bee Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Sohier
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick De Regge
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
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4
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Salinas-Torres J, Varas-Parada E, Peña-Moreno C, Guerra-Zúñiga M, Henríquez C, Romero W, Collao-Ferrada X. Serological Determination of West Nile Virus in Domestic Birds from Rapa Nui, Chile. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:85-87. [PMID: 36602757 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Flaviviruses are agents with high zoonotic potential of importance to human health. They are transmitted by mosquitoes of the Culicidae family, and birds act as host-amplifiers. Birds, mammals, and humans are susceptible hosts to infection. Methods: In this study, West Nile virus (WNV), flavivirus, infection was studied in 37 serum samples from 22 hens on Easter Island, Chile. Results: WNV was detected by ELISA (ID Screen® West Nile Competition Multi-Species). We report absence of antibodies to WNV, and to related viruses of the Japanese Encephalitis Virus serocomplex, and, therefore, absence of infection across the sample. Conclusion: This is the first evaluation of its type carried out in Chile, and represents a positive result for public health at Easter Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Salinas-Torres
- Society of Veterinary Infectology, INFECVET, Santiago, Chile.,Research and Management of Emergencies and Disasters©, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Cindy Peña-Moreno
- Preclinical Department, Medicine School, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Virology, Medical School Clinical Laboratory, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Maria Guerra-Zúñiga
- Public Health Department, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carlos Henríquez
- Statistics Institute, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Waldo Romero
- Applied Research Group, Statistics Institute, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ximena Collao-Ferrada
- Preclinical Department, Medicine School, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Virology, Medical School Clinical Laboratory, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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5
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Siljic M, Sehovic R, Jankovic M, Stamenkovic G, Loncar A, Todorovic M, Stanojevic M, Cirkovic V. Evolutionary dynamics of Usutu virus: Worldwide dispersal patterns and transmission dynamics in Europe. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1145981. [PMID: 37032910 PMCID: PMC10076808 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1145981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne Flavivirus, with birds as the main zoonotic reservoir. Humans are accidental hosts and mostly develop mild or even asymptomatic infections, although severe complications such as encephalitis can also arise. Detailed characterization of the pathogen's phylogenetics may offer valuable insights into the prediction and prevention of potential epidemics; however, lack of uniformity and the number of available USUV sequences worldwide hamper comprehensive investigation. Aim The study aimed to investigate USUV spatio-temporal dispersal inter- and intracontinentally and to estimate the dynamics of viral spread within Europe. Methods Phylogeographic and phylodynamic analyses were done using advanced phylogenetic methods implemented in Beast 1.10.4 and Beast 2.6.4 software packages. Results Herein, we report on a new USUV isolate from Culex pipiens collected in 2019 from Serbia. The results of this research revealed two newly described intercontinental migration events of USUV from Africa to Germany in the 1970s and from Africa to the Middle East (Israel) in the late 90s. Finally, phylodynamic analysis substantiated the ongoing active expansion of USUV in Europe. Conclusion The data would imply a high potential for further USUV expansion in Europe. Detailed phylogenetic characterization of the pathogen may offer valuable insights into prediction and prevention of potential epidemics; however, lack of uniformity and number of available USUV sequences worldwide hampers comprehensive investigation. This study draws attention to the need for upscaling USUV surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Siljic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rastko Sehovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Jankovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorana Stamenkovic
- Department for Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Loncar
- Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Todorovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Stanojevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Valentina Cirkovic
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Valentina Cirkovic
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6
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Peňazziová K, Korytár Ľ, Cingeľová Maruščáková I, Schusterová P, Loziak A, Pivka S, Ondrejková A, Pistl J, Csank T. Serologic Investigation on Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus, Kemerovo Virus and Tribeč Virus Infections in Wild Birds. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122397. [PMID: 36557650 PMCID: PMC9784810 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study reports on serosurvey on the tick-borne encephalitis virus European subtype (TBEV; genus Flavivirus), and the tick-borne Kemerovo (KEMV) and Tribeč (TRBV) orbivirus (genus Orbivirus) infections in tick-infested and non-infested birds. No virus RNA was detected in the blood clots. Birds were infested mostly by Ixodes ricinus, but Haemaphysalis concinna and I. frontalis were observed too. TBEV, KEMV and TRBV neutralising antibodies (NAb) were detected in the screening microtitration neutralisation test (μVNT). Seropositive samples were further examined in simultaneous μVNT to distinguish TBEV infection from WNV and USUV. KEMV and TRBV infections were also further examined by μVNT against each other. The demonstrated results point to increased TBEV and TRBV seroprevalence in birds over the past several years. This is the first study on KEMV infection in the Slovak bird population, and seropositive juvenile birds suggest its occurrence in a new geographic area. The results indicate the significance of tick infestation rates, seropositivity and specific NAb titre. The reservoir role of birds for TBEV, KEMV and TRBV remains unclear. However, targeted monitoring of birds and vectors is an effective measure of surveillance of arbovirus introduction into new geographic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Peňazziová
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ľuboš Korytár
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Cingeľová Maruščáková
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Petra Schusterová
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexander Loziak
- Institute of Social Sciences of the Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences Slovak Academy of Sciences, Karpatská 5, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Soňa Pivka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Anna Ondrejková
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Pistl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Csank
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
- Correspondence:
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Cavalleri JV, Korbacska‐Kutasi O, Leblond A, Paillot R, Pusterla N, Steinmann E, Tomlinson J. European College of Equine Internal Medicine consensus statement on equine flaviviridae infections in Europe. Vet Med (Auckl) 2022; 36:1858-1871. [DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessika‐M. V. Cavalleri
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Orsolya Korbacska‐Kutasi
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
- Department for Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest Hungary
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences—Szent Istvan University (MTA‐SZIE) Large Animal Clinical Research Group Üllő Dóra major Hungary
| | - Agnès Leblond
- EPIA, UMR 0346, Epidemiologie des maladies animales et zoonotiques, INRAE, VetAgro Sup University of Lyon Marcy l'Etoile France
| | - Romain Paillot
- School of Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy Writtle University College Chelmsford UK
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis California USA
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine Ruhr University Bochum Bochum Germany
| | - Joy Tomlinson
- Baker Institute for Animal Health Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca New York USA
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8
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Trifonova I, Christova I, Ivanova-Aleksandrova N, Gladnishka T, Ivanova V, Panayotova E, Taseva E, Dimitrov D, Marinov M, Kamenov G, Zehtindjiev P. Survey of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and West Nile fever virus in wild birds in Bulgaria. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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9
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Magouras I, Schoster A, Fouché N, Gerber V, Groschup MH, Ziegler U, Fricker R, Griot C, Vögtlin A. Neurological disease suspected to be caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus infection in 6 horses in Switzerland. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:2254-2262. [PMID: 36093849 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16533] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on acute tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infections with signs of neurologic disease in horses are limited. OBJECTIVES To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of suspected acute TBEV infections in 6 horses. ANIMALS Six horses originating from TBEV endemic regions of Switzerland were presented to equine hospitals with acute onset of neurologic disease between 2011 and 2019. METHODS Retrospective case series. Horses with acute onset of signs of neurologic disease that were subjected to clinical and microbiological examinations to rule out infectious diseases affecting the central nervous system. RESULTS All horses exhibited acute signs of neurologic disease including ataxia and proprioceptive deficits. Horses tested positive for TBEV using virus neutralization test and samples were further tested for TBEV-specific IgM. The presence of TBEV-specific IgM antibodies was confirmed in 5 horses (cases 1-5, Laboratory Unit [LU] values ranging from 30 to 56). One horse (case no. 6) with an LU value just below the test threshold (LU = 22.3) was also included under the hypothesis that the horse was transitioning from acute to chronic infection. All horses originated from areas where humans with confirmed tick-borne encephalitis reported to have been bitten by ticks. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Acute TBEV infection should be a differential diagnosis in horses with signs of neurologic disease and originating from TBEV endemic areas. The establishment of harmonized diagnostic criteria would help to overcome the diagnostic challenges associated with TBEV and other Flavivirus infections in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Magouras
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Angelika Schoster
- Clinic for Equine Internal Medicine, Equine Department, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Fouché
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Raffael Fricker
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Griot
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Vögtlin
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland
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10
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de Heus P, Kolodziejek J, Hubálek Z, Dimmel K, Racher V, Nowotny N, Cavalleri JMV. West Nile Virus and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Are Endemic in Equids in Eastern Austria. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091873. [PMID: 34578454 PMCID: PMC8473302 DOI: 10.3390/v13091873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in addition to the autochthonous tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in Europe causes rising concern for public and animal health. The first equine case of West Nile neuroinvasive disease in Austria was diagnosed in 2016. As a consequence, a cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted in 2017, including 348 equids from eastern Austria. Serum samples reactive by ELISA for either flavivirus immunoglobulin G or M were further analyzed with the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT-80) to identify the specific etiologic agent. Neutralizing antibody prevalences excluding vaccinated equids were found to be 5.3% for WNV, 15.5% for TBEV, 0% for USUV, and 1.2% for WNV from autochthonous origin. Additionally, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect WNV nucleic acid in horse sera and was found to be negative in all cases. Risk factor analysis did not identify any factors significantly associated with seropositivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phebe de Heus
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.d.H.); (J.-M.V.C.)
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (J.K.); (K.D.)
| | - Zdenĕk Hubálek
- Institute for Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kvĕtná 8, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Katharina Dimmel
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (J.K.); (K.D.)
| | - Victoria Racher
- Department of Mathematics, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (J.K.); (K.D.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Building 14, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-25077-2704
| | - Jessika-M. V. Cavalleri
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.d.H.); (J.-M.V.C.)
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11
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Ticks and their epidemiological role in Slovakia: from the past till present. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021; 77:1575-1610. [PMID: 34548672 PMCID: PMC8446484 DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00845-3] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In Slovakia, 22 tick species have been found to occur to date. Among them, Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, D. marginatus and marginally Haemaphysalis concinna, H. inermis and H. punctata have been identified as the species of public health relevance. Ticks in Slovakia were found to harbour and transmit zoonotic and/or potentially zoonotic agents such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex, the relapsing fever sprirochaete Borrelia miyamotoi, bacteria belonging to the orders Rickettsiales (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis), Legionellales (Coxiella burnetii), and Thiotrichales (Francisella tularensis), and Babesia spp. parasites (order Piroplasmida). Ixodes ricinus is the principal vector of the largest variety of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria and piroplasms. TBEV, B. burgdorferi s.l., rickettsiae of the spotted fever group, C. burnetii and F. tularensis have been found to cause serious diseases in humans, whereas B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum, N. mikurensis, Babesia microti, and B. venatorum pose lower or potential risk to humans. Distribution of TBEV has a focal character. During the last few decades, new tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) foci and their spread to new areas have been registered and TBE incidence rates have increased. Moreover, Slovakia reports the highest rates of alimentary TBE infections among the European countries. Lyme borreliosis (LB) spirochaetes are spread throughout the distribution range of I. ricinus. Incidence rates of LB have shown a slightly increasing trend since 2010. Only a few sporadic cases of human rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis have been confirmed thus far in Slovakia. The latest large outbreaks of Q fever and tularaemia were recorded in 1993 and 1967, respectively. Since then, a few human cases of Q fever have been reported almost each year. Changes in the epidemiological characteristics and clinical forms of tularaemia have been observed during the last few decades. Global changes and development of modern molecular tools led to the discovery and identification of emerging or new tick-borne microorganisms and symbionts with unknown zoonotic potential. In this review, we provide a historical overview of research on ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Slovakia with the most important milestones and recent findings, and outline future directions in the investigation of ticks as ectoparasites and vectors of zoonotic agents and in the study of tick-borne diseases.
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12
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Čabanová V, Tichá E, Bradbury RS, Zubriková D, Valentová D, Chovancová G, Grešáková Ľ, Víchová B, Šikutová S, Csank T, Hurníková Z, Miterpáková M, Rudolf I. Mosquito surveillance of West Nile and Usutu viruses in four territorial units of Slovakia and description of a confirmed autochthonous human case of West Nile fever, 2018 to 2019. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 26. [PMID: 33988125 PMCID: PMC8120799 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.19.2000063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite the known circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in Slovakia, no formal entomological surveillance programme has been established there thus far. Aim To conduct contemporaneous surveillance of WNV and USUV in different areas of Slovakia and to assess the geographical spread of these viruses through mosquito vectors. The first autochthonous human WNV infection in the country is also described. Methods Mosquitoes were trapped in four Slovak territorial units in 2018 and 2019. Species were characterised morphologically and mosquito pools screened for WNV and USUV by real-time reverse-transcription PCRs. In pools with any of the two viruses detected, presence of pipiens complex group mosquitoes was verified using molecular approaches. Results Altogether, 421 pools containing in total 4,508 mosquitoes were screened. Three pools tested positive for WNV and 16 for USUV. USUV was more prevalent than WNV, with a broader spectrum of vectors and was detected over a longer period (June–October vs August for WNV). The main vectors of both viruses were Culex pipiens sensu lato. Importantly, WNV and USUV were identified in a highly urbanised area of Bratislava city, Slovakias’ capital city. Moreover, in early September 2019, a patient, who had been bitten by mosquitoes in south-western Slovakia and who had not travelled abroad, was laboratory-confirmed with WNV infection. Conclusion The entomological survey results and case report increase current understanding of the WNV and USUV situation in Slovakia. They underline the importance of vector surveillance to assess public health risks posed by these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia.,Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Elena Tichá
- The National Reference Centre for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fevers of the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Dana Zubriková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | | | | | - Ľubomíra Grešáková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | | | - Silvie Šikutová
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Csank
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hurníková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | | | - Ivo Rudolf
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
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Genetic Characterization of a Neurovirulent West Nile Virus Variant Associated with a Fatal Great Grey Owl Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040699. [PMID: 33920598 PMCID: PMC8073349 DOI: 10.3390/v13040699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports on a fatal case of a captive great grey owl infected with the West Nile virus (WNV) in the zoological garden Košice, eastern Slovakia (Central Europe). The tissue samples of the dead owl were used for virus isolation and genetic characterization. The novel isolate is genetically closer to Hungarian, Greek, and Bulgarian strains from the central/southern European clade of lineage 2 than to the strains previously isolated in Slovakia. Interestingly, it carries NS3-249P, a molecular virulence determinant associated with higher neurovirulence, which has not previously been observed in Slovakia. Subsequent serological investigation of the captive owls revealed additional seropositive animals, indicating local WNV transmission. Although no WNV-positive mosquitoes were found, the presence of the WNV principal vector Culex pipiens complex together with the described fatal case and further serological findings indicate an endemic focus of bird-neurovirulent WNV variant in the area.
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14
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Constant O, Bollore K, Clé M, Barthelemy J, Foulongne V, Chenet B, Gomis D, Virolle L, Gutierrez S, Desmetz C, Moares RA, Beck C, Lecollinet S, Salinas S, Simonin Y. Evidence of Exposure to USUV and WNV in Zoo Animals in France. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121005. [PMID: 33266071 PMCID: PMC7760666 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are zoonotic arboviruses. These flaviviruses are mainly maintained in the environment through an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. Horses and humans are incidental, dead-end hosts, but can develop severe neurological disorders. Nevertheless, there is little data regarding the involvement of other mammals in the epidemiology of these arboviruses. In this study, we performed a serosurvey to assess exposure to these viruses in captive birds and mammals in a zoo situated in the south of France, an area described for the circulation of these two viruses. A total of 411 samples comprising of 70 species were collected over 16 years from 2003 to 2019. The samples were first tested by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The positive sera were then tested using virus-specific microneutralization tests against USUV and WNV. USUV seroprevalence in birds was 10 times higher than that of WNV (14.59% versus 1.46%, respectively). Among birds, greater rhea (Rhea Americana) and common peafowl (Pavo cristatus) exhibited the highest USUV seroprevalence. Infections occurred mainly between 2016-2018 corresponding to a period of high circulation of these viruses in Europe. In mammalian species, antibodies against WNV were detected in one dama gazelle (Nanger dama) whereas serological evidence of USUV infection was observed in several Canidae, especially in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Our study helps to better understand the exposure of captive species to WNV and USUV and to identify potential host species to include in surveillance programs in zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Constant
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Karine Bollore
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Marion Clé
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Jonathan Barthelemy
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Vincent Foulongne
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Baptiste Chenet
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | - David Gomis
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | - Laurie Virolle
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | | | - Caroline Desmetz
- bBioCommunication en CardioMétabolique (BC2M), Montpellier University, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Rayane Amaral Moares
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Cécile Beck
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)4-3435-9114
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15
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Metz MBC, Olufemi OT, Daly JM, Barba M. Systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence studies of West Nile virus in equids in Europe between 2001 and 2018. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1814-1823. [PMID: 33012076 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
There is some evidence that West Nile virus (WNV), which causes encephalomyelitis in equids, is an emerging disease in Europe. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyse seroprevalence studies of WNV in equids in European countries between 2001 and 2018. Two electronic databases, PubMed and Scopus, were searched for relevant publications published from 2001 to 2018 using predetermined keywords. A total of 1,484 papers were initially found. After applying the eligibility criteria, 39 papers were finally included in the systematic review. Analysis of 28,089 equids from 16 European countries revealed a pooled seroprevalence of 8% (95% CI 5%-12%, p < .001, I2 = 99.3%) in Europe. The pooled seroprevalence was slightly higher in Mediterranean basin countries than other countries and when calculated for samples collected between 2001 and 2009 compared to 2010 to 2018. Differences in study design (e.g. sampling associated with recent outbreaks of WNV) contributed to a high degree of variability among studies. Further studies with harmonized study design and reporting of the results are recommended to better estimate and monitor European seroprevalence of WNV in equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine B C Metz
- Agentes Microbiológicos asociados a la Reproducción Animal (ProVaginBio), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Olaolu T Olufemi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Janet M Daly
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marta Barba
- Agentes Microbiológicos asociados a la Reproducción Animal (ProVaginBio), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
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16
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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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17
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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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18
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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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19
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Guerrero-Carvajal F, Bravo-Barriga D, Martín-Cuervo M, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Ferraguti M, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Llorente F, Alonso JM, Frontera E. Serological evidence of co-circulation of West Nile and Usutu viruses in equids from western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1432-1444. [PMID: 32853452 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne emerging virus in Europe with capacity to cause neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningoencephalitis in humans, birds or equids. In Spain, WNV is actively circulating in mosquitoes, birds and horses in different regions, but never has been deeply studied in Extremadura. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of WNV in equids of those areas and to analyse the risk factors associated with exposure to the virus. A total of 199 out of 725 equids presented antibodies against WNV by competition ELISA (27.45%), while 22 were doubtful (3.03%). Anti-WNV IgM antibodies were detected in 16 equids (2.21%), and 3 animals were doubtful (0.41%). All ELISA-reactive positive/doubtful sera (N = 226) were further tested by micro-virus neutralization test (VNT), and a total of 143 horses were confirmed as positive for WNV, obtaining a seroprevalence of 19.72% in equids of western Spain. In addition, specific antibodies against USUV were confirmed in 11 equids. In 24 equids, a specific flavivirus species (detected by ELISA test) could not be determined. The generalized linear mixed-effects models showed that the significant risk factors associated with individual WNV infection in equids were the age (adults) and hair coat colour (light), whereas in USUV infections, it was the breed (pure). Data demonstrated that WNV and USUV are circulating in regions of western Spain. Given the high WNV seroprevalence found in equids from the studied areas, it is important to improve the surveillance programmes of public health to detect undiagnosed human cases and to establish a vaccination programme in equid herds in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Martín-Cuervo
- Animal Medicine Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Cáceres, Spain
| | - Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda
- Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martina Ferraguti
- Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology Department, Science Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Badajoz, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Alonso
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Cáceres, Spain
| | - Eva Frontera
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Cáceres, Spain
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20
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Bakhshi H, Beck C, Lecollinet S, Monier M, Mousson L, Zakeri S, Raz A, Arzamani K, Nourani L, Dinparast-Djadid N, Failloux AB. Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection among birds and horses in some geographical locations of Iran. Vet Med Sci 2020; 7:204-209. [PMID: 32858762 PMCID: PMC7840194 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent expansion of arboviruses such as West Nile (WNV), Usutu (USUV), and tick‐borne encephalitis (TBEV) over their natural range of distribution needs strengthening their surveillance. As common viral vertebrate hosts, birds and horses deserve special attention with routine serological surveillance. Here, we estimated the seroprevalence of WNV, USUV and TBEV in 160 migrating/resident birds and 60 horses sampled in Mazandaran, Golestan, North Khorasan, Kordestan provinces and Golestan province of Iran respectively. ELISA results showed that of 220 collected samples, 32 samples (14.54%), including 22 birds and 10 horses, were positive. Microsphere immunoassay results showed that 16.7% (10/60) of horse blood samples collected in Golestan province were seropositive against WNV (7; 11.7%), Flavivirus (2; 3.3%) and seropositive for USUV or WNV (1; 1.7%). Furthermore, micro virus neutralization tests revealed that four of seven ELISA‐positive bird blood samples were seropositive against WNV: two Egyptian vultures, and one long‐legged buzzard collected in Golestan province as well as a golden eagle collected in North Khorasan province. No evidence of seropositivity with TBEV was observed in collected samples. We showed that WNV, responsible for neuroinvasive infection in vertebrates, is circulating among birds and horses in Iran, recommending a sustained surveillance of viral infections in animals, and anticipating future infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Bakhshi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cécile Beck
- EURL on Equine Diseases, ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- EURL on Equine Diseases, ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maëlle Monier
- EURL on Equine Diseases, ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laurence Mousson
- Department of virology, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbasali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Arzamani
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Leila Nourani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast-Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Department of virology, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Petrovic T, Savic V, Barbic L, Tabain I, Stevanovic V, Klobucar A, Mrzljak A, Ilic M, Bogdanic M, Benvin I, Santini M, Capak K, Monaco F, Listes E, Savini G. Epidemiology of Usutu Virus: The European Scenario. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090699. [PMID: 32858963 PMCID: PMC7560012 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging arbovirus isolated in 1959 (Usutu River, Swaziland). Previously restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, the virus was introduced in Europe in 1996. While the USUV has received little attention in Africa, the virus emergence has prompted numerous studies with robust epidemiological surveillance programs in Europe. The natural transmission cycle of USUV involves mosquitoes (vectors) and birds (amplifying hosts) with humans and other mammals considered incidental ("dead-end") hosts. In Africa, the virus was isolated in mosquitoes, rodents and birds and serologically detected in horses and dogs. In Europe, USUV was detected in bats, whereas antibodies were found in different animal species (horses, dogs, squirrels, wild boar, deer and lizards). While bird mortalities were not reported in Africa, in Europe USUV was shown to be highly pathogenic for several bird species, especially blackbirds (Turdus merula) and great gray owls (Strix nebulosa). Furthermore, neurotropism of USUV for humans was reported for the first time in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Epizootics and genetic diversity of USUV in different bird species as well as detection of the virus in mosquitoes suggest repeated USUV introductions into Europe with endemization in some countries. The zoonotic potential of USUV has been reported in a growing number of human cases. Clinical cases of neuroinvasive disease and USUV fever, as well as seroconversion in blood donors were reported in Europe since 2009. While most USUV strains detected in humans, birds and mosquitoes belong to European USUV lineages, several reports indicate the presence of African lineages as well. Since spreading trends of USUV are likely to continue, continuous multidisciplinary interventions ("One Health" concept) should be conducted for monitoring and prevention of this emerging arboviral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (M.B.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-4863-238
| | - Tamas Petrovic
- Department for Virology, Scientific Veterinary Institute, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Poultry Center, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.B.); (V.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Irena Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.B.); (V.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Ana Klobucar
- Department of Epidemiology, Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Ilic
- Department of Epidemiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Iva Benvin
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.B.); (V.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Marija Santini
- Department for Intensive Care Medicine and Neuroinfectology, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr Fran Mihaljevic”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Krunoslav Capak
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Federica Monaco
- OIE Reference Center for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Eddy Listes
- Laboratory for Diagnostics, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Regional Institute Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Giovanni Savini
- OIE Reference Center for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.M.); (G.S.)
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22
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Camino E, Schmid S, Weber F, Pozo P, de Juan L, König M, Cruz-Lopez F. Detection of antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis flaviviruses in breeding and sport horses from Spain. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101487. [PMID: 32723662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and louping-ill virus (LIV) are two closely related zoonotic flaviviruses leading to neurological diseases and belonging to the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) serocomplex. Both viruses are transmitted by the same ixodid tick vector, Ixodes ricinus. Due to global warming affecting vector biology and pathogen transmission, the viruses pose an emerging threat for public health in Europe and Asia. These flaviviruses share some hosts, like sheep, goats and humans, although the main hosts for LIV and TBEV are sheep and small rodents, respectively. Whereas LIV has been detected in Spanish sheep and goat herds, circulating antibodies against TBEV have only been reported in dogs and horses from particular regions in this country. The limited available information about the prevalence of these viruses in Spain led us to investigate the serological evidence of TBE flaviviruses in horses from Spain. Serum neutralization tests (SNT) were performed using sera from 495 breeding and sport horses collected during two periods (2011-2013 and 2015-2016). A seroprevalence of 3.1 % (95 % CI 1.5-4.6) was found and cross-reactivity with West Nile virus was excluded in the positive samples. Sport horses showed a significantly higher TBE serocomplex seropositivity compared to breeding horses. An increased seroprevalence was observed in the second sampling period (2015-2016). Our results demonstrate for the first time the presence of antibodies against TBE flaviviruses in horses residing in mainland Spain; further epidemiological surveys are necessary in order to understand and monitor the active transmission of TBE flaviviruses in this country and rule out the presence of other flaviviruses co-circulating in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Camino
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Schmid
- Institute of Virology. Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - F Weber
- Institute of Virology. Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - P Pozo
- MAEVA SERVET, S.L., Alameda del Valle, Spain
| | - L de Juan
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - M König
- Institute of Virology. Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - F Cruz-Lopez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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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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24
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Auerswald H, Ruget AS, Ladreyt H, In S, Mao S, Sorn S, Tum S, Duong V, Dussart P, Cappelle J, Chevalier V. Serological Evidence for Japanese Encephalitis and West Nile Virus Infections in Domestic Birds in Cambodia. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:15. [PMID: 32064271 PMCID: PMC7000427 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne flaviviruses with an enzootic transmission cycle like Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are a major public health concern. The circulation of JEV in Southeast Asia is well-documented, and the important role of pigs as amplification hosts for the virus is long known. The influence of other domestic animals especially poultry that lives in high abundance and close proximity to humans is not intensively analyzed. Another understudied field in Asia is the presence of the closely related WNV. Such analyses are difficult to perform due to the intense antigenic cross-reactivity between these viruses and the lack of suitable standardized serological assays. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of JEV and WNV flaviviruses in domestic birds, detailed in chickens and ducks, in three different Cambodian provinces. We determined the flavivirus seroprevalence using an hemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA). Additionally, we investigated in positive samples the presence of JEV and WNV neutralizing antibodies (nAb) using foci reduction neutralization test (FRNT). We found 29% (180/620) of the investigated birds positive for flavivirus antibodies with an age-depended increase of the seroprevalence (OR = 1.04) and a higher prevalence in ducks compared to chicken (OR = 3.01). Within the flavivirus-positive birds, we found 43% (28/65) with nAb against JEV. We also observed the expected cross-reactivity between JEV and WNV, by identifying 18.5% double-positive birds that had higher titers of nAb than single-positive birds. Additionally, seven domestic birds (10.7%) showed only nAb against WNV and no nAb against JEV. Our study provides evidence for an intense JEV circulation in domestic birds in Cambodia, and the first serological evidence for WNV presence in Southeast Asia since decades. These findings mark the need for a re-definition of areas at risk for JEV and WNV transmission, and the need for further and intensified surveillance of mosquito-transmitted diseases in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Auerswald
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Anne-Sophie Ruget
- Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.,Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Unité Mixte de Recherche ASTRE, Montpellier, France
| | - Helena Ladreyt
- Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Unité Mixte de Recherche ASTRE, Montpellier, France.,ASTRE, Université Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France.,Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), University Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Saraden In
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Sokthearom Mao
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - San Sorn
- General Directorate for Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Sothyra Tum
- National Animal Health and Production Research Institute, General Directorate for Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Veasna Duong
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Philippe Dussart
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Julien Cappelle
- Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.,Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Unité Mixte de Recherche ASTRE, Montpellier, France.,ASTRE, Université Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France.,UMR EpiA, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Marcy lÉtoile, France
| | - Véronique Chevalier
- Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.,Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Unité Mixte de Recherche ASTRE, Montpellier, France.,ASTRE, Université Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
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25
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Zubriková D, Wittmann M, Hönig V, Švec P, Víchová B, Essbauer S, Dobler G, Grubhoffer L, Pfister K. Prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101375. [PMID: 31983627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are the most common tick-borne diseases in Germany. We collected Ixodes ricinus ticks from 16 high-risk and four low-risk sites distributed in Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate based on the number of human TBE cases recorded at the Robert Koch Institute from 2001 to 2009. A total of 8805 questing ticks (8203 nymphs, 602 adults) were collected in 2010 and examined in pools for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) using real-time RT-PCR. Overall TBEV prevalence evaluated as the minimum infection rate (MIR) was 0.26 % (23 positive pools/8805 ticks in 1029 pools). TBEV was detected at seven of the 16 high-risk sites, where MIR ranged from 0.16 to 2.86 %. A total of 3969 ticks were examined by PCR for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) targeting the 5 S-23 S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS) region. IGS nucleotide sequences were used to determine genospecies. Selected positive Borrelia samples were subjected to PCR and sequencing targeting the OspA gene, providing 46 sequences for molecular phylogenetic analysis. Of the 3969 questing ticks, 506 (12.7 %) were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. Seven B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies were identified: B. afzelii (41.3 %), B. garinii (19 %), B. valaisiana (13.8 %), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (11.1 %), B. spielmanii (0.4 %), B. lusitaniae (0.2 %), and Candidatus B. finlandensis (0.6 %). Mixed infections were identified in 13.6 % of the ticks. The rate of infection in questing ticks varied among sites from 5.6 % (72 examined, four positive) to 29.5 % (88 examined, 26 positive). B. burgdorferi s.l. occurred at all 20 sites, whereas TBEV was detected only at the high-risk sites where more human TBE cases were reported compared to low-risk sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Zubriková
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Maria Wittmann
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Václav Hönig
- Biology Centre AS CR, Institute of Parasitology & University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Švec
- Department of Geoinformatics, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Sandra Essbauer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research DZIF Partner, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research DZIF Partner, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Biology Centre AS CR, Institute of Parasitology & University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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26
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Viral Equine Encephalitis, a Growing Threat to the Horse Population in Europe? Viruses 2019; 12:v12010023. [PMID: 31878129 PMCID: PMC7019608 DOI: 10.3390/v12010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders represent an important sanitary and economic threat for the equine industry worldwide. Among nervous diseases, viral encephalitis is of growing concern, due to the emergence of arboviruses and to the high contagiosity of herpesvirus-infected horses. The nature, severity and duration of the clinical signs could be different depending on the etiological agent and its virulence. However, definite diagnosis generally requires the implementation of combinations of direct and/or indirect screening assays in specialized laboratories. The equine practitioner, involved in a mission of prevention and surveillance, plays an important role in the clinical diagnosis of viral encephalitis. The general management of the horse is essentially supportive, focused on controlling pain and inflammation within the central nervous system, preventing injuries and providing supportive care. Despite its high medical relevance and economic impact in the equine industry, vaccines are not always available and there is no specific antiviral therapy. In this review, the major virological, clinical and epidemiological features of the main neuropathogenic viruses inducing encephalitis in equids in Europe, including rabies virus (Rhabdoviridae), Equid herpesviruses (Herpesviridae), Borna disease virus (Bornaviridae) and West Nile virus (Flaviviridae), as well as exotic viruses, will be presented.
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27
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Barba M, Fairbanks EL, Daly JM. Equine viral encephalitis: prevalence, impact, and management strategies. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2019; 10:99-110. [PMID: 31497528 PMCID: PMC6689664 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s168227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Members of several different virus families cause equine viral encephalitis, the majority of which are arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) with zoonotic potential. The clinical signs caused are rarely pathognomonic; therefore, a clinical diagnosis is usually presumptive according to the geographical region. However, recent decades have seen expansion of the geographical range and emergence in new regions of numerous viral diseases. In this context, this review presents an overview of the prevalence and distribution of the main viral causes of equine encephalitis and discusses their impact and potential approaches to limit their spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barba
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emma L Fairbanks
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Janet M Daly
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, UK
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28
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Surveillance on antibodies against West Nile virus, Usutu virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus and Tribeč virus in wild birds in Drienovská wetland, Slovakia. Biologia (Bratisl) 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-019-00211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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29
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Čabanová V, Šikutová S, Straková P, Šebesta O, Vichová B, Zubríková D, Miterpáková M, Mendel J, Hurníková Z, Hubálek Z, Rudolf I. Co-Circulation of West Nile and Usutu Flaviviruses in Mosquitoes in Slovakia, 2018. Viruses 2019; 11:v11070639. [PMID: 31336825 PMCID: PMC6669866 DOI: 10.3390/v11070639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) activity now has the highest priority among mosquito-borne pathogenic viruses circulating in the European Union. This study documents a first time detection and the co-circulation of WNV lineage-2 (with the minimal prevalence of 0.46%) and USUV clade Europe 2 (with the minimal prevalence of 0.25%) in mosquitoes from the same habitat of south-western Slovakia and underlines necessity to perform rigorous surveillance in birds, mosquitoes, horses and humans in that country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Silvie Šikutová
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno 603 65, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Straková
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno 603 65, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Šebesta
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno 603 65, Czech Republic
| | - Bronislava Vichová
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Dana Zubríková
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Jan Mendel
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno 603 65, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Hurníková
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Zdeněk Hubálek
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno 603 65, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno 603 65, Czech Republic.
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