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Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Cano-Gómez C, Villalba R, Borges V, Agüero M, Bravo-Barriga D, Frontera E, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Fernández-Pinero J. The key role of Spain in the traffic of West Nile virus lineage 1 strains between Europe and Africa. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38836293 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2348633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile Virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arbovirus worldwide spread. Seasonal WNV outbreaks occur in the Mediterranean basin since the late 1990's with ever-increasing incidence. In Southern Spain WNV is endemic, as disease foci - caused by WNV lineage 1 (WNV-L1) strains - occur every year. On the contrary, WNV-L2 is the dominant lineage in Europe, so most European WNV sequences available belong to this lineage, WNV-L1 sequences being still scarce. METHODS To fill this gap, this study reports the genetic characterisation of 27 newly described WNV-L1 strains, involved in outbreaks affecting wild birds and horses during the last decade in South-Western Spain. RESULTS All strains except one belong to the Western Mediterranean-1 sub-cluster (WMed-1), related phylogenetically to Italian, French, Portuguese, Moroccan and, remarkably, Senegalese strains. This sub-cluster persisted, spread and evolved into three distinguishable WMed-1 phylogenetic groups that co-circulated, notably, in the same province (Cádiz). They displayed different behaviours: from long-term persistence and rapid spread to neighbouring regions within Spain, to long-distance spread to different countries, including transcontinental spread to Africa. Among the different introductions of WNV in Spain revealed in this study, some of them succeeded to get established, some extinguished from the territory shortly afterwards. Furthermore, Spain's southernmost province, Cádiz, constitutes a hotspot for virus incursion. CONCLUSION Southern Spain seems a likely scenario for emergence of exotic pathogens of African origin. Therefore, circulation of diverse WNV-L1 variants in Spain prompts for an extensive surveillance under a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Cano-Gómez
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Rubén Villalba
- Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), Algete, Spain
| | - Vítor Borges
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Montserrat Agüero
- Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), Algete, Spain
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Eva Frontera
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Valdeolmos, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Varga Z, Bueno-Marí R, Risueño Iranzo J, Kurucz K, Tóth GE, Zana B, Zeghbib S, Görföl T, Jakab F, Kemenesi G. Accelerating targeted mosquito control efforts through mobile West Nile virus detection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:140. [PMID: 38500161 PMCID: PMC10949795 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06231-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different mosquito control strategies have been implemented to mitigate or prevent mosquito-related public health situations. Modern mosquito control largely relies on multiple approaches, including targeted, specific treatments. Given this, it is becoming increasingly important to supplement these activities with rapid and mobile diagnostic capacities for mosquito-borne diseases. We aimed to create and test the applicability of a rapid diagnostic system for West Nile virus that can be used under field conditions. METHODS In this pilot study, various types of adult mosquito traps were applied within the regular mosquito monitoring activity framework for mosquito control. Then, the captured specimens were used for the detection of West Nile virus RNA under field conditions with a portable qRT-PCR approach within 3-4 h. Then, positive samples were subjected to confirmatory RT-PCR or NGS sequencing in the laboratory to obtain genome information of the virus. We implemented phylogenetic analysis to characterize circulating strains. RESULTS A total of 356 mosquito individuals representing 7 species were processed in 54 pools, each containing up to 20 individuals. These pools were tested for the presence of West Nile virus, and two pools tested positive, containing specimens from the Culex pipiens and Anopheles atroparvus mosquito species. As a result of subsequent sequencing, we present the complete genome of West Nile virus and Bagaza virus. CONCLUSIONS The rapid identification of infected mosquitoes is the most important component of quick response adulticide or larvicide treatments to prevent human cases. The conceptual framework of real-time surveillance can be optimized for other pathogens and situations not only in relation to West Nile virus. We present an early warning system for mosquito-borne diseases and demonstrate its application to aid rapid-response mosquito control actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsaklin Varga
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, Valencia, Spain
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Risueño Iranzo
- Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, Valencia, Spain
| | - Kornélia Kurucz
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Endre Tóth
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Zana
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Safia Zeghbib
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Görföl
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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Ferraguti M, Magallanes S, Mora-Rubio C, Bravo-Barriga D, Marzal A, Hernandez-Caballero I, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Llorente F, Pérez-Ramírez E, Guerrero-Carvajal F, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Frontera E, Ortiz JA, de Lope F. Implications of migratory and exotic birds and the mosquito community on West Nile virus transmission. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:206-219. [PMID: 38160682 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2288614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) pose a global health challenge, with rising incidence and distribution. Culex mosquitoes are crucial WNV vectors. Avian species composition and bird community diversity, along with vector communities, influence WNV transmission patterns. However, limited knowledge exists on their impact in southwestern Spain, an area with active WNV circulation in wild birds, mosquitoes, and humans. METHODS To address this, we conducted a comprehensive study investigating the contributions of migratory and exotic bird species to WNV transmission and the influence of mosquito community composition. RESULTS Analysing 1194 serum samples from 44 avian species, we detected WNV antibodies in 32 samples from 11 species, four for the first time in Europe. Migratory birds had higher WNV exposure likelihood than native and exotic species, and higher phylogenetic diversity in bird communities correlated with lower exposure rates. Moreover, in 5859 female mosquitoes belonging to 12 species, we identified WNV competent vectors like Cx. pipiens s.l. and the Univittatus subgroup. Birds with WNV antibodies were positively associated with competent vector abundance, but negatively with overall mosquito species richness. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the complex interactions between bird species, their phylogenetics, and mosquito vectors in WNV transmission. Understanding these dynamics will help to implement effective disease control strategies in southwestern Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferraguti
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Seville, Spain
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Badajoz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Seville, Spain
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Badajoz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Mora-Rubio
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Universidad de Córdoba, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Zoonosis y Sanidad Animal (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Córdoba, Spain
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Veterinaria, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Parasitología, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Badajoz, Spain
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Grupo de Investigaciones en Fauna Silvestre, Tarapoto, Perú
| | - Irene Hernandez-Caballero
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Elisa Pérez-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | | | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Eva Frontera
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Grupo de Investigaciones en Fauna Silvestre, Tarapoto, Perú
| | | | - Florentino de Lope
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Badajoz, Spain
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4
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Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Llorente F, Rosenstierne MW, Bravo-Barriga D, Frontera E, Fomsgaard A, Fernández-Pinero J, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ. Detection of a new avian bornavirus in barn owl (Tyto alba) by pan-viral microarray. Vet Microbiol 2024; 289:109959. [PMID: 38134487 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109959] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
A barn owl (Tyto alba) died with neurological signs compatible with a viral infection. After discarding other possible infections caused by circulating viruses in the area, analysis of the central nervous system using a pan-viral microarray revealed hybridization to canary bornavirus 2 (CnBV-2). Subsequent sequence analysis confirmed the presence of a virus sharing more than 83% identity with CnBV-2. Surprisingly, the new sequence corresponds to a new virus, here named Barn owl Bornavirus 1 (BoBV-1), within the Orthobornavirus serini species. Moreover, it is the first member of this species that has been detected in a non-passerine bird, indicating that Orthobornavirus serini species comprises viruses with a wider range of hosts than previously presumed. The use of this microarray has proven to be an excellent tool for viral detection in clinical samples, with capacity to detect new viral variants. This allows the diagnosis of a great range of viruses, which can cause similar disease symptoms and which identification by PCR methods might be tedious, probably unsuccessful and, in the long run, expensive. This platform is highly useful for a fast and precise viral detection, contributing to the improvement of diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Maiken Worsoe Rosenstierne
- QlifeAps, Industriparken 39-41, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark; Virus Research & Development Laboratory Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Salud Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes (ENZOEM), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Eva Frontera
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Anders Fomsgaard
- Virus Research & Development Laboratory Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Magallanes S, Llorente F, Ruiz-López MJ, Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer R, Calderon J, Jímenez-Clavero MÁ, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Figuerola J. Long-term serological surveillance for West Nile and Usutu virus in horses in south-West Spain. One Health 2023; 17:100578. [PMID: 38024263 PMCID: PMC10665154 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen with increasing incidence in Europe, producing a recent outbreak in 2020 in Spain with 77 human cases and eight fatalities. However, the factors explaining the observed changes in the incidence of WNV in Europe are not completely understood. Longitudinal monitoring of WNV in wild animals across Europe is a useful approach to understand the eco-epidemiology of WNV in the wild and the risk of spillover into humans. However, such studies are very scarce up to now. Here, we analysed the occurrence of WNV and Usutu virus (USUV) antibodies in 2102 samples collected between 2005 and 2020 from a population of feral horses in Doñana National Park. The prevalence of WNV antibodies varied between years, with a mean seroprevalence of 8.1% (range 0%-25%) and seasonally. Climate conditions including mean minimum annual temperatures and mean rainy days per year were positively correlated with WNV seroprevalence, while the annual rainfall was negatively. We also detected the highest incidence of seroconversions in 2020 coinciding with the human outbreak in southern Spain. Usutu virus-specific antibodies were detected in the horse population since 2011. The WNV outbreak in humans was preceded by a long period of increasing circulation of WNV among horses with a very high exposure in the year of the outbreak. These results highlight the utility of One Health approaches to better understand the transmission dynamics of zoonotics pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Ruiz-López
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada E-18071, Spain
| | - Ramon Soriguer
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Juan Calderon
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jímenez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
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Ferraguti M, Dimas Martins A, Artzy-Randrup Y. Quantifying the invasion risk of West Nile virus: Insights from a multi-vector and multi-host SEIR model. One Health 2023; 17:100638. [PMID: 38024254 PMCID: PMC10665159 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasion of vector-borne diseases depends on the type of specific features of the vector and hosts at play. Within the Culex pipiens complex, differences in ecology, biology, and vector competence can influence the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks. To determine which life-history traits affect WNV invasion into susceptible communities the most, we constructed an epidemiological Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered model with three vector (eco)types, Culex pipiens pipiens, Cx. pip. molestus, and their hybrids, and two vertebrate hosts, birds (as amplifying hosts) and humans (as dead-end hosts). We investigated how differences in feeding preferences and transmission rates influenced WNV transmission across different habitats and two seasons (Spring versus Summer), to investigate the impact of increasing mosquitoes on the WNV transmission risk. Our results showed that vector feeding preferences and the transmission rate between mosquitoes and birds were the parameters that most influenced WNV invasion risk. Even though our model did not predict WNV invasion across any of the studied environments, we found that natural habitats displayed the highest susceptibility to WNV invasion. Pipiens (eco)type acted as the primary vector in all habitats. Hybrids, contrary to common opinion, showed minimal involvement in WNV transmission. However, it is important to interpret our study results with caution due to the possibility of idealized spring and summer seasons being reflected in the field-collected data. Our study could be a tool to enhance current vector surveillance and control programs by targeting specific vector types in specific environments, especially in natural habitat, which are most responsive to environmental shifts. The joint approach based on epidemiological modelling based on field collected data can help to reduce wasted time and economic costs while maximizing the efficiency of local public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferraguti
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092 Seville, Spain
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology (TCE), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Afonso Dimas Martins
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Yael Artzy-Randrup
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology (TCE), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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7
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Angeloni G, Bertola M, Lazzaro E, Morini M, Masi G, Sinigaglia A, Trevisan M, Gossner CM, Haussig JM, Bakonyi T, Capelli G, Barzon L. Epidemiology, surveillance and diagnosis of Usutu virus infection in the EU/EEA, 2012 to 2021. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200929. [PMID: 37589592 PMCID: PMC10436690 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.33.2200929] [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: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundUsutu virus (USUV) is a flavivirus with an enzootic cycle between birds and mosquitoes; humans are incidental dead-end hosts. In Europe, the virus was first detected in Italy in 1996; since then, it has spread to many European countries.AimWe aimed to report on the epidemiology, surveillance, diagnosis and prevention of USUV infection in humans, mosquitoes and other animals in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) from 2012 to 2021.MethodsWe collected information through a literature review, an online survey and an expert meeting.ResultsEight countries reported USUV infection in humans (105 cases, including 12 [corrected] with neurological symptoms), 15 countries in birds and seven in mosquitoes. Infected animals were also found among pets, wild and zoo animals. Usutu virus was detected primarily in Culex pipiens but also in six other mosquito species. Detection of USUV infection in humans is notifiable only in Italy, where it is under surveillance since 2017 and now integrated with surveillance in animals in a One Health approach. Several countries include USUV infection in the differential diagnosis of viral encephalitis and arbovirus infections. Animal USUV infection is not notifiable in any EU/EEA country.ConclusionHuman USUV infections, mainly asymptomatic and, less frequently, with a febrile illness or a neuroinvasive disease, have been reported in several EU/EEA countries, where the virus is endemic. Climate and environmental changes are expected to affect the epidemiology of USUV. A One Health approach could improve the monitoring of its evolution in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Angeloni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share first authorship
| | - Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share first authorship
| | - Elena Lazzaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Matteo Morini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, Padua (Padua), Italy
| | - Alessandro Sinigaglia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, Padua (Padua), Italy
| | - Marta Trevisan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, Padua (Padua), Italy
| | - Céline M Gossner
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Joana M Haussig
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Tamas Bakonyi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share last authorship
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, Padua (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share last authorship
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Gonzálvez M, Franco JJ, Barbero-Moyano J, Caballero-Gómez J, Ruano MJ, Martínez R, Cano-Terriza D, García-Bocanegra I. Monitoring the epidemic of West Nile virus in equids in Spain, 2020-2021. Prev Vet Med 2023; 217:105975. [PMID: 37481993 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105975] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The largest epidemic of West Nile virus (WNV) reported ever in Spain in both humans and equines occurred in 2020, affecting 77 humans and 139 equine herds. Here, we aimed to monitor the outbreaks detected in equid herds in Andalusia (southern Spain), the Spanish region where 89.9% of the outbreaks were reported, and to evaluate the virus circulation and risk factor associated with WNV exposure in the affected herds. The first WNV case was detected in mid-July 2020, the number of outbreaks peaked in mid-August and the last one was confirmed on 26th October 2020. WNV lineage 1 was detected in 12 clinically affected horses using real time RT-PCR. Molecular analysis evidenced high nucleotide identity with WNV sequences obtained from humans, birds and mosquitoes from Spain and Italy between 2020 and 2022. Between five and eight months after the WNV epidemic, a total of 724 equids (including 485 unvaccinated and 239 vaccinated animals) from 113 of the 125 affected herds in Andalusia were sampled. IgM and IgG antibodies against WNV were detected in 1.6% (8/485; 95%IC: 0.0-2.5) and 61.9% (300/485; 95%IC: 58.3-65.5) of the unvaccinated individuals, respectively. The seropositivity in vaccinated horses was 86.6% (207/239). The main risk factors associated with WNV exposure in unvaccinated equids were the breed (crossbreed), the location of animals in spring-summer (outside), and the presence of natural water ponds close to the surveyed herds. The high individual seroprevalence obtained in the affected herds indicates that WNV circulation was more widespread than the reported by passive surveillance during the WNV epidemic in 2020. The re-emergence of WNV in 2020 in southern Spain evidenced the needed to improve integrated surveillance systems, minimizing the impact of future cases in equids and humans in high-risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan J Franco
- Inmunología y Genética Aplicada, S.A. (Eurofins-Ingenasa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Barbero-Moyano
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Ruano
- Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Algete, Madrid, Spain
| | - Remigio Martínez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Unidad de Patología Infecciosa, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Llorente F, Gutiérrez-López R, Pérez-Ramirez E, Sánchez-Seco MP, Herrero L, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Vázquez A. Experimental infections in red-legged partridges reveal differences in host competence between West Nile and Usutu virus strains from Southern Spain. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1163467. [PMID: 37396301 PMCID: PMC10308050 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1163467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are emerging zoonotic arboviruses sharing the same life cycle with mosquitoes as vectors and wild birds as reservoir hosts. The main objective of this study was to characterize the pathogenicity and course of infection of two viral strains (WNV/08 and USUV/09) co-circulating in Southern Spain in a natural host, the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), and to compare the results with those obtained with the reference strain WNV/NY99. Methods WNV inoculated birds were monitored for clinical and analytical parameters (viral load, viremia, and antibodies) for 15 days post-inoculation. Results and discussion Partridges inoculated with WNV/NY99 and WNV/08 strains showed clinical signs such as weight loss, ruffled feathers, and lethargy, which were not observed in USUV/09-inoculated individuals. Although statistically significant differences in mortality were not observed, partridges inoculated with WNV strains developed significantly higher viremia and viral loads in blood than those inoculated with USUV. In addition, the viral genome was detected in organs and feathers of WNV-inoculated partridges, while it was almost undetectable in USUV-inoculated ones. These experimental results indicate that red-legged partridges are susceptible to the assayed Spanish WNV with pathogenicity similar to that observed for the prototype WNV/NY99 strain. By contrast, the USUV/09 strain was not pathogenic for this bird species and elicited extremely low viremia levels, demonstrating that red-legged partridges are not a competent host for the transmission of this USUV strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Pérez-Ramirez
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Paz Sánchez-Seco
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Herrero
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Vázquez
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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10
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Casades-Martí L, Cuadrado-Matías R, Peralbo-Moreno A, Baz-Flores S, Fierro Y, Ruiz-Fons F. Insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of West Nile virus transmission in emerging scenarios. One Health 2023; 16:100557. [PMID: 37363231 PMCID: PMC10288089 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of West Nile fever (WNF) is highly variable in emerging areas, making it difficult to identify risk periods. Using clinical case records has important biases in understanding the transmission dynamics of West Nile virus (WNV) because asymptomatic infections are frequent. However, estimating virus exposure in sentinel species could help achieve this goal at varying spatiotemporal scales. To identify the determinants of inter-annual variation in WNV transmission rates, we designed a 15-year longitudinal seroepidemiological study (2005-2020) in five environmentally diverse areas of southwestern Spain. We modeled individual annual area-dependent exposure risk based on potential environmental and host predictors using generalized linear mixed models. Further, we analyzed the weight of predictors on exposure probability by variance partitioning of the model components. The analysis of 2418 wild ungulate sera (1168 red deer - Cervus elaphus - and 1250 Eurasian wild boar - Sus scrofa) with a highly sensitive commercial blocking ELISA identified an average seroprevalence of 24.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 23.2-26.7%). Antibody prevalence was slightly higher in wild boar (27.5%; CI: 25.1-30.1%) than in deer (22.2%; CI: 19.8-24.7%). We observed a spatial trend in exposure, with higher frequency in the southernmost areas and a slight, although area-dependent, increasing temporal trend. Host-related predictors were important drivers of exposure risk. The environmental predictor with the highest weight was annual cumulative precipitation, while temperature variations were also relevant but with less weight. We observed a coincidence of spatiotemporal changes in exposure with the notification of WNF outbreaks in horses and humans. That indicates the usefulness of wild ungulates as sentinels for WNV transmission and as models to understand its spatiotemporal dynamics. These results will allow the development of more accurate predictive models of spatiotemporal variations in transmission risk that can inform health authorities to take appropriate action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Casades-Martí
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC–UCLM–JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Raúl Cuadrado-Matías
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC–UCLM–JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alfonso Peralbo-Moreno
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC–UCLM–JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sara Baz-Flores
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC–UCLM–JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC–UCLM–JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Schwarz ER, Long MT. Comparison of West Nile Virus Disease in Humans and Horses: Exploiting Similarities for Enhancing Syndromic Surveillance. Viruses 2023; 15:1230. [PMID: 37376530 DOI: 10.3390/v15061230] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) neuroinvasive disease threatens the health and well-being of horses and humans worldwide. Disease in horses and humans is remarkably similar. The occurrence of WNV disease in these mammalian hosts has geographic overlap with shared macroscale and microscale drivers of risk. Importantly, intrahost virus dynamics, the evolution of the antibody response, and clinicopathology are similar. The goal of this review is to provide a comparison of WNV infection in humans and horses and to identify similarities that can be exploited to enhance surveillance methods for the early detection of WNV neuroinvasive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika R Schwarz
- Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, MT Department of Livestock, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Maureen T Long
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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12
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Gothe LMR, Ganzenberg S, Ziegler U, Obiegala A, Lohmann KL, Sieg M, Vahlenkamp TW, Groschup MH, Hörügel U, Pfeffer M. Horses as Sentinels for the Circulation of Flaviviruses in Eastern-Central Germany. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051108. [PMID: 37243194 DOI: 10.3390/v15051108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2018, autochthonous West Nile virus (WNV) infections have been regularly reported in eastern-central Germany. While clinically apparent infections in humans and horses are not frequent, seroprevalence studies in horses may allow the tracing of WNV and related flaviviruses transmission, such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Usutu virus (USUV), and consequently help to estimate the risk of human infections. Hence, the aim of our study was to follow the seropositive ratio against these three viruses in horses in Saxony, Saxony Anhalt, and Brandenburg and to describe their geographic distribution for the year 2021. In early 2022, i.e., before the virus transmission season, sera from 1232 unvaccinated horses were tested using a competitive pan-flavivirus ELISA (cELISA). In order to estimate the true seropositive ratio of infection with WNV, TBEV, and USUV for 2021, positive and equivocal results were confirmed by a virus neutralization test (VNT). In addition, possible risk factors for seropositivity using questionnaires were analyzed using logistic regression based on questionnaires similar to our previous study from 2020. In total, 125 horse sera reacted positive in the cELISA. Based on the VNT, 40 sera showed neutralizing antibodies against WNV, 69 against TBEV, and 5 against USUV. Three sera showed antibodies against more than one virus, and eight were negative based on the VNT. The overall seropositive ratio was 3.3% (95% CI: 2.38-4.40) for WNV, 5.6% (95% CI: 4.44-7.04) for TBEV, and 0.4% (95% CI: 0.14-0.98) for USUV infections. While age and number of horses on the holding were factors predicting TBEV seropositivity, no risk factors were discovered for WNV seropositivity. We conclude that horses are useful sentinels to determine the flavivirus circulation in eastern-central Germany, as long as they are not vaccinated against WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard M R Gothe
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ganzenberg
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina L Lohmann
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas W Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Uwe Hörügel
- Animal Diseases Fund Saxony, Horse Health Service, 01099 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Körsten C, Al-Hosary AA, Holicki CM, Schäfer M, Tews BA, Vasić A, Ziegler U, Groschup MH, Silaghi C. Simultaneous Coinfections with West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Culex pipiens and Aedes vexans Mosquitoes. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6305484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito-borne zoonotic flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are endemic in many European countries and emerged in Germany in recent years. Due to the increasing overlap of their distribution areas and their similar epidemiology, coinfections of WNV and USUV are possible. Indeed, coinfections in vertebrate hosts as a rare event have already been reported from some countries including Germany. However, it is largely unknown whether and to what extent coinfections could affect the vector competence of mosquitoes for WNV and USUV. For this purpose, the mosquito species Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, Culex pipiens biotype molestus, and Aedes vexans were orally infected in mono- and simultaneous coinfections with German strains of WNV and USUV. Mosquitoes were incubated for 14 days at 26°C, 85% relative humidity, and a 16 : 8 light-dark photocycle, before they were dissected and forced to salivate. The results showed a decrease in USUV susceptibility in Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, an increase in USUV susceptibility in Aedes vexans, and no obvious interaction between both viruses in Culex pipiens biotype molestus. Vector competence for WNV appeared to be unaffected by a simultaneous occurrence of USUV in all tested mosquito species. Coinfections with both viruses were only found in Culex mosquitoes, and cotransmission of WNV and USUV was observed in Culex pipiens biotype molestus. Overall, our results show that viral interactions between WNV and USUV vary between mosquito species, and that the interaction mainly occurs during infection and replication in the mosquito midgut. The results of this study confirm that to fully understand the interaction between WNV and USUV, studies with various mosquito species are necessary. In addition, we found that even mosquito species with a low susceptibility to both viruses, such as Ae. vexans, can play a role in their transmission in areas with cocirculation.
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14
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Laabassi F, Dheilly N, Beck C, Amaral R, Gonzalez G, Gaudaire D, Madeline A, Lecouturier F, Lecollinet S, Zientara S, Hans A, Valle-Casuso JC. Serological evidence of circulation of West Nile virus in equids in Algerian eastern drylands and its epidemiological risk factors. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 94:101947. [PMID: 36638646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In order to determine the prevalence of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), Usutu virus (USUV), and West Nile virus (WNV) in eastern Algerian drylands, 340 sera from distinct equids have been collected from 2015 to 2017. Serological analysis for the presence of antibodies against EIAV and flaviviruses was performed using commercially available ELISAs. Sera detected positive, doubtful, or negative close to the doubtful threshold in flavivirus ELISA were tested by the virus neutralization test (VNT), using WNV and USUV strains. The prevalence of WNV antibodies with ELISA was 11.47% (39/340) against 13.53% (46/340) by WNV VNT. EIAV antibodies were not detected in any samples. WNV seroprevalence varies with species, breed and location of horses. Only, one equid was positive for both WNV and USUV neutralizing antibodies. This is the first screening on equids sera of EIAV and USUV in Algeria. This study indicate that WNV and possibly USUV have circulated/are circulating in the Algerian equine population, unlike EIAV does not seem to be present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farouk Laabassi
- PIAD Research Team, ESPA Laboratory, Department of Veterinary, Institute of Veterinary Sciences and Agronomics Sciences, University of Batna-1, 05000 Batna, Algeria.
| | - Nolwenn Dheilly
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Cécile Beck
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Rayane Amaral
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Gaëlle Gonzalez
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Delphine Gaudaire
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - Anthony Madeline
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - Fanny Lecouturier
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Stéphan Zientara
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Aymeric Hans
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - José-Carlos Valle-Casuso
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
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15
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Identification of Usutu Virus Africa 3 Lineage in a Survey of Mosquitoes and Birds from Urban Areas of Western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6893677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus that has caused an increasing number of animal and human cases in Europe in recent years. Understanding the vector species and avian hosts involved in the USUV enzootic cycle in an area of active circulation is vital to anticipate potential outbreaks. Mosquitoes were captured in 2020, while wild birds were sampled in both 2020 and 2021 in Extremadura, southwestern Spain. The presence of USUV in the mosquito vectors was assessed by a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay and confirmed by sequencing amplicons from two generic RT-PCR sets for flaviviruses. Sequences were analysed phylogenetically. Bird sera were screened for flavivirus antibodies with a blocking ELISA kit and subsequently tested for virus-specific antibodies with a micro-virus-neutralization test. Overall, 6,004 mosquitoes belonging to 13 species were captured, including some well-known flavivirus vectors (Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, and Cx. univittatus). Of the 438 pools tested, USUV was detected in two pools of Cx. pipiens. Phylogenetic analysis using a fragment of the NS5 gene assigned the USUV detected the Africa 3 lineage. Out of 1,413 wild birds tested, USUV-specific antibodies were detected in 17 birds (1.2%, 10 males and 7 females) from eight species. The first detection of USUV Africa 3 lineage in mosquitoes from Spain, together with serologically positive resident wild birds in urban and rural areas, indicates active circulation and a possible risk of exposure for the human population, with necessity to establish specific surveillance plans.
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16
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García-Bocanegra I, Franco JJ, León CI, Barbero-Moyano J, García-Miña MV, Fernández-Molera V, Gómez MB, Cano-Terriza D, Gonzálvez M. High exposure of West Nile virus in equid and wild bird populations in Spain following the epidemic outbreak in 2020. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3624-3636. [PMID: 36222172 PMCID: PMC10092718 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the circulation and risk factors associated with West Nile virus (WNV) exposure in equine and wild bird populations following the largest epidemic outbreak ever reported in Spain. A total of 305 equids and 171 wild birds were sampled between November 2020 and June 2021. IgG antibodies against flaviviruses were detected by blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) in 44.9% (109/243) and 87.1% (54/62) of unvaccinated and vaccinated equids, respectively. The individual seroprevalence in unvaccinated individuals (calculated on animals seropositive by both bELISA and virus microneutralization test [VNT]) was 38.3% (95%CI: 33.1-43.4). No IgM antibodies were detected in animals tested (0/243; 0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0-1.5) by capture-ELISA. The main risk factors associated with WNV exposure in equids were age (adult and geriatric), breed (crossbred) and the absence of a disinsection programme on the facilities. In wild birds, IgG antibodies against flaviviruses were found in 32.7% (56/171; 95%CI: 26.8-38.6) using bELISA, giving an individual WNV seroprevalence of 19.3% (95%CI: 14.3-24.3) after VNT. Seropositivity was found in 37.8% of the 37 species analysed. Species group (raptors), age (>1-year old) and size (large) were the main risk factors related to WNV seropositivity in wild birds. Our results indicate high exposure and widespread distribution of WNV in equid and wild bird populations in Spain after the epidemic outbreak in 2020. The present study highlights the need to continue and improve active surveillance programmes for the detection of WNV in Spain, particularly in those areas at greatest risk of virus circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Franco
- Immunology and Applied Genetics, S.A. (Eurofins-Ingenasa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara I León
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía (AMAYA), Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jesús Barbero-Moyano
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - María V García-Miña
- Consejería de Agricultura, Pesca, Agua y Desarrollo Rural, Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - María B Gómez
- Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Algete, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.,Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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17
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Figuerola J, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Ruíz-López MJ, Llorente F, Ruiz S, Hoefer A, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Peñuela JJ, García-Ruiz O, Herrero L, Soriguer RC, Delgado RF, Sánchez-Seco MP, la Puente JMD, Vázquez A. A One Health view of the West Nile virus outbreak in Andalusia (Spain) in 2020. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:2570-2578. [PMID: 36214518 PMCID: PMC9621199 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2134055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Reports of West Nile virus (WNV) associated disease in humans were scarce in Spain until summer 2020, when 77 cases were reported, eight fatal. Most cases occurred next to the Guadalquivir River in the Sevillian villages of Puebla del Río and Coria del Río. Detection of WNV disease in humans was preceded by a large increase in the abundance of Culex perexiguus in the neighbourhood of the villages where most human cases occurred. The first WNV infected mosquitoes were captured approximately one month before the detection of the first human cases. Overall, 33 positive pools of Cx. perexiguus and one pool of Culex pipiens were found. Serology of wild birds confirmed WNV circulation inside the affected villages, that transmission to humans also occurred in urban settings and suggests that virus circulation was geographically more widespread than disease cases in humans or horses may indicate. A high prevalence of antibodies was detected in blackbirds (Turdus merula) suggesting that this species played an important role in the amplification of WNV in urban areas. Culex perexiguus was the main vector of WNV among birds in natural and agricultural areas, while its role in urban areas needs to be investigated in more detail. Culex pipiens may have played some role as bridge vector of WNV between birds and humans once the enzootic transmission cycle driven by Cx. perexiguus occurred inside the villages. Surveillance of virus in mosquitoes has the potential to detect WNV well in advance of the first human cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130, Valdeolmos, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - María José Ruíz-López
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- Servicio de Control de Mosquitos de la Diputación Provincial de Huelva, Ctra. Hospital Infanta Elena s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Andreas Hoefer
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain.,European Public Health Microbiology Training Programme (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | | | - Olaya García-Ruiz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Laura Herrero
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Ramón C Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Raúl Fernández Delgado
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Mari Paz Sánchez-Seco
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Ana Vázquez
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
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18
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Circulation of zoonotic flaviviruses in wild passerine birds in Western Spain. Vet Microbiol 2022; 268:109399. [PMID: 35344925 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We explore the presence of zoonotic flaviviruses (West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV)) neutralizing antibodies in rarely studied passerine bird species. We report, for the first time in Europe, WNV-specific antibodies in red avadavat and cetti's warbler, and USUV in yellow-crowned bishop. The evidence of WNV and USUV circulating in resident and migratory species has implications for both animal and public health. Future outbreaks in avian reservoir hosts may occur and passerines should be considered as priority target species in flavivirus surveillance programmes.
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19
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Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Gómez-Martín B, Agüero M, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Fernández-Pinero J. A new cluster of West Nile virus lineage 1 isolated from a northern goshawk in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:3121-3127. [PMID: 34812592 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV; family Flaviviridae, genus flavivirus) is a zoonotic arbovirus worldwide spread. Its genetic diversity has allowed the definition of at least seven lineages, being lineages 1 and 2 the most widely distributed. Western Mediterranean region has been affected by WNV since decades. In Spain, WNV is actively circulating, provoking annual outbreaks in birds, horses and lately in humans. Lineage 1 is responsible for outbreaks that occurred in central and southern regions, while lineage 2 has been recently described in wild birds in north-eastern part of the country. During 2017 season, a disease outbreak in captive raptors was reported in southern Spain and WNV was isolated from a dead northern goshawk. Full genome sequencing was followed by phylogenetic analyses and analyses of the amino acidic substitutions. This strain, named Spain/2017/NG-b, highly differs from those which have been circulating both in Spain and in the neighbouring Mediterranean countries, constituting a new distinct group, tentatively classified in a newly defined cluster 7 within the WNV clade 1a, supporting a new, independent introduction of the virus in the Western Mediterranean region from an unknown origin. Besides, circumstantial evidence indicates that this emerging WNV strain could be behind the subsequent outbreak occurred nearby in horses. Overall, the reinforcement of surveillance programs, especially in wild birds, is essential to early detect the circulation of WNV and other related flaviviruses that could cause outbreaks in wild or domestic birds, equine and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda
- Departamento de enfermedades infecciosas y salud global, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Departamento de enfermedades infecciosas y salud global, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jovita Fernández-Pinero
- Departamento de enfermedades infecciosas y salud global, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Bravo-Barriga D, de Almeida APG, Delacour-Estrella S, Peña RE, Lucientes J, Sánchez-Murillo JM, Frontera E. Mosquito fauna in Extremadura (western Spain): Updated catalog with new records, distribution maps, and medical relevance. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2021; 46:70-82. [PMID: 35229584 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-46.1.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
An important element of vector control and surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases is updated information on vector species distribution. The aim of this study was to collect available information about mosquito species reported in Extremadura between 1920 and 2020 and create a catalog that would combine both published data and our recent field identifications. An exhaustive list is hereby presented, including species status and detailed distribution maps at a municipal level as well as their importance for public health. A total of 33 species, classified into five genera: Anopheles (five species), Aedes (14), Culex (nine), Culiseta (four), and Orthopodomyia (one) has been recorded, including 31 autochthonous, one invasive, Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus, and one disappeared since 1953, Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti. For the first time in Extremadura, we report the presence of important vectors such as Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans vexans and Culex (Culex) perexiguus, and the new record of six species in the province of Badajoz, namely: Aedes (Dahliana) echinus, Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus, Aedes (Ochlerotatus) berlandi, Aedes (Ochlerotatus) pulcritarsis, Culex (Culex) mimeticus, and Culiseta (Culiseta) subochrea. Nineteen of these species are potential vectors of medical and veterinary relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Animal Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain,
| | - Antonio P Gouveia de Almeida
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Unidade de Parasitología Médica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sarah Delacour-Estrella
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosa Estrada Peña
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Eva Frontera
- Animal Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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21
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Bravo-Barriga D, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Guerrero-Carvajal F, Llorente F, Reina D, Pérez-Martín JE, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Frontera E. West Nile and Usutu virus infections in wild birds admitted to rehabilitation centres in Extremadura, western Spain, 2017-2019. Vet Microbiol 2021; 255:109020. [PMID: 33677369 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging flavivirus transmitted generally by mosquitoes of Culex genus. It is maintained in an enzootic life cycle where birds act as reservoir hosts. Humans and horses are also susceptible to infection, and occasionally, they suffer from neurological complications. However, they do not transmit the virus to other vectors, behaving as dead-end hosts. Sporadic WNV outbreaks observed in horses and wild birds from Extremadura (western Spain) during 2016 and 2017 seasons prompted to carry out this survey in wild birds, focused on specimens coming from two wildlife rehabilitation centres. Between October 2017 and December 2019, samples from 391 wild birds, belonging to 56 different species were collected and analysed in search of evidence of WNV infection. The analysis of serum samples for WNV-specific antibodies by ELISA, whose specificity was subsequently confirmed by virus-neutralisation test (VNT) showed positive results in 18.23 % birds belonging to 18 different species. Pelecaniformes (33.33 %), Accipitriformes (25.77 %) and Strigiformes (22.92 %) orders had the higher seroprevalences. Remarkably, WNV-specific antibodies were found in a black stork for the first time in Europe. Analysis by real time RT-PCR in symptomatic birds confirmed the presence of WNV lineage 1 RNA in griffon vulture and little owls. Specificity analysis of ELISA positive and doubtful sera was performed by differential VNT titration against WNV and two other cross-reacting avian flaviviruses found in Spain: Usutu virus (USUV) and Bagaza virus (BAGV). Only four samples showed USUV-specific antibodies (1.04 %) corresponding to three species: Eurasian eagle-owl, griffon vulture and great bustard (first detection in Europe) whereas no samples were found reactive to BAGV. Differential VNT yielded undetermined flavivirus result in 16 samples (4.17 %). This is the first study carried out on wild birds from Extremadura (western Spain). It highlights the widespread circulation of WNV in the region and its co-circulation with USUV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda
- Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Francisco Llorente
- Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain.
| | - David Reina
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Cáceres, Spain.
| | - J Enrique Pérez-Martín
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eva Frontera
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (UEx), Cáceres, Spain.
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22
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Constant O, Bollore K, Clé M, Barthelemy J, Foulongne V, Chenet B, Gomis D, Virolle L, Gutierrez S, Desmetz C, Moares RA, Beck C, Lecollinet S, Salinas S, Simonin Y. Evidence of Exposure to USUV and WNV in Zoo Animals in France. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121005. [PMID: 33266071 PMCID: PMC7760666 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are zoonotic arboviruses. These flaviviruses are mainly maintained in the environment through an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. Horses and humans are incidental, dead-end hosts, but can develop severe neurological disorders. Nevertheless, there is little data regarding the involvement of other mammals in the epidemiology of these arboviruses. In this study, we performed a serosurvey to assess exposure to these viruses in captive birds and mammals in a zoo situated in the south of France, an area described for the circulation of these two viruses. A total of 411 samples comprising of 70 species were collected over 16 years from 2003 to 2019. The samples were first tested by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The positive sera were then tested using virus-specific microneutralization tests against USUV and WNV. USUV seroprevalence in birds was 10 times higher than that of WNV (14.59% versus 1.46%, respectively). Among birds, greater rhea (Rhea Americana) and common peafowl (Pavo cristatus) exhibited the highest USUV seroprevalence. Infections occurred mainly between 2016-2018 corresponding to a period of high circulation of these viruses in Europe. In mammalian species, antibodies against WNV were detected in one dama gazelle (Nanger dama) whereas serological evidence of USUV infection was observed in several Canidae, especially in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Our study helps to better understand the exposure of captive species to WNV and USUV and to identify potential host species to include in surveillance programs in zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Constant
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Karine Bollore
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Marion Clé
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Jonathan Barthelemy
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Vincent Foulongne
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Baptiste Chenet
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | - David Gomis
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | - Laurie Virolle
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | | | - Caroline Desmetz
- bBioCommunication en CardioMétabolique (BC2M), Montpellier University, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Rayane Amaral Moares
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Cécile Beck
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)4-3435-9114
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