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Bracci N, Baer A, Flor R, Petraccione K, Stocker T, Zhou W, Ammosova T, Dinglasan RR, Nekhai S, Kehn-Hall K. CK1 and PP1 regulate Rift Valley fever virus genome replication through L protein phosphorylation. Antiviral Res 2024; 226:105895. [PMID: 38679165 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arbovirus in the Phenuiviridae family identified initially by the large 'abortion storms' observed among ruminants; RVFV can also infect humans. In humans, there is a wide variation of clinical symptoms ranging from subclinical to mild febrile illness to hepatitis, retinitis, delayed-onset encephalitis, or even hemorrhagic fever. The RVFV is a tri-segmented negative-sense RNA virus consisting of S, M, and L segments. The L segment encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), termed the L protein, which is responsible for both viral mRNA synthesis and genome replication. Phosphorylation of viral RdRps is known to regulate viral replication. This study shows that RVFV L protein is serine phosphorylated and identified Casein Kinase 1 alpha (CK1α) and protein phosphatase 1 alpha (PP1α) as L protein binding partners. Inhibition of CK1 and PP1 through small molecule inhibitor treatment, D4476 and 1E7-03, respectively, caused a change in the phosphorylated status of the L protein. Inhibition of PP1α resulted in increased L protein phosphorylation whereas inhibition of CK1α decreased L protein phosphorylation. It was also found that in RVFV infected cells, PP1α localized to the cytoplasmic compartment. Treatment of RVFV infected cells with CK1 inhibitors reduced virus production in both mammalian and mosquito cells. Lastly, inhibition of either CK1 or PP1 reduced viral genomic RNA levels. These data indicate that L protein is phosphorylated and that CK1 and PP1 play a crucial role in regulating the L protein phosphorylation cycle, which is critical to viral RNA production and viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bracci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA
| | - Alan Baer
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Rafaela Flor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA
| | - Kaylee Petraccione
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA
| | - Timothy Stocker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA
| | - Weidong Zhou
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Tatiana Ammosova
- Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Department of Medicine, Howard University, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Rhoel R Dinglasan
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Florida, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Florida, USA
| | - Sergei Nekhai
- Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Department of Medicine, Howard University, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA.
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Balaraman V, Indran SV, Kim IJ, Trujillo JD, Meekins DA, Shivanna V, Zajac MD, Urbaniak K, Morozov I, Sunwoo SY, Faburay B, Osterrieder K, Gaudreault NN, Wilson WC, Richt JA. Rift Valley Fever Phlebovirus Reassortment Study in Sheep. Viruses 2024; 16:880. [PMID: 38932172 DOI: 10.3390/v16060880] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) in ungulates and humans is caused by a mosquito-borne RVF phlebovirus (RVFV). Live attenuated vaccines are used in livestock (sheep and cattle) to control RVF in endemic regions during outbreaks. The ability of two or more different RVFV strains to reassort when co-infecting a host cell is a significant veterinary and public health concern due to the potential emergence of newly reassorted viruses, since reassortment of RVFVs has been documented in nature and in experimental infection studies. Due to the very limited information regarding the frequency and dynamics of RVFV reassortment, we evaluated the efficiency of RVFV reassortment in sheep, a natural host for this zoonotic pathogen. Co-infection experiments were performed, first in vitro in sheep-derived cells, and subsequently in vivo in sheep. Two RVFV co-infection groups were evaluated: group I consisted of co-infection with two wild-type (WT) RVFV strains, Kenya 128B-15 (Ken06) and Saudi Arabia SA01-1322 (SA01), while group II consisted of co-infection with the live attenuated virus (LAV) vaccine strain MP-12 and a WT strain, Ken06. In the in vitro experiments, the virus supernatants were collected 24 h post-infection. In the in vivo experiments, clinical signs were monitored, and blood and tissues were collected at various time points up to nine days post-challenge for analyses. Cell culture supernatants and samples from sheep were processed, and plaque-isolated viruses were genotyped to determine reassortment frequency. Our results show that RVFV reassortment is more efficient in co-infected sheep-derived cells compared to co-infected sheep. In vitro, the reassortment frequencies reached 37.9% for the group I co-infected cells and 25.4% for the group II co-infected cells. In contrast, we detected just 1.7% reassortant viruses from group I sheep co-infected with the two WT strains, while no reassortants were detected from group II sheep co-infected with the WT and LAV strains. The results indicate that RVFV reassortment occurs at a lower frequency in vivo in sheep when compared to in vitro conditions in sheep-derived cells. Further studies are needed to better understand the implications of RVFV reassortment in relation to virulence and transmission dynamics in the host and the vector. The knowledge learned from these studies on reassortment is important for understanding the dynamics of RVFV evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velmurugan Balaraman
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Sabarish V Indran
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - In Joong Kim
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jessie D Trujillo
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - David A Meekins
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Vinay Shivanna
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Michelle D Zajac
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Manhattan, KS 66505, USA
| | - Kinga Urbaniak
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Igor Morozov
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Sun-Young Sunwoo
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Bonto Faburay
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Manhattan, KS 66505, USA
| | - Klaus Osterrieder
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Natasha N Gaudreault
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - William C Wilson
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Manhattan, KS 66505, USA
| | - Juergen A Richt
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Bron GM, Wichgers Schreur PJ, de Jong MCM, van Keulen L, Vloet RPM, Koenraadt CJM, Kortekaas J, ten Bosch QA. Quantifying Rift Valley fever virus transmission efficiency in a lamb-mosquito-lamb model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1206089. [PMID: 38170150 PMCID: PMC10759236 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1206089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a (re)emerging mosquito-borne pathogen impacting human and animal health. How RVFV spreads through a population depends on population-level and individual-level interactions between vector, host and pathogen. Here, we estimated the probability for RVFV to transmit to naive animals by experimentally exposing lambs to a bite of an infectious mosquito, and assessed if and how RVFV infection subsequently developed in the exposed animal. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, previously infected via feeding on a viremic lamb, were used to expose naive lambs to the virus. Aedes aegypti colony mosquitoes were used as they are easy to maintain and readily feed in captivity. Other mosquito spp. could be examined with similar methodology. Lambs were exposed to either 1-3 (low exposure) or 7-9 (high exposure) infectious mosquitoes. All lambs in the high exposure group became viremic and showed characteristic signs of Rift Valley fever within 2-4 days post exposure. In contrast, 3 out of 12 lambs in the low exposure group developed viremia and disease, with similar peak-levels of viremia as the high exposure group but with some heterogeneity in the onset of viremia. These results suggest that the likelihood for successful infection of a ruminant host is affected by the number of infectious mosquitoes biting, but also highlights that a single bite of an infectious mosquito can result in disease. The per bite mosquito-to-host transmission efficiency was estimated at 28% (95% confidence interval: 15 - 47%). We subsequently combined this transmission efficiency with estimates for life traits of Aedes aegypti or related mosquitoes into a Ross-McDonald mathematical model to illustrate scenarios under which major RVFV outbreaks could occur in naïve populations (i.e., R0 >1). The model revealed that relatively high vector-to-host ratios as well as mosquitoes feeding preferably on competent hosts are required for R0 to exceed 1. Altogether, this study highlights the importance of experiments that mimic natural exposure to RVFV. The experiments facilitate a better understanding of the natural progression of disease and a direct way to obtain epidemiological parameters for mathematical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gebbiena M. Bron
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Mart C. M. de Jong
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Lucien van Keulen
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Rianka P. M. Vloet
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | | | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Quirine A. ten Bosch
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Tinto B, Quellec J, Cêtre-Sossah C, Dicko A, Salinas S, Simonin Y. Rift Valley fever in West Africa: A zoonotic disease with multiple socio-economic consequences. One Health 2023; 17:100583. [PMID: 37664171 PMCID: PMC10474305 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arbovirus that causes Rift Valley fever (RVF), a zoonotic disease that mainly affects domestic and wildlife ruminants and humans. The first epidemic in North-Western and West Africa occurred in Senegal and Mauritania in 1987, two countries where RVF is now endemic. Slaughterhouse workers, farmers, herders and veterinarians are at high risk of exposure to RVF. Beyond the health threat, RVF is considered to cause major socio-economic problems, specifically in developing countries where livestock farming and trade are important economic activities. Indeed, the mortality rate linked to RVF infection can reach 95-100% in newborns and young animals. In West Africa, livestock production is a key factor for food production and for national economics. Epizootics caused by RVF can therefore have serious socio-economic consequences by impacting multisectoral economics, the psycho-social health of pastoral communities, and food security. Improving prevention strategies against RVF, including vaccination, enhancing knowledge of RVF and correcting any inappropriate behaviors by populations of endemics areas, as well as better monitoring of RVF ecological factors are effective ways to better foresee and control outbreaks of RVF and its socio-economical side-effects in countries at high risk of occurrence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bachirou Tinto
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire National de Référence des Fièvres Hémorragiques Virale, Centre MURAZ, Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Jordan Quellec
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAe, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Amadou Dicko
- Laboratoire central de référence, Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des ressources animales et halieutiques du Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAe, Montpellier, France
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Graham VA, Easterbrook L, Kennedy E, Rayner E, Findlay-Wilson S, Flett L, Wise EL, Treagus S, Fotheringham S, Kempster S, Almond N, Dowall S. Pathogenesis of Rift Valley Fever Virus in a BALB/c Mouse Model Is Affected by Virus Culture Conditions and Sex of the Animals. Viruses 2023; 15:2369. [PMID: 38140610 PMCID: PMC10747589 DOI: 10.3390/v15122369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen causing disease in livestock and humans. Whilst initially restricted to the African continent, recent spread to the Arabian Peninsula has highlighted the likelihood of entry into new regions. Due to the absence of a regulatory-approved human vaccine, work is ongoing to develop and assess countermeasures. As such, small animal models play a pivotal role in providing information on disease pathogenesis and elucidating which intervention strategies confer protection. To develop and establish the BALB/c mouse model, we challenged mice with RVFV grown from two separate cell lines: one derived from mosquitoes (C6/36) and the other mammalian derived (Vero E6). Following infection, we assessed the clinical course of disease progression at days 1 and 3 post-challenge and evaluated viral tropism and immune analytes. The results demonstrated that RVFV infection was affected by the cell line used to propagate the challenge virus, with those grown in insect cells resulting in a more rapid disease progression. The lowest dose that caused uniform severe disease remained the same across both virus preparations. In addition, to demonstrate reproducibility, the lowest dose was used for a subsequent infection study using male and female animals. The results further demonstrated that male mice succumbed to infection more rapidly than their female counterparts. Our results establish an RVFV mouse model and key parameters that affect the course of disease progression in BALB/c mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A. Graham
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Linda Easterbrook
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Emma Kennedy
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Emma Rayner
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Stephen Findlay-Wilson
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Lucy Flett
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Emma Louise Wise
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Samantha Treagus
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Susan Fotheringham
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Sarah Kempster
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Blanche Ln, South Mimms, Potters Bar EN6 3QG, UK; (S.K.); (N.A.)
| | - Neil Almond
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Blanche Ln, South Mimms, Potters Bar EN6 3QG, UK; (S.K.); (N.A.)
| | - Stuart Dowall
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (V.A.G.); (L.E.); (E.K.); (E.R.); (S.F.-W.); (L.F.); (E.L.W.); (S.T.); (S.F.)
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Balaraman V, Indran SV, Li Y, Meekins DA, Jakkula LUMR, Liu H, Hays MP, Souza-Neto JA, Gaudreault NN, Hardwidge PR, Wilson WC, Weber F, Richt JA. Identification of Host Factors for Rift Valley Fever Phlebovirus. Viruses 2023; 15:2251. [PMID: 38005928 PMCID: PMC10675714 DOI: 10.3390/v15112251] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes Rift Valley fever (RVF) in livestock and humans. Currently, there is no licensed human vaccine or antiviral drug to control RVF. Although multiple species of animals and humans are vulnerable to RVFV infection, host factors affecting susceptibility are not well understood. To identify the host factors or genes essential for RVFV replication, we conducted CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening in human A549 cells. We then validated the putative genes using siRNA-mediated knock-downs and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock-out studies. The role of a candidate gene in the virus replication cycle was assessed by measuring intracellular viral RNA accumulation, and the virus titers were analyzed using plaque assay or TCID50 assay. We identified approximately 900 genes with potential involvement in RVFV infection and replication. Further evaluation of the effect of six genes on viral replication using siRNA-mediated knock-downs revealed that silencing two genes (WDR7 and LRP1) significantly impaired RVFV replication. For further analysis, we focused on the WDR7 gene since the role of the LRP1 gene in RVFV replication was previously described in detail. WDR7 knockout A549 cell lines were generated and used to dissect the effect of WRD7 on a bunyavirus, RVFV, and an orthobunyavirus, La Crosse encephalitis virus (LACV). We observed significant effects of WDR7 knockout cells on both intracellular RVFV RNA levels and viral titers. At the intracellular RNA level, WRD7 affected RVFV replication at a later phase of its replication cycle (24 h) when compared with the LACV replication, which was affected in an earlier replication phase (12 h). In summary, we identified WDR7 as an essential host factor for the replication of two different viruses, RVFV and LACV, both of which belong to the Bunyavirales order. Future studies will investigate the mechanistic role through which WDR7 facilitates phlebovirus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velmurugan Balaraman
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Sabarish V. Indran
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Yonghai Li
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - David A. Meekins
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Laxmi U. M. R. Jakkula
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Heidi Liu
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Micheal P. Hays
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jayme A. Souza-Neto
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Philip R. Hardwidge
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - William C. Wilson
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Agricultural Research Service, 1980 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Friedemann Weber
- Institute for Virology, FB10—Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Barnes M, Price DC. Endogenous Viral Elements in Ixodid Tick Genomes. Viruses 2023; 15:2201. [PMID: 38005880 PMCID: PMC10675110 DOI: 10.3390/v15112201] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The documentation of endogenous viral elements (EVEs; virus-derived genetic material integrated into the genome of a nonviral host) has offered insights into how arthropods respond to viral infection via RNA interference pathways. Small non-coding RNAs derived from EVE loci serve to direct RNAi pathways in limiting replication and infection from cognate viruses, thus benefiting the host's fitness and, potentially, vectorial capacity. Here we use informatic approaches to analyze nine available genome sequences of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae; Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. microplus, R. annulatus, Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus, I. scapularis, Hyalomma asiaticum, Haemaphysalis longicornis, and Dermacentor silvarum) to identify endogenous viral elements and to illustrate the shared ancestry of all elements identified. Our results highlight a broad diversity of viral taxa as having given rise to 1234 identified EVEs in ticks, with Mononegavirales (specifically Rhabdoviridae) well-represented in this subset of hard ticks. Further investigation revealed extensive adintovirus integrations in several Ixodes species, the prevalence of Bunyavirales EVEs (notably not observed in mosquitoes), and the presence of several elements similar to known emerging human and veterinary pathogens. These results will inform subsequent work on current and past associations with tick species with regard to the viruses from which their "viral fossils" are derived and may serve as a reference for quality control of various tick-omics data that may suffer from misidentification of EVEs as viral genetic material.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana C. Price
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
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8
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Balaraman V, Indran SV, Li Y, Meekins DA, Jakkula LU, Liu H, Hays MP, Souza-Neto JA, Gaudreault NN, Hardwidge PR, Wilson WC, Weber F, Richt JA. Identification of host factors for Rift Valley Fever Phlebovirus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.559935. [PMID: 37808812 PMCID: PMC10557628 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.559935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes Rift Valley fever (RVF) in livestock and humans. Currently, there is no licensed human vaccine or antiviral drug to control RVF. Although multiple species of animals and humans are vulnerable to RVFV infection, host factors affecting susceptibility are not well understood. Methodology To identify the host factors or genes essential for RVFV replication, we conducted a CRISPR-Cas9 knock-out screen in human A549 cells. We then validated the putative genes using siRNA-mediated knockdowns and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout studies, respectively. The role of a candidate gene in the virus replication cycle was assessed by measuring intracellular viral RNA accumulation, and the virus titers by plaque assay or TCID50 assay. Findings We identified approximately 900 genes with potential involvement in RVFV infection and replication. Further evaluation of the effect of six genes on viral replication using siRNA-mediated knockdowns found that silencing two genes (WDR7 and LRP1) significantly impaired RVFV replication. For further analysis, we focused on the WDR7 gene since the role of LRP1 in RVFV replication was previously described in detail. Knock-out A549 cell lines were generated and used to dissect the effect of WRD7 on RVFV and another bunyavirus, La Crosse encephalitis virus (LACV). We observed significant effects of WDR7 knock-out cells on both intracellular RVFV RNA levels and viral titers. At the intracellular RNA level, WRD7 affected RVFV replication at a later phase of its replication cycle (24h) when compared to LACV which was affected an earlier replication phase (12h). Conclusion In summary, we have identified WDR7 as an essential host factor for the replication of two relevant bunyaviruses, RVFV and LACV. Future studies will investigate the mechanistic role by which WDR7 facilitates Phlebovirus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velmurugan Balaraman
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Sabarish V. Indran
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Yonghai Li
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - David A. Meekins
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Laxmi U.M.R. Jakkula
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Heidi Liu
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Micheal P. Hays
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Jayme A. Souza-Neto
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Philip R. Hardwidge
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - William C. Wilson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Friedemann Weber
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
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9
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Muturi M, Mwatondo A, Nijhof AM, Akoko J, Nyamota R, Makori A, Nyamai M, Nthiwa D, Wambua L, Roesel K, Thumbi SM, Bett B. Ecological and subject-level drivers of interepidemic Rift Valley fever virus exposure in humans and livestock in Northern Kenya. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15342. [PMID: 37714941 PMCID: PMC10504342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42596-y] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly a century after the first reports of Rift Valley fever (RVF) were documented in Kenya, questions on the transmission dynamics of the disease remain. Specifically, data on viral maintenance in the quiescent years between epidemics is limited. We implemented a cross-sectional study in northern Kenya to determine the seroprevalence, risk factors, and ecological predictors of RVF in humans and livestock during an interepidemic period. Six hundred seventy-six human and 1,864 livestock samples were screened for anti-RVF Immunoglobulin G (IgG). Out of the 1,864 livestock samples tested for IgG, a subset of 1,103 samples was randomly selected for additional testing to detect the presence of anti-RVFV Immunoglobulin M (IgM). The anti-RVF virus (RVFV) IgG seropositivity in livestock and humans was 21.7% and 28.4%, respectively. RVFV IgM was detected in 0.4% of the livestock samples. Participation in the slaughter of livestock and age were positively associated with RVFV exposure in humans, while age was a significant factor in livestock. We detected significant interaction between rainfall and elevation's influence on livestock seropositivity, while in humans, elevation was negatively associated with RVF virus exposure. The linear increase of human and livestock exposure with age suggests an endemic transmission cycle, further corroborated by the detection of IgM antibodies in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Muturi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Dahlem Research School of Biomedical Sciences (DRS), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Kenya Zoonotic Disease Unit, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis-University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Athman Mwatondo
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Kenya Zoonotic Disease Unit, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Univesität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - James Akoko
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Anita Makori
- Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis-University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Mutono Nyamai
- Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis-University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Daniel Nthiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya
| | - Lilian Wambua
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - S M Thumbi
- Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis-University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Bernard Bett
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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10
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Ebogo‐Belobo JT, Kenmoe S, Abanda NN, Bowo‐Ngandji A, Mbaga DS, Magoudjou‐Pekam JN, Kame‐Ngasse GI, Tchatchouang S, Menkem EZ, Okobalemba EA, Noura EA, Meta‐Djomsi D, Maïdadi‐Foudi M, Kenfack‐Zanguim J, Kenfack‐Momo R, Kengne‐Nde C, Esemu SN, Mbacham WF, Sadeuh‐Mba SA, Ndip L, Njouom R. Contemporary epidemiological data of Rift Valley fever virus in humans, mosquitoes and other animal species in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2309-2328. [PMID: 37548116 PMCID: PMC10508527 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1238] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a severe zoonotic mosquito-borne disease that represents an important threat to human and animal health, with major public health and socioeconomic impacts. This disease is endemic throughout many African countries and the Arabian Peninsula. This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to determine the RVF prevalence in humans, mosquitoes and other animal species in Africa. The review also provides contemporary data on RVF case fatality rate (CFR) in humans. In this systematic review with meta-analysis, a comprehensive literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus databases from January 2000 to June 2022 to identify relevant studies. Pooled CFR and prevalence estimates were calculated using the random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed, and the I2 -statistic was used to investigate a potential source of heterogeneity. A total of 205 articles were included in the final analysis. The overall RVF CFR in humans was found to be 27.5% [95% CI = 8.0-52.5]. The overall pooled prevalence was 7.8% [95% CI = 6.2-9.6] in humans and 9.3% [95% CI = 8.1-10.6] in animals, respectively. The RVF prevalence in individual mosquitoes ranged from 0.0% to 25%. Subgroup analysis showed substantial heterogeneity with respect to geographical regions and human categories. The study shows that there is a correspondingly similar prevalence of RVF in human and animals; however, human CFR is much higher than the observed prevalence. The lack of a surveillance programme and the fact that this virus has subclinical circulation in animals and humans could explain these observations. The implementation of a One Health approach for RVF surveillance and control would be of great interest for human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Thierry Ebogo‐Belobo
- Centre for Research on Health and Priority PathologiesInstitute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants StudiesYaoundeCameroon
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of SciencesThe University of Yaounde IYaoundéCameroon
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and ParasitologyUniversity of BueaBueaCameroon
| | - Ngu Njei Abanda
- Virology DepartmentCentre Pasteur of CameroonYaoundéCameroon
| | - Arnol Bowo‐Ngandji
- Department of MicrobiologyFaculty of SciencesThe University of Yaounde IYaoundéCameroon
| | - Donatien Serge Mbaga
- Department of MicrobiologyFaculty of SciencesThe University of Yaounde IYaoundéCameroon
| | | | - Ginette Irma Kame‐Ngasse
- Centre for Research on Health and Priority PathologiesInstitute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants StudiesYaoundeCameroon
| | | | | | | | - Efietngab Atembeh Noura
- Centre for Research on Health and Priority PathologiesInstitute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants StudiesYaoundeCameroon
| | - Dowbiss Meta‐Djomsi
- Research Centre on Emerging and Re‐Emerging DiseasesInstitute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants StudiesYaoundeCameroon
| | - Martin Maïdadi‐Foudi
- Research Centre on Emerging and Re‐Emerging DiseasesInstitute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants StudiesYaoundeCameroon
| | | | - Raoul Kenfack‐Momo
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of SciencesThe University of Yaounde IYaoundéCameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne‐Nde
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research UnitNational AIDS Control CommitteeYaoundéCameroon
| | | | - Wilfred Fon Mbacham
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of SciencesThe University of Yaounde IYaoundéCameroon
| | - Serge Alain Sadeuh‐Mba
- Virology DepartmentCentre Pasteur of CameroonYaoundéCameroon
- Maryland Department of AgricultureSalisbury Animal Health LaboratorySalisburyMarylandUSA
| | - Lucy Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and ParasitologyUniversity of BueaBueaCameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Virology DepartmentCentre Pasteur of CameroonYaoundéCameroon
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11
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Gitau JK, Macharia RW, Mwangi KW, Ongeso N, Murungi E. Gene co-expression network identifies critical genes, pathways and regulatory motifs mediating the progression of rift valley fever in Bostaurus. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18175. [PMID: 37519716 PMCID: PMC10375796 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18175] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Rift Valley Fever Virus. The disease is a zoonosis that largely affects domestic animals, including sheep, goats, and cattle, resulting in severe morbidity and mortality marked by massive storm abortions. To halt human and livestock deaths due to RVF, the development of efficacious vaccines and therapeutics is a compelling and urgent priority. We sought to identify potential key modules (gene clusters), hub genes, and regulatory motifs involved in the pathogenesis of RVF in Bos taurus that are amenable to inhibition. We analyzed 39 Bos taurus RNA-Seq samples using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) R package and uncovered significantly enriched modules containing genes with potential pivotal roles in RVF progression. Moreover, regulatory motif analysis conducted using the Multiple Expectation Maximization for Motif Elicitation (MEME) suite identified motifs that probably modulate vital biological processes. Gene ontology terms associated with identified motifs were inferred using the GoMo human database. The gene co-expression network constructed in WGCNA using 5000 genes contained seven (7) modules, out of which four were significantly enriched for terms associated with response to viruses, response to interferon-alpha, innate immune response, and viral defense. Additionally, several biological pathways implicated in developmental processes, anatomical structure development, and multicellular organism development were identified. Regulatory motifs analysis identified short, repeated motifs whose function(s) may be amenable to disruption by novel therapeutics. Predicted functions of identified motifs include tissue development, embryonic organ development, and organ morphogenesis. We have identified several hub genes in enriched co-expressed gene modules and regulatory motifs potentially involved in the pathogenesis of RVF in B. taurus that are likely viable targets for disruption by novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K. Gitau
- University of Nairobi, Biochemistry Department, P.O Box 30197, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosaline W. Macharia
- University of Nairobi, Biochemistry Department, P.O Box 30197, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kennedy W. Mwangi
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O Box 62000, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nehemiah Ongeso
- University of Nairobi, Biochemistry Department, P.O Box 30197, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin Murungi
- Kisii University, Department of Medical Biochemistry, P.O Box 408, 40200, Kisii, Kenya
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12
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Wichgers Schreur PJ, Bird BH, Ikegami T, Bermúdez-Méndez E, Kortekaas J. Perspectives of Next-Generation Live-Attenuated Rift Valley Fever Vaccines for Animal and Human Use. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030707. [PMID: 36992291 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Live-attenuated Rift Valley fever (RVF) vaccines transiently replicate in the vaccinated host, thereby effectively initiating an innate and adaptive immune response. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV)-specific neutralizing antibodies are considered the main correlate of protection. Vaccination with classical live-attenuated RVF vaccines during gestation in livestock has been associated with fetal malformations, stillbirths, and fetal demise. Facilitated by an increased understanding of the RVFV infection and replication cycle and availability of reverse genetics systems, novel rationally-designed live-attenuated candidate RVF vaccines with improved safety profiles have been developed. Several of these experimental vaccines are currently advancing beyond the proof-of-concept phase and are being evaluated for application in both animals and humans. We here provide perspectives on some of these next-generation live-attenuated RVF vaccines and highlight the opportunities and challenges of these approaches to improve global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Wichgers Schreur
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
- BunyaVax B.V., 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Brian H Bird
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Tetsuro Ikegami
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- The Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- The Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Erick Bermúdez-Méndez
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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13
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Lean FZX, Johnson N. JMM Profile: Rift Valley fever: a zoonotic viral haemorrhagic disease. J Med Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 36748539 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is caused by infection with Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), a mosquito-borne RNA virus that affects both humans and livestock species. Humans can also acquire infection from contact with infected animals and contaminated bodily fluid. Veterinary vaccines are available for use in livestock, but no vaccines have been approved for humans to date. The virus is currently endemic in most sub-Saharan regions of Africa but numerous incursions into Middle Eastern countries and islands in the Indian Ocean, such as Mayotte (an overseas Department of France), have occurred in the past decade. The risk of further geographical expansion is high and therefore additional investigation is warranted to better understand disease transmission and pathogenic mechanisms to develop threat mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Z X Lean
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Vector Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
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14
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Mechanistic models of Rift Valley fever virus transmission: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010339. [PMID: 36399500 PMCID: PMC9718419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic arbovirosis which has been reported across Africa including the northernmost edge, South West Indian Ocean islands, and the Arabian Peninsula. The virus is responsible for high abortion rates and mortality in young ruminants, with economic impacts in affected countries. To date, RVF epidemiological mechanisms are not fully understood, due to the multiplicity of implicated vertebrate hosts, vectors, and ecosystems. In this context, mathematical models are useful tools to develop our understanding of complex systems, and mechanistic models are particularly suited to data-scarce settings. Here, we performed a systematic review of mechanistic models studying RVF, to explore their diversity and their contribution to the understanding of this disease epidemiology. Researching Pubmed and Scopus databases (October 2021), we eventually selected 48 papers, presenting overall 49 different models with numerical application to RVF. We categorized models as theoretical, applied, or grey, depending on whether they represented a specific geographical context or not, and whether they relied on an extensive use of data. We discussed their contributions to the understanding of RVF epidemiology, and highlighted that theoretical and applied models are used differently yet meet common objectives. Through the examination of model features, we identified research questions left unexplored across scales, such as the role of animal mobility, as well as the relative contributions of host and vector species to transmission. Importantly, we noted a substantial lack of justification when choosing a functional form for the force of infection. Overall, we showed a great diversity in RVF models, leading to important progress in our comprehension of epidemiological mechanisms. To go further, data gaps must be filled, and modelers need to improve their code accessibility.
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15
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Nebbak A, Almeras L, Parola P, Bitam I. Mosquito Vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) and Mosquito-Borne Diseases in North Africa. INSECTS 2022; 13:962. [PMID: 36292910 PMCID: PMC9604161 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are of significant public health importance because of their ability to transmit major diseases to humans and animals, and are considered as the world's most deadly arthropods. In recent decades, climate change and globalization have promoted mosquito-borne diseases' (MBDs) geographic expansion to new areas, such as North African countries, where some of these MBDs were unusual or even unknown. In this review, we summarize the latest data on mosquito vector species distribution and MBDs affecting both human and animals in North Africa, in order to better understand the risks associated with the introduction of new invasive mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus. Currently, 26 mosquito species confirmed as pathogen vectors occur in North Africa, including Aedes (five species), Culex (eight species), Culiseta (one species) and Anopheles (12 species). These 26 species are involved in the circulation of seven MBDs in North Africa, including two parasitic infections (malaria and filariasis) and five viral infections (WNV, RVF, DENV, SINV and USUV). No bacterial diseases have been reported so far in this area. This review may guide research studies to fill the data gaps, as well as helping with developing effective vector surveillance and controlling strategies by concerned institutions in different involved countries, leading to cooperative and coordinate vector control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Nebbak
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), BP 384, Zone Industrielle, Bou-Ismail 42004, Algeria
| | - Lionel Almeras
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- École Supérieure en Sciences de l’Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaire d’Alger, Oued Smar 16059, Algeria
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16
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Jaleta MB, Tefera M, Negussie H, Mulatu T, Berhe T, Belete F, Yalew B, Gizaw O, Dabasa G, Abunna F, Regassa F, Amenu K, Leta S. Entomological survey of the potential vectors of Rift Valley fever virus and absence of detection of the virus genome from the vectors in various niches in the southern half of the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:2716-2725. [DOI: 10.1002/vms3.941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Megarsa Bedasa Jaleta
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
| | - Mehari Tefera
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
| | - Haileleul Negussie
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
| | | | - Tsega Berhe
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
| | - Fasika Belete
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Jimma University Jimma Ethiopia
| | - Bekele Yalew
- Animal Health Institute Entomology Unit Sebeta Ethiopia
| | - Oda Gizaw
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
| | - Golo Dabasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
| | - Fufa Abunna
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
| | - Fikru Regassa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
- Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fishery Addis Ababa Ethiopia
| | - Kebede Amenu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
| | - Samson Leta
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Addis Ababa University Bishoftu Ethiopia
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17
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Campbell CL, Snell TK, Bennett S, Wyckoff JH, Heaslip D, Flatt J, Harris EK, Hartman DA, Lian E, Bird BH, Stenglein MD, Bowen RA, Kading RC. Safety study of Rift Valley Fever human vaccine candidate (DDVax) in mosquitoes. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:2621-2633. [PMID: 34890118 PMCID: PMC9788258 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen with significant human and veterinary health consequences that periodically emerges in epizootics. RVFV causes fetal loss and death in ruminants and in humans can lead to liver and renal disease, delayed-onset encephalitis, retinitis, and in some cases severe haemorrhagic fever. A live attenuated vaccine candidate (DDVax), was developed by the deletion of the virulence factors NSs and NSm from a clinical isolate, ZH501, and has proven safe and immunogenic in rodents, pregnant sheep and non-human primates. Deletion of NSm also severely restricted mosquito midgut infection and inhibited vector-borne transmission. To demonstrate environmental safety, this study investigated the replication, dissemination and transmission efficiency of DDVax in mosquitoes following oral exposure compared to RVFV strains MP-12 and ZH501. Infection and dissemination profiles were also measured in mosquitoes 7 days after they fed on goats inoculated with DDvax or MP-12. We hypothesized that DDVax would infect mosquitoes at significantly lower rates than other RVFV strains and, due to lack of NSm, be transmission incompetent. Exposure of Ae. aegypti and Cx. tarsalis to 8 log10 plaque forming units (PFU)/ml DDVax by artificial bloodmeal resulted in significantly reduced DDVax infection rates in mosquito bodies compared to controls. Plaque assays indicated negligible transmission of infectious DDVax in Cx. tarsalis saliva (1/140 sampled) and none in Ae. aegypti saliva (0/120). Serum from goats inoculated with DDVax or MP-12 did not harbour detectable infectious virus by plaque assay at 1, 2 or 3 days post-inoculation. Infectious virus was, however, recovered from Aedes and Culex bodies that fed on goats vaccinated with MP-12 (13.8% and 4.6%, respectively), but strikingly, DDvax-positive mosquito bodies were greatly reduced (4%, and 0%, respectively). Furthermore, DDVax did not disseminate to legs/wings in any of the goat-fed mosquitoes. Collectively, these results are consistent with a beneficial environmental safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey L. Campbell
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Trey K. Snell
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Susi Bennett
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - John H. Wyckoff
- BioMARC, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Darragh Heaslip
- BioMARC, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Jordan Flatt
- BioMARC, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Emma K. Harris
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Daniel A. Hartman
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Elena Lian
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Brian H. Bird
- School of Veterinary MedicineOne Health InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCalifornia
| | - Mark D. Stenglein
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Richard A. Bowen
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Rebekah C. Kading
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology, and PathologyCenter for Vector‐Borne Infectious DiseasesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
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18
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Ronchi GF, Testa L, Iorio M, Pinoni C, Bortone G, Dondona AC, Rossi E, Capista S, Mercante MT, Morelli D, Di Ventura M, Monaco F. Immunogenicity and safety studies of an inactivated vaccine against Rift Valley fever. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106498. [PMID: 35513072 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging transboundary, mosquito-borne, zoonotic viral disease caused by a single serotype of a virus belonging to the Phenuiviridae family (genus Phlebovirus). It is considered an important threat to both agriculture and public health in endemic areas, because the virus, transmitted by different mosquito genera, leads to abortions in susceptible animal hosts especially sheep, goat, cattle, and buffaloes, resulting in severe economic losses. Humans can also acquire the infection, and the major sources are represented by the direct contact with infected animal blood, aerosol, consumption of unpasteurized contaminated milk and the bite of infected mosquitoes. Actually, the EU territory does not seem to be exposed to an imminent risk of RVFV introduction, however, the recent outbreaks in a French overseas department and some cases detected in Turkey, Tunisia and Libya, raised the attention of the EU for a possible risk of introduction of infected vectors. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic and/or preventive drugs, such as vaccines. In our work, we studied the immunogenicity of an inactivated and adjuvanted vaccine produced using a Namibian field strain of RVF virus (RVFV). The vaccine object of this study was formulated with Montanide Pet Gel A, a polymer-based adjuvant that has been previously reported for its promising safety profile and for the capacity to elicit a strong immune response. The produced inactivated vaccine was tested on six sheep and the level of IgM and IgG after the immunization of animals was evaluated by a commercial competitive ELISA, in order to assess the immunogenicity profile of our vaccine and to evaluate its potential use, as an alternative to the attenuated vaccines commercially available, in case of Rift Valley fever epidemic disease on EU territory. Following the administration of the second dose, 35 days after the first one, all animals seroconverted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lilia Testa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mariangela Iorio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Chiara Pinoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Grazia Bortone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Rossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Sara Capista
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Mercante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Daniela Morelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Di Ventura
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
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An unusually long Rift valley fever inter-epizootic period in Zambia: Evidence for enzootic virus circulation and risk for disease outbreak. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010420. [PMID: 35653390 PMCID: PMC9197056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne disease of animals and humans. Although RVF outbreaks are usually reported at 5-15-year intervals in sub-Saharan Africa, Zambia has experienced an unusually long inter-epizootic/-epidemic period of more than three decades. However, serological evidence of RVF virus (RVFV) infection in domestic ruminants during this period underscores the need for comprehensive investigation of the mechanisms of virus perpetuation and disease emergence. Mosquitoes (n = 16,778) captured from eight of the ten provinces of Zambia between April 2014 and May 2019 were pooled (n = 961) and screened for RVFV genome by a pan-phlebo RT-PCR assay. Aedes mosquito pools (n = 85) were further screened by nested RT-PCR assay. Sera from sheep (n = 13), goats (n = 259) and wild ungulates (n = 285) were screened for RVFV antibodies by ELISA while genome detection in pooled sera (n = 276) from domestic (n = 248) and wild ungulates (n = 37) was performed by real-time RT-PCR assay. To examine the association between the long inter-epizootic period and climatic variables, we examined El Niño-Southern Oscillation indices, precipitation anomalies, and normalized difference vegetation index. We then derived RVF risk maps by exploring climatic variables that would favor emergence of primary RVFV vectors. While no RVFV genome could be detected in pooled mosquito and serum samples, seroprevalence was significantly high (OR = 8.13, 95% CI [4.63–14.25]) in wild ungulates (33.7%; 96/285) compared to domestic ruminants (5.6%; 16/272). Retrospective analysis of RVF epizootics in Zambia showed a positive correlation between anomalous precipitation (La Niña) and disease emergence. On risk mapping, whilst northern and eastern parts of the country were at high risk, domestic ruminant population density was low (< 21 animals/km2) in these areas compared to low risk areas (>21 animals/km2). Besides evidence of silent circulation of RVFV and the risk of disease emergence in some areas, wildlife may play a role in the maintenance of RVFV in Zambia. Rift valley fever (RVF) is an important mosquito borne disease of humans and ruminants. RVF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa where disease outbreaks are frequently reported in humans and animals. For RVF outbreaks to occur, there has to be presence of the host (animals or humans) and favorable climatic conditions that favor emergence of RVF virus vectors (mosquitoes). Understanding this complex interaction enables us to predict future disease outbreaks and map RVF high risk areas. Above normal rainfall and floods will usually trigger RVF outbreaks. In this study, we conducted surveillance for RVF in mosquitoes, domestic and wild ruminants. We then examined climatic conditions that may have been responsible for past RVF outbreaks and the unusually (>30 years) long inter-epizootic period. Finally, we derived RVF risk maps for Zambia using a combination of climatic variables. We found evidence of RVF infection in both wild and domestic ruminants while there was a positive correlation between past RVF outbreaks and above-normal rainfall. On risk mapping, we found favorable conditions (i.e. high rainfall and risk of flooding) for RVF emergence in northern and eastern parts of the country. Studies like this are important in planning surveillance and disease control programs.
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20
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Alamri MA, Mirza MU, Adeel MM, Ashfaq UA, Tahir ul Qamar M, Shahid F, Ahmad S, Alatawi EA, Albalawi GM, Allemailem KS, Almatroudi A. Structural Elucidation of Rift Valley Fever Virus L Protein towards the Discovery of Its Potential Inhibitors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060659. [PMID: 35745579 PMCID: PMC9228520 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift valley fever virus (RVFV) is the causative agent of a viral zoonosis that causes a significant clinical burden in domestic and wild ruminants. Major outbreaks of the virus occur in livestock, and contaminated animal products or arthropod vectors can transmit the virus to humans. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp; L protein) of the RVFV is responsible for viral replication and is thus an appealing drug target because no effective and specific vaccine against this virus is available. The current study reported the structural elucidation of the RVFV-L protein by in-depth homology modeling since no crystal structure is available yet. The inhibitory binding modes of known potent L protein inhibitors were analyzed. Based on the results, further molecular docking-based virtual screening of Selleckchem Nucleoside Analogue Library (156 compounds) was performed to find potential new inhibitors against the RVFV L protein. ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) and toxicity analysis of these compounds was also performed. Besides, the binding mechanism and stability of identified compounds were confirmed by a 50 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation followed by MM/PBSA binding free energy calculations. Homology modeling determined a stable multi-domain structure of L protein. An analysis of known L protein inhibitors, including Monensin, Mycophenolic acid, and Ribavirin, provide insights into the binding mechanism and reveals key residues of the L protein binding pocket. The screening results revealed that the top three compounds, A-317491, Khasianine, and VER155008, exhibited a high affinity at the L protein binding pocket. ADME analysis revealed good pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds. Furthermore, MD simulation and binding free energy analysis endorsed the binding stability of potential compounds with L protein. In a nutshell, the present study determined potential compounds that may aid in the rational design of novel inhibitors of the RVFV L protein as anti-RVFV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarak A. Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16273, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muhammad Usman Mirza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada;
| | - Muhammad Muzammal Adeel
- 3D Genomics Research Center, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (U.A.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Muhammad Tahir ul Qamar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (U.A.A.); (F.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.T.u.Q.); (K.S.A.)
| | - Farah Shahid
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (U.A.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - Eid A. Alatawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ghadah M. Albalawi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (G.M.A.); (A.A.)
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Tabuk 47717, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled S. Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (G.M.A.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.T.u.Q.); (K.S.A.)
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (G.M.A.); (A.A.)
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21
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Drouin A, Chevalier V, Durand B, Balenghien T. Vector Competence of Mediterranean Mosquitoes for Rift Valley Fever Virus: A Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050503. [PMID: 35631024 PMCID: PMC9146998 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease caused by a virus mainly transmitted by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes. Infection leads to high abortion rates and considerable mortality in domestic livestock. The combination of viral circulation in Egypt and Libya and the existence of unregulated live animal trade routes through endemic areas raise concerns that the virus may spread to other Mediterranean countries, where there are mosquitoes potentially competent for RVF virus (RVFV) transmission. The competence of vectors for a given pathogen can be assessed through laboratory experiments, but results may vary greatly with the study design. This research aims to quantify the competence of five major potential RVFV vectors in the Mediterranean Basin, namely Aedes detritus, Ae. caspius, Ae. vexans, Culex pipiens and Cx. theileri, through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. We first computed the infection rate, the dissemination rate among infected mosquitoes, the overall dissemination rate, the transmission rate among mosquitoes with a disseminated infection and the overall transmission rate for these five mosquito species. We next assessed the influence of laboratory study designs on the variability of these five parameters. According to experimental results and our analysis, Aedes caspius may be the most competent vector among the five species considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Drouin
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), University Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.D.); (B.D.)
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34398 Montpellier, France;
| | - Véronique Chevalier
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34398 Montpellier, France;
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
- Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
- Correspondence:
| | - Benoit Durand
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), University Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.D.); (B.D.)
| | - Thomas Balenghien
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34398 Montpellier, France;
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Rabat 10101, Morocco
- IAV Hassan II, UR MIMC, Rabat 10101, Morocco
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22
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Stoek F, Barry Y, Ba A, Schulz A, Rissmann M, Wylezich C, Sadeghi B, Beyit AD, Eisenbarth A, N’diaye FB, Haki ML, Doumbia BA, Gueya MB, Bah MY, Eiden M, Groschup MH. Mosquito survey in Mauritania: Detection of Rift Valley fever virus and dengue virus and the determination of feeding patterns. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010203. [PMID: 35427361 PMCID: PMC9113561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In Mauritania, several mosquito-borne viruses have been reported that can cause devastating diseases in animals and humans. However, monitoring data on their occurrence and local distribution are limited. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arthropod-borne virus that causes major outbreaks throughout the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula. The first Rift Valley fever (RVF) epidemic in Mauritania occurred in 1987 and since then the country has been affected by recurrent outbreaks of the disease. To gain information on the occurrence of RVFV as well as other mosquito-borne viruses and their vectors in Mauritania, we collected and examined 4,950 mosquitoes, belonging to four genera and 14 species. The mosquitoes were captured during 2018 in the capital Nouakchott and in southern parts of Mauritania. Evidence of RVFV was found in a mosquito pool of female Anopheles pharoensis mosquitoes collected in December on a farm near the Senegal River. At that time, 37.5% of 16 tested Montbéliarde cattle on the farm showed RVFV-specific IgM antibodies. Additionally, we detected IgM antibodies in 10.7% of 28 indigenous cattle that had been sampled on the same farm one month earlier. To obtain information on potential RVFV reservoir hosts, blood meals of captured engorged mosquitoes were analyzed. The mosquitoes mainly fed on humans (urban areas) and cattle (rural areas), but also on small ruminants, donkeys, cats, dogs and straw-colored fruit bats. Results of this study demonstrate the circulation of RVFV in Mauritania and thus the need for further research to investigate the distribution of the virus and its vectors. Furthermore, factors that may contribute to its maintenance should be analyzed more closely. In addition, two mosquito pools containing Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes showed evidence of dengue virus (DENV) 2 circulation in the city of Rosso. Further studies are therefore needed to also examine DENV circulation in Mauritania. In Mauritania, various mosquito-borne viruses responsible for devastating diseases in livestock and/or humans occur, threatening both human and animal health. One of these viruses is the Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV), which is widespread throughout the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula. The first outbreak in Mauritania occurred in 1987, and epidemics have recurred since then. However, little is known about the maintenance of RVFV during inter-epidemic periods, in the absence of reported outbreaks, and although there is evidence of an active circulation of the virus during these times, only limited data are available on the abundance of RVFV and its vectors in Mauritania. Therefore, this study aimed to collect and examine mosquitoes in different areas where outbreaks have already occurred. Additionally, blood of collected blood-fed mosquitoes was analyzed to identify feeding patterns and thus wildlife potentially acting as RVFV reservoir hosts. Furthermore, the collected mosquitoes were analyzed for the presence of other neglected viruses in order to participate in an elucidation of the circulation of different viruses within the mosquito population in Mauritania and to be able to better prevent disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Stoek
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Yahya Barry
- Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Aliou Ba
- Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Ansgar Schulz
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Claudia Wylezich
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Balal Sadeghi
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Abdellahi Diambar Beyit
- Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Albert Eisenbarth
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Mohamed Lemine Haki
- Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | | | | | | | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- * E-mail:
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23
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Highly adaptive
Phenuiviridae
with biomedical importance in multiple fields. J Med Virol 2022; 94:2388-2401. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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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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25
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Adam A, Jassoy C. Epidemiology and Laboratory Diagnostics of Dengue, Yellow Fever, Zika, and Chikungunya Virus Infections in Africa. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101324. [PMID: 34684274 PMCID: PMC8541377 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arbovirus infections are widespread, and their disease burden has increased in the past decade. In Africa, arbovirus infections and fever with unknown etiology are common. Due to the lack of well-established epidemiologic surveillance systems and accurate differential diagnosis in most African countries, little is known about the prevalence of human arbovirus infections in Africa. The aim of this review is to summarize the available epidemiological data and diagnostic laboratory tools of infections with dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, all transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Studies indicate that these arboviral infections are endemic in most of Africa. Surveillance of the incidence and prevalence of the infections would enable medical doctors to improve the diagnostic accuracy in patients with typical symptoms. If possible, arboviral diagnostic tests should be added to the routine healthcare systems. Healthcare providers should be informed about the prevalent arboviral diseases to identify possible cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awadalkareem Adam
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (C.J.); Tel.: +49-341-9714314 (C.J.); Fax: +49-341-9714309 (C.J.)
| | - Christian Jassoy
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (C.J.); Tel.: +49-341-9714314 (C.J.); Fax: +49-341-9714309 (C.J.)
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Peng K, Lozach PY. Rift Valley fever virus: a new avenue of research on the biological functions of amyloids? Future Virol 2021. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that was first discovered in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya, in 1930. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) primarily infects domestic animals and humans, with clinical outcomes ranging from self-limiting febrile illness to acute hepatitis and encephalitis. The virus left Africa a few decades ago, and there is a risk of introduction into southern Europe and Asia. From this perspective, we introduce RVFV and focus on the capacity of its virulence factor, the nonstructural protein NSs, to form amyloid-like fibrils. Here, we discuss the implications for the NSs biological function, the ability of RVFV to evade innate immunity, and RVFV virulence and neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, PR China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Pierre-Yves Lozach
- Cell Networks, CIID (Cluster of Excellence & Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research), Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- University of Lyon, INRAE, EPHE, IVPC (Infections Virales et Pathologie Comparée), 69007, Lyon, France
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Smith LJ, Schurer JM, Ntakiyisumba E, Shyaka A, Amuguni JH. Rift Valley fever knowledge, mitigation strategies and communication preferences among male and female livestock farmers in Eastern Province, Rwanda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009705. [PMID: 34424895 PMCID: PMC8412303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Government of Rwanda reported an outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in the Eastern Province in 2018. To respond to the outbreak, vaccination and education campaigns about the disease were carried out. Because RVF cases continue to be detected in Rwanda and the disease impacts livelihoods and health, accurate knowledge and communication are imperative. The objectives of this study were to evaluate knowledge and risk perceptions of RVF transmission among livestock farmers in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province, Rwanda, and to compare RVF knowledge, risk perceptions, and farming practices between male and female livestock farmers. This cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in selected sectors of Nyagatare District in the Eastern Province of Rwanda in June 2019. A 34-question survey was used to ask about demographics, livestock ownership, risk perceptions about zoonotic diseases and livestock management, RVF knowledge, preferred communication sources and information sharing strategies, and protective strategies for RVF mitigation while working with livestock. Livestock farmers were interviewed at three milk collection centers, two village meeting points, a farm cooperative meeting, and during door-to-door visits in villages. In total, 123 livestock farmers were interviewed. The survey found that most livestock farmers lacked knowledge about epizootic and zoonotic transmission of RVF, more male livestock farmers were familiar with RVF and risk mitigation strategies, and female livestock farmers are not viewed as reliable sources of information. Additionally, most livestock farmers had not vaccinated their animals against RVF despite past vaccination campaigns. Radio was the most popular communication channel. These findings show that RVF knowledge and information sharing are inadequate among livestock farmers in Eastern Province. Therefore, vaccination and education campaigns may need to be reevaluated within the context of these trends in order to prepare for future RVF outbreaks. This study was conducted in order to evaluate RVF knowledge and awareness as well as communication and mitigation strategies among livestock farmers in Eastern Province, Rwanda. Rwanda declared an outbreak of RVF in 2018 and cases have continued to be detected. Thus, evaluating the status of knowledge, preventive strategies, and information sharing among livestock farmers is crucial in mitigating future outbreaks. Our team conducted a survey of knowledge, risk perceptions, mitigation strategies, and communication practices among livestock farmers from selected sectors within Nyagatare District and compared them between male and female livestock farmers in order to analyze gender-nuanced differences between these groups. Sectors were chosen for sampling based on their proximity to previous outbreak areas. Survey questionnaire results showed that knowledge and risk perceptions differed between male and female livestock farmers, and that they could be generally improved among all livestock farmers. Female livestock farmers and non-farming community members were viewed as unreliable sources of information which could impact information dissemination. Many farmers also reported that their livestock herds were not vaccinated for the disease despite previous vaccination campaigns. Communication strategies and information sources also differed between male and female livestock farmers, which highlights a need to consider gender in improving RVF vaccination and education campaign coverage. These findings pose implications for future community-based public health interventions as well as policy development for RVF control and mitigating future RVF outbreaks within Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay J. Smith
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Janna M. Schurer
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Eurade Ntakiyisumba
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Nyagatare, Rwanda
| | - Anselme Shyaka
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Nyagatare, Rwanda
| | - Janetrix Hellen Amuguni
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Pawęska JT, Jansen van Vuren P, Msimang V, Lô MM, Thiongane Y, Mulumba-Mfumu LK, Mansoor A, Fafetine JM, Magona JW, Boussini H, Bażanow B, Wilson WC, Pepin M, Unger H, Viljoen G. Large-Scale International Validation of an Indirect ELISA Based on Recombinant Nucleocapsid Protein of Rift Valley Fever Virus for the Detection of IgG Antibody in Domestic Ruminants. Viruses 2021; 13:1651. [PMID: 34452515 PMCID: PMC8402881 DOI: 10.3390/v13081651] [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: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic performance of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) based on a recombinant nucleocapsid protein (rNP) of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) was validated for the detection of the IgG antibody in sheep (n = 3367), goat (n = 2632), and cattle (n = 3819) sera. Validation data sets were dichotomized according to the results of a virus neutralization test in sera obtained from RVF-endemic (Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Senegal, Uganda, and Yemen) and RVF-free countries (France, Poland, and the USA). Cut-off values were defined using the two-graph receiver operating characteristic analysis. Estimates of the diagnostic specificity of the RVFV rNP I-ELISA in animals from RVF-endemic countries ranged from 98.6% (cattle) to 99.5% (sheep) while in those originating from RVF-free countries, they ranged from 97.7% (sheep) to 98.1% (goats). Estimates of the diagnostic sensitivity in ruminants from RVF-endemic countries ranged from 90.7% (cattle) to 100% (goats). The results of this large-scale international validation study demonstrate the high diagnostic accuracy of the RVFV rNP I-ELISA. Standard incubation and inactivation procedures evaluated did not have an adverse effect on the detectable levels of the anti-RVFV IgG in ruminant sera and thus, together with recombinant antigen-based I-ELISA, provide a simple, safe, and robust diagnostic platform that can be automated and carried out outside expensive bio-containment facilities. These advantages are particularly important for less-resourced countries where there is a need to accelerate and improve RVF surveillance and research on epidemiology as well as to advance disease control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz T. Pawęska
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham 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
| | - Petrus Jansen van Vuren
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | - Veerle Msimang
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham 2131, South Africa;
| | - Modu Moustapha Lô
- Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route de Front de Terre, Dakar Hann 2057, BP, Senegal; (M.M.L.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yaya Thiongane
- Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route de Front de Terre, Dakar Hann 2057, BP, Senegal; (M.M.L.); (Y.T.)
| | - Leopold K. Mulumba-Mfumu
- Ministry of Agriculture, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa 7948, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 127, Kinshasa XI, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Alqadasi Mansoor
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, General Directorate of Animal Health & Veterinary Quarantine, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Sana’a 31220, Yemen;
- Food and Agriculture Organization Office, Sana’a 31220, Yemen
| | - José M. Fafetine
- Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo 1103, Mozambique;
| | - Joseph W. Magona
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute, Tororo P.O. Box 96, Uganda;
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Gaborone P.O. Box 54, Botswana
| | - Hiver Boussini
- Direction Generale Des Services Veterinaires, Ministère des Ressources Animales, Ouagadougou 09 BP 907, Burkina Faso;
- African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources, Nairobi P.O. Box 30786-00100, Kenya
| | - Barbara Bażanow
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - William C. Wilson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Arthropod Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA;
| | - Michel Pepin
- Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments, F-69364 Lyon, France;
- VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, F-69364 Lyon, France
| | - Hermann Unger
- Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 1400 Vienna, Austria; (H.U.); (G.V.)
| | - Gerrit Viljoen
- Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 1400 Vienna, Austria; (H.U.); (G.V.)
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Maduray K, Parboosing R. Metal Nanoparticles: a Promising Treatment for Viral and Arboviral Infections. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:3159-3176. [PMID: 33029761 PMCID: PMC7540915 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02414-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Globally, viral diseases continue to pose a significant threat to public health. Recent outbreaks, such as influenza, coronavirus, Ebola, and dengue, have emphasized the urgent need for new antiviral therapeutics. Considerable efforts have focused on developing metal nanoparticles for the treatment of several pathogenic viruses. As a result of these efforts, metal nanoparticles are demonstrating promising antiviral activity against pathogenic surrogates and clinical isolates. This review summarizes the application of metal nanoparticles for the treatment of viral infections. It provides information on synthesis methods, size-related properties, nano-bio-interaction, and immunological effects of metal nanoparticles. This article also addresses critical criteria and considerations for developing clinically translatable nanosized metal particles to treat viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaminee Maduray
- Department of Virology, University of KwaZulu-Natal/National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Raveen Parboosing
- Department of Virology, University of KwaZulu-Natal/National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
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Léger P, Lozach PY. [Rift Valley fever virus and the amazing NSs protein]. Med Sci (Paris) 2021; 37:601-608. [PMID: 34180819 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2021090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen transmitted to humans and livestock through mosquito bites, which was first isolated in Kenya in 1930. The virus is classified by the WHO among the pathogens for which there is an urgent need to develop research, diagnostics, and therapies. However, the efforts developed to control the virus remain limited, and the virus is not well characterized. In this article, we will introduce RVFV and then focus on its virulence factor, the nonstructural protein NSs. We will mainly discuss the ability of this viral protein to form amyloid-like fibrils and its implication in the neurotoxicity associated with RVFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Psylvia Léger
- CellNetworks, CIID (Cluster of Excellence and Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research), Virology, University hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120 Heidelberg, Allemagne
| | - Pierre-Yves Lozach
- CellNetworks, CIID (Cluster of Excellence and Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research), Virology, University hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120 Heidelberg, Allemagne - Univ. Lyon, INRAe, EPHE, IVPC (Infections virales et pathologie comparée), 50 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
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First Serological Evidence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Rift Valley Fever Virus in Ruminants in Tunisia. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060769. [PMID: 34207423 PMCID: PMC8234966 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060769] [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: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV, Nairoviridae family) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV, Phenuiviridae family) are zoonotic vector-borne pathogens with clinical relevance worldwide. Our study aimed to determine seroprevalences of these viruses and potential risk factors among livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) in Tunisia. Sera were tested for antibodies against CCHFV (n = 879) and RVFV (n = 699) using various enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect immunofluorescence assays (IIFA). The overall seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was 8.6% (76/879) and 2.3% (16/699) against CCHFV and RVFV, respectively. For CCHF seropositivity bioclimatic zones and breed were potential risk factors for the three tested animal species; while the season was associated with cattle and sheep seropositivity, tick infestation was associated with cattle and goats seropositivity and age as a risk factor was only associated with cattle seropositivity. Age and season were significantly associated with RVFV seropositivity in sheep. Our results confirm the circulation of CCHFV and RVFV in Tunisia and identified the principal risk factors in ruminants. This knowledge could help to mitigate the risk of ruminant infections and subsequently also human infections.
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Meurens F, Dunoyer C, Fourichon C, Gerdts V, Haddad N, Kortekaas J, Lewandowska M, Monchatre-Leroy E, Summerfield A, Wichgers Schreur PJ, van der Poel WHM, Zhu J. Animal board invited review: Risks of zoonotic disease emergence at the interface of wildlife and livestock systems. Animal 2021; 15:100241. [PMID: 34091225 PMCID: PMC8172357 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 19s pandemic has yet again demonstrated the importance of the human-animal interface in the emergence of zoonotic diseases, and in particular the role of wildlife and livestock species as potential hosts and virus reservoirs. As most diseases emerge out of the human-animal interface, a better understanding of the specific drivers and mechanisms involved is crucial to prepare for future disease outbreaks. Interactions between wildlife and livestock systems contribute to the emergence of zoonotic diseases, especially in the face of globalization, habitat fragmentation and destruction and climate change. As several groups of viruses and bacteria are more likely to emerge, we focus on pathogenic viruses of the Bunyavirales, Coronaviridae, Flaviviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, and Paramyxoviridae, as well as bacterial species including Mycobacterium sp., Brucella sp., Bacillus anthracis and Coxiella burnetii. Noteworthy, it was difficult to predict the drivers of disease emergence in the past, even for well-known pathogens. Thus, an improved surveillance in hotspot areas and the availability of fast, effective, and adaptable control measures would definitely contribute to preparedness. We here propose strategies to mitigate the risk of emergence and/or re-emergence of prioritized pathogens to prevent future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Meurens
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44307 Nantes, France; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N5E3, Canada.
| | - Charlotte Dunoyer
- Direction de l'évaluation des risques, Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Volker Gerdts
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)-International Vaccine Centre (InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E3, Canada
| | - Nadia Haddad
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Lewandowska
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Artur Summerfield
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Paul J Wichgers Schreur
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Wim H M van der Poel
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Jianzhong Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Comparative Medicine Research Institute, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, 225009 Yangzhou, China
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Entry of Phenuiviruses into Mammalian Host Cells. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020299. [PMID: 33672975 PMCID: PMC7918600 DOI: 10.3390/v13020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenuiviridae is a large family of arthropod-borne viruses with over 100 species worldwide. Several cause severe diseases in both humans and livestock. Global warming and the apparent geographical expansion of arthropod vectors are good reasons to seriously consider these viruses potential agents of emerging diseases. With an increasing frequency and number of epidemics, some phenuiviruses represent a global threat to public and veterinary health. This review focuses on the early stage of phenuivirus infection in mammalian host cells. We address current knowledge on each step of the cell entry process, from virus binding to penetration into the cytosol. Virus receptors, endocytosis, and fusion mechanisms are discussed in light of the most recent progress on the entry of banda-, phlebo-, and uukuviruses, which together constitute the three prominent genera in the Phenuiviridae family.
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Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic, vector-borne infectious disease of ruminants and camels transmitted mainly by the Aedes and Culex mosquito species. Contact with the blood or organs of infected animals may infect humans. Its etiological factor is the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) of the Phlebovirus genus and Bunyaviridae family. Sheep and goats are most susceptible to infection and newborns and young individuals endure the most severe disease course. High abortion rates and infant mortality are typical for RVF; its clinical signs are high fever, lymphadenitis, nasal and ocular secretions and vomiting. Conventional diagnosis is done by the detection of specific IgM or IgG antibodies and RVFV nucleic acids and by virus isolation. Inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines obtained from virulent RVFV isolates are available for livestock. RVF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but in the last two decades, it was also reported in other African regions. Seropositive animals were detected in Turkey, Tunisia and Libya. The wide distribution of competent vectors in non-endemic areas coupled with global climate change threaten to spread RVF transboundarily. The EFSA considers the movement of infected animals and vectors to be other plausible pathways of RVF introduction into Europe. A very low risk both of introduction of the virus through an infected animal or vector and of establishment of the virus, and a moderate risk of its transmission through these means was estimated for Poland. The risk of these specific modes of disease introduction into Europe is rated as very low, but surveillance and response capabilities and cooperation with the proximal endemic regions are recommended.
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Wichgers Schreur PJ, Vloet RPM, Kant J, van Keulen L, Gonzales JL, Visser TM, Koenraadt CJM, Vogels CBF, Kortekaas J. Reproducing the Rift Valley fever virus mosquito-lamb-mosquito transmission cycle. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1477. [PMID: 33446733 PMCID: PMC7809480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne bunyavirus that is pathogenic to ruminants and humans. The virus is endemic to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula where outbreaks are characterized by abortion storms and mortality of newborns, particularly in sheep herds. Vector competence experiments in laboratory settings have suggested that over 50 mosquito species are capable of transmitting RVFV. Transmission of mosquito-borne viruses in the field is however influenced by numerous factors, including population densities, blood feeding behavior, extrinsic incubation period, longevity of vectors, and viremia levels in vertebrate hosts. Animal models to study these important aspects of RVFV transmission are currently lacking. In the present work, RVFV was transmitted to European (Texel-swifter cross-breed) lambs by laboratory-reared Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that were infected either by membrane feeding on a virus-spiked blood meal or by feeding on lambs that developed viremia after intravenous inoculation of RVFV. Feeding of mosquitoes on viremic lambs resulted in strikingly higher infection rates as compared to membrane feeding. Subsequent transmission of RVFV from lamb to lamb by infected mosquitoes was highly efficient in both models. The animal models described here can be used to study mosquito-mediated transmission of RVFV among the major natural target species and to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines against mosquito-mediated RVFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jet Kant
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jose L Gonzales
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa M Visser
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Chantal B F Vogels
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands. .,Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Kumalija MS, Chilongola JO, Budodo RM, Horumpende PG, Mkumbaye SI, Vianney JM, Mwakapuja RS, Mmbaga BT. Detection of Rift Valley Fever virus inter-epidemic activity in Kilimanjaro Region, North Eastern Tanzania. Glob Health Action 2021; 14:1957554. [PMID: 34415237 PMCID: PMC8381910 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1957554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus of public health impact infecting livestock, wildlife, and humans mainly in Africa and other parts of the world. Despite its public health importance, mechanisms of RVFV maintenance during interepidemic periods (IEPS) remain unclear. Objective We aimed to examine comparatively exposure to RVFV between humans and goats and RVFV infection between humans, goats and mosquitoes. Methods A cross sectional study was performed in the Lower Moshi area of the Kilimanjaro region from March to June 2020. RVFV exposure was determined by detecting IgG/IgM to RVFV using a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay whereas infection was determined by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Results Results show that the male gender was related to RVFV seropositivity (χ2 = 5.351; p=0.030). Being 50 years and above was related to seropositivity (χ2 =14.430; p=0.006) whereas bed net use, larger numbers of persons living in the same house (>7 persons) and RVFV seropositivity in goats were related to higher seropositivity to RVFV among humans χ2 =6.003; p=0.021, χ2 =23.213; p < 0.001 and χ2 =27.053; p < 0.001), respectively. By the use of RT-qPCR, goats exhibited the highest RVFV infection rate of 4.1%, followed by humans (2.6%), Ae. aegypti (2.3%), and Cx. pipiens complex(1.5%). Likewise, a higher proportion of goats (23.3%) were RVFV seropositive as compared with humans (13.2%). Conclusion Our findings suggest the Lower Moshi area as a potential hotspot for Rift Valley Fever (RVF), posing the danger of being a source of RVFV spread to other areas. Goats had the highest infection rate, suggesting goats as important hosts for virus maintenance during IEPs. We recommend the implementation of strategies that will warrant active RVF surveillance through the identification of RVF hotspots for targeted control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medard S Kumalija
- Department of Global Health and Biomedical Sciences, Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Jaffu O Chilongola
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi Tanzania.,Department of Clinical Trials, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Rule M Budodo
- Department of Clinical Trials, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Pius G Horumpende
- Department of Public Health and Research, Lugalo Military College of Medical Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sixbert I Mkumbaye
- Department of Clinical Trials, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - John-Mary Vianney
- Department of Global Health and Biomedical Sciences, Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Richard S Mwakapuja
- Department of Bacterial Vaccines, Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA), Kibaha, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Department of Clinical Trials, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
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Argondizzo APC, Silva D, Missailidis S. Application of Aptamer-Based Assays to the Diagnosis of Arboviruses Important for Public Health in Brazil. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E159. [PMID: 33375234 PMCID: PMC7796157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arbovirus infections represent a global public health problem, and recent epidemics of yellow fever, dengue, and Zika have shown their critical importance in Brazil and worldwide. Whilst a major effort for vaccination programs has been in the spotlight, a number of aptamer approaches have been proposed in a complementary manner, offering the possibility of differential diagnosis between these arboviruses, which often present similar clinical symptoms, as well as the potential for a treatment option when no other alternative is available. In this review, we aim to provide a background on arbovirus, with a basic description of the main viral classes and the disease they cause, using the Brazilian context to build a comprehensive understanding of their role on a global scale. Subsequently, we offer an exhaustive revision of the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches offered by aptamers against arboviruses. We demonstrate how these promising reagents could help in the clinical diagnosis of this group of viruses, their use in a range of diagnostic formats, from biosensors to serological testing, and we give a short review on the potential approaches for novel aptamer-based antiviral treatment options against different arboviral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Corrêa Argondizzo
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos (Bio-Manguinhos), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365-Rio de Janeiro/RJ CEP 21040-900, Brazil; (A.P.C.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Dilson Silva
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos (Bio-Manguinhos), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365-Rio de Janeiro/RJ CEP 21040-900, Brazil; (A.P.C.A.); (D.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 255-Rio de Janeiro/RJ-CEP 22783-127, Brazil
| | - Sotiris Missailidis
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos (Bio-Manguinhos), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365-Rio de Janeiro/RJ CEP 21040-900, Brazil; (A.P.C.A.); (D.S.)
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Moreno S, Calvo-Pinilla E, Devignot S, Weber F, Ortego J, Brun A. Recombinant Rift Valley fever viruses encoding bluetongue virus (BTV) antigens: Immunity and efficacy studies upon a BTV-4 challenge. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008942. [PMID: 33275608 PMCID: PMC7744063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many ruminant diseases of viral aetiology can be effectively prevented using appropriate vaccination measures. For diseases such as Rift Valley fever (RVF) the long inter-epizootic periods make routine vaccination programs unfeasible. Coupling RVF prophylaxis with seasonal vaccination programmes by means of multivalent vaccine platforms would help to reduce the risk of new RVF outbreaks. Methodology/Principal findings In this work we generated recombinant attenuated Rift Valley fever viruses (RVFVs) encoding in place of the virulence factor NSs either the VP2 capsid protein or a truncated form of the non-structural NS1 protein of bluetongue virus serotype 4 (BTV-4). The recombinant viruses were able to carry and express the heterologous BTV genes upon consecutive passages in cell cultures. In murine models, a single immunization was sufficient to protect mice upon RVFV challenge and to elicit a specific immune response against BTV-4 antigens that was fully protective after a BTV-4 boost. In sheep, a natural host for RVFV and BTV, both vaccines proved immunogenic although conferred only partial protection after a virulent BTV-4 reassortant Morocco strain challenge. Conclusions/Significance Though additional optimization will be needed to improve the efficacy data against BTV in sheep, our findings warrant further developments of attenuated RVFV as a dual vaccine platform carrying heterologous immune relevant antigens for ruminant diseases in RVF risk areas. Live attenuated Rift Valley fever (RVF) vaccines constitute a reliable intervention measure to reduce the burden of the disease in endemic countries. In this work we report the generation of attenuated Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) that express vaccine antigens of bluetongue virus (BTV) instead of the virulence factor NSs. The recombinant viruses were able to induce protective immune responses against both RVFV and BTV when administered as vaccines in mice and sheep respectively. Though further optimization is needed to enhance the level of protection in sheep upon a single dose, these results demonstrate the potential of attenuated RVFV as a vaccine vector for other ruminant diseases, in this case enabling bluetongue vaccination while immunizing against RVF. Since RVF outbreaks are sporadic events, preventive vaccination is often not perceived as a real need. In such scenario a bivalent vaccine strategy would make RVF vaccination more appealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Moreno
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos (Madrid), Spain
| | - Eva Calvo-Pinilla
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos (Madrid), Spain
| | - Stephanie Devignot
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Friedemann Weber
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Javier Ortego
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos (Madrid), Spain
- * E-mail: (JO); (AB)
| | - Alejandro Brun
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos (Madrid), Spain
- * E-mail: (JO); (AB)
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Cecilia H, Métras R, Fall AG, Lo MM, Lancelot R, Ezanno P. It's risky to wander in September: Modelling the epidemic potential of Rift Valley fever in a Sahelian setting. Epidemics 2020; 33:100409. [PMID: 33137548 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2020.100409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the epidemic potential of vector-borne diseases, along with the relative contribution of underlying mechanisms, is crucial for animal and human health worldwide. In West African Sahel, several outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) have occurred over the last decades, but uncertainty remains about the conditions necessary to trigger these outbreaks. We use the basic reproduction number (R0) as a measure of RVF epidemic potential in northern Senegal, and map its value in two distinct ecosystems, namely the Ferlo and the Senegal River delta and valley. We consider three consecutive rainy seasons (July-November 2014, 2015 and 2016) and account for several vector and animal species. We parametrize our model with estimates of Aedes vexans arabiensis, Culex poicilipes, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, cattle, sheep and goat abundances. The impact of RVF virus introduction is assessed every week over northern Senegal. We highlight September as the period of highest epidemic potential in northern Senegal, resulting from distinct dynamics in the two study areas. Spatially, in the seasonal environment of the Ferlo, we observe that high-risk locations vary between years. We show that decreased vector densities do not greatly reduce R0 and that cattle immunity has a greater impact on reducing transmission than small ruminant immunity. The host preferences of vectors and the temperature-dependent time interval between their blood meals are crucial parameters needing further biological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Cecilia
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France; UMR ASTRE, CIRAD, Montpellier, France; ASTRE, Montpellier University, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France.
| | - Raphaëlle Métras
- Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), F-75012, Paris, France.
| | - Assane Gueye Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal.
| | - Modou Moustapha Lo
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal.
| | - Renaud Lancelot
- UMR ASTRE, CIRAD, Montpellier, France; ASTRE, Montpellier University, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France.
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40
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Calvo-Pinilla E, Marín-López A, Moreno S, Lorenzo G, Utrilla-Trigo S, Jiménez-Cabello L, Benavides J, Nogales A, Blasco R, Brun A, Ortego J. A protective bivalent vaccine against Rift Valley fever and bluetongue. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:70. [PMID: 32793399 PMCID: PMC7393076 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-00218-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) and bluetongue (BT) are two important ruminant diseases transmitted by arthropods. Both viruses have shown important geographic spread leading to endemicity of BT virus (BTV) in Africa and Europe. In this work, we report a dual vaccine that simultaneously induces protective immune responses against BTV and RVFV based on modified vaccinia Ankara virus (MVA) expressing BTV proteins VP2, NS1, or a truncated form of NS1 (NS1-Nt), and RVFV Gn and Gc glycoproteins. IFNAR(-/-) mice immunized with two doses of MVA-GnGc-VP2 developed a significant neutralizing antibody response against BTV-4 and RVFV. Furthermore, the homologous prime-boost immunization with MVA-GnGc-NS1 or MVA-GnGc-NS1-Nt triggered neutralizing antibodies against RVFV and NS1-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in mice. Moreover, all mice immunized with MVA-GnGc-NS1 or MVA-GnGc-NS1-Nt remained healthy after lethal challenge with RVFV or BTV-4. The homologous prime-boost vaccination with MVA-GnGc-NS1, which was the best immunization strategy observed in mice, was assayed in sheep. Clinical signs and viremia were absent or highly reduced in vaccinated sheep after challenge with BTV-4 or RVFV. These results indicate that MVA-GnGc-NS1 vaccination elicits immune protection against RVFV and BTV in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Calvo-Pinilla
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Marín-López
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Lorenzo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Utrilla-Trigo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Jiménez-Cabello
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Benavides
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Blasco
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Departamento de Biotecnología, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Brun
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Ortego
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Madrid, Spain
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Lau S, Weber F. Nuclear pore protein Nup98 is involved in replication of Rift Valley fever virus and nuclear import of virulence factor NSs. J Gen Virol 2020; 101:712-716. [PMID: 31671053 PMCID: PMC7660236 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-structural protein NSs is the main virulence factor of Rift Valley fever virus, a major zoonotic pathogen in Africa. NSs forms large aggregates in the nucleus and impairs induction of the antiviral type I IFN system by several mechanisms, including degradation of subunit p62 of the general RNA polymerase II transcription factor TFIIH. Here, we show that depletion of the nuclear pore protein Nup98 affects the nuclear import of NSs. Nonetheless, NSs was still able to degrade TFIIH-p62 under these conditions. Depletion of Nup98, however, had a negative effect on Rift Valley fever virus multiplication. Our data thus indicate that NSs utilizes Nup98 for import into the nucleus, but also plays a general role in the viral replication cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lau
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Virology, Philipps-University Marburg, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Friedemann Weber
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Virology, Philipps-University Marburg, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner sites Marburg and Giessen, Germany
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42
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Grossi-Soyster EN, LaBeaud AD. Rift Valley Fever: Important Considerations for Risk Mitigation and Future Outbreaks. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5020089. [PMID: 32498264 PMCID: PMC7345646 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic phlebovirus of the Phenuiviridae family with great opportunity for emergence in previously unaffected regions, despite its current geographical limits. Outbreaks of RVFV often infect humans or domesticated animals, such as livestock, concurrently and occur sporadically, ranging from localized outbreaks in villages to multi-country events that spread rapidly. The true burden of Rift Valley fever (RVF) is not well defined due to underreporting, misdiagnosis caused by the broad spectrum of disease presentation, and minimal access for rapid and accurate laboratory confirmation. Severe symptoms may include hemorrhagic fever, loss of vision, psychological impairment or disturbances, and organ failure. Those living in endemic areas and travelers should be aware of the potential for exposure to ongoing outbreaks or interepidemic transmission, and engage in behaviors to minimize exposure risks, as vaccinations in humans are currently unavailable and animal vaccinations are not used routinely or ubiquitously. The lack of vaccines approved for use in humans is concerning, as RVFV has proven to be highly pathogenic in naïve populations, causing severe disease in a large percent of confirmed cases, which could have considerable impact on human health.
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43
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Durand B, Lo Modou M, Tran A, Ba A, Sow F, Belkhiria J, Fall AG, Biteye B, Grosbois V, Chevalier V. Rift Valley fever in northern Senegal: A modelling approach to analyse the processes underlying virus circulation recurrence. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008009. [PMID: 32479505 PMCID: PMC7289439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is endemic in northern Senegal, a Sahelian area characterized by a temporary pond network that drive both RVF mosquito population dynamics and nomadic herd movements. To investigate the mechanisms that explain RVF recurrent circulation, we modelled a realistic epidemiological system at the pond level integrating vector population dynamics, resident and nomadic ruminant herd population dynamics, and nomadic herd movements recorded in Younoufere area. To calibrate the model, serological surveys were performed in 2015–2016 on both resident and nomadic domestic herds in the same area. Mosquito population dynamics were obtained from a published model trained in the same region. Model comparison techniques were used to compare five different scenarios of virus introduction by nomadic herds associated or not with vertical transmission in Aedes vexans. Our serological results confirmed a long lasting RVF endemicity in resident herds (IgG seroprevalence rate of 15.3%, n = 222), and provided the first estimation of RVF IgG seroprevalence in nomadic herds in West Africa (12.4%, n = 660). Multivariate analysis of serological data suggested an amplification of the transmission cycle during the rainy season with a peak of circulation at the end of that season. The best scenario of virus introduction combined yearly introductions of RVFV from 2008 to 2015 (the study period) by nomadic herds, with a proportion of viraemic individuals predicted to be larger in animals arriving during the 2nd half of the rainy season (3.4%). This result is coherent with the IgM prevalence rate (4%) found in nomadic herds sampled during the 2nd half of the rainy season. Although the existence of a vertical transmission mechanism in Aedes cannot be ruled out, our model demonstrates that nomadic movements are sufficient to account for this endemic circulation in northern Senegal. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the most important vector borne disease in Africa, seriously affecting the health of domestic ruminants and humans and leading to severe economic consequences. This disease is endemic in northern Senegal, a Sahelian area characterized by a temporary pond network that drive both RVF mosquito population dynamics and nomadic herd movements. Two non-exclusive mechanisms may support this endemicity: recurrent introductions of the virus by nomadic animals, and vertical transmission of the virus (i.e. from infected female mosquito to eggs) in local Aedes populations. The authors followed resident and nomadic domestic herds for 1 year. They used the data thus obtained to model a realistic epidemiological system at the pond level integrating vector population dynamics, resident and nomadic ruminant herd population dynamics. They found that the best scenario explaining RVF remanence combined yearly introductions of RVFV by nomadic herds, with a viraemic proportion predicted to be larger in animals arriving during the 2nd half of the rainy season, which is consistent with an amplification of virus circulation in the area during the rainy season. Although the existence of a vertical transmission mechanism in Aedes cannot be ruled out, their results demonstrates that nomadic movements are sufficient to account for this endemic circulation in northern Senegal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Durand
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), University Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
- * E-mail: (BD); (VC)
| | | | - Annelise Tran
- CIRAD, UMR TETIS, Sainte-Clotilde, Réunion, France
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Aminata Ba
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Fafa Sow
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Jaber Belkhiria
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
| | | | - Biram Biteye
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Dakar, Sénégal
| | | | - Véronique Chevalier
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- * E-mail: (BD); (VC)
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Depner K, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Roberts HC, Sihvonen LH, Stahl K, Velarde A, trop A, Winckler C, Cetre‐Sossah C, Chevalier V, de Vos C, Gubbins S, Antoniou S, Broglia A, Dhollander S, Van der Stede Y. Rift Valley Fever: risk of persistence, spread and impact in Mayotte (France). EFSA J 2020; 18:e06093. [PMID: 32874301 PMCID: PMC7448016 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by different mosquito species, especially Aedes and Culex genus, to animals and humans. In November 2018, RVF re-emerged in Mayotte (France) after 11 years. Up to the end of October 2019, 126 outbreaks in animals and 143 human cases were reported. RVF mortality was 0.01%, and the number of abortions reported in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive ruminants was fivefold greater than the previous 7 years. Milk loss production in 2019 compared to 2015-2018 was estimated to be 18%, corresponding to an economic loss of around €191,000 in all of Mayotte. The tropical climate in Mayotte provides conditions for the presence of mosquitoes during the whole year, and illegal introductions of animals represent a continuous risk of (re)introduction of RVF. The probability of RVF virus (RVFV) persisting in Mayotte for 5 or more years was estimated to be < 10% but could be much lower if vertical transmission in vectors does not occur. Persistence of RVF by vertical transmission in Mayotte and Réunion appears to be of minor relevance compared to other pathways of re-introduction (i.e. animal movement). However, there is a high uncertainty since there is limited information about the vertical transmission of some of the major species of vectors of RVFV in Mayotte and Réunion. The only identified pathways for the risk of spread of RVF from Mayotte to other countries were by infected vectors transported in airplanes or by wind currents. For the former, the risk of introduction of RVF to continental France was estimated to 4 × 10-6 epidemic per year (median value; 95% CI: 2 × 10-8; 0.0007), and 0.001 epidemic per year to Réunion (95% CI: 4 × 10-6; 0.16). For the latter pathway, mosquitoes dispersing on the wind from Mayotte between January and April 2019 could have reached the Comoros Islands, Madagascar, Mozambique and, possibly, Tanzania. However, these countries are already endemic for RVF, and an incursion of RVFV-infected mosquitoes would have negligible impact.
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Depner K, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Rojas JLG, Schmidt CG, Michel V, Chueca MÁM, Roberts HC, Sihvonen LH, Stahl K, Calvo AV, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Bett B, Cetre-Sossah C, Chevalier V, Devos C, Gubbins S, Monaco F, Sotiria-Eleni A, Broglia A, Abrahantes JC, Dhollander S, Stede YVD, Zancanaro G. Rift Valley Fever - epidemiological update and risk of introduction into Europe. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06041. [PMID: 33020705 PMCID: PMC7527653 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by a broad spectrum of mosquito species, especially Aedes and Culex genus, to animals (domestic and wild ruminants and camels) and humans. Rift Valley fever is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula, with periodic epidemics characterised by 5-15 years of inter-epizootic periods. In the last two decades, RVF was notified in new African regions (e.g. Sahel), RVF epidemics occurred more frequently and low-level enzootic virus circulation has been demonstrated in livestock in various areas. Recent outbreaks in a French overseas department and some seropositive cases detected in Turkey, Tunisia and Libya raised the attention of the EU for a possible incursion into neighbouring countries. The movement of live animals is the most important pathway for RVF spread from the African endemic areas to North Africa and the Middle East. The movement of infected animals and infected vectors when shipped by flights, containers or road transport is considered as other plausible pathways of introduction into Europe. The overall risk of introduction of RVF into EU through the movement of infected animals is very low in all the EU regions and in all MSs (less than one epidemic every 500 years), given the strict EU animal import policy. The same level of risk of introduction in all the EU regions was estimated also considering the movement of infected vectors, with the highest level for Belgium, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands (one epidemic every 228-700 years), mainly linked to the number of connections by air and sea transports with African RVF infected countries. Although the EU territory does not seem to be directly exposed to an imminent risk of RVFV introduction, the risk of further spread into countries neighbouring the EU and the risks of possible introduction of infected vectors, suggest that EU authorities need to strengthen their surveillance and response capacities, as well as the collaboration with North African and Middle Eastern countries.
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Van Bortel W, Petric D, Ibáñez Justicia A, Wint W, Krit M, Mariën J, Vanslembrouck A, Braks M. Assessment of the probability of entry of Rift Valley fever virus into the EU through active or passive movement of vectors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2020.en-1801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adolfo Ibáñez Justicia
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority National Reference Centre Centre for Monitoring of Vectors the Netherlands
| | - Willy Wint
- Ergo – Environmental Research Group Oxford United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Marieta Braks
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment the Netherlands
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Oymans J, Wichgers Schreur PJ, van Keulen L, Kant J, Kortekaas J. Rift Valley fever virus targets the maternal-foetal interface in ovine and human placentas. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007898. [PMID: 31961862 PMCID: PMC6994196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arbovirus of the order Bunyavirales that causes severe disease in ruminants and humans. Outbreaks in sheep herds are characterised by newborn fatalities and abortion storms. The association of RVFV infections with abortions of ovines and other ruminants is well recognized, whereas the pathology resulting in abortion has remained undescribed. Accumulating evidence suggests that RVFV is abortogenic in humans as well, warranting more research on the interaction of RVFV with the ruminant and human placenta. Methodology/Principal findings Pregnant ewes were inoculated with a highly virulent strain of RVFV and necropsied at different days post infection. Tissues were collected and analysed by PCR, virus isolation, and immunohistochemistry. The results show that RVFV replicates efficiently in maternal placental epithelial cells before the virus infects foetal trophoblasts. Moreover, the virus was shown to bypass the maternal epithelial cell layer by directly targeting foetal trophoblasts in the haemophagous zone, a region of the ovine placenta where maternal blood is in direct contact with foetal cells. Abortion was associated with widespread necrosis of placental tissues accompanied with severe haemorrhages. Experiments with human placental explants revealed that the same virus strain replicates efficiently in both cyto- and syncytiotrophoblasts. Conclusions/Significance This study demonstrates that RVFV targets the foetal-maternal interface in both ovine and human placentas. The virus was shown to cross the ovine placental barrier via two distinct routes, ultimately resulting in placental and foetal demise followed by abortion. Our finding that RVFV replicates efficiently in human trophoblasts underscores the risk of RVFV infection for human pregnancy. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus that causes severe disease in ruminants, wildlife and humans in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Outbreaks are characterised by high mortality rates among newborn lambs and abortion storms in sheep herds. The severe outcome of RVFV infection during pregnancy in livestock is well documented, whereas the pathological changes that result in abortion have not yet been described. To investigate how RVFV crosses the placenta and how infection results in abortion, pregnant ewes were infected with RVFV and target cells in maternal and foetal tissues were identified at different time points after inoculation. We show that epithelial cells of the ovine placenta and foetal trophoblasts are primary target cells of RVFV and that placental demise is the primary cause of abortion. The same RVFV strain was shown to replicate efficiently in human placental explants, targeting both cyto- and syncytiotrophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Oymans
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg, Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lucien van Keulen
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Jet Kant
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg, Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Rissmann M, Stoek F, Pickin MJ, Groschup MH. Mechanisms of inter-epidemic maintenance of Rift Valley fever phlebovirus. Antiviral Res 2019; 174:104692. [PMID: 31870761 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is an arthropod-borne virus that has caused substantial epidemics throughout Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula. The virus can cause severe disease in livestock and humans and therefore the control and prevention of viral outbreaks is of utmost importance. The epidemiology of RVFV has some particular characteristics. Unexpected and significant epidemics have been observed in spatially and temporally divergent patterns across the African continent. Sudden epidemics in previously unaffected areas are followed by periods of long-term apparent absence of virus and sudden, unpredictable reoccurrence in disparate regions. Therefore, the elucidation of underlying mechanisms of viral maintenance is one of the largest gaps in the knowledge of RVFV ecology. It remains unknown whether the virus needs to be reintroduced before RVF outbreaks can occur, or if unperceived viral circulation in local vertebrates or mosquitoes is sufficient for maintenance of the virus. To gain insight into these knowledge gaps, we here review existing data that describe potential mechanisms of RVFV maintenance, as well as molecular and serological studies in endemic and non-endemic areas that provide evidence of an inter- or pre-epidemic virus presence. Basic and country-specific mechanisms of RVFV introduction into non-endemic countries are summarized and an overview of studies using mathematical modeling of RVFV persistence is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Rissmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Suedufer 10, 17489, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franziska Stoek
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Suedufer 10, 17489, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Matthew J Pickin
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Suedufer 10, 17489, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Suedufer 10, 17489, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Teffera M, Babiuk S. Potential of Using Capripoxvirus Vectored Vaccines Against Arboviruses in Sheep, Goats, and Cattle. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:450. [PMID: 31921911 PMCID: PMC6932975 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus capripoxvirus consists of sheeppox virus, goatpox virus, and lumpy skin disease virus, which affect sheep, goats, and cattle, respectively. Together capripoxviruses cause significant economic losses to the sheep, goat, and cattle industry where these diseases are present. These diseases have spread into previously free bordering regions most recently demonstrated with the spread of lumpy skin disease virus into the Middle East, some Eastern European countries, and Russia. This recent spread has highlighted the transboundary nature of these diseases. To control lumpy skin disease virus, live attenuated viral vaccines are used in endemic countries as well as in response to an outbreak. For sheeppox and goatpox, live attenuated viral vaccines are used in endemic countries; these diseases can also be contained through slaughter of infected animals to stamp out the disease. The thermostability, narrow host range, and ability of capripoxviruses to express a wide variety of antigens make capripoxviruses ideal vectors. The ability to immunize animals against multiple diseases simultaneously increases vaccination efficiency by decreasing the number of vaccinations required. Additionally, the use of capripoxvirus vectored vaccines allows the possibility of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals. Arboviruses such as bluetongue virus and Rift Valley fever viruses are also responsible for significant economic losses in endemic countries. In the case of Rift Valley fever virus, vaccination is not routinely practiced unless there is an outbreak making vaccination not as effective, therefore, incorporating Rift Valley fever vaccination into routine capripoxvirus vaccination would be highly beneficial. This review will discuss the potential of using capripoxvirus as a vector expressing protective arboviral antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahder Teffera
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shawn Babiuk
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Blair CD. Deducing the Role of Virus Genome-Derived PIWI-Associated RNAs in the Mosquito-Arbovirus Arms Race. Front Genet 2019; 10:1114. [PMID: 31850054 PMCID: PMC6901949 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-associated RNA (piRNA) pathway is known for its role in the protection of genome integrity in the germline of Drosophila melanogaster by silencing transposable elements. The piRNAs that target transposons originate from piRNA clusters in transposon-rich regions of the Drosophila genome and are processed by three PIWI family proteins. In Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are two of the most important vectors of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), the number of PIWI family genes has expanded and some are expressed in somatic, as well as germline, tissues. These discoveries have led to active research to explore the possible expanded functional roles of the piRNA pathway in vector mosquitoes. Virus genome-derived piRNAs (which will be referred to as (virus name) vpiRNAs) have been demonstrated in Aedes spp. cultured cells and mosquitoes after infection by arthropod-borne alpha-, bunya-, and flaviviruses. However, although Culex quinquefasciatus also is an important arbovirus vector and has an expansion of PIWI family genes, vpiRNAs have seldom been documented in this genus after arbovirus infection. Generation of complementary DNA (cDNA) fragments from RNA genomes of alpha-, bunya-, and flaviviruses (viral-derived cDNAs, vDNAs) has been demonstrated in cultured Aedes spp. cells and mosquitoes, and endogenous viral elements (EVEs), cDNA fragments of non-retroviral RNA virus genomes, are found more abundantly in genomes of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus than other vector mosquitoes. These observations have led to speculation that vDNAs are integrated into vector genomes to form EVEs, which serve as templates for the transcription of antiviral vpiRNA precursors. However, no EVEs derived from alphavirus genomes have been demonstrated in genomes of any vector mosquito. In addition, although EVEs have been shown to be a source of piRNAs, the preponderance of EVEs described in Aedes spp. vectors are more closely related to the genomes of persistently infecting insect-specific viruses than to acutely infecting arboviruses. Furthermore, the signature patterns of the “ping-pong” amplification cycle that maintains transposon-targeting piRNAs in Drosophila are also evident in alphavirus and bunyavirus vpiRNAs, but not in vpiRNAs of flaviviruses. These divergent observations have rendered deciphering the mechanism(s) of biogenesis and potential role of vpiRNAs in the mosquito–arbovirus arms race difficult, and the focus of this review will be to assemble major findings regarding vpiRNAs and antiviral immunity in the important arbovirus vectors from Aedes and Culex genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol D Blair
- Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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