1
|
Fereidouni S, Keleş SJ, Schlottau K, Bagó Z, Reiter G, Milchram M, Hoffmann B. Monitoring of Astroviruses, Brno-Hantaviruses, Coronaviruses, Influenza Viruses, Bornaviruses, Morbilliviruses, Lyssaviruses and Pestiviruses in Austrian Bats. Viruses 2024; 16:1232. [PMID: 39205206 PMCID: PMC11359250 DOI: 10.3390/v16081232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the results of a monitoring study of bat viruses in Austria to strengthen the knowledge of circulating viruses in Austrian bat populations. In this study, we analyzed 618 oropharyngeal and rectal swab samples from 309 bats and 155 pooled tissue samples from dead bats. Samples were collected from 18 different bat species from multiple locations in Austria, from November 2015 to April 2018, and examined for astroviruses, bornaviruses, coronaviruses, hantaviruses, morbilliviruses, orthomyxoviruses (influenza A/C/D viruses), pestiviruses and rhabdoviruses (lyssaviruses) using molecular techniques and sequencing. Using RT-qPCR, 36 samples revealed positive or suspicious results for astroviruses, Brno-hantaviruses, and coronaviruses in nine different bat species. Further sequencing revealed correspondent sequences in five samples. In contrast, none of the tested samples was positive for influenza viruses A/C/D, bornaviruses, morbilliviruses, lyssaviruses, or pestiviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasan Fereidouni
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1160 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Sinan Julian Keleş
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1160 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Kore Schlottau
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (K.S.); (B.H.)
| | - Zoltán Bagó
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd. (AGES), Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, 2340 Mödling, Austria;
| | - Guido Reiter
- Austrian Coordination Centre for Bat Conservation and Research (KFFÖ), 4060 Leonding, Austria;
| | - Markus Milchram
- Institute of Zoology, BOKU University, 1180 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (K.S.); (B.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Golding ME, Wu G, Wilkie R, Picard-Meyer E, Servat A, Marston DA, Aegerter JN, Horton DL, McElhinney LM. Investigating the emergence of a zoonotic virus: phylogenetic analysis of European bat lyssavirus 1 in the UK. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae060. [PMID: 39193178 PMCID: PMC11345707 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
European bat lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1, Lyssavirus hamburg) is predominantly detected in serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) and is responsible for the majority of bat rabies cases in mainland Europe. A passive bat rabies surveillance scheme detected the virus in a serotine bat in the UK for the first time in October 2018. As of May 2024, 34 cases have been reported, 20 of which involved contact with an animal and 5 reported human contact. We investigated the emergence of EBLV-1 by undertaking comprehensive sequence analysis and Bayesian phylogenetics, based on complete virus genomes of 33 UK sequences and 108 sequences covering six countries in mainland Europe (1968-2023), including 21 French EBLV-1-positive RNA samples sequenced for this study. Sequence analysis revealed extreme similarity among UK EBLV-1 sequences (99.9%-100%), implying a single source of introduction rather than multiple independent introductions. Bayesian analysis revealed that the UK EBLV-1 sequences shared their most recent common ancestor with an EBLV-1 sequence from a serotine bat detected in Brittany, France, in 2001, with an estimated date of divergence of 1997. Within the UK sequences, the earliest divergence was estimated to occur in 2007. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular epidemiology of an emerging zoonotic pathogen and improved understanding of the risks posed to public and animal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Golding
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Guanghui Wu
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Rebekah Wilkie
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexandre Servat
- Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, ANSES, Malzéville 51220, France
| | - Denise A Marston
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
- Department of Science, Strategy and Planning, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - James N Aegerter
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Wildlife Epidemiology and Modelling, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel L Horton
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine M McElhinney
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nauwelaers I, Van den Eynde C, Terryn S, Vandendriessche B, Willems W, Dekeukeleire D, Van Gucht S. Detection and Serological Evidence of European Bat Lyssavirus 1 in Belgian Bats between 2016 and 2018. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:151. [PMID: 39058193 PMCID: PMC11281572 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9070151] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyssaviruses are neurotropic viruses capable of inducing fatal encephalitis. While rabies virus has been successfully eradicated in Belgium, the prevalence of other lyssaviruses remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted a survey on live animals and passive surveillance to investigate the presence of lyssaviruses in Belgium. In 2018, a total of 113 saliva samples and 87 blood samples were collected from bats. Saliva was subjected to RT-qPCR to identify lyssavirus infections. Additionally, an adapted lyssavirus neutralisation assay was set up for the detection of antibodies neutralising EBLV-1 in blood samples. Furthermore, we examined 124 brain tissue samples obtained from deceased bats during passive surveillance between 2016 and 2018. All saliva samples tested negative for lyssaviruses. Analysis of the blood samples uncovered the presence of lyssavirus-neutralising antibodies in five bat species and 32% of samples with a wide range depending on bat species, suggesting past exposure to a lyssavirus. Notably, EBLV-1 was detected in brain tissue samples from two Eptesicus serotinus specimens collected in 2016 near Bertrix and 2017 near Étalle, confirming for the first time the presence of EBLV-1 in Belgium and raising awareness of the potential risks associated with this species of bats as reservoirs of the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inne Nauwelaers
- Viral Diseases Unit, Sciensano, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (I.N.); (S.T.)
| | | | - Sanne Terryn
- Viral Diseases Unit, Sciensano, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (I.N.); (S.T.)
| | | | - Wout Willems
- Natuurpunt Studie, Vleermuizenwerkgroep, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium (W.W.)
| | - Daan Dekeukeleire
- Natuurpunt Studie, Vleermuizenwerkgroep, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium (W.W.)
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Gucht
- Viral Diseases Unit, Sciensano, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (I.N.); (S.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vodopija R, Lojkić I, Hamidović D, Boneta J, Primorac D. Bat Bites and Rabies PEP in the Croatian Reference Centre for Rabies 1995-2020. Viruses 2024; 16:876. [PMID: 38932168 PMCID: PMC11209127 DOI: 10.3390/v16060876] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Seroprevalence of lyssaviruses in certain bat species has been proven in the Republic of Croatia, but there have been no confirmed positive bat brain isolates or human fatalities associated with bat injuries/bites. The study included a retrospective analysis of bat injuries/bites, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and geographic distribution of bat injuries in persons examined at the Zagreb Antirabies Clinic, the Croatian Reference Centre for Rabies. In the period 1995-2020, we examined a total of 21,910 patients due to animal injuries, of which 71 cases were bat-related (0.32%). Of the above number of patients, 4574 received rabies PEP (20.87%). However, for bat injuries, the proportion of patients receiving PEP was significantly higher: 66 out of 71 patients (92.95%). Of these, 33 received only the rabies vaccine, while the other 33 patients received the vaccine with human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG). In five cases, PEP was not administered, as there was no indication for treatment. Thirty-five of the injured patients were biologists or biology students (49.29%). The bat species was confirmed in only one of the exposure cases. This was a serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus), a known carrier of Lyssavirus hamburg. The results showed that the bat bites were rather sporadic compared to other human injuries caused by animal bites. All bat injuries should be treated as if they were caused by a rabid animal, and according to WHO recommendations. People who come into contact with bats should be strongly advised to be vaccinated against rabies. Entering bat habitats should be done with caution and in accordance with current recommendations, and nationwide surveillance should be carried out by competent institutions and in close collaboration between bat experts, epidemiologists and rabies experts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radovan Vodopija
- Department of Epidemiology, Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (R.V.); (D.P.)
| | - Ivana Lojkić
- Laboratory for Rabies and General Virology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daniela Hamidović
- Ministry of Environment and Green Transition, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jelena Boneta
- Institute of Public Health of Zagreb County, 10290 Zaprešić, Croatia;
| | - Dora Primorac
- Department of Epidemiology, Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (R.V.); (D.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Inoue Y, Kaku Y, Harada M, Ishijima K, Kuroda Y, Tatemoto K, Virhuez-Mendoza M, Nishino A, Yamamoto T, Inoue S, Matsuu A, Maeda K. Cross-Neutralization Activities of Antibodies against 18 Lyssavirus Glycoproteins. Jpn J Infect Dis 2024; 77:169-173. [PMID: 38171846 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2023.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Some lyssaviruses, including the rabies virus (RABV), cause lethal neurological symptoms in humans. However, the efficacy of commercial vaccines has only been evaluated against RABV. To assess cross-reactivity among lyssaviruses, including RABV, sera from rabbits inoculated with human and animal RABV vaccines and polyclonal antibodies from rabbits immunized with expression plasmids of the glycoproteins of all 18 lyssaviruses were prepared, and cross-reactivity was evaluated via virus-neutralization tests using Duvenhage lyssavirus (DUVV), European bat lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1), Mokola lyssavirus (MOKV), Lagos bat lyssavirus (LBV), and RABV. The sera from rabbits inoculated with RABV vaccines showed cross-reactivity with EBLV-1 and DUVV, both belonging to phylogroup I. However, reactivity with MOKV and LBV in phylogroup II was notably limited or below the detection level. Next, we compared the cross-reactivity of the polyclonal antibodies against all lyssavirus glycoproteins. Polyclonal antibodies had high virus-neutralization titers against the same phylogroup but not different phylogroups. Our findings indicate that a new vaccine should be developed for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis against lyssaviral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Inoue
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kaku
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Michiko Harada
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Keita Ishijima
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Yudai Kuroda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Kango Tatemoto
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | | | - Ayano Nishino
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Yamamoto
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Aya Matsuu
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ngoepe CE, Shumba W, Sabeta C. Evidence for a host switching in the maintenance of canid rabies variant in two wild carnivore species in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2024; 95:16-25. [PMID: 38533811 DOI: 10.36303/jsava.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabies is a zoonotic infectious disease that causes at least 59 000 human deaths worldwide annually, with 95% of the cases occurring in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. There are two Lyssavirus rabies (RABV) variants circulating in South Africa, notably the canid and mongoose RABV biotypes. The canid RABV biotype is maintained in the domestic dog and two wild carnivore species, the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis). The yellow mongoose, a member of the Herpestidae family, is a reservoir and vector species for the mongoose RABV biotype. Rabies trends showed an increase in rabiespositive cases in aardwolves between 2011 and 2016 surpassing the bat-eared fox as the most rabies-affected wild carnivore in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of the study was to establish the genetic relationships amongst rabies viruses recovered from both the aardwolves and bat-eared foxes. A partial region of the glycoprotein gene and the variable G-L intergenic region of the viral genome were analysed using nucleotide sequences generated from PCR amplicons. The rabies viruses recovered from the aardwolves between the year 2015 and 2017 were 100% nucleotide sequence identical, suggesting a single or common source and possible evidence for a host shift. Furthermore, the phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated that the rabies viruses obtained from the two wild carnivore species from the Northern Cape Province clustered independently of each o ther with 96% nucleotide sequence identity, suggesting that the aardwolf may be able to maintain the canid RABV variant in this geographical area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C E Ngoepe
- WOAH Rabies Reference Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, South Africa
| | - W Shumba
- Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, South Africa
| | - C Sabeta
- WOAH Rabies Reference Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arnaout Y, Picard-Meyer E, Robardet E, Cappelle J, Cliquet F, Touzalin F, Jimenez G, Djelouadji Z. Assessment of virus and Leptospira carriage in bats in France. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292840. [PMID: 37862301 PMCID: PMC10588846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With over 1,400 species worldwide, bats represent the second largest order of mammals after rodents, and are known to host major zoonotic pathogens. Here, we estimate the presence of pathogens in autochthonous bat populations. First, we set out to check our samples for PCR amplification efficiency by assessing the occurrence of inhibited PCR reactions from different types of bat samples with amplifying the housekeeping gene β-actin. Second, we investigated the presence of five targeted pathogens in a French bat population using PCR. We targeted viral RNA of Canine distemper virus, Alphacoronavirus, Lyssavirus, Rotavirus and bacterial Leptospira DNA. To do so, we screened for these viruses in bat faecal samples as well as in oropharyngeal swab samples. The presence of Leptospira was assessed in urine, kidney, lung and faecal samples. Results showed a frequency of inhibited reactions ranging from 5 to 60% of samples, varying according to the sample itself and also suspected to vary according to sampling method and the storage buffer solution used, demonstrating the importance of the sampling and storage on the probability of obtaining negative PCR results. For pathogen assessment, rotavirus and alphacoronavirus RNA were detected in Myotis myotis, Myotis daubentonii, Myotis emarginatus and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum bats. Rotaviruses were also detected in Barbastella barbastellus. The presence of alphacoronavirus also varied seasonally, with higher frequencies in late summer and October, suggesting that juveniles potentially play an important role in the dynamics of these viruses. Leptospira DNA was detected in M. myotis and M. daubentonii colonies. The 16S rRNA sequences obtained from Leptospira positive samples showed 100% genetic identity with L. borgpetersenii. Neither canine distemper virus nor lyssavirus RNA were detected in any of the tested samples. This study is the first to show the presence of Leptospira in autochthonous French bats in addition to coronavirus and rotavirus RNA previously reported in European autochthonous bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Arnaout
- Lyssavirus Unit, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, ANSES, Malzéville, France
- USC 1233-INRAE Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des Populations, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Evelyne Picard-Meyer
- Lyssavirus Unit, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, ANSES, Malzéville, France
| | - Emmanuelle Robardet
- Lyssavirus Unit, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, ANSES, Malzéville, France
| | - Julien Cappelle
- UMR ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- UMR EPIA, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Theix, France
| | - Florence Cliquet
- Lyssavirus Unit, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, ANSES, Malzéville, France
| | - Frédéric Touzalin
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Zouheira Djelouadji
- USC 1233-INRAE Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des Populations, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l’Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Viljoen N, Weyer J, Coertse J, Markotter W. Evaluation of Taxonomic Characteristics of Matlo and Phala Bat Rabies-Related Lyssaviruses Identified in South Africa. Viruses 2023; 15:2047. [PMID: 37896824 PMCID: PMC10611238 DOI: 10.3390/v15102047] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the genetic characterization of two potentially novel rabies-related lyssaviruses identified from bats in Limpopo province, South Africa. Matlo bat lyssavirus (MBLV) was identified in two Miniopterus natalensis (Natal long-fingered) bats in 2015 and 2016, and Phala bat lyssavirus (PBLV) was identified in a Nycticeinops schlieffeni (Schlieffen's) bat in 2021. The distribution of both of these bat species is largely confined to parts of Africa, with limited reports from the Arabian Peninsula. MBLV and PBLV were demonstrated to group with the unassigned and phylogroup I lyssaviruses, respectively. MBLV was most closely related to Lyssavirus caucasicus (WCBV), whereas PBLV was most closely related to Lyssavirus formosa (TWBLV-1) and Taiwan bat lyssavirus 2 (TWBLV-2), based on analysis of the N and G genes, the concatenated N + P + M + G + L coding sequence, and the complete genome sequence. Based on our analysis, MBLV and WCBV appeared to constitute a phylogroup separate from Lyssavirus lleida (LLEBV) and Lyssavirus ikoma (IKOV). Analysis of the antigenic sites suggests that PBLV will likely be serologically distinguishable from established lyssaviruses in virus-neutralization tests, whereas MBLV appeared to be antigenically highly similar to WCBV. Taken together, the findings suggested that, while PBLV is likely a new lyssavirus species, MBLV is likely related to WCBV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Viljoen
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Weyer
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Jessica Coertse
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tsie K, Ngoepe E, Phahladira B, Khumalo N, Sabeta C. Molecular Characterization of Lyssaviruses Originating from Domestic and Wild Cats Provides an Insight on the Diversity of Lyssaviruses and a Risk of Rabies Transmission to Other Susceptible Mammals and Humans in South Africa. Pathogens 2023; 12:1212. [PMID: 37887728 PMCID: PMC10609916 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabies is one of the most significant public and veterinary health problems, causing approximately 59,000 human deaths annually in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. The aetiologic agent, a viral species of the Lyssavirus genus, is highly neurotropic and has a wide host range, including terrestrial mammals and several Chiropteran species. The Lyssavirus mokola (MOKV) was first isolated in the late 1960s from organ pools of shrews (Crocidura flavescens manni) in the Mokola forest (Nigeria). To date, at least 30 MOKV isolations have been confirmed, all exclusively from Africa, with 73% from southern Africa. There is limited knowledge about the epidemiology of MOKV, and the reservoir host species is unknown. Here, we report on the molecular characterization of rabies viruses originating from both domestic and African wild cats. A partial region of the lyssavirus genome, encoding the nucleoprotein, was amplified and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated that 98% of cats were infected with both the canid and mongoose rabies virus variants, as well as a rare lyssavirus, Lyssavirus mokola, from a domestic cat from Eswatini. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequence divergence between the recently identified MOKV isolate and the historical Lyssavirus mokola isolates ranged from 6.8% to 8.3%. This study further highlights the association between the potential host species of Lyssavirus mokola and the domestic cat as an incidental host, and the important role cats may play in rabies transmission dynamics in the country. Therefore, continuous vaccination of domestic cats against rabies is crucial, even after the elimination of dog-mediated rabies, as spillover related to sylvatic rabies cycles is likely to occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kefentse Tsie
- WOAH Rabies Reference Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council (Onderstepoort Veterinary Research), Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Ernest Ngoepe
- WOAH Rabies Reference Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council (Onderstepoort Veterinary Research), Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Baby Phahladira
- WOAH Rabies Reference Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council (Onderstepoort Veterinary Research), Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Nelisiwe Khumalo
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Corner Althea Road and Central, Manzini H100, Eswatini;
| | - Claude Sabeta
- WOAH Rabies Reference Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council (Onderstepoort Veterinary Research), Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dundarova H, Ivanova-Aleksandrova N, Bednarikova S, Georgieva I, Kirov K, Miteva K, Neov B, Ostoich P, Pikula J, Zukal J, Hristov P. Phylogeographic Aspects of Bat Lyssaviruses in Europe: A Review. Pathogens 2023; 12:1089. [PMID: 37764897 PMCID: PMC10534866 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last few decades, bat lyssaviruses have become the topic of intensive molecular and epidemiological investigations. Since ancient times, rhabdoviruses have caused fatal encephalitis in humans which has led to research into effective strategies for their eradication. Modelling of potential future cross-species virus transmissions forms a substantial component of the recent infection biology of rabies. In this article, we summarise the available data on the phylogeography of both bats and lyssaviruses in Europe and the adjacent reg ions, especially in the contact zone between the Palearctic and Ethiopian realms. Within these zones, three bat families are present with high potential for cross-species transmission and the spread of lyssaviruses in Phylogroup II to Europe (part of the western Palearctic). The lack of effective therapies for rabies viruses in Phylogroup II and the most divergent lyssaviruses generates impetus for additional phylogenetic and virological research within this geographical region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heliana Dundarova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Sarka Bednarikova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Irina Georgieva
- National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Krasimir Kirov
- Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kalina Miteva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Boyko Neov
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Peter Ostoich
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Hristov
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Černe D, Hostnik P, Toplak I, Presetnik P, Maurer-Wernig J, Kuhar U. Discovery of a novel bat lyssavirus in a Long-fingered bat (Myotis capaccinii) from Slovenia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011420. [PMID: 37384601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyssaviruses are the causative agents of rabies, a zoonotic, fatal disease that is thought to be ancestral to bats. In the last decade, the detection of bat associated lyssaviruses is increasing also in Europe. Within a retrospective bat associated lyssavirus surveillance study a total of 225 dead bats of 21 bat species were collected in Slovenia between 2012 and 2019 and tested by specific real-time RT-PCR method. The first lyssavirus positive sample in bats in Slovenia was detected using the real-time RT-PCR, the fluorescent antibody test, and next generation sequencing, while the rabies tissue culture inoculation test was unsuccessful due to sample degradation and storage conditions. The nearly complete genome of Divača bat lyssavirus from Slovenia consists of 11,871 nucleotides and reflects the characteristic gene organization known for lyssaviruses, encoding the five viral proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of Divača bat lyssavirus revealed that it belongs to phylogroup I lyssaviruses and is most closely related to Kotalahti bat lyssavirus (KBLV) with 87.20% nucleotide and 99.22% amino acid identity. Together with KBLV, Khujand virus, European bat lyssavirus 2, Bakeloh bat lyssavirus, and Aravan virus, Divača bat lyssavirus was detected in the genus Myotis suggesting its key role in the transmission and maintenance of certain lyssaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Černe
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Virology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Hostnik
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Virology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Toplak
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Virology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Primož Presetnik
- Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora, Ljubljana office, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jedrt Maurer-Wernig
- Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for food safety, veterinary sector, and plant protection, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Kuhar
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Virology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Poleshchuk EM, Tagakova DN, Sidorov GN, Orlova TS, Gordeiko NS, Kaisarov AZ. [Lethal cases of lyssavirus encephalitis in humans after contact with bats in the Russian Far East in 2019-2021]. Vopr Virusol 2023; 68:45-58. [PMID: 36961235 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-156] [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: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION On the territory of Russia four species of lyssaviruses (genus Lyssavirus) were identified, three of them caused human deaths. THE AIM OF WORK to characterize fatal cases in humans after contacts with bats in the Far East in 20182021 and to perform typing of isolated pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lyssavirus infection was confirmed in samples of sectional material from people who died in the Amur Region in 2019, in the Primorsky Krai in 2019 and 2021. Diagnostics was performed by fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and RT-PCR using diagnostic kits of domestic production. Viruses were isolated in a bioassay. The nucleoprotein sequences were analyzed after 1st passage. The analysis of phylogenetic relationships and the construction of a dendrogram were performed using the MEGA7 software. RESULTS The viruses that caused the fatal cases in humans in the Amur Region and Primorsky Krai share more than 90% identity to Lyssavirus irkut detected in Russia and China. Together they form a separate monophyletic cluster with 100% bootstrap support. CONCLUSION On the territory of Russia, monitoring of bat populations for infection with lyssaviruses is relevant. The material of people who died from encephalomyelitis of unknown etiology within 1015 days from the onset of the disease must be examined for lyssavirus infection. It is necessary to develop PCR assays that employ genus-specific primers. The use of molecular biological methods is promising for improving the diagnosis of rabies and epidemiological surveillance, as well as increasing the efficiency of the system of biological safety of the population of the Russian Federation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - D N Tagakova
- Omsk Research Institute of Natural Focal Infections
- Omsk State Medical University
| | - G N Sidorov
- Omsk Research Institute of Natural Focal Infections
- Omsk State Pedagogical University
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Novel Bat Lyssaviruses Identified by Nationwide Passive Surveillance in Taiwan, 2018–2021. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071562. [PMID: 35891542 PMCID: PMC9316062 DOI: 10.3390/v14071562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bat lyssaviruses were identified in Taiwan’s bat population during 2016–2017. The lyssavirus surveillance system was continuously conducted to understand the epidemiology. Through this system, the found dead bats were collected for lyssavirus detection by direct fluorescent antibody test and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Three bats were identified as positive during 2018–2021. A novel lyssavirus, designated as Taiwan bat lyssavirus 2, was detected in a Nyctalus plancyi velutinus. This lyssavirus had less than 80% nucleotide identity in the nucleoprotein (N) gene with other lyssavirus species, forming a separate branch in the phylogenetic analysis. The other two cases were identified in Pipistrellus abramus (Japanese pipistrelles); they were identified to be similar to the former lyssavirus identified in 2016–2017, which was renominated as Taiwan bat lyssavirus 1 (TWBLV-1) in this study. Even though one of the TWBLV-1 isolates showed high genetic diversity in the N gene compared with other TWBLV-1 isolates, it may be a TWBLV-1 variant but not a new species based on its high amino acid identities in the nucleoprotein, same host species, and same geographic location as the other TWBLV-1.
Collapse
|
14
|
Klein A, Eggerbauer E, Potratz M, Zaeck LM, Calvelage S, Finke S, Müller T, Freuling CM. Comparative pathogenesis of different phylogroup I bat lyssaviruses in a standardized mouse model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0009845. [PMID: 35041652 PMCID: PMC8797209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A plethora of bat-associated lyssaviruses potentially capable of causing the fatal disease rabies are known today. Transmitted via infectious saliva, occasionally-reported spillover infections from bats to other mammals demonstrate the permeability of the species-barrier and highlight the zoonotic potential of bat-related lyssaviruses. However, it is still unknown whether and, if so, to what extent, viruses from different lyssavirus species vary in their pathogenic potential. In order to characterize and systematically compare a broader group of lyssavirus isolates for their viral replication kinetics, pathogenicity, and virus release through saliva-associated virus shedding, we used a mouse infection model comprising a low (102 TCID50) and a high (105 TCID50) inoculation dose as well as three different inoculation routes (intramuscular, intranasal, intracranial). Clinical signs, incubation periods, and survival were investigated. Based on the latter two parameters, a novel pathogenicity matrix was introduced to classify lyssavirus isolates. Using a total of 13 isolates from ten different virus species, this pathogenicity index varied within and between virus species. Interestingly, Irkut virus (IRKV) and Bokeloh bat lyssavirus (BBLV) obtained higher pathogenicity scores (1.14 for IRKV and 1.06 for BBLV) compared to rabies virus (RABV) isolates ranging between 0.19 and 0.85. Also, clinical signs differed significantly between RABV and other bat lyssaviruses. Altogether, our findings suggest a high diversity among lyssavirus isolates concerning survival, incubation period, and clinical signs. Virus shedding significantly differed between RABVs and other lyssaviruses. Our results demonstrated that active shedding of infectious virus was exclusively associated with two RABV isolates (92% for RABV-DogA and 67% for RABV-Insectbat), thus providing a potential explanation as to why sustained spillovers are solely attributed to RABVs. Interestingly, 3D imaging of a selected panel of brain samples from bat-associated lyssaviruses demonstrated a significantly increased percentage of infected astrocytes in mice inoculated with IRKV (10.03%; SD±7.39) compared to RABV-Vampbat (2.23%; SD±2.4), and BBLV (0.78%; SD±1.51), while only individual infected cells were identified in mice infected with Duvenhage virus (DUVV). These results corroborate previous studies on RABV that suggest a role of astrocyte infection in the pathogenicity of lyssaviruses. Globally, there are at present 17 different officially recognized lyssavirus species posing a potential threat for human and animal health. Bats have been identified as carriers for the vast majority of those zoonotic viruses, which cause the fatal disease rabies and are transmitted through infectious saliva. The occurrence of sporadic spillover events where lyssaviruses are spread from bats to other mammalian species highlights the importance of studying pathogenicity and virus shedding in regard to a potentially sustained onward cross-species transmission. Therefore, as part of this study, we compared 13 different isolates from ten lyssavirus species in a standardized mouse infection model, focusing on clinical signs, incubation periods, and survival. Based on the latter two, a novel pathogenicity index to classify different lyssavirus species was established. This pathogenicity index varied within and between different lyssavirus species and revealed a higher ranking of other bat-related lyssaviruses in comparison to the tested Rabies virus (RABV) isolates. Altogether, our results demonstrate a high diversity among the investigated isolates concerning pathogenicity and clinical picture. Furthermore, we comparatively analyzed virus shedding via saliva and while there was no indication towards a reduced pathogenicity of bat-associated lyssaviruses as opposed to RABV, shedding was increased in RABV isolates. Additionally, we investigated neuronal cell tropism and revealed that bat lyssaviruses are not only capable of infecting neurons but also astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Klein
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elisa Eggerbauer
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Madlin Potratz
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Luca M. Zaeck
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Sten Calvelage
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Stefan Finke
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Conrad M. Freuling
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Rabies, a fatal and vaccine-preventable disease, is endemic throughout Africa. In 2016, a rabies outbreak occurred in black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) along the western boundary of Gauteng Province, South Africa. We investigated the possible drivers of the 2016 outbreak and established its origin. Using spatio-temporal locations of cases, we applied logistic regression and Geographic Information System techniques to investigate environmental covariates driving occurrences of emerging rabies cases in Gauteng Province. About 53.8% of laboratory-confirmed lyssaviruses in Gauteng Province in 2016 originated from jackals. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed from a partial region of the glycoprotein gene of these and historical rabies viruses (RABVs) demonstrated the lyssaviruses to be of canid origin with 97.7% nucleotide sequence similarity. The major cluster comprised jackal RABVs from the 2012 KwaZulu/Natal outbreak and the 2016 outbreak in Gauteng Province. The second cluster was composed of both jackal and dog RABVs. Both clusters correlated with independent RABV introductions into Gauteng by dogs and jackals, respectively. This study demonstrated an expansion of a jackal rabies cycle from north-west Province into Gauteng Province during the 2016 dry period, as jackals ranged widely in search for food resources leading to increased jackal-dog interactions, reminiscent of the intricate links of domestic and wildlife rabies cycles in South Africa.
Collapse
|
16
|
Spillover of West Caucasian Bat Lyssavirus (WCBV) in a Domestic Cat and Westward Expansion in the Palearctic Region. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102064. [PMID: 34696493 PMCID: PMC8540014 DOI: 10.3390/v13102064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In June 2020, a cat from Arezzo (Italy) that died from a neurological disease was diagnosed with West Caucasian Bat Lyssavirus (WCBV). The virus retained high identity across the whole-genome with the reference isolate found in 2002 from a Russian bent-winged bat. We applied control measures recommended by national regulations, investigated a possible interface between cats and bats using visual inspections, bioacoustics analyses and camera trapping and performed active and passive surveillance in bats to trace the source of infection. People that were exposed to the cat received full post-exposure prophylaxis while animals underwent six months of quarantine. One year later, they are all healthy. In a tunnel located near the cat’s house, we identified a group of bent-winged bats that showed virus-neutralizing antibodies to WCBV across four sampling occasions, but no virus in salivary swabs. Carcasses from other bat species were all negative. This description of WCBV in a non-flying mammal confirms that this virus can cause clinical rabies in the absence of preventive and therapeutic measures, and highlights the lack of international guidelines against divergent lyssaviruses. We detected bent-winged bats as the most probable source of infection, testifying the encroachment between these bats and pets/human in urban areas and confirming free-ranging cats as potential hazard for public health and conservation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Renewed Public Health Threat from Emerging Lyssaviruses. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091769. [PMID: 34578350 PMCID: PMC8472001 DOI: 10.3390/v13091769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen discovery contributes to our knowledge of bat-borne viruses and is linked to the heightened interest globally in bats as recognised reservoirs of zoonotic agents. The transmission of lyssaviruses from bats-to-humans, domestic animals, or other wildlife species is uncommon, but interest in these pathogens remains due to their ability to cause an acute, progressive, invariably fatal encephalitis in humans. Consequently, the detection and characterisation of bat lyssaviruses continues to expand our knowledge of their phylogroup definition, viral diversity, host species association, geographical distribution, evolution, mechanisms for perpetuation, and the potential routes of transmission. Although the opportunity for lyssavirus cross-species transmission seems rare, adaptation in a new host and the possibility of onward transmission to humans requires continued investigation. Considering the limited efficacy of available rabies biologicals it is important to further our understanding of protective immunity to minimize the threat from these pathogens to public health. Hence, in addition to increased surveillance, the development of a niche pan-lyssavirus vaccine or therapeutic biologics for post-exposure prophylaxis for use against genetically divergent lyssaviruses should be an international priority as these emerging lyssaviruses remain a concern for global public health.
Collapse
|
18
|
Retrospective Enhanced Bat Lyssavirus Surveillance in Germany between 2018-2020. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081538. [PMID: 34452403 PMCID: PMC8402685 DOI: 10.3390/v13081538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyssaviruses are the causative agents for rabies, a zoonotic and fatal disease. Bats are the ancestral reservoir host for lyssaviruses, and at least three different lyssaviruses have been found in bats from Germany. Across Europe, novel lyssaviruses were identified in bats recently and occasional spillover infections in other mammals and human cases highlight their public health relevance. Here, we report the results from an enhanced passive bat rabies surveillance that encompasses samples without human contact that would not be tested under routine conditions. To this end, 1236 bat brain samples obtained between 2018 and 2020 were screened for lyssaviruses via several RT-qPCR assays. European bat lyssavirus type 1 (EBLV-1) was dominant, with 15 positives exclusively found in serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) from northern Germany. Additionally, when an archived set of bat samples that had tested negative for rabies by the FAT were screened in the process of assay validation, four samples tested EBLV-1 positive, including two detected in Pipistrellus pipistrellus. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of 17 full genomes assigned all except one of these viruses to the A1 cluster of the EBLV-1a sub-lineage. Furthermore, we report here another Bokeloh bat lyssavirus (BBLV) infection in a Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri) found in Lower Saxony, the tenth reported case of this novel bat lyssavirus.
Collapse
|
19
|
Update on Potentially Zoonotic Viruses of European Bats. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070690. [PMID: 34201666 PMCID: PMC8310327 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats have been increasingly gaining attention as potential reservoir hosts of some of the most virulent viruses known. Numerous review articles summarize bats as potential reservoir hosts of human-pathogenic zoonotic viruses. For European bats, just one review article is available that we published in 2014. The present review provides an update on the earlier article and summarizes the most important viruses found in European bats and their possible implications for Public Health. We identify the research gaps and recommend monitoring of these viruses.
Collapse
|
20
|
Assessing Rabies Vaccine Protection against a Novel Lyssavirus, Kotalahti Bat Lyssavirus. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050947. [PMID: 34065574 PMCID: PMC8161192 DOI: 10.3390/v13050947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is a fatal encephalitis caused by an important group of viruses within the Lyssavirus genus. The prototype virus, rabies virus, is still the most commonly reported lyssavirus and causes approximately 59,000 human fatalities annually. The human and animal burden of the other lyssavirus species is undefined. The original reports for the novel lyssavirus, Kotalahti bat lyssavirus (KBLV), were based on the detection of viral RNA alone. In this report we describe the successful generation of a live recombinant virus, cSN-KBLV; where the full-length genome clone of RABV vaccine strain, SAD-B19, was constructed with the glycoprotein of KBLV. Subsequent in vitro characterisation of cSN-KBLV is described here. In addition, the ability of a human rabies vaccine to confer protective immunity in vivo following challenge with this recombinant virus was assessed. Naïve or vaccinated mice were infected intracerebrally with a dose of 100 focus-forming units/30 µL of cSN-KBLV; all naïve mice and 8% (n = 1/12) of the vaccinated mice succumbed to the challenge, whilst 92% (n = 11/12) of the vaccinated mice survived to the end of the experiment. This report provides strong evidence for cross-neutralisation and cross-protection of cSN-KBLV using purified Vero cell rabies vaccine.
Collapse
|
21
|
Regnault B, Evrard B, Plu I, Dacheux L, Troadec E, Cozette P, Chrétien D, Duchesne M, Jean-Michel V, Jamet A, Leruez M, Pérot P, Bourhy H, Eloit M, Seilhean D. First case of lethal encephalitis in Western Europe due to European bat lyssavirus type 1. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:461-466. [PMID: 33991184 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inaccurate diagnosis of encephalitis is a major issue as immunosuppressive treatments can be deleterious in case of viral infection. The European bat lyssavirus type 1, a virus related to rabies virus, is endemic in European bats. No human case has yet been reported in Western Europe. A 59 year-old patient without specific past medical history died from encephalitis. A colony of bats lived in an outbuilding of his house. No diagnosis was made using standard procedures. METHODS We used a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) based transcriptomic protocol to search for pathogens in autopsy samples (meninges and brain frontal lobe). Results were confirmed by PCR and by antibody testing in serum. Immunochemistry was used to characterize inflammatory cells and viral antigens in brain lesions. Cells and mice were inoculated with brain extracts for virus isolation. RESULTS The patient's brain lesions were severe and diffuse in white and gray matter. Perivascular inflammatory infiltrates were abundant and rich in plasma cells. NGS identified European bat lyssavirus type 1a in brain, which was confirmed by PCR. A high titer of neutralizing antibodies was found in serum. No viral antigen was detected and the virus could not be isolated by cell culture or by mouse inoculation. CONCLUSIONS The patient died from European bat lyssavirus type 1a infection. NGS was key to identifying this unexpected viral etiology in an epidemiological context that did not suggest rabies. People exposed to bats should be strongly advised to be vaccinated with rabies vaccines, which are effective against EBLV-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Regnault
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,The OIE Collaborating Center for the detection and identification in humans of emerging animal pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France)
| | - Bruno Evrard
- Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Dupuytren University Hospital, Limoges, France.,Inserm CIC 1435 and UMR 1092, Dupuytren Teaching Hospital, Limoges, France
| | - Isabelle Plu
- Sorbonne Université, Brain Institute (ICM; INSERM, UMRS 1127; CNRS, UMR 7225), Paris, France.,Département de Neuropathologie Raymond Escourolle, AP-HP-Sorbonne, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Dacheux
- Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, National Reference Centre for Rabies, WHO Collaborative Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Eric Troadec
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,The OIE Collaborating Center for the detection and identification in humans of emerging animal pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France)
| | - Pascal Cozette
- Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, National Reference Centre for Rabies, WHO Collaborative Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Chrétien
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,The OIE Collaborating Center for the detection and identification in humans of emerging animal pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France)
| | - Mathilde Duchesne
- Pathology Department, Dupuytren University Hospital, Limoges, France
| | | | - Anne Jamet
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Necker Enfants-Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Centre Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Leruez
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Necker Enfants-Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Centre Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Pérot
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,The OIE Collaborating Center for the detection and identification in humans of emerging animal pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France)
| | - Hervé Bourhy
- Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, National Reference Centre for Rabies, WHO Collaborative Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Marc Eloit
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,The OIE Collaborating Center for the detection and identification in humans of emerging animal pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France).,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Danielle Seilhean
- Sorbonne Université, Brain Institute (ICM; INSERM, UMRS 1127; CNRS, UMR 7225), Paris, France.,Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, National Reference Centre for Rabies, WHO Collaborative Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fisher CR, Lowe DE, Smith TG, Yang Y, Hutson CL, Wirblich C, Cingolani G, Schnell MJ. Lyssavirus Vaccine with a Chimeric Glycoprotein Protects across Phylogroups. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107920. [PMID: 32697993 PMCID: PMC7373069 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is nearly 100% lethal in the absence of treatment, killing an estimated 59,000 people annually. Vaccines and biologics are highly efficacious when administered properly. Sixteen rabies-related viruses (lyssaviruses) are similarly lethal, but some are divergent enough to evade protection from current vaccines and biologics, which are based only on the classical rabies virus (RABV). Here we present the development and characterization of LyssaVax, a vaccine featuring a structurally designed, functional chimeric glycoprotein (G) containing immunologically important domains from both RABV G and the highly divergent Mokola virus (MOKV) G. LyssaVax elicits high titers of antibodies specific to both RABV and MOKV Gs in mice. Immune sera also neutralize a range of wild-type lyssaviruses across the major phylogroups. LyssaVax-immunized mice are protected against challenge with recombinant RABV and MOKV. Altogether, LyssaVax demonstrates the utility of structural modeling in vaccine design and constitutes a broadened lyssavirus vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Fisher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - David E Lowe
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Todd G Smith
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Yong Yang
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Christina L Hutson
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Christoph Wirblich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Gino Cingolani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Matthias J Schnell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Jefferson Vaccine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Calvelage S, Tammiranta N, Nokireki T, Gadd T, Eggerbauer E, Zaeck LM, Potratz M, Wylezich C, Höper D, Müller T, Finke S, Freuling CM. Genetic and Antigenetic Characterization of the Novel Kotalahti Bat Lyssavirus (KBLV). Viruses 2021; 13:69. [PMID: 33419096 PMCID: PMC7825429 DOI: 10.3390/v13010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing diversity of bat-associated lyssaviruses in the Old World. In August 2017, a dead Brandt's bat (Myotis brandtii) tested positive for rabies and based on partial sequence analysis, the novel Kotalahti bat lyssavirus (KBLV) was identified. Because the bat was in an autolyzed state, isolation of KBLV was neither successful after three consecutive cell passages on cells nor in mice. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was applied using Ion Torrent ™ S5 technology coupled with target enrichment via hybridization-based capture (myBaits®) was used to sequence 99% of the genome, comprising of 11,878 nucleotides (nt). KBLV is most closely related to EBLV-2 (78.7% identity), followed by KHUV (79.0%) and BBLV (77.6%), supporting the assignment as phylogroup I lyssavirus. Interestingly, all of these lyssaviruses were also isolated from bat species of the genus Myotis, thus supporting that M. brandtii is likely the reservoir host. All information on antigenic and genetic divergence fulfil the species demarcation criteria by ICTV, so that we recommend KBLV as a novel species within the Lyssavirus genus. Next to sequence analyses, assignment to phylogroup I was functionally corroborated by cross-neutralization of G-deleted RABV, pseudotyped with KBLV-G by sera from RABV vaccinated humans. This suggests that conventional RABV vaccines also confer protection against the novel KBLV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sten Calvelage
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (S.C.); (C.W.); (D.H.)
| | - Niina Tammiranta
- Finnish Food Authority, Research Department, Virology Unit, Mustialankatu 3, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland; (N.T.); (T.N.); (T.G.)
| | - Tiina Nokireki
- Finnish Food Authority, Research Department, Virology Unit, Mustialankatu 3, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland; (N.T.); (T.N.); (T.G.)
| | - Tuija Gadd
- Finnish Food Authority, Research Department, Virology Unit, Mustialankatu 3, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland; (N.T.); (T.N.); (T.G.)
| | - Elisa Eggerbauer
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (E.E.); (L.M.Z.); (M.P.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Luca M. Zaeck
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (E.E.); (L.M.Z.); (M.P.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Madlin Potratz
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (E.E.); (L.M.Z.); (M.P.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Claudia Wylezich
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (S.C.); (C.W.); (D.H.)
| | - Dirk Höper
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (S.C.); (C.W.); (D.H.)
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (E.E.); (L.M.Z.); (M.P.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Stefan Finke
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (E.E.); (L.M.Z.); (M.P.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Conrad M. Freuling
- Central Duties, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Luo DS, Li B, Shen XR, Jiang RD, Zhu Y, Wu J, Fan Y, Bourhy H, Hu B, Ge XY, Shi ZL, Dacheux L. Characterization of Novel Rhabdoviruses in Chinese Bats. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010064. [PMID: 33466539 PMCID: PMC7824899 DOI: 10.3390/v13010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats, the second largest order of mammals worldwide, harbor specific characteristics such as sustaining flight, a special immune system, unique habits, and ecological niches. In addition, they are the natural reservoirs of a variety of emerging or re-emerging zoonotic pathogens. Rhabdoviridae is one of the most diverse families of RNA viruses, which consists of 20 ecologically diverse genera, infecting plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. To date, three bat-related genera are described, named Lyssavirus, Vesiculovirus, and Ledantevirus. However, the prevalence and the distribution of these bat-related rhabdoviruses remain largely unknown, especially in China. To fill this gap, we performed a large molecular retrospective study based on the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) detection of lyssavirus in bat samples (1044 brain and 3532 saliva samples, from 63 different bat species) originating from 21 provinces of China during 2006–2018. None of them were positive for lyssavirus, but six bat brains (0.6%) of Rhinolophus bat species, originating from Hubei and Hainan provinces, were positive for vesiculoviruses or ledanteviruses. Based on complete genomes, these viruses were phylogenetically classified into three putative new species, tentatively named Yinshui bat virus (YSBV), Taiyi bat virus (TYBV), and Qiongzhong bat virus (QZBV). These results indicate the novel rhabdoviruses circulated in different Chinese bat populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sheng Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institut Pasteur, Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, 75724 Paris, France;
| | - Bei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
| | - Xu-Rui Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ren-Di Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
| | - Jia Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
| | - Yi Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hervé Bourhy
- Institut Pasteur, Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, 75724 Paris, France;
| | - Ben Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
| | - Xing-Yi Ge
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China;
| | - Zheng-Li Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.-S.L.); (B.L.); (X.-R.S.); (R.-D.J.); (Y.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.F.); (B.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-L.S.); (L.D.); Tel.: +86-02787197311 (Z.-L.S.); +33-140613303 (L.D.)
| | - Laurent Dacheux
- Institut Pasteur, Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, 75724 Paris, France;
- Correspondence: (Z.-L.S.); (L.D.); Tel.: +86-02787197311 (Z.-L.S.); +33-140613303 (L.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Flis M. Rabies in Europe in 2010-2019. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2020-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper presents the epizootic and epidemiological situation of rabies in European countries during the last decade. The presented results indicate that the oral immunisation of fox anti-rabies (ORV), used in many European countries, significantly reduced the number of rabies cases found in ground mammals, but did not eliminate the virus at all. Currently, the largest reservoir of the virus are Eastern European countries where there are no immunisation activities or their effectiveness is low. Due to the absence of geographical barriers, the virus reappears in countries that have been described as free from rabies. As a rule, it is dragged into these areas along with the movement of companion animals and by people travelling to countries where the prevalence of the virus is common. It should be emphasised that due to the significant elimination of the virus in wild and domestic animals, it found quite quickly found a new reservoir in a specific group of mammals, having the ability to fly, like bats. Currently there is no possibility of carrying out any preventive measures in bats, so all the virus strains found in this group of animals are dangerous to humans, raising possibilities of epidemiological threat. It should be noted that despite the significant elimination of rabies in many European countries, given the almost unlimited possibilities of virus transmission to new areas, it still poses a serious threat to public health. Thus, it is necessary to constantly monitor the occurrence of the virus and possibly take preventive actions in terms of its elimination from the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Flis
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Forró B, Marton S, Fehér E, Domán M, Kemenesi G, Cadar D, Hornyák Á, Bányai K. Phylogeny of Hungarian EBLV-1 strains using whole-genome sequence data. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1323-1331. [PMID: 33460276 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
European bat lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1) is a widespread lyssavirus across Europe, whose epizootic cycle is linked to a few bat species. Occasionally, EBLV-1 infection may occur in domestic animals and humans. EBLV-1 can be classified into two subtypes, where subtype EBLV-1a shows a wide geographic distribution between France and Russia whereas subtype EBLV-1b is distributed between Spain and Poland. In this study, we determined the genome sequence of two recent EBLV-1a strains detected in Hungary and analysed their adaptive evolution and phylodynamics. The data set that included 100 EBLV-1 genome sequences identified positive selection at selected sites in genes coding for viral proteins (N, codon 18; P, 141 and 155; G, 244 and 488; L, 168, 980, 1597 and 1754). A major genetic clade containing EBLV-1a isolates from Hungary, Slovakia, Denmark and Poland was estimated to have diverged during the 19th century whereas the divergence of the most recent ancestor of Hungarian and Slovakian isolates dates back to 1950 (time span, 1930 to 1970). Phylogeographic analysis of the EBLV-1a genomic sequences demonstrated strong evidence of viral dispersal from Poland to Hungary. This new information indicates that additional migratory flyways may help the virus spread, a finding that supplements the general theory on a west-to-east dispersal of EBLV-1a strains. Long-distance migrant bats may mediate the dispersal of EBLV-1 strains across Europe; however, structured surveillance and extended genome sequencing would be needed to better understand the epizootiology of EBLV-1 infections in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Forró
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Marton
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Enikő Fehér
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marianna Domán
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Virological Research Group Pécs Hungary, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Daniel Cadar
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, National Reference Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ákos Hornyák
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Bányai
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Parize P, Travecedo Robledo IC, Cervantes‐Gonzalez M, Kergoat L, Larrous F, Serra‐Cobo J, Dacheux L, Bourhy H. Circumstances of Human–Bat interactions and risk of lyssavirus transmission in metropolitan France. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:774-784. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Parize
- Unit Lyssavirus Dynamics and Host Adaptation Institut Pasteur National Reference Center for Rabies and WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies Paris France
| | - Isabel Cristina Travecedo Robledo
- Unit Lyssavirus Dynamics and Host Adaptation Institut Pasteur National Reference Center for Rabies and WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies Paris France
| | - Minerva Cervantes‐Gonzalez
- Unit Lyssavirus Dynamics and Host Adaptation Institut Pasteur National Reference Center for Rabies and WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies Paris France
| | - Lauriane Kergoat
- Unit Lyssavirus Dynamics and Host Adaptation Institut Pasteur National Reference Center for Rabies and WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies Paris France
| | - Florence Larrous
- Unit Lyssavirus Dynamics and Host Adaptation Institut Pasteur National Reference Center for Rabies and WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies Paris France
| | - Jordi Serra‐Cobo
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBIO) University of Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Laurent Dacheux
- Unit Lyssavirus Dynamics and Host Adaptation Institut Pasteur National Reference Center for Rabies and WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies Paris France
| | - Hervé Bourhy
- Unit Lyssavirus Dynamics and Host Adaptation Institut Pasteur National Reference Center for Rabies and WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhao L, Chen T, Miao F, Li J, Du H, Zhao J. Bat lyssavirus should be further monitored in Rondônia state, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20190420. [PMID: 32321090 PMCID: PMC7182290 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0420-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Zhao
- College of Animal Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin 132101, China
| | - Teng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Laboratory of Epidemiology, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Faming Miao
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Laboratory of Epidemiology, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Junfeng Li
- Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Haijun Du
- Changchun Sci-Tech University, 1699 Donghua street, Shuangyang District, Changchun 130600, China
| | - Jinghui Zhao
- Changchun Sci-Tech University, 1699 Donghua street, Shuangyang District, Changchun 130600, China.,Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sabeta CT, Marston DA, McElhinney LM, Horton DL, Phahladira BMN, Fooks AR. Rabies in the African Civet: An Incidental Host for Lyssaviruses? Viruses 2020; 12:E368. [PMID: 32230744 PMCID: PMC7232503 DOI: 10.3390/v12040368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In South Africa, canid rabies virus (RABV) infection is maintained in domestic and wildlife species. The identification of rabies in African civets raised the question of whether this wildlife carnivore is a potential reservoir host of RABVs of direct and ancestral dog origin (dog-maintained and dog-derived origins) with an independent cycle of transmission. Genetic analyses of African civet nucleoprotein sequences for 23 African civet RABVs and historically published sequences demonstrated that RABVs from African civets have two origins related to dog and mongoose rabies enzootics. The data support observations of the interaction of civets with domestic dogs and wildlife mongooses, mostly in Northern South Africa and North-East Zimbabwe. Within each host species clade, African civet RABVs group exclusively together, implying intra-species virus transfer occurs readily. The canid RABV clade appears to support virus transfer more readily between hosts than mongoose RABVs. Furthermore, these data probably indicate short transmission chains with conspecifics that may be related to transient rabies maintenance in African civets. Hence, it is important to continue monitoring the emergence of lyssaviruses in this host. Observations from this study are supported by ongoing and independent similar cases, in which bat-eared foxes and black-backed jackal species maintain independent rabies cycles of what were once dog-maintained RABVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claude T. Sabeta
- Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, OIE Rabies Reference Laboratory, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Denise A. Marston
- OIE Rabies Reference Laboratory, Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Lorraine M. McElhinney
- OIE Rabies Reference Laboratory, Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.)
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3EA, UK
| | - Daniel L. Horton
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
| | - Baby M. N. Phahladira
- Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, OIE Rabies Reference Laboratory, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
| | - Anthony R. Fooks
- OIE Rabies Reference Laboratory, Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.)
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Orłowska A, Smreczak M, Freuling CM, Müller T, Trębas P, Rola J. Serological Survey of Lyssaviruses in Polish Bats in the Frame of Passive Rabies Surveillance Using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Viruses 2020; 12:v12030271. [PMID: 32121200 PMCID: PMC7150987 DOI: 10.3390/v12030271] [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: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bats are known to host a number of nonpathogenic viruses, as well as highly pathogenic viruses causing fatal diseases like rabies. Serological surveys as part of active and passive bat rabies surveillance mainly use seroneutralization assays, demonstrating the presence of lyssavirus-specific antibodies in a variety of European bats, particularly against European bat lyssaviruses type 1 (EBLV-1). Here, we present the first serological survey in European bats of this kind during which European bats from Poland collected in the frame of passive rabies surveillance between 2012 and 2018, as well as Serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) and North American Big Brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) from previous experimental studies, were tested using a commercial ELISA kit for the detection of anti-lyssavirus antibodies. Results: Lyssavirus-specific antibodies were detected in 35 (30.4%) out of 115 Polish bats of both sexes, representing nine out of 13 identified bat species endemic mainly to Central Southern Europe and Western Asia, i.e., Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula, Myotis daubentonii, Plecotus auritus, Vespertillo murinus, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pipilstrellus/Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Myotis brandtii, and Barbastella barbastellus. Seroprevalence was highest in bat species of Nyctalus noctula, Eptesicus serotinus, Plecotus auritus, and Myotis daubentonii. More than 60% of the ELISA seropositive bats originated from the voivodeships of Silesia, Lower-Silesian, Warmian-Mazurian, and Mazowian. Rabies-specific antibodies were also found in Eptesicus fuscus bats from North America. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the principal application of the BioPro Rabies ELISA Ab Kit for the detection of anti-lyssavirus specific antibodies in body fluids and serum samples of bats. However, results may only be reliable for North American bats, whereas interpretation of results for European bats per se is difficult because proper validation of the test is hampered by the protected status of these species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Orłowska
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland; (P.T.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: (A.O.); (M.S.); Tel.: +48-818-893-072 (A.O.); +48818-893-029 (M.S.)
| | - Marcin Smreczak
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland; (P.T.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: (A.O.); (M.S.); Tel.: +48-818-893-072 (A.O.); +48818-893-029 (M.S.)
| | - Conrad Martin Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, FLI, WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.M.F.); (T.M.)
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, FLI, WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.M.F.); (T.M.)
| | - Paweł Trębas
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland; (P.T.); (J.R.)
| | - Jerzy Rola
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland; (P.T.); (J.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Begeman L, Kooi EA, van Weezep E, van de Bildt MWG, Reusken CBEM, Lina PHC, Koopmans MPG, van den Brand JMA, Kuiken T. Faeces as a novel material to estimate lyssavirus prevalence in bat populations. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 67:198-202. [PMID: 31814288 PMCID: PMC7027462 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rabies is caused by infection with a lyssavirus. Bat rabies is of concern for both public health and bat conservation. The current method for lyssavirus prevalence studies in bat populations is by oral swabbing, which is invasive for the bats, dangerous for handlers, time-consuming and expensive. In many situations, such sampling is not feasible, and hence, our understanding of epidemiology of bat rabies is limited. Faeces are usually easy to collect from bat colonies without disturbing the bats and thus could be a practical and feasible material for lyssavirus prevalence studies. To further explore this idea, we performed virological analysis on faecal pellets and oral swabs of seven serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) that were positive for European bat 1 lyssavirus in the brain. We also performed immunohistochemical and virological analyses on digestive tract samples of these bats to determine potential sources of lyssavirus in the faeces. We found that lyssavirus detection by RT-qPCR was nearly as sensitive in faecal pellets (6/7 bats positive, 86%) as in oral swabs (7/7 bats positive, 100%). The likely source of lyssavirus in the faeces was virus excreted into the oral cavity from the salivary glands (5/6 bats positive by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR) or tongue (3/4 bats positive by immunohistochemistry) and swallowed with saliva. Virus could not be isolated from any of the seven faecal pellets, suggesting the lyssavirus detected in faeces is not infectious. Lyssavirus detection in the majority of faecal pellets of infected bats shows that this novel material should be further explored for lyssavirus prevalence studies in bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lineke Begeman
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Engbert A Kooi
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, National Authority for Containment, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik van Weezep
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Marco W G van de Bildt
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal B E M Reusken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Infectious Disease Control-RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marion P G Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Servat A, Wasniewski M, Cliquet F. Cross-Protection of Inactivated Rabies Vaccines for Veterinary Use against Bat Lyssaviruses Occurring in Europe. Viruses 2019; 11:v11100936. [PMID: 31614675 PMCID: PMC6832384 DOI: 10.3390/v11100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human rabies vaccines have been shown to induce partial protection against members of phylogroup I bat lyssaviruses. Here, we investigated the capacity of a widely used rabies inactivated vaccine (Rabisin, Boehringer-Ingelheim) for veterinary use to cross-protect mice experimentally infected with European bat lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1b), European bat lyssavirus 2 (EBLV-2), and Bokeloh bat lyssavirus (BBLV) occurring in Europe. For each lyssavirus, we investigated the efficacy of two different doses of vaccine against two viral doses administrated by either central or peripheral routes. In parallel, seroconversion following pre-exposure vaccination was investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that the three investigated bat isolates were pathogenic, even at low dose, when inoculated by the central route but were not/less pathogenic when administrated peripherally. The Rabisin vaccine was capable of significantly cross-protecting mice inoculated intramuscularly with EBLV-1b and EBLV-2 and intracerebrally with BBLV. The level of rabies neutralizing antibodies induced by the Rabisin was quite high against the bat lyssaviruses, but with no significant differences between immunization with 1 and 5 IU/dose. The study emphasizes that the quality of rabies-inactivated vaccines for veterinary use is of utmost importance to optimize the cross-protection of pets against phylogroup I bat lyssaviruses occurring in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Servat
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, Domaine de Pixérécourt, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France.
| | - Marine Wasniewski
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, Domaine de Pixérécourt, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France.
| | - Florence Cliquet
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, Domaine de Pixérécourt, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Rupprecht CE, Salahuddin N. Current status of human rabies prevention: remaining barriers to global biologics accessibility and disease elimination. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 18:629-640. [PMID: 31159618 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2019.1627205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Rabies is a serious, neglected tropical disease. Zoonotic agents are RNA viruses (Genus Lyssavirus, Family Rhabdoviridae), global in distribution. As an acute, progressive, incurable encephalitis, rabies has the highest case fatality of any infectious disease. Warm-blooded vertebrates are susceptible hosts. Major mammalian reservoirs include mesocarnivores and bats. Given wildlife perpetuation, rabies is not eradicable, but is preventable and controllable, especially under newly available international guidelines. Areas covered: Literature review over the past 5 years reveals development of sensitive, specific diagnostic tests and safe and highly effective human and veterinary vaccines. Yet, tens of thousands of human fatalities occur annually, usually in Africa and Asia, primarily after canine exposure. Human and domestic animal vaccination, before or after exposure, is the single greatest preventative strategy following a rabid animal bite. Expert opinion: Significant progress occurred during the twenty-first century regarding vaccine development, doses, and schedules. Remaining barriers to widespread rabies vaccination include an inter-related set of economic, cultural, social, educational, ecological and technological factors. A basic understanding of local and regional root causes of cases historically allows for broader accessibility to vaccination in a trans-disciplinary fashion to meet the global elimination of human rabies caused via dogs (GEHRD) by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Naseem Salahuddin
- b Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine , The Indus Hospital , Karachi , Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ecological Factors of Transmission, Persistence and Circulation of Pathogens In Bat Populations. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2019-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The existence of bats is crucial for all ecosystem units as they fulfil numerous ecological roles. However, they are also considered to be natural reservoirs of a wide range of zoonotic microorganisms, especially viruses. In this review article we briefly summarize current knowledge about various ecological factors that facilitate bat pathogen dispersal and about the current approaches to monitoring viral communities present within bat populations. On the basis of the cited papers, we suggest that the increased focus on complex viral populations in bats and their interactions with other populations and the environment is necessary to fully comprehend the relationship between emerging infectious diseases, the environment and their toll on human health.
Collapse
|
35
|
Kaila M, Marjoniemi J, Nokireki T. Comparative study of rabies antibody titers of dogs vaccinated in Finland and imported street dogs vaccinated abroad. Acta Vet Scand 2019; 61:15. [PMID: 30871641 PMCID: PMC6419415 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-019-0450-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Seventy-two canine serum samples were analyzed for post-vaccination serum titers of rabies antibodies. The samples were divided into two groups: Group 1 dogs (n = 36) were imported dogs from the Russian Federation (n = 31) or Romania (n = 5), with a mean serum antibody titer value of 1.54 IU/mL. Group 2 dogs (n = 36) were Finnish dogs vaccinated in Finland, with a mean titer of 4.19 IU/mL. Altogether, 14 (39%) dogs (CI 95% 23-56) were without detectable antibodies (≤ 0.1 IU/mL) in Group 1, whereas in Group 2, all dogs had an antibody titer greater than 0.1 IU/mL. A statistically significant difference was observed between these groups when comparing the proportions of dogs with antibody levels less than or exceeding 0.5 IU/mL. In Group 1, 19 out of the 36 dogs (CI 95% 36-70) had serum titer values < 0.5 IU/mL, while in Group 2, only 2 dogs had serum titer values < 0.5 IU/mL. Despite the small sample size, this raises concern over the imported dogs having insufficient antibody levels required for international travel and implies that these dogs had perhaps not been vaccinated, even though they had documentation of vaccination upon arrival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Kaila
- Virology Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Tiina Nokireki
- Virology Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shipley R, Wright E, Selden D, Wu G, Aegerter J, Fooks AR, Banyard AC. Bats and Viruses: Emergence of Novel Lyssaviruses and Association of Bats with Viral Zoonoses in the EU. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4010031. [PMID: 30736432 PMCID: PMC6473451 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats in the EU have been associated with several zoonotic viral pathogens of significance to both human and animal health. Virus discovery continues to expand the existing understating of virus classification, and the increased interest in bats globally as reservoirs or carriers of zoonotic agents has fuelled the continued detection and characterisation of new lyssaviruses and other viral zoonoses. Although the transmission of lyssaviruses from bat species to humans or terrestrial species appears rare, interest in these viruses remains, through their ability to cause the invariably fatal encephalitis—rabies. The association of bats with other viral zoonoses is also of great interest. Much of the EU is free of terrestrial rabies, but several bat species harbor lyssaviruses that remain a risk to human and animal health. Whilst the rabies virus is the main cause of rabies globally, novel related viruses continue to be discovered, predominantly in bat populations, that are of interest purely through their classification within the lyssavirus genus alongside the rabies virus. Although the rabies virus is principally transmitted from the bite of infected dogs, these related lyssaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans and terrestrial carnivores by bats. Even though reports of zoonotic viruses from bats within the EU are rare, to protect human and animal health, it is important characterise novel bat viruses for several reasons, namely: (i) to investigate the mechanisms for the maintenance, potential routes of transmission, and resulting clinical signs, if any, in their natural hosts; (ii) to investigate the ability of existing vaccines, where available, to protect against these viruses; (iii) to evaluate the potential for spill over and onward transmission of viral pathogens in novel terrestrial hosts. This review is an update on the current situation regarding zoonotic virus discovery within bats in the EU, and provides details of potential future mechanisms to control the threat from these deadly pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Shipley
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), KT15 3NB Weybridge-London, UK.
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG Brighton, UK.
| | - Edward Wright
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG Brighton, UK.
| | - David Selden
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), KT15 3NB Weybridge-London, UK.
| | - Guanghui Wu
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), KT15 3NB Weybridge-London, UK.
| | - James Aegerter
- APHA - National Wildlife Management Centre, Wildlife Epidemiology and Modelling, Sand Hutton, YO41 1LZ York, UK.
| | - Anthony R Fooks
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK.
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), KT15 3NB Weybridge-London, UK.
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG Brighton, UK.
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Serra-Cobo J, López-Roig M, Lavenir R, Abdelatif E, Boucekkine W, Elharrak M, Harif B, El Ayachi S, Salama AA, Nayel MA, Elsify A, El Rashedy SG, De Benedictis P, Mutinelli F, Zecchin B, Scaravelli D, Balhoul C, Zaghawa A, Hassan HY, Zaghloul AH, Bourhy H. Active sero-survey for European bat lyssavirus type-1 circulation in North African insectivorous bats. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:213. [PMID: 30546083 PMCID: PMC6292898 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0214-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Serra-Cobo
- IRBIO and Departement de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centre de Recerca en Infeccions Víriques, Illes Balears (CRIVIB), Fundació d'Investigació Sanitària de les Illes Balears, Conselleria de Salut i Consum, Govern de les Illes Balears, Hospital General de Palma, 07012, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain.
| | - Marc López-Roig
- IRBIO and Departement de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre de Recerca en Infeccions Víriques, Illes Balears (CRIVIB), Fundació d'Investigació Sanitària de les Illes Balears, Conselleria de Salut i Consum, Govern de les Illes Balears, Hospital General de Palma, 07012, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Rachel Lavenir
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Dynamique des Lyssavirus et Adaptation à l'Hôte, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Paris Cedex 15, 75724, Paris, France
| | - Elbia Abdelatif
- Institut Pasteur d'Alger, 16047, Dély Ibrahim, Alger, Algeria
| | - Wahida Boucekkine
- Direction Générale des Forêts, Chemin Doudou Mokhtar Ben-Aknoun, B.P.232, 16306, Alger, Algeria
| | - Mehdi Elharrak
- Société de Produits biologiques et pharmaceutiques et vétérinaires (Biopharma), Km 2, Road of Casablanca, B.P, 4569, Rabat-Akkari, Morocco
| | - Bachir Harif
- Société de Produits biologiques et pharmaceutiques et vétérinaires (Biopharma), Km 2, Road of Casablanca, B.P, 4569, Rabat-Akkari, Morocco
| | - Sehhar El Ayachi
- Département Ressources Naturelles et Environnement Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Madinat Al Irfane, B.P, 6202, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Akram Ahmed Salama
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, 32897, Sadat City, Minoufiya, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Nayel
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, 32897, Sadat City, Minoufiya, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elsify
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, 32897, Sadat City, Minoufiya, Egypt
| | - Sameh G El Rashedy
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, 32897, Sadat City, Minoufiya, Egypt
| | - Paola De Benedictis
- FAO and National Reference Centre for rabies & OIE Collaborating Centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Division of Biomedical Science, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Franco Mutinelli
- FAO and National Reference Centre for rabies & OIE Collaborating Centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Division of Biomedical Science, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Barbara Zecchin
- FAO and National Reference Centre for rabies & OIE Collaborating Centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Division of Biomedical Science, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Dino Scaravelli
- S.T.E.R.N.A. & Museo Ornitologico "F. Foschi", 47121, Forlì, Italy.,Laboratory of Pathogens' Ecology, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064, Ozzano Emilia (Bo), Italy
| | - Chokri Balhoul
- Institut Pasteur Tunis, Place Pasteur B.P. 74, 1002, Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Zaghawa
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, 32897, Sadat City, Minoufiya, Egypt
| | - Hany Youssef Hassan
- Department of Animal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, 32897, Sadat City, Minoufiya, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamed Zaghloul
- Department of Theriogenology and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, 32897, Sadat City, Minoufiya, Egypt
| | - Hervé Bourhy
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Dynamique des Lyssavirus et Adaptation à l'Hôte, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Paris Cedex 15, 75724, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Active and passive surveillance for bat lyssaviruses in Italy revealed serological evidence for their circulation in three bat species. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 147:e63. [PMID: 30511606 PMCID: PMC6518613 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818003072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The wide geographical distribution and genetic diversity of bat-associated lyssaviruses (LYSVs) across Europe suggest that similar viruses may also be harboured in Italian insectivorous bats. Indeed, bats were first included within the passive national surveillance programme for rabies in wildlife in the 1980s, while active surveillance has been performed since 2008. The active surveillance strategies implemented allowed us to detect neutralizing antibodies directed towards European bat 1 lyssavirus in six out of the nine maternity colonies object of the study across the whole country. Seropositive bats were Myotis myotis, M. blythii and Tadarida teniotis. On the contrary, the virus was neither detected through passive nor active surveillance, suggesting that fatal neurological infection is rare also in seropositive colonies. Although the number of tested samples has steadily increased in recent years, submission turned out to be rather sporadic and did not include carcasses from bat species that account for the majority of LYSVs cases in Europe, such as Eptesicus serotinus, M. daubentonii, M. dasycneme and M. nattereri. A closer collaboration with bat handlers is therefore mandatory to improve passive surveillance and decrypt the significance of serological data obtained up to now.
Collapse
|
39
|
The European Union summary report on trends and sources of zoonoses, zoonotic agents and food-borne outbreaks in 2017. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05500. [PMID: 32625785 PMCID: PMC7009540 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 517] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2017 in 37 European countries (28 Member States (MS) and nine non-MS). Campylobacteriosis was the commonest reported zoonosis and its EU trend for confirmed human cases increasing since 2008 stabilised during 2013-2017. The decreasing EU trend for confirmed human salmonellosis cases since 2008 ended during 2013-2017, and the proportion of human Salmonella Enteritidis cases increased, mostly due to one MS starting to report serotype data. Sixteen MS met all Salmonella reduction targets for poultry, whereas 12 MS failed meeting at least one. The EU flock prevalence of target Salmonella serovars in breeding hens, laying hens, broilers and fattening turkeys decreased or remained stable compared to 2016, and slightly increased in breeding turkeys. Salmonella results on pig carcases and target Salmonella serovar results for poultry from competent authorities tended to be generally higher compared to those from food business operators. The notification rate of human listeriosis further increased in 2017, despite Listeria seldom exceeding the EU food safety limit in ready-to-eat food. The decreasing EU trend for confirmed yersiniosis cases since 2008 stabilised during 2013-2017. The number of confirmed shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in humans was stable. A total of 5,079 food-borne (including waterborne) outbreaks were reported. Salmonella was the commonest detected agent with S. Enteritidis causing one out of seven outbreaks, followed by other bacteria, bacterial toxins and viruses. The agent was unknown in 37.6% of all outbreaks. Salmonella in eggs and Salmonella in meat and meat products were the highest risk agent/food pairs. The report further summarises trends and sources for bovine tuberculosis, Brucella, Trichinella, Echinococcus, Toxoplasma, rabies, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), West Nile virus and tularaemia.
Collapse
|
40
|
Picard-Meyer E, Beven V, Hirchaud E, Guillaume C, Larcher G, Robardet E, Servat A, Blanchard Y, Cliquet F. Lleida Bat Lyssavirus isolation in Miniopterus schreibersii in France. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 66:254-258. [PMID: 30460779 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Bat rabies cases are attributed in Europe to five different Lyssavirus species of 16 recognized Lyssavirus species causing rabies. One of the most genetically divergent Lyssavirus spp. has been detected in a dead Miniopterus schreibersii bat in France. Brain samples were found positive for the presence of antigen, infectious virus and viral RNA by classical virological methods and molecular methods respectively. The complete genome sequence was determined by next-generation sequencing. The analysis of the complete genome sequence confirmed the presence of Lleida bat lyssavirus (LLEBV) in bats in France with 99.7% of nucleotide identity with the Spanish LLEBV strain (KY006983).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexandre Servat
- ANSES-Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, Malzéville, France
| | | | - Florence Cliquet
- ANSES-Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, Malzéville, France
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Šimić I, Lojkić I, Krešić N, Cliquet F, Picard-Meyer E, Wasniewski M, Ćukušić A, Zrnčić V, Bedeković T. Molecular and serological survey of lyssaviruses in Croatian bat populations. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:274. [PMID: 30189884 PMCID: PMC6127996 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1592-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rabies is the only known zoonotic disease of bat origin in Europe. The disease is caused by species belonging to the genus Lyssavirus. Five Lyssavirus species, i.e., European bat lyssavirus (EBLV)-1, EBLV-2, Bokeloh bat lyssavirus, Lleida bat lyssavirus, and West Caucasian bat virus, have been identified in European bats. More recently, a proposed sixth species, Kotalahti bat lyssavirus, was detected. Thus, in this study, active surveillance was initiated in order to obtain insights into the prevalence of lyssaviruses in Croatian bat populations and to improve our understanding of the public health threat of infected bats. RESULTS In total, 455 bats were caught throughout Continental and Mediterranean Croatia. Antibodies were found in 20 of 350 bats (5.71%, 95% confidence interval 3.73-8.66). The majority of seropositive bats were found in Trbušnjak cave (Continental Croatia, Eastern part), and most seropositive bats belonged to Myotis myotis (13/20). All oropharyngeal swabs were negative for the presence of Lyssavirus. CONCLUSIONS The presence of lyssaviruses in bat populations was confirmed for the first time in Croatia and Southeastern Europe. The results of this study suggest the need for further comprehensive analyses of lyssaviruses in bats in this part of Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Šimić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Lojkić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Krešić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Florence Cliquet
- ANSES - Nancy Laboratory for rabies and wildlife, Batiment H CS 40009, 54220 Malzeville, France
| | - Evelyne Picard-Meyer
- ANSES - Nancy Laboratory for rabies and wildlife, Batiment H CS 40009, 54220 Malzeville, France
| | - Marine Wasniewski
- ANSES - Nancy Laboratory for rabies and wildlife, Batiment H CS 40009, 54220 Malzeville, France
| | - Anđela Ćukušić
- Croatian Biospeleological Society, Demetrova 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vida Zrnčić
- Croatian Biospeleological Society, Demetrova 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Comprehensive Analysis of Codon Usage on Rabies Virus and Other Lyssaviruses. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082397. [PMID: 30110957 PMCID: PMC6121662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies virus (RABV) and other lyssaviruses can cause rabies and rabies-like diseases, which are a persistent public health threat to humans and other mammals. Lyssaviruses exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of geographical distribution and host specificity, indicative of a long-standing diversification to adapt to the environment. However, the evolutionary diversity of lyssaviruses, in terms of codon usage, is still unclear. We found that RABV has the lowest codon usage bias among lyssaviruses strains, evidenced by its high mean effective number of codons (ENC) (53.84 ± 0.35). Moreover, natural selection is the driving force in shaping the codon usage pattern of these strains. In summary, our study sheds light on the codon usage patterns of lyssaviruses, which can aid in the development of control strategies and experimental research.
Collapse
|