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Zhu Y, Chaubey B, Olsen GL, Varani G. Structure of Essential RNA Regulatory Elements in the West Nile Virus 3'-Terminal Stem Loop. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168767. [PMID: 39214284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168767] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Flaviviruses, such as West Nile and Dengue Virus, pose a significant and growing threat to global health. Central to the flavivirus life cycle are highly structured 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs), which harbor conserved cis-acting RNA elements critical for viral replication and host adaptation. Despite their essential roles, detailed molecular insights into these RNA elements have been limited. By employing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in conjunction with SAXS experiments, we determined the three-dimensional structure of the West Nile Virus (WNV) 3'-terminal stem-loop core, a highly conserved element critical for viral genome cyclization and replication. Single nucleotide mutations at several sites within this RNA abolish the ability of the virus to replicate. These critical sites are located within a short 18-nucleotide hairpin stem, a substructure notable for its conformational flexibility, while the adjoining main stem-loop adopts a well-defined extended helix interrupted by three non-Watson-Crick pairs. This study enhances our understanding of several metastable RNA structures that play key roles in regulating the flavivirus lifecycle, and thereby also opens up potential new avenues for the development of antivirals targeting these conserved RNA structures. In particular, the structure we observe suggests that the plastic junction between the small hairpin and the tail of the longer stem-loop could provide a binding pocket for small molecules, for example potentially stabilizing the RNA in a conformation which hinders the conformational rearrangements critical for viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bhawna Chaubey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Gregory L Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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2
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Mead EB, Lee M, Trammell CE, Goodman AG. Drosophila melanogaster Limostatin and Its Human Ortholog Promote West Nile Virus Infection. INSECTS 2024; 15:446. [PMID: 38921161 PMCID: PMC11203814 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The arbovirus West Nile virus (WNV) is a danger to global health. Spread primarily by mosquitoes, WNV causes about 2000 cases per year in the United States. The natural mosquito immune response controls viral replication so that the host survives but can still transmit the virus. Using the genetically malleable Drosophila melanogaster model, we previously dissected innate immune pathways used to control WNV infection. Specifically, we showed that insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) activates a JAK/STAT-mediated immune response that reduces WNV. However, how factors that regulate IIS in insects control infection has not been identified. D. melanogaster Limostatin (Lst) encodes a peptide hormone that suppresses insulin secretion. Its mammalian ortholog, Neuromedin U (NMU), is a peptide that regulates the production and secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. In this study, we used D. melanogaster and human cell culture models to investigate the roles of these insulin regulators in immune signaling. We found that D. melanogaster Lst mutants, which have elevated insulin-like peptide expression, are less susceptible to WNV infection. Increased levels of insulin-like peptides in these flies result in upregulated JAK/STAT activity, leading to protection from infection. Treatment of human cells with the insulin regulator NMU results in increased WNV replication. Further investigation of methods to target Lst in mosquitoes or NMU in mammals can improve vector control methods and may lead to improved therapeutics for human and animal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra B. Mead
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Miyoung Lee
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Chasity E. Trammell
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Alan G. Goodman
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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3
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Cendejas PM, Goodman AG. Vaccination and Control Methods of West Nile Virus Infection in Equids and Humans. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:485. [PMID: 38793736 PMCID: PMC11125624 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050485] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is capable of causing severe neurologic disease in both humans and equines, making it a disease of importance in both human medicine and veterinary medicine. No targeted treatments exist for WNV infection in either humans or equines. Infection is treated symptomatically through management of symptoms like fever and seizures. As treatment for WNV is purely supportive, the response to WNV has focused primarily on methods of disease prevention. To this end, research efforts have yielded several effective vaccines for equine use as well as numerous conventional mosquito control techniques. Even with the implementation of these techniques, disease caused by WNV remains a concern since no human vaccine exists. Due to the lack of a human vaccine, novel preventative strategies are under active research and development. Of these strategies, some of the most conceptually promising are techniques using genetically modified mosquitoes, addressing the disease at the vector level with minimal ecological side effects. Taken together, the use of combined, synergistic methods, such as physical barriers, transgenic mosquitoes, and immunological targets, will be the best way to prevent WNV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker M. Cendejas
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Graduate Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Alan G. Goodman
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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4
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Matute DR, Cooper BS. Aedes albopictus is present in the lowlands of southern Zambia. Acta Trop 2024; 251:107115. [PMID: 38184292 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Identifying the current geographic range of disease vectors is a critical first step towards determining effective mechanisms for controlling and potentially eradicating them. This is particularly true given that historical vector ranges may expand due to changing climates and human activity. The Aedes subgenus Stegomyia contains over 100 species, and among them, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes represent the largest concern for public health, spreading dengue, chikungunya, and zika viruses. While Ae. aegypti has been observed in the country of Zambia for decades, Ae. albopictus has not. In 2015 we sampled four urban and three rural areas in Zambia for Aedes species. Using DNA barcoding, we confirmed the presence of immature and adult Ae. albopictus at two sites: Siavonga and Livingstone. These genotypes seem most closely related to specimens previously collected in Mozambique based on mtDNA barcoding. We resampled Siavonga and Livingstone sites in 2019, again observing immature and adult Ae. albopictus at both sites. Relative Ae. albopictus frequencies were similar between sites, with the exception of immature life stages, which were higher in Siavonga than in Livingstone in 2019. While Ae. albopictus frequencies did not vary through time in Livingstone, both immature and adult frequencies increased through time in Siavonga. This report serves to document the presence of Ae. albopictus in Zambia, which will contribute to understanding the potential public health implications of this disease vector in southern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Matute
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, 250 Bell Tower Drive, Genome Sciences Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27510, United States.
| | - Brandon S Cooper
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, United States
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5
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Hungwe FTT, Laycock KM, Ntereke TD, Mabaka R, Paganotti GM. A historical perspective on arboviruses of public health interest in Southern Africa. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:131-159. [PMID: 38082563 PMCID: PMC11141323 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2290375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses are an existing and expanding threat globally, with the potential for causing devastating health and socioeconomic impacts. Mitigating this threat necessitates a One Health approach that integrates vector surveillance, rapid disease detection, and innovative prevention and control measures. In Southern Africa, limited data on the epidemiology of arboviruses, their vectors, and their hosts prevent an effective response. We reviewed the current knowledge on arboviruses in Southern Africa and identified opportunities for further research. A literature search was conducted to identify studies published on arboviruses in 10 tropical and temperate countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from 1900 onward. We identified 280 studies, half (51.1%) originating from South Africa, that described 31 arboviral species, their vectors, and their clinical effects on hosts reported in the region. Arboviral research flourished in the SADC in the mid-20th century but then declined, before reemerging in the last two decades. Recent research consists largely of case reports describing outbreaks. Historical vector surveillance and serosurveys from the mid-20th century suggest that arboviruses are plentiful across Southern Africa, but large gaps remain in the current understanding of arboviral distribution, transmission dynamics, and public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith T. T. Hungwe
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katherine M. Laycock
- The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Rorisang Mabaka
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Giacomo M. Paganotti
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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Kaboré DPA, Soma DD, Gil P, Kientega M, Sawadogo SP, Ouédraogo GA, Van de Perre P, Baldet T, Gutierrez S, Dabiré RK. Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) populations in contrasting areas of the western regions of Burkina Faso: species diversity, abundance and their implications for pathogen transmission. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:438. [PMID: 38012775 PMCID: PMC10683243 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) can have a significant negative impact on human health. The urbanization of natural environments and their conversion for agricultural use, as well as human population growth, may affect mosquito populations and increase the risk of emerging or re-emerging mosquito-borne diseases. We report on the variety and number of adult mosquitoes found in four environments with varying degrees of human impact (rural, urban, rice fields, and forest) located in a savannah zone of West Africa. METHODS Mosquitoes were collected from two regions (Hauts-Bassins and Sud-Ouest) of Burkina Faso during five periods between August 2019 and June 2021. Sampling sites were grouped according to environment. Mosquitoes were collected using BG-Sentinel traps and double net traps, and Prokopack Aspirators. Statistical analyses were performed using R software version 4.1.2. Logistic regression, using generalised mixed linear models, was used to test the effect of environment on mosquito abundance and diversity. Alpha diversity analysis was also performed, using the vegan package. RESULTS A total of 10,625 adult mosquitoes were collected, belonging to 33 species and five genera: Culex, Aedes, Anopheles, Mansonia, and Ficalbia. The most dominant species were Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles gambiae sensu lato and Aedes aegypti. Alpha diversity was similar in the two regions. Habitat had a significant effect on mosquito species richness, the Shannon index and the Simpson index. The rural environment had the highest species richness (n = 28) followed by the forest environment (n = 24). The highest number of mosquitoes (4977/10,625) was collected in the urban environment. CONCLUSIONS The species composition of the mosquito populations depended on the type of environment, with fewer species in environments with a high human impact such as urban areas and rice fields. Due to the diversity and abundance of the mosquito vectors, the human populations of all of the environments examined are considered to be at potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier P Alexandre Kaboré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 01BP 545, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
- Université Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
| | - Dieudonné Diloma Soma
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 01BP 545, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Université Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Patricia Gil
- ASTRE Research Unit, CIRAD, INRAe, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Mahamadi Kientega
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 01BP 545, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Université Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Simon P Sawadogo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 01BP 545, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, EFS; CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Baldet
- ASTRE Research Unit, CIRAD, INRAe, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Serafin Gutierrez
- ASTRE Research Unit, CIRAD, INRAe, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Roch K Dabiré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 01BP 545, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
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Kobayashi S, Kawakami R, Takeda C, Maezono K, Thammahakin P, Eguchi H, Hang'ombe BM, Orba Y, Sawa H, Yoshii K, Kariwa H. Ubiquitin accumulation induced by the finger and palm sub-domains of NS5 modulates the replication of West Nile virus. Virology 2023; 588:109902. [PMID: 37856911 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109902] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) causes encephalitis in human and animals. WNV is phylogenetically classified into at least five distinct genetic lineages with different pathogenicity. The pathogenesis of West Nile encephalitis is affected by ubiquitin accumulation in infected cells, but the mechanism is unknown. In this study, the association between ubiquitin accumulation and WNV pathogenicity was investigated. Ubiquitin accumulation was detected in cells infected with NY99 strain belonging to lineage-1, but not FCG and Zmq16 strains belonging to lineage-2. Substitution of the Finger and Palm sub-domains of NS5 from lineage-1 to -2 decreased ubiquitin accumulation and viral replication. Furthermore, the survival rate was increased, and viral replication and ubiquitin accumulation in the brain were attenuated, in mice inoculated with the substituted WNV compared with lineage-1 WNV. Therefore, the intracellular ubiquitin accumulation induced by the Finger and Palm sub-domains of NS5 is linked to the differences in pathogenicity among WNV lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Public Health, Hokkaido University, N18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; Institute for Vaccine Research and Development (HU-IVReD), Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Ryoko Kawakami
- Laboratory of Public Health, Hokkaido University, N18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Chisaki Takeda
- Laboratory of Public Health, Hokkaido University, N18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Keisuke Maezono
- Laboratory of Public Health, Hokkaido University, N18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Passawat Thammahakin
- Laboratory of Public Health, Hokkaido University, N18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Haruto Eguchi
- Laboratory of Public Health, Hokkaido University, N18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Bernard M Hang'ombe
- Department of Para-Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia; Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development (HU-IVReD), Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan; Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, N20, W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development (HU-IVReD), Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan; Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, N20, W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan; Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kentaro Yoshii
- Laboratory of Public Health, Hokkaido University, N18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kariwa
- Laboratory of Public Health, Hokkaido University, N18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
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8
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Orba Y, Abu YE, Chambaro HM, Lundu T, Muleya W, Eshita Y, Qiu Y, Harima H, Kajihara M, Mori-Kajihara A, Matsuno K, Sasaki M, Hall WW, Hang'ombe BM, Sawa H. Expanding diversity of bunyaviruses identified in mosquitoes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18165. [PMID: 37875565 PMCID: PMC10598057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45443-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes interact with various organisms in the environment, and female mosquitoes in particular serve as vectors that directly transmit a number of microorganisms to humans and animals by blood-sucking. Comprehensive analysis of mosquito-borne viruses has led to the understanding of the existence of diverse viral species and to the identification of zoonotic arboviruses responsible for significant outbreaks and epidemics. In the present study on mosquito-borne bunyaviruses we employed a broad-spectrum RT-PCR approach and identified eighteen different additional species in the Phenuiviridae family and also a number of related but unclassified bunyaviruses in mosquitoes collected in Zambia. The entire RNA genome segments of the newly identified viruses were further analyzed by RNA sequencing with a ribonuclease R (RNase R) treatment to reduce host-derived RNAs and enrich viral RNAs, taking advantage of the dsRNA panhandle structure of the bunyavirus genome. All three or four genome segments were identified in eight bunyavirus species. Furthermore, L segments of three different novel viruses related to the Leishbunyaviridae were found in mosquitoes together with genes from the suspected host, the Crithidia parasite. In summary, our virus detection approach using a combination of broad-spectrum RT-PCR and RNA sequencing analysis with a simple virus enrichment method allowed the discovery of novel bunyaviruses. The diversity of bunyaviruses is still expanding and studies on this will allow a better understanding of the ecology of hematophagous mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20, W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan.
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Yusuf Eshimutu Abu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, 10101, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Herman M Chambaro
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20, W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
- Virology Unit, Central Veterinary Research Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tapiwa Lundu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, 10101, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, 10101, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Yuki Eshita
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hayato Harima
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akina Mori-Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Keita Matsuno
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michihito Sasaki
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20, W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - William W Hall
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bernard M Hang'ombe
- Department of Para-Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
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9
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Matute DR, Cooper BS. Aedes albopictus is present in the lowlands of southern Zambia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560125. [PMID: 37808696 PMCID: PMC10557682 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the current geographic range of disease vectors is a critical first step towards determining effective mechanisms for controlling and potentially eradicating them. This is particularly true given that historical vector ranges may expand due to changing climates and human activity. The Aedes subgenus Stegomyia contains over 100 species, and among them, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes represent the largest concern for public health, spreading dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. While Ae. aegypti has been observed in the country of Zambia for decades, Ae. albopictus has not. In 2015 we sampled four urban and two rural areas in Zambia for Aedes species. Using DNA barcoding, we confirmed the presence of immature and adult Ae. albopictus at two rural sites: Siavonga and Livingstone. These genotypes seem most closely related to specimens previously collected in Mozambique based on CO1 sequence from mtDNA. We resampled Siavonga and Livingstone sites in 2019, again observing immature and adult Ae. albopictus at both sites. Relative Ae. albopictus frequencies were similar between sites, with the exception of immature life stages, which were higher in Siavonga than in Livingstone in 2019. While Ae. albopictus frequencies did not vary through time in Livingstone, both immature and adult frequencies increased through time in Siavonga. This report serves to document the presence of Ae. albopictus in Zambia, which will contribute to the process of determining the potential public health implications of this disease vector in Central Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Matute
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, 250 Bell Tower Drive, Genome Sciences Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27510
| | - Brandon S Cooper
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812
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10
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Velu RM, Kwenda G, Bosomprah S, Chisola MN, Simunyandi M, Chisenga CC, Bumbangi FN, Sande NC, Simubali L, Mburu MM, Tembo J, Bates M, Simuunza MC, Chilengi R, Orba Y, Sawa H, Simulundu E. Ecological Niche Modeling of Aedes and Culex Mosquitoes: A Risk Map for Chikungunya and West Nile Viruses in Zambia. Viruses 2023; 15:1900. [PMID: 37766306 PMCID: PMC10535978 DOI: 10.3390/v15091900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The circulation of both West Nile Virus (WNV) and Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) in humans and animals, coupled with a favorable tropical climate for mosquito proliferation in Zambia, call for the need for a better understanding of the ecological and epidemiological factors that govern their transmission dynamics in this region. This study aimed to examine the contribution of climatic variables to the distribution of Culex and Aedes mosquito species, which are potential vectors of CHIKV, WNV, and other arboviruses of public-health concern. Mosquitoes collected from Lusaka as well as from the Central and Southern provinces of Zambia were sorted by species within the Culex and Aedes genera, both of which have the potential to transmit viruses. The MaxEnt software was utilized to predict areas at risk of WNV and CHIKV based on the occurrence data on mosquitoes and environmental covariates. The model predictions show three distinct spatial hotspots, ranging from the high-probability regions to the medium- and low-probability regions. Regions along Lake Kariba, the Kafue River, and the Luangwa Rivers, as well as along the Mumbwa, Chibombo, Kapiri Mposhi, and Mpika districts were predicted to be suitable habitats for both species. The rainfall and temperature extremes were the most contributing variables in the predictive models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Milomba Velu
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (S.B.); (M.S.); (C.C.C.); (R.C.)
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.C.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Geoffrey Kwenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia;
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (S.B.); (M.S.); (C.C.C.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana
| | - Moses Ngongo Chisola
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia;
| | - Michelo Simunyandi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (S.B.); (M.S.); (C.C.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Caroline Cleopatra Chisenga
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (S.B.); (M.S.); (C.C.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Flavien Nsoni Bumbangi
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Eden University, Lusaka P.O. Box 37727, Zambia;
| | - Nicholus Chintu Sande
- National Malaria Elimination Centre, Chainama Hills Hospital Grounds, Lusaka P.O. Box 32509, Zambia;
| | - Limonty Simubali
- Macha Research Trust, Choma P.O. Box 630166, Zambia; (L.S.); (M.M.M.)
| | | | - John Tembo
- HerpeZ, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (J.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Matthew Bates
- HerpeZ, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (J.T.); (M.B.)
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Martin Chitolongo Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.C.S.); (H.S.)
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (S.B.); (M.S.); (C.C.C.); (R.C.)
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka P.O. Box 51925, Zambia
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0808, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.C.S.); (H.S.)
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0808, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.C.S.); (H.S.)
- Macha Research Trust, Choma P.O. Box 630166, Zambia; (L.S.); (M.M.M.)
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11
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An unusually long Rift valley fever inter-epizootic period in Zambia: Evidence for enzootic virus circulation and risk for disease outbreak. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010420. [PMID: 35653390 PMCID: PMC9197056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne disease of animals and humans. Although RVF outbreaks are usually reported at 5-15-year intervals in sub-Saharan Africa, Zambia has experienced an unusually long inter-epizootic/-epidemic period of more than three decades. However, serological evidence of RVF virus (RVFV) infection in domestic ruminants during this period underscores the need for comprehensive investigation of the mechanisms of virus perpetuation and disease emergence. Mosquitoes (n = 16,778) captured from eight of the ten provinces of Zambia between April 2014 and May 2019 were pooled (n = 961) and screened for RVFV genome by a pan-phlebo RT-PCR assay. Aedes mosquito pools (n = 85) were further screened by nested RT-PCR assay. Sera from sheep (n = 13), goats (n = 259) and wild ungulates (n = 285) were screened for RVFV antibodies by ELISA while genome detection in pooled sera (n = 276) from domestic (n = 248) and wild ungulates (n = 37) was performed by real-time RT-PCR assay. To examine the association between the long inter-epizootic period and climatic variables, we examined El Niño-Southern Oscillation indices, precipitation anomalies, and normalized difference vegetation index. We then derived RVF risk maps by exploring climatic variables that would favor emergence of primary RVFV vectors. While no RVFV genome could be detected in pooled mosquito and serum samples, seroprevalence was significantly high (OR = 8.13, 95% CI [4.63–14.25]) in wild ungulates (33.7%; 96/285) compared to domestic ruminants (5.6%; 16/272). Retrospective analysis of RVF epizootics in Zambia showed a positive correlation between anomalous precipitation (La Niña) and disease emergence. On risk mapping, whilst northern and eastern parts of the country were at high risk, domestic ruminant population density was low (< 21 animals/km2) in these areas compared to low risk areas (>21 animals/km2). Besides evidence of silent circulation of RVFV and the risk of disease emergence in some areas, wildlife may play a role in the maintenance of RVFV in Zambia. Rift valley fever (RVF) is an important mosquito borne disease of humans and ruminants. RVF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa where disease outbreaks are frequently reported in humans and animals. For RVF outbreaks to occur, there has to be presence of the host (animals or humans) and favorable climatic conditions that favor emergence of RVF virus vectors (mosquitoes). Understanding this complex interaction enables us to predict future disease outbreaks and map RVF high risk areas. Above normal rainfall and floods will usually trigger RVF outbreaks. In this study, we conducted surveillance for RVF in mosquitoes, domestic and wild ruminants. We then examined climatic conditions that may have been responsible for past RVF outbreaks and the unusually (>30 years) long inter-epizootic period. Finally, we derived RVF risk maps for Zambia using a combination of climatic variables. We found evidence of RVF infection in both wild and domestic ruminants while there was a positive correlation between past RVF outbreaks and above-normal rainfall. On risk mapping, we found favorable conditions (i.e. high rainfall and risk of flooding) for RVF emergence in northern and eastern parts of the country. Studies like this are important in planning surveillance and disease control programs.
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Stoek F, Barry Y, Ba A, Schulz A, Rissmann M, Wylezich C, Sadeghi B, Beyit AD, Eisenbarth A, N’diaye FB, Haki ML, Doumbia BA, Gueya MB, Bah MY, Eiden M, Groschup MH. Mosquito survey in Mauritania: Detection of Rift Valley fever virus and dengue virus and the determination of feeding patterns. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010203. [PMID: 35427361 PMCID: PMC9113561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In Mauritania, several mosquito-borne viruses have been reported that can cause devastating diseases in animals and humans. However, monitoring data on their occurrence and local distribution are limited. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arthropod-borne virus that causes major outbreaks throughout the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula. The first Rift Valley fever (RVF) epidemic in Mauritania occurred in 1987 and since then the country has been affected by recurrent outbreaks of the disease. To gain information on the occurrence of RVFV as well as other mosquito-borne viruses and their vectors in Mauritania, we collected and examined 4,950 mosquitoes, belonging to four genera and 14 species. The mosquitoes were captured during 2018 in the capital Nouakchott and in southern parts of Mauritania. Evidence of RVFV was found in a mosquito pool of female Anopheles pharoensis mosquitoes collected in December on a farm near the Senegal River. At that time, 37.5% of 16 tested Montbéliarde cattle on the farm showed RVFV-specific IgM antibodies. Additionally, we detected IgM antibodies in 10.7% of 28 indigenous cattle that had been sampled on the same farm one month earlier. To obtain information on potential RVFV reservoir hosts, blood meals of captured engorged mosquitoes were analyzed. The mosquitoes mainly fed on humans (urban areas) and cattle (rural areas), but also on small ruminants, donkeys, cats, dogs and straw-colored fruit bats. Results of this study demonstrate the circulation of RVFV in Mauritania and thus the need for further research to investigate the distribution of the virus and its vectors. Furthermore, factors that may contribute to its maintenance should be analyzed more closely. In addition, two mosquito pools containing Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes showed evidence of dengue virus (DENV) 2 circulation in the city of Rosso. Further studies are therefore needed to also examine DENV circulation in Mauritania. In Mauritania, various mosquito-borne viruses responsible for devastating diseases in livestock and/or humans occur, threatening both human and animal health. One of these viruses is the Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV), which is widespread throughout the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula. The first outbreak in Mauritania occurred in 1987, and epidemics have recurred since then. However, little is known about the maintenance of RVFV during inter-epidemic periods, in the absence of reported outbreaks, and although there is evidence of an active circulation of the virus during these times, only limited data are available on the abundance of RVFV and its vectors in Mauritania. Therefore, this study aimed to collect and examine mosquitoes in different areas where outbreaks have already occurred. Additionally, blood of collected blood-fed mosquitoes was analyzed to identify feeding patterns and thus wildlife potentially acting as RVFV reservoir hosts. Furthermore, the collected mosquitoes were analyzed for the presence of other neglected viruses in order to participate in an elucidation of the circulation of different viruses within the mosquito population in Mauritania and to be able to better prevent disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Stoek
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Yahya Barry
- Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Aliou Ba
- Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Ansgar Schulz
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Claudia Wylezich
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Balal Sadeghi
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Abdellahi Diambar Beyit
- Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Albert Eisenbarth
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Mohamed Lemine Haki
- Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | | | | | | | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- * E-mail:
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13
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Mubemba B, Mburu MM, Changula K, Muleya W, Moonga LC, Chambaro HM, Kajihara M, Qiu Y, Orba Y, Hayashida K, Sutcliffe CG, Norris DE, Thuma PE, Ndubani P, Chitanga S, Sawa H, Takada A, Simulundu E. Current knowledge of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia: A clarion call to scaling-up "One Health" research in the wake of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010193. [PMID: 35120135 PMCID: PMC8849493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although vector-borne zoonotic diseases are a major public health threat globally, they are usually neglected, especially among resource-constrained countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. This scoping review examined the current knowledge and identified research gaps of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. Methods and findings Major scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, CABI, Scientific Information Database (SID)) were searched for articles describing vector-borne (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and tsetse flies) zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. Several mosquito-borne arboviruses have been reported including Yellow fever, Ntaya, Mayaro, Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, Sindbis, and Rift Valley fever viruses. Flea-borne zoonotic pathogens reported include Yersinia pestis and Rickettsia felis. Trypanosoma sp. was the only tsetse fly-borne pathogen identified. Further, tick-borne zoonotic pathogens reported included Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever virus, Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia sp., Borrelia sp., and Coxiella burnetii. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of many vector-borne zoonotic pathogens circulating in vectors and animals in Zambia. Though reports of human clinical cases were limited, several serological studies provided considerable evidence of zoonotic transmission of vector-borne pathogens in humans. However, the disease burden in humans attributable to vector-borne zoonotic infections could not be ascertained from the available reports and this precludes the formulation of national policies that could help in the control and mitigation of the impact of these diseases in Zambia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to scale-up “One Health” research in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases to enable the country to prepare for future epidemics, including pandemics. Despite vector-borne zoonoses being a major public health threat globally, they are often overlooked, particularly among resource-constrained countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia. Therefore, we reviewed the current knowledge and identified research gaps of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. We focussed on mosquito-, tick-, flea- and tsetse fly-borne zoonotic pathogens reported in the country. Although we found evidence of circulation of several vector-borne zoonotic pathogens among vectors, animals and humans, clinical cases in humans were rarely reported. This suggests sparse capacity for diagnosis of vector-borne pathogens in healthcare facilities in the country and possibly limited awareness and knowledge of the local epidemiology of these infectious agents. Establishment of facility-based surveillance of vector-borne zoonoses in health facilities could provide valuable insights on morbidity, disease severity, and mortalities associated with infections as well as immune responses. In addition, there is also need for increased genomic surveillance of vector-borne pathogens in vectors and animals and humans for a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of these diseases in Zambia. Furthermore, vector ecology studies aimed at understanding the drivers of vector abundance, pathogen host range (i.e., including the range of vectors and reservoirs), parasite-host interactions and factors influencing frequency of human-vector contacts should be prioritized. The study revealed the need for Zambia to scale-up One Health research in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases to enable the country to be better prepared for future epidemics, including pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lavel C. Moonga
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Herman M. Chambaro
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Division of International Research Promotion, Hokkaido University International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Catherine G. Sutcliffe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Douglas E. Norris
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | | | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Division of International Research Promotion, Hokkaido University International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- * E-mail: (AT); (ES)
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- * E-mail: (AT); (ES)
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Cross DE, Healey AJE, McKeown NJ, Thomas CJ, Macarie NA, Siaziyu V, Singini D, Liywalii F, Sakala J, Silumesii A, Shaw PW. Temporally consistent predominance and distribution of secondary malaria vectors in the Anopheles community of the upper Zambezi floodplain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:240. [PMID: 34997149 PMCID: PMC8742069 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04314-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional optimisation of malaria vector control approaches requires detailed understanding both of the species composition of Anopheles mosquito communities, and how they vary over spatial and temporal scales. Knowledge of vector community dynamics is particularly important in settings where ecohydrological conditions fluctuate seasonally and inter-annually, such as the Barotse floodplain of the upper Zambezi river. DNA barcoding of anopheline larvae sampled in the 2019 wet season revealed the predominance of secondary vector species, with An. coustani comprising > 80% of sampled larvae and distributed ubiquitously across all ecological zones. Extensive larval sampling, plus a smaller survey of adult mosquitoes, identified geographic clusters of primary vectors, but represented only 2% of anopheline larvae. Comparisons with larval surveys in 2017/2018 and a contemporaneous independent 5-year dataset from adult trapping corroborated this paucity of primary vectors across years, and the consistent numerical dominance of An. coustani and other secondary vectors in both dry and wet seasons, despite substantial inter-annual variation in hydrological conditions. This marked temporal consistency of spatial distribution and anopheline community composition presents an opportunity to target predominant secondary vectors outdoors. Larval source management should be considered, alongside prevalent indoor-based approaches, amongst a diversification of vector control approaches to more effectively combat residual malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dónall Eoin Cross
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FG, UK
| | - Amy J E Healey
- Lincoln Centre for Water and Planetary Health, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Niall J McKeown
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FG, UK
| | - Christopher James Thomas
- Lincoln Centre for Water and Planetary Health, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Nicolae Adrian Macarie
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FG, UK
| | - Vincent Siaziyu
- Limulunga District Health Office, P.O. Box 910022, Mongu, Zambia
| | - Douglas Singini
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Francis Liywalii
- Provincial Health Office, Western Province, P.O. Box 910022, Mongu, Zambia
| | - Jacob Sakala
- Provincial Health Office, Western Province, P.O. Box 910022, Mongu, Zambia
| | | | - Paul W Shaw
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FG, UK
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15
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Sasaki M. [Investigation of viruses harbored by wild animals: toward pre-emptive measures against future zoonotic diseases]. Uirusu 2022; 72:79-86. [PMID: 37899234 DOI: 10.2222/jsv.72.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Zoonoses are caused by pathogens transmitted from animals. To prepare mitigating measures against emerging zoonoses, it is imperative to identify animal reservoirs that carry potential pathogens and also elucidate the transmission routes of these pathogens. Under the continuous collaboration with counterparts from Zambia and Indonesia, we have so far identified various viruses in wild animals. Some of the identified viruses were phylogenetically distinct from known virus species and this finding led to approved new virus species by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Our studies provided new insights into the divergence, natural hosts and lifecycle of viruses. Through the exploration and characterization of viruses in animals, we will endeavor to contribute to the existing knowledge on viral pathogens in wild animals. This is cardinal for evidence-based preemptive measures against future zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihito Sasaki
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control,Hokkaido University
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16
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Srihi H, Chatti N, Ben Mhadheb M, Gharbi J, Abid N. Phylodynamic and phylogeographic analysis of the complete genome of the West Nile virus lineage 2 (WNV-2) in the Mediterranean basin. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:183. [PMID: 34579648 PMCID: PMC8477494 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01902-w] [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: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The West Nile virus is a highly contagious agent for a wide range of hosts. Its spread in the Mediterranean region raises several questions about its origin and the risk factors underlying the virus’s dispersal. Materials and methods The present study aims to reconstruct the temporal and spatial phylodynamics of West Nile virus lineage 2 in the Mediterranean region using 75 complete genome sequences from different host species retrieved from international databases. Results This data set suggests that current strains of WNV-2 began spreading in South Africa or nearby regions in the early twentieth century, and it migrated northwards via at least one route crossing the Mediterranean to reach Hungary in the early 2000s, before spreading throughout Europe. Another introduction event, according to the data set collected and analyses performed, is inferred to have occurred in around 1978. Migratory birds constitute, among others, additional risk factors that enhance the geographical transmission of the infection.
Conclusion Our data underline the importance of the spatial–temporal tracking of migratory birds and phylodynamic reconstruction in setting up an efficient surveillance system for emerging and reemerging zoonoses in the Mediterranean region. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-021-01902-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haythem Srihi
- Research Unit UR17ES30 "Genomics, Biotechnology and Antiviral Strategies", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tahar Hadded Avenue, PB 74, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Noureddine Chatti
- Research Unit UR17ES30 "Genomics, Biotechnology and Antiviral Strategies", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tahar Hadded Avenue, PB 74, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Manel Ben Mhadheb
- Research Unit UR17ES30 "Genomics, Biotechnology and Antiviral Strategies", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tahar Hadded Avenue, PB 74, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Jawhar Gharbi
- Research Unit UR17ES30 "Genomics, Biotechnology and Antiviral Strategies", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tahar Hadded Avenue, PB 74, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.,Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, PB 400, Post Code 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil Abid
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances LR99ES27, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Ibn Sina Street, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia. .,High Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, Department of Biotechnology, University of Manouba, BiotechPôlet Sidi Thabet, PB 66, 2020, Ariana-Tunis, Tunisia.
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Velu RM, Kwenda G, Libonda L, Chisenga CC, Flavien BN, Chilyabanyama ON, Simunyandi M, Bosomprah S, Sande NC, Changula K, Muleya W, Mburu MM, Mubemba B, Chitanga S, Tembo J, Bates M, Kapata N, Orba Y, Kajihara M, Takada A, Sawa H, Chilengi R, Simulundu E. Mosquito-Borne Viral Pathogens Detected in Zambia: A Systematic Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081007. [PMID: 34451471 PMCID: PMC8401848 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging mosquito-borne viral diseases are a threat to global health. This systematic review aimed to investigate the available evidence of mosquito-borne viral pathogens reported in Zambia. A search of literature was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published from 1 January 1930 to 30 June 2020 using a combination of keywords. Eight mosquito-borne viruses belonging to three families, Togaviridae, Flaviviridae and Phenuiviridae were reported. Three viruses (Chikungunya virus, Mayaro virus, Mwinilunga virus) were reported among the togaviruses whilst four (dengue virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, Zika virus) were among the flavivirus and only one virus, Rift Valley fever virus, was reported in the Phenuiviridae family. The majority of these mosquito-borne viruses were reported in Western and North-Western provinces. Aedes and Culex species were the main mosquito-borne viral vectors reported. Farming, fishing, movement of people and rain patterns were among factors associated with mosquito-borne viral infection in Zambia. Better diagnostic methods, such as the use of molecular tools, to detect the viruses in potential vectors, humans, and animals, including the recognition of arboviral risk zones and how the viruses circulate, are important for improved surveillance and design of effective prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Milomba Velu
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (C.C.C.); (O.N.C.); (M.S.); (S.B.); (R.C.)
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (N.C.S.); (A.T.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: (R.M.V.); (H.S.)
| | - Geoffrey Kwenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia; (G.K.); (S.C.)
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Liyali Libonda
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Eden University, Lusaka P.O. Box 37727, Zambia; (L.L.); (B.N.F.)
| | - Caroline Cleopatra Chisenga
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (C.C.C.); (O.N.C.); (M.S.); (S.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Bumbangi Nsoni Flavien
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Eden University, Lusaka P.O. Box 37727, Zambia; (L.L.); (B.N.F.)
| | | | - Michelo Simunyandi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (C.C.C.); (O.N.C.); (M.S.); (S.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (C.C.C.); (O.N.C.); (M.S.); (S.B.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana
| | - Nicholus Chintu Sande
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (N.C.S.); (A.T.); (E.S.)
| | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia;
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia;
| | | | - Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Zoology and Aquatic Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe P.O. Box 21692, Zambia;
| | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia; (G.K.); (S.C.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek Private Bag 13301, Namibia
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - John Tembo
- HerpeZ Infection Research and Training, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka Private Bag RW1X Ridgeway, Lusaka P.O. Box 10101, Zambia; (J.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Matthew Bates
- HerpeZ Infection Research and Training, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka Private Bag RW1X Ridgeway, Lusaka P.O. Box 10101, Zambia; (J.T.); (M.B.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Nathan Kapata
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka P.O. Box 30205, Zambia;
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - Ayato Takada
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (N.C.S.); (A.T.); (E.S.)
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (N.C.S.); (A.T.); (E.S.)
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
- Global Virus Network, 725 W Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence: (R.M.V.); (H.S.)
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (C.C.C.); (O.N.C.); (M.S.); (S.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (N.C.S.); (A.T.); (E.S.)
- Macha Research Trust, Choma P.O. Box 630166, Zambia;
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18
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Simulundu E, Ndashe K, Chambaro HM, Squarre D, Reilly PM, Chitanga S, Changula K, Mukubesa AN, Ndebe J, Tembo J, Kapata N, Bates M, Sinkala Y, Hang'ombe BM, Nalubamba KS, Kajihara M, Sasaki M, Orba Y, Takada A, Sawa H. West Nile Virus in Farmed Crocodiles, Zambia, 2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:811-814. [PMID: 32187004 PMCID: PMC7101096 DOI: 10.3201/eid2604.190954] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected West Nile virus (WNV) nucleic acid in crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in Zambia. Phylogenetically, the virus belonged to lineage 1a, which is predominant in the Northern Hemisphere. These data provide evidence that WNV is circulating in crocodiles in Africa and increases the risk for animal and human transmission.
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19
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Orba Y, Matsuno K, Nakao R, Kryukov K, Saito Y, Kawamori F, Loza Vega A, Watanabe T, Maemura T, Sasaki M, Hall WW, Hall RA, Pereira JA, Nakagawa S, Sawa H. Diverse mosquito-specific flaviviruses in the Bolivian Amazon basin. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 33416463 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Flavivirus includes a range of mosquito-specific viruses in addition to well-known medically important arboviruses. Isolation and comprehensive genomic analyses of viruses in mosquitoes collected in Bolivia resulted in the identification of three novel flavivirus species. Psorophora flavivirus (PSFV) was isolated from Psorophora albigenu. The coding sequence of the PSFV polyprotein shares 60 % identity with that of the Aedes-associated lineage II insect-specific flavivirus (ISF), Marisma virus. Isolated PSFV replicates in both Aedes albopictus- and Aedes aegypti-derived cells, but not in mammalian Vero or BHK-21 cell lines. Two other flaviviruses, Ochlerotatus scapularis flavivirus (OSFV) and Mansonia flavivirus (MAFV), which were identified from Ochlerotatus scapularis and Mansonia titillans, respectively, group with the classical lineage I ISFs. The protein coding sequences of these viruses share only 60 and 40 % identity with the most closely related of known lineage I ISFs, including Xishuangbanna aedes flavivirus and Sabethes flavivirus, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that MAFV is clearly distinct from the groups of the current known Culicinae-associated lineage I ISFs. Interestingly, the predicted amino acid sequence of the MAFV capsid protein is approximately two times longer than that of any of the other known flaviviruses. Our results indicate that flaviviruses with distinct features can be found at the edge of the Bolivian Amazon basin at sites that are also home to dense populations of human-biting mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Orba
- International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Keita Matsuno
- Unit of Risk Analysis and Management, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kirill Kryukov
- Department of Genomics and Evolutionary Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yumi Saito
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Kawamori
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Gabriel Rene Moreno Autonomous University, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
| | - Ariel Loza Vega
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Gabriel Rene Moreno Autonomous University, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
| | - Tokiko Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tadashi Maemura
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michihito Sasaki
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - William W Hall
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Roy A Hall
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juan Antonio Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Gabriel Rene Moreno Autonomous University, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
| | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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20
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Discoveries of Exoribonuclease-Resistant Structures of Insect-Specific Flaviviruses Isolated in Zambia. Viruses 2020; 12:v12091017. [PMID: 32933075 PMCID: PMC7551683 DOI: 10.3390/v12091017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To monitor the arthropod-borne virus transmission in mosquitoes, we have attempted both to detect and isolate viruses from 3304 wild-caught female mosquitoes in the Livingstone (Southern Province) and Mongu (Western Province) regions in Zambia in 2017. A pan-flavivirus RT-PCR assay was performed to identify flavivirus genomes in total RNA extracted from mosquito lysates, followed by virus isolation and full genome sequence analysis using next-generation sequencing and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. We isolated a newly identified Barkedji virus (BJV Zambia) (10,899 nt) and a novel flavivirus, tentatively termed Barkedji-like virus (BJLV) (10,885 nt) from Culex spp. mosquitoes which shared 96% and 75% nucleotide identity with BJV which has been isolated in Israel, respectively. These viruses could replicate in C6/36 cells but not in mammalian and avian cell lines. In parallel, a comparative genomics screening was conducted to study evolutionary traits of the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of isolated viruses. Bioinformatic analyses of the secondary structures in the UTRs of both viruses revealed that the 5'-UTRs exhibit canonical stem-loop structures, while the 3'-UTRs contain structural homologs to exoribonuclease-resistant RNAs (xrRNAs), SL-III, dumbbell, and terminal stem-loop (3'SL) structures. The function of predicted xrRNA structures to stop RNA degradation by Xrn1 exoribonuclease was further proved by the in vitro Xrn1 resistance assay.
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21
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Chambaro HM, Sasaki M, Simulundu E, Silwamba I, Sinkala Y, Gonzalez G, Squarre D, Fandamu P, Lubaba CH, Munyeme M, Maseko A, Chimvwele C, Mataa L, Mooya LE, Mukubesa AN, Harima H, Samui KL, Munang’andu HM, Simuunza M, Nalubamba KS, Qiu Y, Carr MJ, Hall WW, Eshita Y, Sawa H, Orba Y. Co-Circulation of Multiple Serotypes of Bluetongue Virus in Zambia. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090963. [PMID: 32878170 PMCID: PMC7552058 DOI: 10.3390/v12090963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue (BT) is an arthropod-borne viral disease of ruminants with serious trade and socio-economic implications. Although the disease has been reported in a number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, there is currently no information on circulating serotypes and disease distribution in Zambia. Following surveillance for BT in domestic and wild ruminants in Zambia, BT virus (BTV) nucleic acid and antibodies were detected in eight of the 10 provinces of the country. About 40% (87/215) of pooled blood samples from cattle and goats were positive for BTV nucleic acid, while one hartebeest pool (1/43) was positive among wildlife samples. Sequence analysis of segment 2 revealed presence of serotypes 3, 5, 7, 12 and 15, with five nucleotypes (B, E, F, G and J) being identified. Segment 10 phylogeny showed Zambian BTV sequences clustering with Western topotype strains from South Africa, intimating likely transboundary spread of BTV in Southern Africa. Interestingly, two Zambian viruses and one isolate from Israel formed a novel clade, which we designated as Western topotype 4. The high seroprevalence (96.2%) in cattle from Lusaka and Central provinces and co-circulation of multiple serotypes showed that BT is widespread, underscoring the need for prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman M. Chambaro
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.S.); (H.H.); (H.S.)
- Virology Unit, Central Veterinary Research Institute, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.S.); (P.F.); (C.H.L.); (A.M.); (C.C.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: (H.M.C.); (E.S.); (Y.O.); Tel.: +81-80-1375-4174 (H.M.C.); +26-09-7746-9479 (E.S.); +81-11-706-5185 (Y.O.)
| | - Michihito Sasaki
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.S.); (H.H.); (H.S.)
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (I.S.); (M.M.); (A.N.M.); (K.L.S.); (M.S.); (K.S.N.)
- Macha Research Trust, Choma 10101, Zambia
- Correspondence: (H.M.C.); (E.S.); (Y.O.); Tel.: +81-80-1375-4174 (H.M.C.); +26-09-7746-9479 (E.S.); +81-11-706-5185 (Y.O.)
| | - Isaac Silwamba
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (I.S.); (M.M.); (A.N.M.); (K.L.S.); (M.S.); (K.S.N.)
| | - Yona Sinkala
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.S.); (P.F.); (C.H.L.); (A.M.); (C.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Gabriel Gonzalez
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, School of Medicine, Dublin DO4V1W8, Ireland; (G.G.); (M.J.C.); (W.W.H.)
| | - David Squarre
- The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK;
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Chilanga 10101, Zambia
| | - Paul Fandamu
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.S.); (P.F.); (C.H.L.); (A.M.); (C.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Caesar H. Lubaba
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.S.); (P.F.); (C.H.L.); (A.M.); (C.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Musso Munyeme
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (I.S.); (M.M.); (A.N.M.); (K.L.S.); (M.S.); (K.S.N.)
| | - Alikhadio Maseko
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.S.); (P.F.); (C.H.L.); (A.M.); (C.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Choopa Chimvwele
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.S.); (P.F.); (C.H.L.); (A.M.); (C.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Liywalii Mataa
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.S.); (P.F.); (C.H.L.); (A.M.); (C.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Lynnfield E. Mooya
- Virology Unit, Central Veterinary Research Institute, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.S.); (P.F.); (C.H.L.); (A.M.); (C.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Andrew N. Mukubesa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (I.S.); (M.M.); (A.N.M.); (K.L.S.); (M.S.); (K.S.N.)
| | - Hayato Harima
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.S.); (H.H.); (H.S.)
| | - Kenny L. Samui
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (I.S.); (M.M.); (A.N.M.); (K.L.S.); (M.S.); (K.S.N.)
| | - Hetron M. Munang’andu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 0454 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Martin Simuunza
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (I.S.); (M.M.); (A.N.M.); (K.L.S.); (M.S.); (K.S.N.)
| | - King S. Nalubamba
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (I.S.); (M.M.); (A.N.M.); (K.L.S.); (M.S.); (K.S.N.)
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.Q.); (Y.E.)
| | - Michael J. Carr
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, School of Medicine, Dublin DO4V1W8, Ireland; (G.G.); (M.J.C.); (W.W.H.)
- International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - William W. Hall
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, School of Medicine, Dublin DO4V1W8, Ireland; (G.G.); (M.J.C.); (W.W.H.)
- International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Yuki Eshita
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (Y.Q.); (Y.E.)
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.S.); (H.H.); (H.S.)
- International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.S.); (H.H.); (H.S.)
- International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Correspondence: (H.M.C.); (E.S.); (Y.O.); Tel.: +81-80-1375-4174 (H.M.C.); +26-09-7746-9479 (E.S.); +81-11-706-5185 (Y.O.)
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Systematic Review of Important Viral Diseases in Africa in Light of the 'One Health' Concept. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9040301. [PMID: 32325980 PMCID: PMC7238228 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases are of great public health concern. The recent emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 in China, which causes COVID-19 disease in humans, and its current spread to several countries, leading to the first pandemic in history to be caused by a coronavirus, highlights the significance of zoonotic viral diseases. Rift Valley fever, rabies, West Nile, chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Ebola, and influenza viruses among many other viruses have been reported from different African countries. The paucity of information, lack of knowledge, limited resources, and climate change, coupled with cultural traditions make the African continent a hotspot for vector-borne and zoonotic viral diseases, which may spread globally. Currently, there is no information available on the status of virus diseases in Africa. This systematic review highlights the available information about viral diseases, including zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, reported in Africa. The findings will help us understand the trend of emerging and re-emerging virus diseases within the African continent. The findings recommend active surveillance of viral diseases and strict implementation of One Health measures in Africa to improve human public health and reduce the possibility of potential pandemics due to zoonotic viruses.
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23
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[Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses)]. Uirusu 2020; 70:3-14. [PMID: 33967110 DOI: 10.2222/jsv.70.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
"Arbovirus" is a term for a virus transmitted to mammals by hematophagous arthropods; arboviruses; replicate in both mammals and arthropods. Since the life cycle of arboviruses is highly dependent on arthropods, control of the arthropods (vectors) is generally considered important for the control of arbovirus infection. Various pathogens that cause diseases in the medical and veterinary fields are grouped into arboviruses with a history of their discoveries since the early 20th century. Furthermore, because of recent advances in sequencing technology, new arboviruses have been discovered one after another. Here we would like to overview the known arboviruses and their infections.
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