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Graff SL, Eibner GJ, Ochieng JR, Jones TC, Nsubuga AM, Lutwama JJ, Rwego IB, Junglen S. Detection of two alphaviruses: Middelburg virus and Sindbis virus from enzootic amplification cycles in southwestern Uganda. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1394661. [PMID: 38863760 PMCID: PMC11165182 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1394661] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge of alphavirus genetic diversity is mainly based on viruses isolated from anthropophilic mosquito species, humans, and livestock during outbreaks. Studies on alphaviruses from sylvatic amplification cycles in sub-Saharan Africa have been conducted less often than from epizootic environments. To gain insight into alphavirus diversity in enzootic transmission cycles, we collected over 23,000 mosquitoes in lowland rainforest and savannah gallery forest in southwestern Uganda and tested them for alphavirus infections. We detected Sindbis virus (SINV) in a Culex Culex sp. mosquito and Middelburg virus (MIDV) in Eretmapodites intermedius and Mansonia africana. MIDV is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes febrile illness in sheep, goats, and horses and was previously not known to occur in Uganda. SINV, also a mosquito-borne alphavirus, causes mild infections in humans. Full genomes of SINV and MIDV were sequenced, showing a nucleotide identity of 99% to related strains. Both isolates replicated to high titres in a wide variety of vertebrate cells. Our data suggest endemic circulation of SINV and MIDV in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Laura Graff
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Joachim Eibner
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - James Robert Ochieng
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Terry C. Jones
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Pathogen Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Mutebi Nsubuga
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Innocent Bidason Rwego
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sandra Junglen
- Institute of Virology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Gomard Y, Hafsia S, Lebon C, Rabarison P, Idaroussi AB, Yssouf A, Boussès P, Mavingui P, Atyame C. Genetic diversity of endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia infecting two mosquito species of the genus Eretmapodites occurring in sympatry in the Comoros archipelago. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1343917. [PMID: 38601925 PMCID: PMC11004463 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1343917] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The influence of Wolbachia on mosquito reproduction and vector competence has led to renewed interest in studying the genetic diversity of these bacteria and the phenotypes they induced in mosquito vectors. In this study, we focused on two species of Eretmapodites, namely Eretmapodites quinquevittatus and Eretmapodites subsimplicipes, from three islands in the Comoros archipelago (in the Southwestern Indian Ocean). Methods Using the COI gene, we examined the mitochondrial genetic diversity of 879 Eretmapodites individuals from 54 sites. Additionally, we investigated the presence and genetic diversity of Wolbachia using the wsp marker and the diversity of five housekeeping genes commonly used for genotyping through Multiple Locus Sequence Typing (MLST). Results and discussion Overall, Er. quinquevittatus was the most abundant species in the three surveyed islands and both mosquito species occurred in sympatry in most of the investigated sites. We detected a higher mitochondrial genetic diversity in Er. quinquevittatus with 35 reported haplotypes (N = 615 specimens, Hd = 0.481 and π = 0.002) while 13 haplotypes were found in Er. subsimplicipes (N = 205 specimens, Hd = 0.338 and π = 0.001), this difference is likely due to the bias in sampling size between the two species. We report for the first time the presence of Wolbachia in these two Eretmapodites species. The prevalence of Wolbachia infection varied significantly between species, with a low prevalence recorded in Er. quinquevittatus (0.8%, N = 5/627) while infection was close to fixation in Er. subsimplicipes (87.7%, N = 221/252). Both male and female individuals of the two mosquito species appeared to be infected. The analysis of MLST genes revealed the presence of two Wolbachia strains corresponding to two new strain types (STs) within the supergroups A and B, which have been named wEretA and wEretB. These strains were found as mono-infections and are closely related, phylogenetically, to Wolbachia strains previously reported in Drosophila species. Finally, we demonstrate that maternal transmission of Wolbachia is imperfect in Er. subsimplicipes, which could explain the presence of a minority of uninfected individuals in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Gomard
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical) CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249, Saint-Denis, île de La Réunion, France
| | - Sarah Hafsia
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical) CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249, Saint-Denis, île de La Réunion, France
| | - Cyrille Lebon
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical) CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249, Saint-Denis, île de La Réunion, France
| | | | | | - Amina Yssouf
- National Malaria Control Program, Moroni, Comoros
| | - Philippe Boussès
- UMR MIVEGEC (Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle), IRD, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Mavingui
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical) CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249, Saint-Denis, île de La Réunion, France
| | - Célestine Atyame
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical) CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249, Saint-Denis, île de La Réunion, France
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Katusi GC, Hermy MRG, Makayula SM, Ignell R, Mnyone LL, Hill SR, Govella NJ. Effect of non-human hosts on the human biting rate of primary and secondary malaria vectors in Tanzania. Malar J 2023; 22:340. [PMID: 37940967 PMCID: PMC10631174 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04778-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria vectors vary in feeding preference depending on their innate behaviour, host availability and abundance. Host preference and human biting rate in malaria vectors are key factors in establishing zooprophylaxis and zoopotentiation. This study aimed at assessing the impact of non-human hosts in close proximity to humans on the human biting rate of primary and secondary malaria vectors, with varying host preferences. METHODS The effect of the presence of non-human hosts in close proximity to the human host on the mean catches per person per night, as a proxy for mosquito biting rate, was measured using mosquito-electrocuting traps (METs), in Sagamaganga, Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. Two experiments were designed: (1) a human versus a calf, each enclosed in a MET, and (2) a human surrounded by three calves versus a human alone, with each human volunteer enclosed individually in a MET spaced 10 m apart. Each experiment was conducted on alternate days and lasted for 36 nights per experiment. During each experiment, the positions of hosts were exchanged daily (except the human in experiment 2). All anopheline mosquitoes caught were assayed for Plasmodium sporozoites using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS A total of 20,574 mosquitoes were captured and identified during the study, of which 3608 were anophelines (84.4% primary and 15.6% secondary malaria vectors) and 17,146 were culicines. In experiment 1, the primary malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis, along with Culex spp. demonstrated a preference for cattle, while the primary vectors, Anopheles funestus, preferred humans. In experiment 2, both primary vectors, An. arabiensis and An. funestus, as well as the secondary vector Anopheles rivolurum, demonstrated behaviours amenable to zooprophylaxis, whereas Culex spp. increased their attraction to humans in the presence of nearby cattle. All anopheline mosquitoes tested negative for sporozoites. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study provide support for the zooprophylaxis model for malaria vectors present in the Kilombero Valley, and for the zoopotentiation model, as it pertains to the Culex spp. in the region. However, the factors regulating zooprophylaxis and zoopotentiation are complex, with different species-dependent mechanisms regulating these behaviours, that need to be considered when designing integrated vector management programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey C Katusi
- Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Off Mlabani Passage, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Marie R G Hermy
- Disease Vector Group, Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 190, 234 22, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Samwely M Makayula
- Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Off Mlabani Passage, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Rickard Ignell
- Disease Vector Group, Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 190, 234 22, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Ladslaus L Mnyone
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3110, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Sharon R Hill
- Disease Vector Group, Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 190, 234 22, Lomma, Sweden.
| | - Nicodem J Govella
- Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Off Mlabani Passage, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
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Ogola EO, Bastos ADS, Rotich G, Kopp A, Slothouwer I, Omoga DCA, Sang R, Torto B, Junglen S, Tchouassi DP. Analyses of Mosquito Species Composition, Blood-Feeding Habits and Infection with Insect-Specific Flaviviruses in Two Arid, Pastoralist-Dominated Counties in Kenya. Pathogens 2023; 12:967. [PMID: 37513814 PMCID: PMC10386387 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070967] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), although not known to be pathogenic to humans and animals, can modulate the transmission of arboviruses by mosquitoes. In this study, we screened 6665 host-seeking, gravid and blood-fed mosquitoes for infection with flaviviruses and assessed the vertebrate hosts of the blood-fed mosquitoes sampled in Baringo and Kajiado counties; both dryland ecosystem counties in the Kenyan Rift Valley. Sequence fragments of two ISFs were detected. Cuacua virus (CuCuV) was found in three blood-fed Mansonia (Ma.) africana. The genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS), confirming 95.8% nucleotide sequence identity to CuCuV detected in Mansonia sp. in Mozambique. Sequence fragments of a potential novel ISF showing nucleotide identity of 72% to Aedes flavivirus virus were detected in individual blood-fed Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l., Ma. africana and Culex (Cx.) univittatus, all having fed on human blood. Blood-meal analysis revealed that the collected mosquitoes fed on diverse hosts, primarily humans and livestock, with a minor representation of wild mammals, amphibians and birds. The potential impact of the detected ISFs on arbovirus transmission requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin O Ogola
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Gilbert Rotich
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Anne Kopp
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Inga Slothouwer
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorcus C A Omoga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Rosemary Sang
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Baldwyn Torto
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Sandra Junglen
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - David P Tchouassi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
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Harbach RE, Wilkerson RC. The insupportable validity of mosquito subspecies (Diptera: Culicidae) and their exclusion from culicid classification. Zootaxa 2023; 5303:1-184. [PMID: 37518540 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5303.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Beginning about 80 years ago, the recognition of morphological varieties of mosquitoes was gradually replaced by the recognition of subspecies. As an examination of revisionary and detailed taxonomic studies of mosquitoes clearly shows, subspecies are untenable concepts which have been synonymized with nominotypical forms or recognized as distinct species. Thus, from our perspective, subspecies is not a functional or practical taxonomic rank. Consequently, in this study we critically assessed the taxonomic status of the 120 nominal taxa distinguished as subspecies before now to determine whether they should be recognized as separate species or synonymous names. As a result, 96 subspecies are formally elevated to specific rank, 22 are relegated to synonymy with nominotypical forms, one is considered a nomen dubium, one a species inquirenda and the names of four nominal species regarded as synonyms are revalidated. The subspecies and their new status are listed in a conspectus. The revalidated species include Anopheles argentinus (Brèthes, 1912), from synonymy with An. pseudopunctipennis Theobald, 1901c; An. peruvianus Tamayo, 1907, from synonymy with An. pseudopunctipennis as nomen dubium; Culex major Edwards, 1935, from synonymy with Cx. annulioris consimilis Newstead, 1907; and Trichoprosopon trichorryes (Dyar & Knab, 1907), from synonymy with Tr. compressum Lutz, 1905. Additionally, the type locality of Anopheles sergentii Theobald, 1907 is restricted to El Outaya, Biskra Province, Algeria. A complete list of species to be retained, added to or removed from the Encyclopedia of Life, with a few corrections, is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph E Harbach
- Department of Science; Natural History Museum; Cromwell Road; London SW7 5BD; UK.
| | - Richard C Wilkerson
- Department of Entomology; National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; Washington DC 20013; USA; Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit; Museum Support Center; Smithsonian Institution; Suitland; MD 20746; USA; One Health Branch; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; Silver Spring; MD 20910; USA.
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Tchouassi DP, Agha SB, Villinger J, Sang R, Torto B. The distinctive bionomics of Aedes aegypti populations in Africa. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 54:100986. [PMID: 36243315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses of medical importance. Behavioral and biological attributes contribute to its vectorial capacity. The mosquito domestic form, which resides outside Africa (Ae. aegypti aegypti (Aaa)), is considered to breed in artificial containers in and around homes and preferentially feeds on human blood but commonly indulges in a plant diet. Potential divergence in these attributes, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where Aaa coexists with the forest ecotype (Ae. aegypti formosus), should impact the vectoring ability and hence disease epidemiology. A summary of current knowledge on Ae. aegypti blood feeding, oviposition, and plant-feeding habits among SSA populations is provided in comparison with those in different geographies, globally. Emphasis is placed on improved understanding of the connection between changing subspecies adaptation in these traits and arbovirus disease risk in SSA in response to climate change and increasing urbanization, with the ultimate use of this information for effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Tchouassi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Sheila B Agha
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosemary Sang
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Baldwyn Torto
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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Eifan S, Hanif A, Nour I, Alqahtani S, Eisa ZM, Dafalla O, Kohl A. Distribution and Molecular Identification of Culex pipiens and Culex tritaeniorhynchus as Potential Vectors of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Pathogens 2021; 10:1334. [PMID: 34684282 PMCID: PMC8540973 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Entomologic investigations were conducted in the Al-Darb, Al-Reath, Al-Aridah, Abuareesh, Al-Ahad, Samttah, Sabyah, Damad and Beash areas by CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps in the Jazan region. Vectors were identified morphologically, as well as COI gene segment amplification and sequencing. The relative abundance (RA%) and pattern of occurrence (C%) were recorded. The presence of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in pooled mosquito samples was investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Culex pipiens (C. pipiens) and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (C. tritaeniorhynchus) were found with RA% values of 96% and 4%, respectively, in the region. Significant variations in vector population densities were observed in different districts. The C. pipiens was found highly abundant in all districts and RA% value (100%) was recorded in the Al-Darb, Al-Reath, Al-Aridah, Samttah and Damad areas, whereas RA% values (93.75%, 93.33%, 92.30% and 91.66%) were noted in Al-Ahad, Sabyah, Abuareesh and Beash districts, respectively. RA% values for C. tritaeniorhynchus were recorded as 8.33%, 7.70%, 6.66% and 6.25% in Beash, Abuareesh, Sabyah and Al-Ahad areas, respectively. The pattern of occurrence for C. pipiens and C. tritaeniorhynchus was recorded as 100% and 44.4% in the region. Phylogenetic analysis of C. pipiens and C. tritaeniorhynchus exhibited a close relationship with mosquitoes from Kenya and Turkey, respectively. All mosquito samples tested by RT-PCR were found negative for RVFV. In summary, the current study assessed the composition, abundance, distribution of different mosquito vectors and presence of RVFV in different areas of the Jazan region. Our data will help risk assessments of RVFV future re-emergence in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Eifan
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.); (I.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Atif Hanif
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.); (I.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Islam Nour
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.); (I.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Sultan Alqahtani
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.); (I.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Zaki M. Eisa
- Saudi Center for Disease Control and Prevention (SCDC), Jazan 82722-2476, Saudi Arabia; (Z.M.E.); (O.D.)
| | - Ommer Dafalla
- Saudi Center for Disease Control and Prevention (SCDC), Jazan 82722-2476, Saudi Arabia; (Z.M.E.); (O.D.)
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
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Jansen van Vuren P, Parry R, Khromykh AA, Paweska JT. A 1958 Isolate of Kedougou Virus (KEDV) from Ndumu, South Africa, Expands the Geographic and Temporal Range of KEDV in Africa. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071368. [PMID: 34372574 PMCID: PMC8309962 DOI: 10.3390/v13071368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-borne flavivirus, Kedougou virus (KEDV), first isolated in Senegal in 1972, is genetically related to dengue, Zika (ZIKV) and Spondweni viruses (SPOV). Serological surveillance studies in Senegal and isolation of KEDV in the Central African Republic indicate occurrence of KEDV infections in humans, but to date, no disease has been reported. Here, we assembled the coding-complete genome of a 1958 isolate of KEDV from a pool of Aedes circumluteolus mosquitoes collected in Ndumu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The AR1071 Ndumu KEDV isolate bears 80.51% pairwise nucleotide identity and 93.34% amino acid identity with the prototype DakAar-D1470 strain and was co-isolated with SPOV through intracerebral inoculation of suckling mice and passage on VeroE6 cells. This historical isolate expands the known geographic and temporal range of this relatively unknown flavivirus, aiding future temporal phylogenetic calibration and diagnostic assay refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petrus Jansen van Vuren
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Private Bag 24, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +613-5227-5700
| | - Rhys Parry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.P.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Alexander A. Khromykh
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.P.); (A.A.K.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Janusz T. Paweska
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa;
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
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Chiuya T, Masiga DK, Falzon LC, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Villinger J. A survey of mosquito-borne and insect-specific viruses in hospitals and livestock markets in western Kenya. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252369. [PMID: 34048473 PMCID: PMC8162702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes are prolific vectors of arboviruses that are a global threat to human and animal health. Increased globalization and ease of travel have facilitated the worldwide dissemination of these mosquitoes and the viruses they transmit. To assess disease risk, we determined the frequency of arboviruses in western Kenyan counties bordering an area of high arboviral activity. In addition to pathogenic viruses, insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), some of which are thought to impair the transmission of specific pathogenic arboviruses, were also evaluated. We trapped mosquitoes in the short and long rainy seasons in 2018 and 2019 at livestock markets and hospitals. Mosquitoes were screened for dengue, chikungunya and other human pathogenic arboviruses, ISFs, and their blood-meal sources as determined by high-resolution melting analysis of (RT-)PCR products. Of 6,848 mosquitoes collected, 89% were trapped during the long rainy season, with A. aegypti (59%) and Cx. pipiens sensu lato (40%) being the most abundant. Most blood-fed mosquitoes were Cx. pipiens s.l. with blood-meals from humans, chicken, and sparrow (Passer sp.). We did not detect dengue or chikungunya viruses. However, one Culex poicilipes female was positive for Sindbis virus, 30 pools of Ae. aegypti had cell fusing agent virus (CFAV; infection rate (IR) = 1.27%, 95% CI = 0.87%-1.78%); 11 pools of Ae. aegypti had Aedes flavivirus (AeFV; IR = 0.43%, 95% CI = 0.23%-0.74%); and seven pools of Cx. pipiens s.l. (IR = 0.23%, 95% CI = 0.1%-0.45%) and one pool of Culex annulioris had Culex flavivirus. Sindbis virus, which causes febrile illness in humans, can complicate the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with fever. The presence of Sindbis virus in a single mosquito from a population of mosquitoes with ISFs calls for further investigation into the role ISFs may play in blocking transmission of other arboviruses in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- * E-mail: , (TC); (JV)
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laura C. Falzon
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Armanda D. S. Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Eric M. Fèvre
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail: , (TC); (JV)
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Tsetse blood-meal sources, endosymbionts and trypanosome-associations in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a wildlife-human-livestock interface. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008267. [PMID: 33406097 PMCID: PMC7822626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a neglected disease of both humans and animals caused by Trypanosoma parasites, which are transmitted by obligate hematophagous tsetse flies (Glossina spp.). Knowledge on tsetse fly vertebrate hosts and the influence of tsetse endosymbionts on trypanosome presence, especially in wildlife-human-livestock interfaces, is limited. We identified tsetse species, their blood-meal sources, and correlations between endosymbionts and trypanosome presence in tsetse flies from the trypanosome-endemic Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya. Among 1167 tsetse flies (1136 Glossina pallidipes, 31 Glossina swynnertoni) collected from 10 sampling sites, 28 (2.4%) were positive by PCR for trypanosome DNA, most (17/28) being of Trypanosoma vivax species. Blood-meal analyses based on high-resolution melting analysis of vertebrate cytochrome c oxidase 1 and cytochrome b gene PCR products (n = 354) identified humans as the most common vertebrate host (37%), followed by hippopotamus (29.1%), African buffalo (26.3%), elephant (3.39%), and giraffe (0.84%). Flies positive for trypanosome DNA had fed on hippopotamus and buffalo. Tsetse flies were more likely to be positive for trypanosomes if they had the Sodalis glossinidius endosymbiont (P = 0.0002). These findings point to complex interactions of tsetse flies with trypanosomes, endosymbionts, and diverse vertebrate hosts in wildlife ecosystems such as in the MMNR, which should be considered in control programs. These interactions may contribute to the maintenance of tsetse populations and/or persistent circulation of African trypanosomes. Although the African buffalo is a key reservoir of AT, the higher proportion of hippopotamus blood-meals in flies with trypanosome DNA indicates that other wildlife species may be important in AT transmission. No trypanosomes associated with human disease were identified, but the high proportion of human blood-meals identified are indicative of human African trypanosomiasis risk. Our results add to existing data suggesting that Sodalis endosymbionts are associated with increased trypanosome presence in tsetse flies.
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