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Michie A, Ernst T, Pyke AT, Nicholson J, Mackenzie JS, Smith DW, Imrie A. Genomic Analysis of Sindbis Virus Reveals Uncharacterized Diversity within the Australasian Region, and Support for Revised SINV Taxonomy. Viruses 2023; 16:7. [PMID: 38275942 PMCID: PMC10820390 DOI: 10.3390/v16010007] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is a widely dispersed mosquito-borne alphavirus. Reports of Sindbis disease are largely restricted to northern Europe and South Africa. SINV is frequently sampled in Australian mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance programs, but human disease has rarely been reported. Molecular epidemiological studies have characterized six SINV genotypes (G1-G6) based on E2 gene phylogenies, mostly comprising viruses derived from the African-European zoogeographical region and with limited representation of Australasian SINV. In this study, we conducted whole genome sequencing of 66 SINV isolates sampled between 1960 and 2014 from countries of the Australasian region: Australia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. G2 viruses were the most frequently and widely sampled, with three distinct sub-lineages defined. No new G6 SINV were identified, confirming geographic restriction of these viruses to south-western Australia. Comparison with global SINV characterized large-scale nucleotide and amino acid sequence divergence between African-European G1 viruses and viruses that circulate in Australasia (G2 and G3) of up to 26.83% and 14.55%, respectively, divergence that is sufficient for G2/G3 species demarcation. We propose G2 and G3 are collectively a single distinct alphavirus species that we name Argyle virus, supported by the inapparent or mild disease phenotype and the higher evolutionary rate compared with G1. Similarly, we propose G6, with 24.7% and 12.61% nucleotide and amino acid sequence divergence, is a distinct alphavirus species that we name Thomson's Lake virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Michie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
| | - Timo Ernst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
| | - Alyssa T. Pyke
- Department of Health, Public Health Virology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Government, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia;
| | - Jay Nicholson
- Environmental Health Directorate, Department of Health, Perth, WA 6000, Australia;
| | - John S. Mackenzie
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.S.M.); (D.W.S.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - David W. Smith
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.S.M.); (D.W.S.)
| | - Allison Imrie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
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Lühken R, Brattig N, Becker N. Introduction of invasive mosquito species into Europe and prospects for arbovirus transmission and vector control in an era of globalization. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:109. [PMID: 38037192 PMCID: PMC10687857 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01167-z] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito research in Europe has a long history, primarily focused on malaria vectors. In recent years, invasive mosquito species like the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the spread of arboviruses like dengue virus, chikungunya virus or bluetongue virus have led to an intensification of research and monitoring in Europe. The risk of further dissemination of exotic species and mosquito-borne pathogens is expected to increase with ongoing globalization, human mobility, transport geography, and climate warming. Researchers have conducted various studies to understand the ecology, biology, and effective control strategies of mosquitoes and associated pathogens. MAIN BODY Three invasive mosquito species are established in Europe: Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), Japanese bush mosquito (Ae. japonicus), and Korean bush mosquito (Aedes koreicus). Ae. albopictus is the most invasive species and has been established in Europe since 1990. Over the past two decades, there has been an increasing number of outbreaks of infections by mosquito-borne viruses in particular chikungunya virus, dengue virus or Zika virus in Europe primary driven by Ae. albopictus. At the same time, climate change with rising temperatures results in increasing threat of invasive mosquito-borne viruses, in particular Usutu virus and West Nile virus transmitted by native Culex mosquito species. Effective mosquito control programs require a high level of community participation, going along with comprehensive information campaigns, to ensure source reduction and successful control. Control strategies for container breeding mosquitoes like Ae. albopictus or Culex species involve community participation, door-to-door control activities in private areas. Further measures can involve integration of sterile insect techniques, applying indigenous copepods, Wolbachia sp. bacteria, or genetically modified mosquitoes, which is very unlike to be practiced as standard method in the near future. CONCLUSIONS Climate change and globalization resulting in the increased establishment of invasive mosquitoes in particular of the Asian tiger mosquito Ae. albopictus in Europe within the last 30 years and increasing outbreaks of infections by mosquito-borne viruses warrants intensification of research and monitoring. Further, effective future mosquito control programs require increase in intense community and private participation, applying physical, chemical, biological, and genetical control activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Norbert Brattig
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- Institute for Dipterology, 67346, Speyer, Germany
- Institute for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
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Rau J, Köchling K, Schäfer M, Tews BA, Wylezich C, Schaub GA, Werner D, Kampen H. Viral RNA in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected between 2019 and 2021 in Germany. Viruses 2023; 15:2298. [PMID: 38140539 PMCID: PMC10746995 DOI: 10.3390/v15122298] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to globalisation and climate change, mosquito-borne pathogens are emerging in new areas on all continents, including Europe, which has recently faced outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya and West Nile fever. The present study complements previous investigations to evaluate the circulation of mosquito-borne viruses in Germany, with the aim of identifying potential vector species and risk areas. Mosquitoes collected from 2019 to 2021 and identified to species or species group level were screened for viruses of the families Flaviviridae, Peribunyaviridae and the genus Alphavirus of the family Togaviridae. In total, 22,528 mosquitoes were examined, thus providing the most comprehensive study on West Nile virus (WNV) circulation so far in the German mosquito population. Usutu virus (USUV) RNA was detected in six samples, Sindbis virus (SINV) RNA in 21 samples and WNV RNA in 11 samples. Samples containing RNA of USUV and WNV consisted of mosquitoes collected in the East German federal states of Brandenburg, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, while samples with RNA of SINV originated from more widespread locations. Although minimum infection rates have remained relatively low, the intensity of virus circulation appears to be increasing compared to previous studies. Continuous mosquito screening contributes to the early detection of the introduction and spread of mosquito-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Rau
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Katharina Köchling
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Mandy Schäfer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Birke A. Tews
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Claudia Wylezich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
| | - Günter A. Schaub
- Zoology/Parasitology Department, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany;
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.T.); (C.W.); (H.K.)
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Hernandez-Valencia JC, Muñoz-Laiton P, Gómez GF, Correa MM. A Systematic Review on the Viruses of Anopheles Mosquitoes: The Potential Importance for Public Health. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:459. [PMID: 37888587 PMCID: PMC10610971 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of Plasmodium, the etiological agent of malaria. In addition, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae are the main vectors of the O'nyong-nyong virus. However, research on the viruses carried by Anopheles is scarce; thus, the possible transmission of viruses by Anopheles is still unexplored. This systematic review was carried out to identify studies that report viruses in natural populations of Anopheles or virus infection and transmission in laboratory-reared mosquitoes. The databases reviewed were EBSCO-Host, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed. After the identification and screening of candidate articles, a total of 203 original studies were included that reported on a variety of viruses detected in Anopheles natural populations. In total, 161 viruses in 54 species from 41 countries worldwide were registered. In laboratory studies, 28 viruses in 15 Anopheles species were evaluated for mosquito viral transmission capacity or viral infection. The viruses reported in Anopheles encompassed 25 viral families and included arboviruses, probable arboviruses and Insect-Specific Viruses (ISVs). Insights after performing this review include the need for (1) a better understanding of Anopheles-viral interactions, (2) characterizing the Anopheles virome-considering the public health importance of the viruses potentially transmitted by Anopheles and the significance of finding viruses with biological control activity-and (3) performing virological surveillance in natural populations of Anopheles, especially in the current context of environmental modifications that may potentiate the expansion of the Anopheles species distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Hernandez-Valencia
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (J.C.H.-V.); (P.M.-L.); (G.F.G.)
| | - Paola Muñoz-Laiton
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (J.C.H.-V.); (P.M.-L.); (G.F.G.)
| | - Giovan F. Gómez
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (J.C.H.-V.); (P.M.-L.); (G.F.G.)
- Dirección Académica, Escuela de Pregrados, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede de La Paz, La Paz 202017, Colombia
| | - Margarita M. Correa
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (J.C.H.-V.); (P.M.-L.); (G.F.G.)
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Wilkman L, Ahlm C, Evander M, Lwande OW. Mosquito-borne viruses causing human disease in Fennoscandia—Past, current, and future perspectives. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1152070. [PMID: 37051217 PMCID: PMC10083265 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1152070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Five different mosquito-borne viruses (moboviruses) significant to human disease are known to be endemic to Fennoscandia (Sindbis virus, Inkoo virus, Tahyna virus, Chatanga virus, and Batai virus). However, the incidence of mosquito-borne virus infections in Fennoscandia is unknown, largely due to underdiagnosing and lack of surveillance efforts. The Fennoscandian moboviruses are difficult to prevent due to their method of transmission, and often difficult to diagnose due to a lack of clear case definition criteria. Thus, many cases are likely to be mis-diagnosed, or even not diagnosed at all. Significant long-term effects, often in the form of malaise, rashes, and arthralgia have been found for some of these infections. Research into mobovirus disease is ongoing, though mainly focused on a few pathogens, with many others neglected. With moboviruses found as far north as the 69th parallel, studying mosquito-borne disease occurring in the tropics is only a small part of the whole picture. This review is written with the objective of summarizing current medically relevant knowledge of moboviruses occurring in Fennoscandia, while highlighting what is yet unknown and possibly overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Wilkman
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Clas Ahlm
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden
| | - Magnus Evander
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden
| | - Olivia Wesula Lwande
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Olivia Wesula Lwande,
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Harding S, Sewgobind S, Johnson N. JMM Profile: Sindbis virus, a cause of febrile illness and arthralgia. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 36943350 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is the causative agent of a febrile infection commonly called Ockelbo disease, Pogosta disease or Karelian fever in northern Europe. Finland, Sweden, Russia and South Africa experience periodic SINV outbreaks. SINV is classified within the family Togaviridae and genus Alphavirus. Symptoms of SINV infection in humans include joint inflammation and pain, fever, rash and fatigue. In some cases, joint symptoms can persist for years after recovery from the initial infection. Clinical signs of SINV infection are rarely reported in animals, although infection in horses has been documented. There is no specific treatment or vaccination. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly those belonging to the Culex genus, but Aedes, Culiseta or Mansonia species may also act as vectors. Wild birds act as amplifying hosts and are implicated in the long-distance spread of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Harding
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Sanam Sewgobind
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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Dodson BL, Pujhari S, Brustolin M, Metz HC, Rasgon JL. Variable effects of Wolbachia on alphavirus infection in Aedes aegypti. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.20.524939. [PMID: 36711723 PMCID: PMC9884506 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.524939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia pipientis (=Wolbachia) has promise as a tool to suppress virus transmission by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. However, Wolbachia can have variable effects on mosquito-borne viruses. This variation remains poorly characterized, yet the multimodal effects of Wolbachia on diverse pathogens could have important implications for public health. Here, we examine the effects of somatic infection with two strains of Wolbachia (wAlbB and wMel) on the alphaviruses Sindbis virus (SINV), O'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV), and Mayaro virus (MAYV) in Ae. aegypti. We found variable effects of Wolbachia including enhancement and suppression of viral infections, with some effects depending on Wolbachia strain. Both wAlbB- and wMel-infected mosquitoes showed enhancement of SINV infection rates one week post-infection, with wAlbB-infected mosquitoes also having higher viral titers than controls. Infection rates with ONNV were low across all treatments and no significant effects of Wolbachia were observed. The effects of Wolbachia on MAYV infections were strikingly strain-specific; wMel strongly blocked MAYV infections and suppressed viral titers, while wAlbB did not influence MAYV infection. The variable effects of Wolbachia on vector competence underscore the importance of further research into how this bacterium impacts the virome of wild mosquitoes including the emergent human pathogens they transmit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Dodson
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Sujit Pujhari
- Current address: Department of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Marco Brustolin
- Current address: Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hillery C Metz
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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8
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Vector Competence of Mosquitoes from Germany for Sindbis Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122644. [PMID: 36560650 PMCID: PMC9785343 DOI: 10.3390/v14122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are an emerging global health threat in the last few decades. One important arbovirus family is the Togaviridae, including the species Sindbis virus within the genus Alphavirus. Sindbis virus (SINV) is transmitted by mosquitoes, but available data about the role of different mosquito species as potent vectors for SINV are scarce. Therefore, we investigated seven mosquito species, collected from the field in Germany (Ae. koreicus, Ae. geniculatus, Ae. sticticus, Cx. torrentium, Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens) as well as lab strains (Ae. albopictus, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, Cx. quinquefasciatus), for their vector competence for SINV. Analysis was performed via salivation assay and saliva was titrated to calculate the amount of infectious virus particles per saliva sample. All Culex and Aedes species were able to transmit SINV. Transmission could be detected at all four investigated temperature profiles (of 18 ± 5 °C, 21 ± 5 °C, 24 ± 5 °C or 27 ± 5 °C), and no temperature dependency could be observed. The concentration of infectious virus particles per saliva sample was in the same range for all species, which may suggest that all investigated mosquito species are able to transmit SINV in Germany.
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Sauer FG, Timmermann E, Lange U, Lühken R, Kiel E. Effects of Hibernation Site, Temperature, and Humidity on the Abundance and Survival of Overwintering Culex pipiens pipiens and Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:2013-2021. [PMID: 36130183 PMCID: PMC9667720 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the hibernation site preferences and the factors which influence winter survival in these hibernation sites may enhance understanding of mosquito population dynamics after winter and how arboviruses persist in temperate regions. Our study quantified the number of adult overwintering mosquitoes in cellars and aboveground constructions and analyzed survival rates in relation to the environmental conditions in these sites. During the winters 2016/2017 and 2018/2019, 149 different constructions in Northwest Germany were sampled for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were detected in 44% of the cellars and in 33% of the aboveground constructions. Culex p. pipiens Linnaeus was the most abundant species in cellars, whereas high numbers of Anopheles messeae Falleroni were collected from a single barn. Subsequently, an enclosure study was conducted during 2019/2020. Overwintering field-collected Cx. p. pipiens and An. messeae were divided into groups with or without fructose availability, and placed in cages with different man-made hibernations sites, where temperature and relative humidity were recorded hourly. For both species, increasing mean temperatures (5-16°C) but not mean relative humidity (58-94%) were correlated with winter mortality rates of the mosquitoes. The lipid measurements were greater and mortality rates were lower when both species were provided fructose. Larger specimens (determined by wing length) stored more lipids, and in Cx. p pipiens, but not in An. messeae, survival probability of large specimens was significantly greater than for small females. Mosquitoes showed a distinct pattern in the selection of overwintering sites, while temperature was an important driver for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E Timmermann
- Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - U Lange
- Arbovirus Ecology, Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - R Lühken
- Arbovirus Ecology, Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Kiel
- Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
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Fynmore N, Lühken R, Kliemke K, Lange U, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Lurz PWW, Becker N. Honey-baited FTA cards in box gravid traps for the assessment of Usutu virus circulation in mosquito populations in Germany. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106649. [PMID: 35963312 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106649] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is becoming increasingly important to veterinary and human health in Germany. USUV has been implicated in mass die-off events of birds, especially of blackbirds (Turdus merula), and has experienced significant range expansion in the years since its first detection in 2010. Current detection methods rely primarily on dead bird surveillance or mass mosquito collection using CO2 as the main attractant. Dead bird surveillance can result in detection of disease circulation past the point at which control efforts would be most impactful. Vector surveillance offers the opportunity to detect disease circulation before significant outbreaks occur. However, current methods result in collections of extremely large numbers of predominantly nulliparous female mosquitoes who have not yet taken a blood meal. This study sought to test whether box gravid traps could successfully trap USUV infected gravid Culex mosquitoes, and if viral RNA could be successfully transferred and stabilised on an FTA card. During the month of August 2020, 18 Reiter-Cummings style box gravid traps with honey-baited FTA cards were set in a region of known USUV circulation around the southern border of Hesse, Germany. Four 48-hour trapping rounds were conducted. All mosquitoes and FTA cards were collected and stored during transport to the laboratory on dry ice. Samples and FTA cards were then transferred and stored in a freezer at -5 °C until identification. Identification was carried out on a chill plate before being sent with overnight courier in a styrofoam box with cooling elements for virus detection with a modified generic flavivirus RT-PCR. Mosquitoes were separated into pools by trap, date, species and feeding status. 2003 mosquitoes were caught in four rounds of trapping, 1834 or 88% of which were female Culex mosquitoes used for examination. 13 pools of mosquitoes and four FTA cards tested positive for USUV. No positive FTA cards were found in traps with positive mosquitoes and no positive mosquitoes were found in traps with positive FTA cards. Although fewer FTA cards than expected returned a positive result, this may have been a result of the extreme conditions experienced in the field and highlights the need to establish the temperature and humidity boundaries such a collection method can withstand. Box gravid traps however, provided a highly effective and targeted approach for capturing gravid female Culex mosquitoes, the most appropriate subpopulation for testing for USUV. Additionally, the simplicity and effectiveness of this trapping and surveillance method make it an attractive option for use as an early warning system, including for large scale surveillance programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle Fynmore
- Institute of Dipterology (IfD), Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 3, Speyer 67346, Germany; The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, Hamburg 20359, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, Hamburg 20359, Germany
| | - Konstantin Kliemke
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, Hamburg 20359, Germany
| | - Unchana Lange
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, Hamburg 20359, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, Hamburg 20359, Germany; Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter W W Lurz
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Becker
- Institute of Dipterology (IfD), Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 3, Speyer 67346, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
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11
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Usage of FTA® Classic Cards for Safe Storage, Shipment, and Detection of Arboviruses. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071445. [PMID: 35889164 PMCID: PMC9324231 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071445] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by arthropod-borne RNA viruses are overrepresented among emerging infectious diseases. Effective methods for collecting, storing, and transporting clinical or biological specimens are needed worldwide for disease surveillance. However, many tropical regions where these diseases are endemic lack analytical facilities and possibility of continuous cold chains, which presents challenges from both a biosafety and material preservation perspective. Whatman® FTA® Classic Cards may serve as an effective and safe option for transporting hazardous samples at room temperature, particularly for RNA viruses classified as biosafety level (BSL) 2 and 3 pathogens, from sampling sites to laboratories. In this study, we investigated the biosafety and perseverance of representative alpha- and flaviviruses stored on FTA® cards. To evaluate the virus inactivation capacity of FTA® cards, we used Sindbis virus (SINV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). We inoculated susceptible cells with dilution series of eluates from viral samples stored on the FTA® cards and observed for cytopathic effect to evaluate the ability of the cards to inactivate viruses. All tested viruses were inactivated after storage on FTA® cards. In addition, we quantified viral RNA of JEV, SINV, and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) stored on FTA® cards at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C for 30 days using two reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR assays. Viral RNA of SINV stored on FTA® cards was not reduced at either 4 °C or 25 °C over a 30-day period, but degraded rapidly at 37 °C. For JEV and TBEV, degradation was observed at all temperatures, with the most rapid degradation occurring at 37 °C. Therefore, the use of FTA® cards provides a safe and effective workflow for the collection, storage, and analysis of BSL 2- and 3-virus RNA samples, but there is a risk of false negative results if the cards are stored at higher temperatures for long periods of time. Conscious usage of the cards can be useful in disease surveillance and research, especially in tropical areas where transportation and cold chains are problematic.
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12
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Detection and Isolation of Sindbis Virus from Field Collected Mosquitoes in Timimoun, Algeria. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050894. [PMID: 35632636 PMCID: PMC9144192 DOI: 10.3390/v14050894] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is a zoonotic alphavirus (family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) that causes human diseases in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Occasionally, SINV outbreaks were reported in South Africa and northern Europe. Birds are the main amplifying hosts of SINV, while mosquitoes play the role of the primary vector. Culex mosquitoes were collected in Algeria and subsequently tested for SINV. SINV RNA was detected in 10 pools out of 40, from a total of 922 mosquitoes tested. A strain of SINV was isolated from a pool displaying high viral load. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the SINV Algeria isolate was most closely related to a Kenyan strain. This was the first record of SINV in Algeria and more broadly in northwestern Africa, which can be a potential risk for human health in the circulating area. Further studies are needed to measure the impact on public health through seroprevalence studies in Algeria.
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13
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Bertola M, Mazzucato M, Pombi M, Montarsi F. Updated occurrence and bionomics of potential malaria vectors in Europe: a systematic review (2000-2021). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:88. [PMID: 35292106 PMCID: PMC8922938 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the eradication of malaria across most European countries in the 1960s and 1970s, the anopheline vectors are still present. Most of the malaria cases that have been reported in Europe up to the present time have been infections acquired in endemic areas by travelers. However, the possibility of acquiring malaria by locally infected mosquitoes has been poorly investigated in Europe, despite autochthonous malaria cases having been occasionally reported in several European countries. Here we present an update on the occurrence of potential malaria vector species in Europe. Adopting a systematic review approach, we selected 288 papers published between 2000 and 2021 for inclusion in the review based on retrieval of accurate information on the following Anopheles species: An. atroparvus, An. hyrcanus sensu lato (s.l.), An. labranchiae, An. maculipennis sensu stricto (s.s.), An. messeae/daciae, An. sacharovi, An. superpictus and An. plumbeus. The distribution of these potential vector species across Europe is critically reviewed in relation to areas of major presence and principal bionomic features, including vector competence to Plasmodium. Additional information, such as geographical details, sampling approaches and species identification methods, are also reported. We compare the information on each species extracted from the most recent studies to comparable information reported from studies published in the early 2000s, with particular reference to the role of each species in malaria transmission before eradication. The picture that emerges from this review is that potential vector species are still widespread in Europe, with the largest diversity in the Mediterranean area, Italy in particular. Despite information on their vectorial capacity being fragmentary, the information retrieved suggests a re-definition of the relative importance of potential vector species, indicating An. hyrcanus s.l., An. labranchiae, An. plumbeus and An. sacharovi as potential vectors of higher importance, while An. messeae/daciae and An. maculipennis s.s. can be considered to be moderately important species. In contrast, An. atroparvus and An. superpictus should be considered as vectors of lower importance, particularly in relation to their low anthropophily. The presence of gaps in current knowledge of vectorial systems in Europe becomes evident in this review, not only in terms of vector competence but also in the definition of sampling approaches, highlighting the need for further research to adopt the appropriate surveillance system for each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Matteo Mazzucato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza", P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy.,Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza", P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
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14
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Smitz N, De Wolf K, Gheysen A, Deblauwe I, Vanslembrouck A, Meganck K, De Witte J, Schneider A, Verlé I, Dekoninck W, Gombeer S, Vanderheyden A, De Meyer M, Backeljau T, Müller R, Van Bortel W. DNA identification of species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex and first record of An. daciae in Belgium. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:442-450. [PMID: 33951205 PMCID: PMC8453948 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed at identifying the members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) occurring in Belgium. Therefore, the second internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS2) and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) loci were sequenced in 175 and 111 specimens, respectively, collected between 2007 and 2019. In parallel, the suitability of two species-diagnostic PCR-RFLP assays was tested. The identified specimens included: An. maculipennis s.s. (N = 105), An. daciae (N = 62), An. atroparvus (N = 6) and An. messeae (N = 2). Each species was characterized by unique ITS2 haplotypes, whereas COI only supported the monophyly of An. atroparvus, a historical malaria vector in Belgium. Species identification results were further supported by unique PCR-RFLP banding patterns. We report for the first time An. daciae in Belgium, where it was found to co-occur with An. maculipennis s.s. The latter was the most prevalent in the collection studied (60%) and appears to have the widest distribution in Belgium. As in other studies, An. daciae and An. messeae appeared the most closely related species, up to the point that their species status remains debatable, while their ecological differences, including vector competences, need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Smitz
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo & Biology Department)TervurenBelgium
| | - K. De Wolf
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - A. Gheysen
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo & Biology Department)TervurenBelgium
| | - I. Deblauwe
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - A. Vanslembrouck
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service)BrusselsBelgium
| | - K. Meganck
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo & Biology Department)TervurenBelgium
| | - J. De Witte
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - A. Schneider
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - I. Verlé
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - W. Dekoninck
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service)BrusselsBelgium
| | - S. Gombeer
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service)BrusselsBelgium
| | - A. Vanderheyden
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service)BrusselsBelgium
| | - M. De Meyer
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo & Biology Department)TervurenBelgium
| | - T. Backeljau
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service)BrusselsBelgium
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - R. Müller
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - W. Van Bortel
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
- Outbreak Research TeamInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
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15
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Guerrero-Arguero I, Tellez-Freitas CM, Weber KS, Berges BK, Robison RA, Pickett BE. Alphaviruses: Host pathogenesis, immune response, and vaccine & treatment updates. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34435944 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001644] [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: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens belonging to the Alphavirus genus, in the Togaviridae family, are transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The signs and symptoms associated with these viruses include fever and polyarthralgia, defined as joint pain and inflammation, as well as encephalitis. In the last decade, our understanding of the interactions between members of the alphavirus genus and the human host has increased due to the re-appearance of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Asia and Europe, as well as its emergence in the Americas. Alphaviruses affect host immunity through cytokines and the interferon response. Understanding alphavirus interactions with both the innate immune system as well as the various cells in the adaptive immune systems is critical to developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest research on alphavirus-host cell interactions, underlying infection mechanisms, and possible treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Guerrero-Arguero
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Richard A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Brett E Pickett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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16
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Wolbachia prevalence in the vector species Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium in a Sindbis virus-endemic region of Sweden. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:428. [PMID: 34446060 PMCID: PMC8390198 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04937-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wolbachia pipientis are endosymbiotic bacteria present in a large proportion of terrestrial arthropods. The species is known to sometimes affect the ability of its host to transmit vector-borne pathogens. Central Sweden is endemic for Sindbis virus (SINV), where it is mainly transmitted by the vector species Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium, with the latter established as the main vector. In this study we investigated the Wolbachia prevalence in these two vector species in a region highly endemic for SINV. Methods Culex mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps baited with carbon dioxide over 9 years at 50 collection sites across the River Dalälven floodplains in central Sweden. Mosquito genus was determined morphologically, while a molecular method was used for reliable species determination. The presence of Wolbachia was determined through PCR using general primers targeting the wsp gene and sequencing of selected samples. Results In total, 676 Cx. pipiens and 293 Cx. torrentium were tested for Wolbachia. The prevalence of Wolbachia in Cx. pipiens was 97% (95% CI 94.8–97.6%), while only 0.7% (95% CI 0.19–2.45%) in Cx. torrentium. The two Cx. torrentium mosquitoes that were infected with Wolbachia carried different types of the bacteria. Conclusions The main vector of SINV in the investigated endemic region, Cx. torrentium, was seldom infected with Wolbachia, while it was highly prevalent in the secondary vector, Cx. pipiens. The presence of Wolbachia could potentially have an impact on the vector competence of these two species. Furthermore, the detection of Wolbachia in Cx. torrentium could indicate horizontal transmission of the endosymbiont between arthropods of different species. Graphical abstract ![]()
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17
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Hanafi-Bojd AA, Motazakker M, Vatandoost H, Dabiri F, Chavshin AR. Sindbis virus infection of mosquito species in the wetlands of northwestern Iran and modeling the probable ecological niches of SINV vectors in the country. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105952. [PMID: 33979644 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are among the most widely spread mosquito-borne viruses worldwide. Due to the key role of mosquitoes in the transmission cycle of vector-borne diseases, models such as Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) have been used in recent years to predict the environmental suitability and ecological niches of mosquito vectors. Infection of three mosquito species (Anopheles maculipennis s.l., Culex tritaeniorhynchus, and Culiseta longiareolata) with CHIKV has recently been reported in Iran. However, given the importance of vector-borne diseases in the country, there is a need for extensive studies on the infection of mosquitoes with CHIKV and SINV in different areas of the country. Accordingly, the current research was conducted to investigate the infection of mosquitoes with the two aforementioned viruses in the northwestern part of Iran and also to model the ecological niches of the vectors of these mosquito-borne viruses in the country. In the current study, 4639 mosquito specimens, consisting of 2515 adults and 2124 larvae, were collected from the wetlands of West Azerbaijan Province and identified. Ten species belonging to four genera were identified in this study. The specimens were allocated to 149 pools for the determination of infection with CHIKV and SINV. The amplification pattern of five pools comprising two mosquito species (Culex pipiens complex and Cx. Theileri) corresponded to the reference strain of SINV, and the isolates were sequenced to confirm the presence of SINV genome. No cases of CHIKV infection were found among the 149 examined mosquito pools. Data on the distribution of Cx. Pipiens complex and Cx. Theileri were mapped using ArcMap 10.5. Prediction maps of the presence probability for these species revealed that they are most likely to be found in and spread to the north, northwest, south, and southeastern areas of the country and in areas with abundant water resources. For the first time in Iran, our study investigated the presence probability of SINV vectors using ecological niche modeling. Ecological niche profiling showed that the most suitable habitats for Cx. pipiens are mainly concentrated in the north and northwestern parts of the country, whereas Cx. theileri is mostly located in the northwest and western regions. However, there were some other areas of low suitability for these two species in the country. Further studies in a broader geographical area with more species of mosquitos and the determination of infection with other mosquito-borne viruses can provide a clear understanding of the potential spread of mosquito-borne diseases in various regions of Iran.
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18
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First Record of Mosquito-Borne Kyzylagach Virus in Central Europe. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121445. [PMID: 33339099 PMCID: PMC7765487 DOI: 10.3390/v12121445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA of Kyzylagach virus (KYZV), a Sindbis-like mosquito-borne alphavirus from Western equine encephalitis virus complex, was detected in four pools (out of 221 pools examined), encompassing 10,784 female Culex modestus mosquitoes collected at a fishpond in south Moravia, Czech Republic, with a minimum infection rate of 0.04%. This alphavirus was never detected in Central Europe before.
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19
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Bergman A, Dahl E, Lundkvist Å, Hesson JC. Sindbis Virus Infection in Non-Blood-Fed Hibernating Culex pipiens Mosquitoes in Sweden. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121441. [PMID: 33327649 PMCID: PMC7765111 DOI: 10.3390/v12121441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial, but unresolved question concerning mosquito-borne virus transmission is how these viruses can remain endemic in regions where the transmission is halted for long periods of time, due to mosquito inactivity in, e.g., winter. In northern Europe, Sindbis virus (SINV) (genus alphavirus, Togaviridae) is transmitted among birds by Culex mosquitoes during the summer, with occasional symptomatic infections occurring in humans. In winter 2018–19, we sampled hibernating Culex spp females in a SINV endemic region in Sweden and assessed them individually for SINV infection status, blood-feeding status, and species. The results showed that 35 out of the 767 collected mosquitoes were infected by SINV, i.e., an infection rate of 4.6%. The vast majority of the collected mosquitoes had not previously blood-fed (98.4%) and were of the species Cx. pipiens (99.5%). This is the first study of SINV overwintering, and it concludes that SINV can be commonly found in the hibernating Cx. pipiens population in an endemic region in Sweden, and that these mosquitoes become infected through other means besides blood-feeding. Further studies on mosquito ecology and viral interactions are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of the persistence of these viruses over winter.
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20
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Rudolf I, Šikutová S, Šebesta O, Mendel J, Malenovský I, Kampen H, Medlock J, Schaffner F. Overwintering of Culex modestus and Other Mosquito Species in a Reedbed Ecosystem, Including Arbovirus Findings. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2020; 36:257-260. [PMID: 33647121 DOI: 10.2987/20-6949.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The overwintering strategy of the mosquito Culex modestus, an important West Nile virus (WNV) vector in Europe, was explored under field conditions in reedbed (Phragmites australis) ecosystems in early 2019. A total of 30 Cx. modestus females were found in a BG-Sentinel trap placed in a plastic greenhouse as well as in a reference BG-Sentinel trap placed under the open sky, both set up within the reedbeds and inspected every 2-3 days from February 27 to April 10, 2019. Moreover, 186 females of Cx. pipiens, 3 females of Anopheles hyrcanus, and 3 females of Culiseta annulata were trapped in the monitored time span. While all Cx. modestus females tested negative for the presence of WNV and other arboviruses circulating in Central Europe, we confirmed WNV lineage 2 and Ťahyna virus infection in several pools of the collected Cx. pipiens, demonstrating arbovirus overwintering. This pilot study highlights the need for large-scale monitoring activities covering different regions to identify the overwintering strategy of both mosquito-borne viruses and their vectors in Central Europe.
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21
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Zaid A, Burt FJ, Liu X, Poo YS, Zandi K, Suhrbier A, Weaver SC, Texeira MM, Mahalingam S. Arthritogenic alphaviruses: epidemiological and clinical perspective on emerging arboviruses. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 21:e123-e133. [PMID: 33160445 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses, or arboviruses, have been part of the infectious disease landscape for centuries, and are often, but not exclusively, endemic to equatorial and subtropical regions of the world. The past two decades saw the re-emergence of arthritogenic alphaviruses, a genus of arboviruses that includes several members that cause severe arthritic disease. Recent outbreaks further highlight the substantial public health burden caused by these viruses. Arthritogenic alphaviruses are often reported in the context of focused outbreaks in specific regions (eg, Caribbean, southeast Asia, and Indian Ocean) and cause debilitating acute disease that can extend to chronic manifestations for years after infection. These viruses are classified among several antigenic complexes, span a range of hosts and mosquito vectors, and can be distributed along specific geographical locations. In this Review, we highlight key features of alphaviruses that are known to cause arthritic disease in humans and outline the present findings pertaining to classification, immunogenicity, pathogenesis, and experimental approaches aimed at limiting disease manifestations. Although the most prominent alphavirus outbreaks in the past 15 years featured chikungunya virus, and a large body of work has been dedicated to understanding chikungunya disease mechanisms, this Review will instead focus on other arthritogenic alphaviruses that have been identified globally and provide a comprehensive appraisal of present and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Zaid
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Felicity J Burt
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Services, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Xiang Liu
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Yee Suan Poo
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Keivan Zandi
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mauro M Texeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
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Korhonen EM, Suvanto MT, Uusitalo R, Faolotto G, Smura T, Sane J, Vapalahti O, Huhtamo E. Sindbis Virus Strains of Divergent Origin Isolated from Humans and Mosquitoes During a Recent Outbreak in Finland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:843-849. [PMID: 32898458 PMCID: PMC7699012 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne avian hosted virus that is widely distributed in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Disease in humans is documented mainly from Northern Europe and South Africa and associated with genotype I. In 2018 under extremely warm climatic conditions, a small outbreak of 71 diagnosed SINV infections was recorded in Finland. We screened 52 mosquito pools (570 mosquitoes) and 223 human sera for SINV with real-time RT-PCR and the positive samples with virus isolation. One SINV strain was isolated from a pool (n = 13) of genus Ochlerotatus mosquitoes and three strains from patient serum samples. Complete genome analysis suggested all the isolates to be divergent from one another and related to previous Finnish, Swedish, and German strains. The study provides evidence of SINV strain transfer within Europe across regions with different epidemiological characteristics. Whether these are influenced by different mosquito genera involved in the transmission remains to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi M Korhonen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija T Suvanto
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giulia Faolotto
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carita Novara, Piemonte, Novara, Italy
| | - Teemu Smura
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Sane
- Department of Health Security, Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Virology and Immunology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eili Huhtamo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Azar SR, Campos RK, Bergren NA, Camargos VN, Rossi SL. Epidemic Alphaviruses: Ecology, Emergence and Outbreaks. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081167. [PMID: 32752150 PMCID: PMC7464724 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past century, the emergence/reemergence of arthropod-borne zoonotic agents has been a growing public health concern. In particular, agents from the genus Alphavirus pose a significant risk to both animal and human health. Human alphaviral disease presents with either arthritogenic or encephalitic manifestations and is associated with significant morbidity and/or mortality. Unfortunately, there are presently no vaccines or antiviral measures approved for human use. The present review examines the ecology, epidemiology, disease, past outbreaks, and potential to cause contemporary outbreaks for several alphavirus pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha R. Azar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | - Rafael K. Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | | | - Vidyleison N. Camargos
- Host-Microorganism Interaction Lab, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0610, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +409-772-9033
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Species composition, geographical distribution and seasonal abundance of the Anopheles maculipennis complex along the Upper Rhine, Germany. Parasitol Res 2019; 119:75-84. [PMID: 31832758 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Between May and September 2016, mosquitoes were collected on a biweekly basis at 55 locations with CO2-baited encephalitis vector surveillance traps along the Upper Rhine, Germany, to evaluate the species composition, geographical distribution and abundance of the Anopheles maculipennis complex, some members of this complex being considered vectors of historical malaria in Germany. A total of 2115 Anopheles maculipennis complex specimens were collected during the season, of which a sample of 1252 individuals was determined to species level by amplification of species-specific internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. A total of 856 individuals of Anopheles daciae (68.37%), 394 Anopheles messeae (31.47%) and 2 Anopheles maculipennis s.s. (0.16%) were recorded. The number and proportion of A. daciae was remarkably higher in the northern meandering zone of the Upper Rhine (843 specimens, 79.90%), than in the more canalised southern furcation zone where A. messeae with 183 collected specimens represented 92.89% of 197 classified individuals. The average number of collected A. maculipennis s.l. individuals per trapping site was 38.45, equalling 0.64% of the total mosquito collection. Despite an increase in imported malaria cases, this comparatively low abundance of A. maculipennis s.l. may indicate a low risk of endemic malaria transmission by members of the A. maculipennis complex today. The proportionally dominance of A. daciae suggests that this species could be suspected the main historical vector of malaria in the Upper Rhine region. Sequence analyses of the ITS2 fragment revealed intraindividual polymorphisms within 3 of 5 diagnostic nucleotides in all specimens of A. daciae, raising the question if additional loci should be considered, to gain further insight into the taxonomical relation to A. messeae.
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Hesson JC, Lundin E, Lundkvist Å, Lundström JO. Surveillance of mosquito vectors in Southern Sweden for Flaviviruses and Sindbis virus. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2019; 9:1698903. [PMID: 31853338 PMCID: PMC6913635 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2019.1698903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There are three human pathogenic bird-viruses transmitted by Culex mosquitoes in Europe: the alphavirus Sindbis and the flaviviruses West Nile virus and Usutu virus. Cases of Sindbis fever occur in the north while the flaviviruses are reported from southern Europe. In this study, 7933 Culex pipiens/torrentium mosquitoes from southern Sweden were screened by RTqPCR for these viruses. None of the mosquitoes were positive for viral RNA. The importance of mosquito species composition is discussed as a potential explanation to the lack of detection of mosquito-borne viruses in southern Sweden. However, continued surveillance of mosquitoes for Flaviviruses would be valuable as an early warning for public health awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny C Hesson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Lundin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan O Lundström
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Biologisk Myggkontroll, Nedre Dalälven Utvecklings AB, Gysinge, Sweden
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Ziegler U, Fischer D, Eiden M, Reuschel M, Rinder M, Müller K, Schwehn R, Schmidt V, Groschup MH, Keller M. Sindbis virus- a wild bird associated zoonotic arbovirus circulates in Germany. Vet Microbiol 2019; 239:108453. [PMID: 31767092 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is an arbovirus causing clinical symptoms such as arthritis, rash and fever following human infections in Fennoscandia. Its transmission cycle involves mosquito species as vectors as well as wild birds that act as natural reservoir hosts. In Germany, SINV was first time observed in 2009 in different mosquito species in the Upper Rhine valley and one year later in a hooded crow in Berlin. Recently, SINV was also detected repeatedly at various locations in Germany in the context of a mosquitoes monitoring program for arboviruses. In this study, we detected for just the second time a SINV infection in a diseased wild bird (common wood pigeon) from Central Europe. SINV was isolated by cell culture and the complete SINV genome sequence was determined. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a close affiliation to SINV genotype I with a high similarity to human isolate sequences from Finland, Sweden and Russia. The isolate was genetically distinct from the first avian isolate suggesting the circulation of at least two different SINV strains in Germany. In order to reveal the infection frequency in SINV positive mosquito regions 749 bird blood samples were assayed serologically and SINV antibodies found primarily in resident birds. SINV is therefore endemically circulating in mosquitoes in Germany, which results in occasional bird infections. No data are yet available on zoonotic transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Dominik Fischer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, D-35392, Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 91, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reuschel
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559, Hannover, Bünteweg 9, Germany
| | - Monika Rinder
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, D-85764, Oberschleißheim, Sonnenstrasse 18, Germany
| | - Kerstin Müller
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163, Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, Germany
| | - Rebekka Schwehn
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559, Hannover, Bünteweg 9, Germany; Seehundstation Nationalpark-Haus, D- 26506, Norden-Norddeich, Dörper Weg 24, Germany
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, D- 04103, Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 17, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Avizov N, Zuckerman N, Orshan L, Shalom U, Yeger T, Vapalahti O, Israely T, Paran N, Melamed S, Mendelson E, Lustig Y. High Endemicity and Distinct Phylogenetic Characteristics of Sindbis Virus in Israel. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:1500-1506. [PMID: 30184090 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne Alphavirus responsible for outbreaks of SINV disease, mainly in north Europe. SINV has been isolated from mosquitoes in Israel since the 1980s but SINV disease outbreaks have never been recorded. To gain better understanding of the kinetics of SINV circulation in Israel, 3008 mosquito pools, collected 2004-2006 and 2013-2015, were tested for SINV and phylogenetic analysis was conducted on partially sequenced SINV-positive pools. Results indicate possible expansion of SINV circulation across Israel in 2013-2015 compared to 2004-2006 with 6.35% (191 pools) of total pools positive for SINV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed all sequenced Israeli SINV strains belong to genotype I and form, together with SINV sequences from Saudi Arabia, a distinct Middle Eastern cluster. With high endemicity of SINV and as a major crossroads for bird migration between Africa and Eurasia, Israel provides valuable information on SINV dynamics and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Avizov
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Neta Zuckerman
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem
| | - Uri Shalom
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Jerusalem
| | - Tamar Yeger
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Jerusalem
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- University of Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Tomer Israely
- Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona
| | - Nir Paran
- Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona
| | | | - Ella Mendelson
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer
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Introduction and Dispersal of Sindbis Virus from Central Africa to Europe. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00620-19. [PMID: 31142666 PMCID: PMC6675900 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00620-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study shows that only a single introduction of SINV into a new geographical area is required for spread and establishment, provided that the requisite vector(s) and reservoir(s) of epizootological and epidemiological importance are present. Furthermore, we present the first report of recombination between two strains of SINV in nature. Our study increases the knowledge on new introductions and dispersal of arboviruses in general and of SINV in particular. Bird-hosted viruses have the potential to be transported over large areas of the world and to be transmitted in distant geographical regions. Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is locally amplified in a bird-mosquito enzootic cycle and distributed all over the Old World and Australia/Oceania. Sindbis virus genotype I (SINV-I) is the cause of disease outbreaks in humans in South Africa as well as in northern Europe. To trace the evolutionary history and potential strain-disease association of SINV-I, we sequenced 36 complete genomes isolated from field material in Europe, as well as in Africa and the Middle East, collected over 58 years. These were analyzed together with 30 additional published whole SINV-I genomes using Bayesian analysis. Our results suggested that SINV-I was introduced only once to northern Europe from central Africa, in the 1920s. After its first introduction to Sweden, it spread east and southward on two separate occasions in the 1960s and 1970s. Another introduction from central Africa to southern/central Europe seems to have occurred, and where these two introductions meet, one recombination event was detected in central Europe. In addition, another recombinant strain was found in central Africa, where the most divergent SINV-I strains also originated. IMPORTANCE This study shows that only a single introduction of SINV into a new geographical area is required for spread and establishment, provided that the requisite vector(s) and reservoir(s) of epizootological and epidemiological importance are present. Furthermore, we present the first report of recombination between two strains of SINV in nature. Our study increases the knowledge on new introductions and dispersal of arboviruses in general and of SINV in particular.
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Heym EC, Kampen H, Krone O, Schäfer M, Werner D. Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens from mosquitoes collected in two zoological gardens in Germany. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2097-2105. [PMID: 31154526 PMCID: PMC6611737 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In Germany, knowledge of disease agents transmitted by arthropods in zoological gardens is scarce. In the framework of ecological studies, mosquitoes were therefore collected in German zoological gardens and examined for mosquito-borne pathogen DNA and RNA. In total, 3840 mosquitoes were screened for filarial nematodes and three groups of viruses (orthobunyaviruses, flaviviruses, alphaviruses) while 405 mosquitoes were tested for avian malaria parasites. In addition to the filarial nematode species Dirofilaria repens (n = 1) and Setaria tundra (n = 8), Sindbis virus (n = 1) and the haemosporidian genera Haemoproteus (n = 8), Leucocytozoon (n = 10) and Plasmodium (n = 1) were demonstrated. Identified pathogens have the potential to cause disease in zoo and wild animals, but some of them also in humans. Positive mosquitoes were collected most often in July, indicating the highest infection risk during this month. Most of the pathogens were found in mosquito specimens of the Culex pipiens complex, suggesting that its members possibly act as the most important vectors in the surveyed zoos, although the mere demonstration of pathogen DNA/RNA in a homogenised complete mosquito is not finally indicative for a vector role. Outcomes of the study are not only significant for arthropod management in zoological gardens, but also for the general understanding of the occurrence and spread of mosquito-borne disease agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C Heym
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Muencheberg, Germany.
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mandy Schäfer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Muencheberg, Germany
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Heym EC, Kampen H, Schäfer M, Walther D. Mosquito bloodmeal preferences in two zoological gardens in Germany. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:203-212. [PMID: 30474300 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Because they provide a high density and diversity of vertebrate species, small water pools and shaded environments, zoological gardens offer ideal living conditions for numerous mosquito species. Depending on their host preferences and vector competencies, these species may be able to transmit pathogens between native and non-adapted exotic blood host species, thereby causing morbidity and mortality among valuable zoo animals. To determine the extent to which native mosquito species feed on captive and wild animals, as well as on humans, in two German zoological gardens, mosquitoes were collected over two seasons by trapping and aspirating. A total of 405 blood-fed specimens belonging to 16 mosquito taxa were collected. Genetic bloodmeal analysis revealed 56 host species, mainly representing mammals of the zoo animal population, including exotic species previously not known as blood hosts of the mosquito species collected. These results indicate opportunistic feeding patterns with low host-specificity in the analysed mosquitoes, although these could be grouped, according to their bloodmeals, into 'amphibian-', 'non-human mammal-' and 'non-human mammal and human-' feeding species. As the blood-feeding preferences of vector-competent mosquito species are major determinants of vector capacity, information on the blood-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes in zoos is crucial to the success of targeted vector management.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Heym
- Land Use and Governance, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
| | - H Kampen
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - M Schäfer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - D Walther
- Land Use and Governance, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
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Abstract
Background Different mosquito-borne pathogens are circulating in Iran including Sindbis virus, West Nile virus, filarioid worms and malaria parasites. However, the local transmission cycles of these pathogenic agents are poorly understood, especially because ecological data on vector species are scarce and there is limited knowledge about the host range; this understanding could help to direct species-specific vector control measurements or to prioritize research. Methods In the summers of 2015 and 2016, blood-fed mosquitoes were collected at 13 trapping sites on the coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran and at an additional trapping site in western Iran. Mosquitoes were generally collected with either a Biogents Sentinel trap or a Heavy Duty Encephalitis Vector Survey trap installed outside. A handheld aspirator was used at the trapping site in western Iran, in addition to a few samplings around the other trapping sites. On average, eight trapping periods were conducted per trapping site. The sources of blood meals were identified using a DNA barcoding approach targeting the cytochrome b or 16S rRNA gene fragment. Results The source of blood meals for 580 blood-fed mosquito specimens of 20 different taxa were determined, resulting in the identification of 13 different host species (9 mammals including humans, 3 birds and 1 reptile), whereby no mixed blood meals were detected. Five mosquito species represented more than 85.8% of all collected blood-fed specimens: Culex pipiens pipiens form pipiens (305 specimens, 55.7% of all mosquito specimens), Cx. theileri (60, 10.9%), Cx. sitiens (51, 9.3%), Cx. perexiguus (29, 5.3%) and Anopheles superpictus (25, 4.6%). The most commonly detected hosts of the four most abundant mosquito species were humans (Homo sapiens; 224 mosquito specimens, 40.9% of all mosquito specimens), cattle (Bos taurus; 171, 31.2%) and ducks (Anas spp.; 75, 13.7%). These four mosquito species had similar host-feeding patterns. The only exceptions were a relatively high proportion of birds for Cx. pipiens pipiens f. pipiens (23.2% of detected blood meal sources) and a high proportion of non-human mammals for Cx. theileri (73.4%). Trapping month, surrounding area, or trapping method had no statistically significant impact on the observed host-feeding patterns of Cx. pipiens pipiens f. pipiens. Conclusions Due to the diverse and overlapping host-feeding patterns, several mosquito species must be considered as potential enzootic and bridge vectors for diverse mosquito-borne pathogens in Iran. Most species can potentially transmit pathogens between mammals as well as between mammals and birds, which might be the result of a similar host selection or a high dependence on the host availability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3237-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Kohn M, Krücken J, McKay-Demeler J, Pachnicke S, Krieger K, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Dermacentor reticulatus in Berlin/Brandenburg (Germany): Activity patterns and associated pathogens. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:191-206. [PMID: 30385074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is one of the most important European tick species. However, its spatial distribution, seasonality and regional vector role are not well known. This study aimed to gather information about abundance patterns of questing ticks and associated pathogens in unfed female adult D. reticulatus in the Berlin/Brandenburg area. Using the flagging method, questing ticks were collected at four sites in 2010-2012 and 2000 D. reticulatus were analysed regarding infection with Rickettsia, Babesia, Borrelia and Anaplasmataceae by conventional or real-time PCR. Dermacentor reticulatus showed a bimodal activity pattern: highest numbers of adult ticks were recorded between March and end of May (mean 50 ticks/h) and from mid-August until end of November (mean 102 ticks/h). During summer, almost complete inactivity was observed (mean 0.4 ticks/h). Sporadic samplings from December to February revealed tick activity also during winter (mean 47 ticks/h), which was characterised by large fluctuations. Using negative binomial regression analysis, significant influences of the variables sampling site, season and temperature on the abundance of questing D. reticulatus were determined. The parameters relative humidity and year were not of significant importance. PCR analyses showed an average prevalence of 64% for Rickettsia sp. Large differences in pathogen frequencies were observed between sampling sites (31.4-78.3%). Regression analysis demonstrated a significant influence of the sampling site but not of season and year. Examinations regarding other pathogen groups indicated prevalences of 0.25% (Borrelia sp.) and 0.05% (Anaplasmataceae) but absence of Babesia sp. Sequencing of positive samples revealed infections with Rickettsia raoultii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Borrelia afzelii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The study shows stable populations of D. reticulatus in Berlin/Brandenburg. People should be aware of ticks throughout the year since Ixodes ricinus is co-endemic and active in spring, summer and autumn while adult D. reticulatus are active throughout the year and even in winter during periods of frost as long as it is warming up during the day. Prevalence of R. raoultii in the present study is among the highest described for D. reticulatus. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected for the first time in D. reticulatus, illustrating the importance of screening studies to evaluate the pathogen structure in D. reticulatus populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareen Kohn
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janina McKay-Demeler
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Klemens Krieger
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, 40789, Monheim, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
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Barzon L. Ongoing and emerging arbovirus threats in Europe. J Clin Virol 2018; 107:38-47. [PMID: 30176404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the last decades, arboviruses that are endemic in Europe have expanded their geographic range and caused an increasing number of human outbreaks. These viruses include West Nile virus, which is expanding its area of circulation in central and southern Europe; Usutu virus, with increasing evidence of a role in human disease; tick-borne encephalitis virus, which is being detected in northern areas and at higher altitudes as a consequence of climate warming; Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, which is endemic in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, but has been recently detected in Spain; other viruses, such as California encephalitis virus antigenic group, which circulate in northern and central Europe but whose relevance for human disease in largely unknown. In addition, the rise in global travel and trade has posed Europe to an increased risk of introduction and expansion of exotic arthropod vectors and autochthonous transmission of arboviruses, like dengue and chikungunya viruses, following new introductions from endemic areas. Implementation of integrated arbovirus surveillance programs has been crucial to adopt proper control measures. The identification of emerging outbreaks is however challenging and requires a high degree of awareness and laboratory capacity, especially for the most neglected but potentially threatening pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padova, Italy.
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Atkinson B, Hewson R. Emerging arboviruses of clinical importance in Central Asia. J Gen Virol 2018; 99:1172-1184. [PMID: 30067170 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses are viral pathogens that are transmitted from an animal reservoir to humans via an arthropod vector. These viruses result in a large burden of disease worldwide and show a propensity for establishing new endemic foci in geographically distant regions. The potential impact of arboviruses in Central Asia is unclear due to the scarcity of reports available in English; however, the collation of available data shows that numerous important human viruses are circulating in the region. Pathogens such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus and Tahyna virus are likely to be responsible for numerous cases of human disease in Central Asia on an annual basis. There is evidence that pathogens such as West Nile virus and sandfly fever virus have resulted in sporadic outbreaks of human disease across the region; these events appear to be triggered by a significant change in the abundance of local arthropod vectors or events altering the contact between humans and local arthropod populations, such as conflict or natural disasters. In addition, there are several under-researched arboviruses that could result in a significant disease, including Karshi virus, Issyk-Kul virus and Syr-Darya Valley fever virus. This review provides the first comprehensive assessment of emerging arboviruses in Central Asia. Further research is required to assess the full impact of arboviruses on human health in the region and to monitor potential spread. Up-to-date information regarding arbovirus endemicity will allow for the development and distribution of rapid diagnostics, the implementation of bite-prevention strategies in at-risk areas and improved travel recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Atkinson
- †Present address: The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking GU24 0NF, UK.,National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Roger Hewson
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
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Detection of Usutu, Sindbis, and Batai Viruses in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected in Germany, 2011⁻2016. Viruses 2018; 10:v10070389. [PMID: 30041410 PMCID: PMC6070890 DOI: 10.3390/v10070389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the emergence of non-endemic mosquito vectors and the recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito-borne pathogens are considered an increasing risk to public and animal health in Europe. To obtain a status quo regarding mosquito-borne viruses and their vectors in Germany, 97,648 mosquitoes collected from 2011 to 2016 throughout the country were screened for arboviruses. Mosquitoes were identified to species, pooled in groups of up to 50 individuals according to sampling location and date, and screened with different PCR assays for Flavi-, Alpha- and Orthobunyavirus RNA. Two pools tested positive for Usutu virus-RNA, two for Sindbis virus-RNA, and 24 for Batai virus-RNA. The pools consisted of Culex pipiens s.l., Culex modestus, Culex torrentium, Culiseta sp., Aedes vexans, Anopheles daciae, and Anopheles messeae mosquitoes and could be assigned to nine different collection sites, with seven of them located in northeastern Germany. Phylogenetic analyses of the viral RNA sequences showed relationships with strains of the viruses previously demonstrated in Germany. These findings confirm continuing mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus circulation even though only a rather small percentage of the screened samples tested positive. With respect to sampling sites and periods, virus circulation seems to be particularly intense in floodplains and after flooding events when mosquitoes develop in excessive numbers and where they have numerous avian hosts available to feed on.
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Tippelt L, Walther D, Scheuch DE, Schäfer M, Kampen H. Further reports of Anopheles algeriensis Theobald, 1903 (Diptera: Culicidae) in Germany, with evidence of local mass development. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2689-2696. [PMID: 29804195 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Anopheles algeriensis, a thermophilic mosquito species widely distributed in the Mediterranean, is supposed to be extremely rare and to occur in very low abundances in central and northern Europe. Being one of seven native Anopheles species, it has been reported from Germany a few times only, with all but one report several decades ago. Only in 2013, the endemic persistence of the species was confirmed when two larval specimens were found north of Hamburg. We here report the trapping of An. algeriensis adults at three additional sites in northeastern Germany, with one of them representing two thirds of all mosquitoes collected over two monitored seasons, 2015 and 2017, and a second one with still 12.3% of all specimens caught during the mosquito season 2016. At a third site, one single female was trapped in 2015. Despite considerable efforts, breeding sites could not be identified at the two locations characterised by the high abundances. Anopheles algeriensis has been shown to be vector-competent for Plasmodium parasites and might locally play a role in malaria epidemiology when abundance is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Tippelt
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Doreen Walther
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
| | - Dorothee E Scheuch
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Mandy Schäfer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
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Sigei F, Nindo F, Mukunzi S, Ng’ang’a Z, Sang R. Evolutionary analyses of Sindbis virus strains isolated from mosquitoes in Kenya. Arch Virol 2018; 163:2465-2469. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-3869-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Dutuze MF, Nzayirambaho M, Mores CN, Christofferson RC. A Review of Bunyamwera, Batai, and Ngari Viruses: Understudied Orthobunyaviruses With Potential One Health Implications. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:69. [PMID: 29707545 PMCID: PMC5906542 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bunyamwera (BUNV), Batai (BATV), and Ngari (NRIV) are mosquito-borne viruses of the Bunyamwera serogroup in the Orthobunyavirus genus of the Bunyaviridae family. These three viruses have been found to cause disease in both livestock animals, avian species, and humans. Thus, these viruses pose a potential threat to human public health, animal health, and food security. This is especially the case in the developing nations, where BUNV and NRIV are found, mainly in Africa. BUNV and BATV are fairly well characterized, while NRIV is not well characterized owing to only sporadic detection in human and animal populations in Africa. Reassortment is common among bunyaviruses, but NRIV is believed to be the only natural reassortant of the Bunyamwera serogroup. It resulted from a combination of BUNV S and L segments and the BATV M segment. This indicates at least some level co-circulation of BUNV and BATV, which have no historically been reported to overlap in geographic distributions. But as these viruses are undercharacterized, there remains a gap in the understanding of how such reassortment could occur, and the consequences of such. Due to their combined wide range of hosts and vectors, geographic distributions, potential severity of associated diseases, and potential for transmissibility between vertebrate hosts, these viruses represent a significant gap in knowledge with important One Health implications. The goal of this review is to report available knowledge of and identify potential future directions for study of these viruses. As these are collectively understudied viruses, there is a relative paucity of data; however, we use available studies to discuss different perspectives in an effort to promote a better understanding of these three viruses and the public and One Health threat(s) they may pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fausta Dutuze
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States.,College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Christopher N Mores
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Mosquitoes as Arbovirus Vectors: From Species Identification to Vector Competence. PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH MONOGRAPHS 2018. [PMCID: PMC7122353 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-94075-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes and other arthropods transmit a large number of medically important pathogens, in particular viruses. These arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) include a wide variety of RNA viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family (West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), Dengue virus (DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Zika virus (ZIKV)), the Togaviridae family (Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)), and Bunyavirales order (Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV)) (please refer also to Table 9.1). Arboviral transmission to humans and livestock constitutes a major threat to public health and economy as illustrated by the emergence of ZIKV in the Americas, RVFV outbreaks in Africa, and the worldwide outbreaks of DENV. To answer the question if those viral pathogens also pose a risk to Europe, we need to first answer the key questions (summarized in Fig. 9.1):Who could contribute to such an outbreak? Information about mosquito species resident or imported, potential hosts and viruses able to infect vectors and hosts in Germany is needed. Where would competent mosquito species meet favorable conditions for transmission? Information on the minimum requirements for efficient replication of the virus in a given vector species and subsequent transmission is needed. How do viruses and vectors interact to facilitate transmission? Information on the vector immunity, vector physiology, vector genetics, and vector microbiomes is needed.
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Zotzmann S, Steinbrink A, Schleich K, Frantzmann F, Xoumpholphakdy C, Spaeth M, Moro CV, Mavingui P, Klimpel S. Bacterial diversity of cosmopolitan Culex pipiens and invasive Aedes japonicus from Germany. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1899-1906. [PMID: 28534105 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5466-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Symbiotic bacteria have gained significant attention in recent years. For example, microbiota of some mosquito species seems to influence the development and transmission of pathogens. Furthermore, several attempts using bacteria as a paratransgenetic tool have been made in order to assist the control of mosquito-borne diseases. In this study, we examined the bacterial diversity of wild-caught adult Culex (Cx.) pipiens and laboratory-reared adult Aedes japonicus (Ae. japonicus) in Germany using a culture-independent method. Genomic DNA was extracted from each specimen and submitted to PCR amplification of eubacterial 16S rDNA. After the cloning reaction, 28 bacterial transformants per sample containing the 16S rDNA inserts were selected per each sample for sequencing. The analysed specimens of Cx. pipiens as well as of Ae. japonicus showed a diverse bacterial community including some common bacterial genera. Blast analysis allowed to identify 21 bacterial genera belonging to 2 phyla among the 23 specimens of Cx. pipiens. The 14 analysed Ae. japonicus revealed 11 bacterial genera belonging to 3 phyla. In both mosquito species, identified isolates were mainly Proteobacteria. Only 4 of the bacterial genera were found in both mosquito species, with the most prevalent genera Sphingomonas and Rahnella in Cx. pipiens and in Ae. japonicus respectively. Most of the bacterial genera found in our study have been identified in other mosquito species before. Due to the currently scarce data situation, ongoing examinations on the very abundant bacterial genera or species are strongly required to determine their relevance for the biology and adaptiveness of mosquitoes including pathogen-host relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Zotzmann
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany.
| | - Antje Steinbrink
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Kathrin Schleich
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Felix Frantzmann
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Chinhda Xoumpholphakdy
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Manuela Spaeth
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Claire Valiente Moro
- Ecologie Microbienne, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Bat. André Lwoff, 10 Rue Raphaël Dubois, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Patrick Mavingui
- Ecologie Microbienne, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Bat. André Lwoff, 10 Rue Raphaël Dubois, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.,Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249. Plateforme Technologique CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde, Réunion, France
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University (GU); Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
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Abstract
Viral arthritis and vasculitis are important differential diagnoses primarily in patients with acute polyarticular arthritis in association with fever and rash, in populations specially at risk and in returning travellers. Parvovirus B19 is the most frequent cause of viral arthritis in Europe, whereas rubella, hepatitis B and C viruses have become less common. Due to worldwide tourism arthritogenic alphaviruses, which are transmitted by mosquito vectors have come into the focus of tropical medicine and rheumatology. Viral arthritis is typically self-limiting but due to severe pain often requires symptomatic therapy with nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs; however, arthritis and vasculitis may also be a manifestation of an important treatable viral infection, such as hepatitis B, C and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV).
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Affiliation(s)
- U Sixdorf
- Klinik Innere Medizin IV (Rheumatologie, klinische Immunologie und Nephrologie), HELIOS Dr. Horst Schmidt Klinik Wiesbaden, Ludwig Erhard Str. 100, 65199, Wiesbaden, Deutschland
| | - E Märker-Hermann
- Klinik Innere Medizin IV (Rheumatologie, klinische Immunologie und Nephrologie), HELIOS Dr. Horst Schmidt Klinik Wiesbaden, Ludwig Erhard Str. 100, 65199, Wiesbaden, Deutschland.
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42
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Kampen H, Jansen S, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Walther D. Indoor development of Aedes aegypti in Germany, 2016. Euro Surveill 2016; 21:30407. [PMID: 27918261 PMCID: PMC5291146 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2016.21.47.30407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In spring 2016, a German traveller returning from Martinique cultivated imported plant offsets in her home, and accidentally bred Aedes aegypti. Thirteen adult mosquito specimens submitted for identification and the traveller were tested for Zika, dengue and chikungunya virus infections, with negative results. The detection of Ae. aegypti by the 'Mueckenatlas' project demonstrates the value of this passive surveillance scheme for potential public health threats posed by invasive mosquitoes in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Doreen Walther
- Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
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43
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Kampen H, Schäfer M, Zielke DE, Walther D. The Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in Germany: an update following recent monitoring activities. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3281-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5189-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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44
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Börstler J, Jöst H, Garms R, Krüger A, Tannich E, Becker N, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Lühken R. Host-feeding patterns of mosquito species in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:318. [PMID: 27259984 PMCID: PMC4893232 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquito-borne pathogens are of growing importance in many countries of Europe including Germany. At the same time, the transmission cycles of most mosquito-borne pathogens (e.g. viruses or filarial parasites) are not completely understood. There is especially a lack of knowledge about the vector capacity of the different mosquito species, which is strongly influenced by their host-feeding patterns. While this kind of information is important to identify the relevant vector species, e.g. to direct efficient control measures, studies about the host-feeding patterns of mosquito species in Germany are scarce and outdated. Methods Between 2012 and 2015, 775 blood-fed mosquito specimens were collected. Sampling was conducted with Heavy Duty Encephalitis Vector Survey traps, Biogents Sentinel traps, gravid traps, hand-held aspirators, sweep nets, and human-bait collection. The host species for each mosquito specimen was identified with polymerase chain reactions and subsequent Sanger sequencing of the cytochrome b gene. Results A total of 32 host species were identified for 23 mosquito species, covering 21 mammalian species (including humans) and eleven bird species. Three mosquito species accounted for nearly three quarters of all collected blood-fed mosquitoes: Aedes vexans (363 specimens, 46.8 % of all mosquito specimens), Culex pipiens pipiens form pipiens (100, 12.9 %) and Ochlerotatus cantans (99, 12.8 %). Non-human mammals dominated the host species (572 specimens, 73.8 % of all mosquito specimens), followed by humans (152, 19.6 %) and birds (51, 6.6 %). The most common host species were roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; 258 mosquito specimens, 33.3 % of all mosquito specimens, 65 % of all mosquito species), humans (Homo sapiens; 152, 19.6 %, 90 %), cattle (Bos taurus; 101, 13.0 %, 60 %), and wild boar (Sus scrofa; 116, 15.0 %, 50 %). There were no statistically significant differences in the spatial-temporal host-feeding patterns of the three most common mosquito species. Conclusions Although the collected blood-fed mosquito species had a strong overlap of host species, two different host-feeding groups were identified with mosquito species feeding on (i) non-human mammals and humans or (ii) birds, non-human mammals, and humans, which make them potential vectors of pathogens only between mammals or between mammals and birds, respectively. Due to the combination of their host-feeding patterns and wide distribution in Germany, Cx. pipiens pipiens form pipiens and Cx. torrentium are potentially most important vectors for pathogens transmitted from birds to humans and the species Ae. vexans for pathogens transmitted from non-human mammals to humans. Finally, the presented study indicated a much broader host range compared to the classifications found in the literature for some of the species, which highlights the need for studies on the host-feeding patterns of mosquitoes to further assess their vector capacity and the disease ecology in Europe. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1597-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Börstler
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Garms
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Krüger
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Institute for Dipterology, Speyer, Germany.,University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.
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Lühken R, Czajka C, Steinke S, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Pfitzner W, Becker N, Kiel E, Krüger A, Tannich E. Distribution of individual members of the mosquito Anopheles maculipennis complex in Germany identified by newly developed real-time PCR assays. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 30:144-154. [PMID: 26787387 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their role as vectors of malaria parasites, species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) Meigen were intensively studied in the past, but with the disappearance of malaria in Germany in the middle of the last century, the interest in this field of research declined. A comprehensive ecological analysis of the current species distribution for Germany is lacking. Between 2010 and 2013, a total of 1445 mosquitoes of the An. maculipennis complex were collected at 72 different sites in Germany. The samples comprise 722 single individuals as well as 723 individuals in 90 pools of up to 25 mosquitoes. All samples were analysed with newly developed species-specific qPCR assays for the identification of the four German species using nucleotide differences within the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) ribosomal DNA. All gathered data were used for species distribution modelling. The overall prevalence of An. messeae s.l. was highest with 98.89% of all pools; An. daciae with 6.93% of all individuals and An. messeae s.s. with 69.53%. The prevalence of the other two species was relatively low: An. maculipennis s.s. with 13.30% of all individuals (6.67% of all pools) and An. atroparvus with 1.80% of all individuals (1.11% of all pools).
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
| | - C Czajka
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S Steinke
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
| | - H Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - W Pfitzner
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS e.V.), Institute for Dipterology, Oldenburg, Waldsee, Germany
| | - N Becker
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS e.V.), Institute for Dipterology, Oldenburg, Waldsee, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - E Kiel
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
| | - A Krüger
- Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg, Germany
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46
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Bergqvist J, Forsman O, Larsson P, Näslund J, Lilja T, Engdahl C, Lindström A, Gylfe Å, Ahlm C, Evander M, Bucht G. Detection and isolation of Sindbis virus from mosquitoes captured during an outbreak in Sweden, 2013. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:133-40. [PMID: 25700044 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne alphaviruses have the potential to cause large outbreaks throughout the world. Here we investigated the causative agent of an unexpected Sindbis virus (SINV) outbreak during August-September, 2013, in a previously nonendemic region of Sweden. Mosquitoes were collected using carbon dioxide-baited CDC traps at locations close to human cases. The mosquitoes were initially screened as large pools by SINV-specific quantitative RT-PCR, and the SINV-positive mosquitoes were species determined by single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, followed by sequencing the barcoding region of the cytochrome oxidase I gene. The proportion of the collected mosquitoes was determined by a metabarcoding strategy. By using novel strategies for PCR screening and genetic typing, a new SINV strain, Lövånger, was isolated from a pool of 1600 mosquitoes composed of Culex, Culiseta, and Aedes mosquitoes as determined by metabarcoding. The SINV-positive mosquito Culiseta morsitans was identified by SNP analysis and sequencing. After whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the SINV Lövånger isolate was shown to be most closely similar to recent Finnish SINV isolates. In conclusion, within a few weeks, we were able to detect and isolate a novel SINV strain and identify the mosquito vector during a sudden SINV outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Bergqvist
- 1 Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security , Umeå, Sweden
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Zittra C, Flechl E, Kothmayer M, Vitecek S, Rossiter H, Zechmeister T, Fuehrer HP. Ecological characterization and molecular differentiation of Culex pipiens complex taxa and Culex torrentium in eastern Austria. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:197. [PMID: 27067139 PMCID: PMC4828795 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1495-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culex pipiens complex taxa differ in behaviour, ecophysiology and epidemiologic importance. Despite their epidemiologic significance, information on genetic diversity, occurrence and seasonal and spatial distribution patterns of the Cx. pipiens complex is still insufficient. Assessment of seasonal and spatial distribution patterns of Culex pipiens forms and their congener Cx. torrentium is crucial for the understanding of their vector-pathogen dynamics. METHODS Female mosquitoes were trapped from April-October 2014 twice a month for a 24-h time period with BG-sentinel traps at 24 sampling sites in eastern Austria, using carbon dioxide as attractant. Ecological forms of Cx. pipiens s.l. and their hybrids were differentiated using the CQ11 locus, and Cx. pipiens forms and their congener Cx. torrentium using the ACE-2 gene. Differential exploitation of ecological niches by Cx. pipiens forms and Cx. torrentium was analysed using likelihood ratio tests. Possible effects of environmental parameters on these taxa were tested using PERMANOVA based on distance matrices and, if significant, were modelled in nMDS ordination space to estimate non-linear relationships. RESULTS For this study, 1476 Culex spp. were sampled. Culex pipiens f. pipiens representing 87.33 % of the total catch was most abundant, followed by hybrids of both forms (5.62 %), Cx. torrentium (3.79 %) and Cx. pipiens f. molestus (3.25 %). Differences in proportional abundances were found between land cover classes. Ecological parameters affecting seasonal and spatial distribution of these taxa in eastern Austria are precipitation duration, air temperature, sunlight and the interaction term of precipitation amount and the Danube water level, which can be interpreted as a proxy for breeding habitat availability. CONCLUSIONS The Cx. pipiens complex of eastern Austria comprises both ecologically different forms, the mainly ornithophilic form pipiens and the mainly mammalophilic and anthropophilic form molestus. Heterogeneous agricultural areas as areas of coexistence may serve as hybridization zones, resulting in potential bridge vectors between birds and humans. Occurrence, seasonal and spatial distribution patterns of the Cx. pipiens complex and Cx. torrentium and the presence of hybrids between both forms were quantified for the first time in Austria. These findings will improve the knowledge of their vector-pathogen dynamics in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Zittra
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Flechl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kothmayer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Vitecek
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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48
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Klaus C, Gethmann J, Hoffmann B, Ziegler U, Heller M, Beer M. Tick infestation in birds and prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from different places in Germany. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2729-40. [PMID: 27048511 PMCID: PMC4914531 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5022-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The importance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens for human and animal health has been increasing over the past decades. For their transportation and dissemination, birds may play a more important role than wingless hosts. In this study, tick infestation of birds in Germany was examined. Eight hundred ninety-two captured birds were infested with ticks and belonged to 48 different species, of which blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos) were most strongly infested. Ground feeders were more strongly infested than non-ground feeders, sedentary birds more strongly than migratory birds, and short-distance migratory birds more strongly than long-distance migratory birds. Mean tick infestation per bird ranged between 2 (long-distance migratory bird) and 4.7 (sedentary bird), in some single cases up to 55 ticks per bird were found. With the exception of three nymphs of Haemaphysalis spp., all ticks belonged to Ixodes spp., the most frequently detected tick species was Ixodes ricinus. Birds were mostly infested by nymphs (65.1 %), followed by larvae (32.96 %). Additionally, ticks collected from birds were examined for several pathogens: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Sindbisvirus with real-time RT-PCR, Flaviviruses, Simbuviruses and Lyssaviruses with broad-range standard RT-PCR-assays, and Borrelia spp. with a Pan-Borrelia real-time PCR. Interestingly, no viral pathogens could be detected, but Borrelia spp. positive ticks were collected from 76 birds. Borrelia (B.) garinii, B. valaisiaina, B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. afzelii were determined. The screening of ticks and birds for viral pathogens with broad range PCR-assays was tested and the use as an “early warning system” is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Klaus
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, D-07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - Jörn Gethmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Novel and Emerging Diseases, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Heller
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
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49
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McCoy KD, Dietrich M, Jaeger A, Wilkinson DA, Bastien M, Lagadec E, Boulinier T, Pascalis H, Tortosa P, Le Corre M, Dellagi K, Lebarbenchon C. The role of seabirds of the Iles Eparses as reservoirs and disseminators of parasites and pathogens. ACTA OECOLOGICA (MONTROUGE, FRANCE) 2016; 72:98-109. [PMID: 32288503 PMCID: PMC7128210 DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of birds as reservoirs and disseminators of parasites and pathogens has received much attention over the past several years due to their high vagility. Seabirds are particularly interesting hosts in this respect. In addition to incredible long-distance movements during migration, foraging and prospecting, these birds are long-lived, site faithful and breed in dense aggregations in specific colony locations. These different characteristics can favor both the local maintenance and large-scale dissemination of parasites and pathogens. The Iles Eparses provide breeding and feeding grounds for more than 3 million breeding pairs of seabirds including at least 13 species. Breeding colonies on these islands are relatively undisturbed by human activities and represent natural metapopulations in which seabird population dynamics, movement and dispersal can be studied in relation to that of circulating parasites and pathogens. In this review, we summarize previous knowledge and recently-acquired data on the parasites and pathogens found in association with seabirds of the Iles Eparses. These studies have revealed the presence of a rich diversity of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria and parasites) carried by the birds and/or their local ectoparasites (ticks and louse flies). Many of these agents are widespread and found in other ecosystems confirming a role for seabirds in their large scale dissemination and maintenance. The heterogeneous distribution of parasites and infectious agents among islands and seabird species suggests that relatively independent metacommunities of interacting species may exist within the western Indian Ocean. In this context, we discuss how the patterns and determinants of seabird movements may alter parasite and pathogen circulation. We conclude by outlining key aspects for future research given the baseline data now available and current concerns in eco-epidemiology and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen D. McCoy
- MIVEGEC (Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Evolution, Génétique, Ecologie, Contrôle) UMR 5290 CNRS-IRD-Université de Montpellier, Centre IRD, 34393 Montpellier, France
| | - Muriel Dietrich
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Audrey Jaeger
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion-IRD-CNRS, CS92003, 97744 Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - David A. Wilkinson
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Matthieu Bastien
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Thierry Boulinier
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS-Université de Montpellier UMR 5175, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Hervé Pascalis
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Matthieu Le Corre
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion-IRD-CNRS, CS92003, 97744 Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Camille Lebarbenchon
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
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50
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Adouchief S, Smura T, Sane J, Vapalahti O, Kurkela S. Sindbis virus as a human pathogen-epidemiology, clinical picture and pathogenesis. Rev Med Virol 2016; 26:221-41. [DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Adouchief
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Teemu Smura
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Jussi Sane
- National institute for Health and Welfare (THL); Helsinki Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
- Department of Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB; Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Satu Kurkela
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
- Department of Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB; Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
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