1
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Bopp L, Kreuter A, von Stebut E, Fabri M. [Virus-induced exanthems in returning travellers]. Hautarzt 2022; 73:462-474. [PMID: 35554622 PMCID: PMC9100320 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-022-05001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dermatological diseases are among the most common travel-associated diseases. In particular, viral infections not only with tropical and subtropical pathogens, but also with viruses common in Germany, which are often accompanied by skin rashes and general symptoms, are of great importance. In addition to an accurate travel history and possible risk exposures, epidemiological information on country-specific risks in combination with molecular and serological analyses is helpful in making the correct diagnosis. This article provides an overview of important virus-induced exanthems in returned travellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Bopp
- Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Klinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland.
| | - Alexander Kreuter
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, HELIOS St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Oberhausen, Deutschland
| | - Esther von Stebut
- Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Klinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Mario Fabri
- Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Klinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland
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2
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García San Miguel L, Sierra MJ, Vazquez A, Fernandez-Martínez B, Molina R, Sanchez-Seco MP, Lucientes J, Figuerola J, de Ory F, Monge S, Suarez B, Simón F. Phlebovirus-associated diseases transmitted by phlebotominae in Spain: Are we at risk? ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2021; 39:345-351. [PMID: 34353512 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The genera Phlebovirus transmitted by Diptera belonging to the Psychodidae family are a cause of self-limited febrile syndrome in the Mediterranean basin in summer and autumn. Toscana virus can also cause meningitis and meningoencephalitis. In Spain, Toscana, Granada, Naples, Sicily, Arbia and Arrabida-like viruses have been detected. The almost widespread distribution of Phlebotomus genus vectors, and especially Phlebotomus perniciosus, in which several of these viruses have been detected, makes it very likely that there will be regular human infections in our country, with this risk considered moderate for Toscana virus and low for the other ones, in areas with the highest vector activity. Most of the infections would be undiagnosed, while only Toscana virus would have a greater impact due to the potential severity of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía García San Miguel
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain.
| | - M Jose Sierra
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain
| | - Ana Vazquez
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Martínez
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - M Paz Sanchez-Seco
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Sanidad Animal), Instituto de Investigación Agroalimentario de Aragon IA2, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estacion Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain
| | - Fernando de Ory
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain
| | - Susana Monge
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain
| | - Berta Suarez
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain
| | - Fernando Simón
- Centro de Coordinación de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Pública, Calidad e Innovación, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Spain
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3
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García San Miguel L, Sierra MJ, Vazquez A, Fernandez-Martínez B, Molina R, Sanchez-Seco MP, Lucientes J, Figuerola J, de Ory F, Monge S, Suarez B, Simón F. Phlebovirus-associated diseases transmitted by phlebotominae in Spain: Are we at risk? Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2020. [PMID: 32345490 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The genera Phlebovirus transmitted by Diptera belonging to the Psychodidae family are a cause of self-limited febrile syndrome in the Mediterranean basin in summer and autumn. Toscana virus can also cause meningitis and meningoencephalitis. In Spain, Toscana, Granada, Naples, Sicily, Arbia and Arrabida-like viruses have been detected. The almost widespread distribution of Phlebotomus genus vectors, and especially Phlebotomus perniciosus, in which several of these viruses have been detected, makes it very likely that there will be regular human infections in our country, with this risk considered moderate for Toscana virus and low for the other ones, in areas with the highest vector activity. Most of the infections would be undiagnosed, while only Toscana virus would have a greater impact due to the potential severity of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía García San Miguel
- Centro de Coordinacion de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Publica, Calidad e Innovacion, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social.
| | - M Jose Sierra
- Centro de Coordinacion de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Publica, Calidad e Innovacion, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social
| | - Ana Vazquez
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades; Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Madrid, España
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Martínez
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP)
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Majadahonda, España
| | - M Paz Sanchez-Seco
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Sanidad Animal), Instituto de Investigacion Agroalimentario de Aragon IA2, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, España
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estacion Biologica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Sevilla, España; Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Madrid, España
| | - Fernando de Ory
- Laboratorio de arbovirus y enfermedades víricas importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades; Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Madrid, España
| | - Susana Monge
- Centro de Coordinacion de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Publica, Calidad e Innovacion, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social
| | - Berta Suarez
- Centro de Coordinacion de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Publica, Calidad e Innovacion, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social
| | - Fernando Simón
- Centro de Coordinacion de Alertas y Emergencias Sanitarias (CCAES), Direccion General de Salud Publica, Calidad e Innovacion, Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social
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4
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Charrel RN, Berenger JM, Laroche M, Ayhan N, Bitam I, Delaunay P, Parola P. Neglected vector-borne bacterial diseases and arboviruses in the Mediterranean area. New Microbes New Infect 2018; 26:S31-S36. [PMID: 30402241 PMCID: PMC6205580 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod vectors can transmit pathogenic microorganisms from one vertebrate to another during their blood meal. Although some vector-borne diseases have been eradicated in the Mediterranean area, such as malaria and dengue, recent endemic microorganisms (Toscana virus, Rickettsia spp.) remain neglected even though they cause many more cases. New diagnostic tools and innovative tools for the identification and characterization of vector species and microorganisms have been developed at IHU Méditerranée Infection, either internally or through collaborative and integrated projects. We have detected Rickettsia slovaca as a human pathogen and have described the disease; we have shown that Rickettsia felis can be transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes; we have emphasized the increasing importance of bedbug (Cimex lectularius) as a potential vector of Bartonella quintana; and we have described the Toscana virus, a major agent of meningitis and meningoencephalitis which was disseminated in North Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, where it frequently cocirculates with a large number of newly described phleboviruses transmitted by sand flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Charrel
- Unite des Virus Emergents, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - J-M Berenger
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - M Laroche
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - N Ayhan
- Unite des Virus Emergents, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - I Bitam
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - P Delaunay
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital de l'Archet, Nice, France.,MIVEGEC, UMR IRD224-CNRS5290, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - P Parola
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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5
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Stahn B, Sudeck H, Frickmann H, Krüger A, Burchard HG, Wiemer D. Sandmückenfieber – eine „vernachlässigte“ Krankheit. Hautarzt 2018; 69:928-937. [DOI: 10.1007/s00105-018-4251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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6
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Seroprevalence study of Toscana virus and viruses belonging to the Sandfly fever Naples antigenic complex in central and southern Italy. J Infect Public Health 2017; 10:866-869. [PMID: 28237695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandfly fever viruses are transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sandflies; serotypes sandfly fever Naples virus, sandfly fever Sicilian virus and sandfly fever Cyprus virus cause febrile illness, whereas Toscana virus (TOSV) may cause neuroinvasive infections. Although TOSV is an important cause of aseptic meningitis in central and southern Italy, in many cases the infection is asymptomatic, leading to underestimation of the actual spread of the virus. This serosurvey aimed to assess the seroprevalence of TOSV in a random population in Siena (Tuscany, central Italy) in 2003-2004 and 2013-2014 and Bari (Apulia, southern Italy) in 2004 and 2015. 2132 serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-TOSV/SFNV IgG by means of ELISA and IFA commercial tests. Seroprevalence rates were compared in the two cities and over a ten-year period in the same city. Seroprevalence results in the Siena population (22.95% in 2003-2004 vs 26.75% in 2013-2014) confirmed the endemic circulation of TOSV and closely related viruses in central Italy, without major changes over the last decade, while no significant prevalence was observed in Bari (2.90% in 2004 vs 1.85% in 2015).
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7
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Gori Savellini G, Gandolfo C, Cusi MG. Truncation of the C-terminal region of Toscana Virus NSs protein is critical for interferon-β antagonism and protein stability. Virology 2015; 486:255-62. [PMID: 26474372 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Toscana Virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus responsible for central nervous system (CNS) injury in humans. The TOSV non-structural protein (NSs), which interacting with RIG-I leads to its degradation, was analysed in the C terminus fragment in order to identify its functional domains. To this aim, two C-terminal truncated NSs proteins, Δ1C-NSs (aa 1-284) and Δ2C-NSs (aa 1-287) were tested. Only Δ1C-NSs did not present any inhibitory effect on RIG-I and it showed a greater stability than the whole NSs protein. Moreover, the deletion of the TLQ aa sequence interposed between the two ΔC constructs caused a greater accumulation of the protein with a weak inhibitory effect on RIG-I, indicating some involvement of these amino acids in the NSs activity. Nevertheless, all the truncated proteins were still able to interact with RIG-I, suggesting that the domains responsible for RIG-I signaling and RIG-I interaction are mapped on different regions of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Gori Savellini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Microbiology Section, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Gandolfo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Microbiology Section, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cusi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Microbiology Section, University of Siena, Italy.
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8
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Virus isolation, genetic characterization and seroprevalence of Toscana virus in Algeria. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:1040.e1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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9
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In silico analysis and modeling of putative T cell epitopes for vaccine design of Toscana virus. 3 Biotech 2015; 5:497-503. [PMID: 28324549 PMCID: PMC4522722 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-014-0247-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The sandfly fever Toscana virus is an important etiological agent known to cause human neurological infections in endemic Mediterranean countries during summer season. In the present study, prediction and modeling of T cell epitopes of Toscana virus (TOSV) antigenic proteins followed by the binding simulation studies of predicted highest binding scorers with their corresponding MHC class II alleles were done. Immunoinformatics was applied in computational vaccinology to analyze the viral proteins which generate possible outcomes to elicit vaccine for TOSV. Here, immunoinformatic tool ProPred was used to predict the promiscuous MHC class II epitopes of viral antigenic proteins. The molecular modeling of the selected epitopes as well as MHC alleles was done at CPH model 3.2 server. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were performed through the NAMD graphical user interface embedded in visual molecular dynamics. The epitope/peptide VKMMIVLNL of viral nucleoprotein as well as VMILGLLSS of viral glycoprotein has shown the highest binding score with the same DRB1*1104 MHC II allele. These two predicted peptides are highly potential to induce T cell-mediated immune response and are expected to be useful in designing epitope-based vaccines after further testing. The results signify that the nucleoprotein, glycoprotein or the combination of both could be useful for future development of a vaccine controlling the spread of this emerging virus that could pose a new threat for humans.
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Calzolari M, Angelini P, Finarelli AC, Cagarelli R, Bellini R, Albieri A, Bonilauri P, Cavrini F, Tamba M, Dottori M, Gaibani P, Natalini S, Maioli G, Pinna M, Mattivi A, Sambri V, Pierro A, Landini MP, Rossini G, Squintani G, Cinotti S, Varani S, Vocale C, Bedeschi E. Human and entomological surveillance of Toscana virus in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, 2010 to 2012. Euro Surveill 2014; 19:20978. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2014.19.48.20978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV), transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies, is recognised as one of the most important causes of viral meningitis in summer in Mediterranean countries. A surveillance plan based on both human and entomological surveys was started in 2010 in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy. Clinical samples from patients with neurological manifestations were collected during 2010 to 2012. The surveillance protocol was improved during these years, allowing the detection of 65 human infections. Most of these infections were recorded in hilly areas, where sandflies reach the highest density. Entomological sampling around the homes of the patients resulted in a low number of captured sandflies, while later sampling in a hilly area with high number of human cases (n=21) resulted in a larger number of captured sandflies. Using this approach, 25,653 sandflies were sampled, of which there were 21,157 females, which were sorted into 287 pools. TOSV RNA was detected by real-time PCR in 33 of the pools. The results highlighted the role of Phlebotomus perfiliewi as the main vector of TOSV and a potential link between vector density and virus circulation. This integrated system shows that an interdisciplinary approach improves the sensitiveness and effectiveness of health surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - P Angelini
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - A C Finarelli
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - R Cagarelli
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - R Bellini
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente ‘G Nicoli’, Crevalcore, Italy
| | - A Albieri
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente ‘G Nicoli’, Crevalcore, Italy
| | - P Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Cavrini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Tamba
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Dottori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - P Gaibani
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Natalini
- Veterinary and Food Hygiene Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Maioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Pinna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Mattivi
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Italy
| | - A Pierro
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - M P Landini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Rossini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Squintani
- Veterinary and Food Hygiene Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Cinotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Varani
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Vocale
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Bedeschi
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
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11
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Dupouey J, Bichaud L, Ninove L, Zandotti C, Thirion-Perrier L, de Lamballerie X, Charrel RN. Toscana virus infections: a case series from France. J Infect 2013; 68:290-5. [PMID: 24247068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a neglected sandfly-borne pathogen in Mediterranean countries. Although discovered four decades ago, articles that describe the clinical aspects are scarce and consist mostly of case reports, with few series of cases. We studied retrospectively symptomatic TOSV infections in patients hospitalized in Marseille (France) from 2004 to 2011. Seventeen patients were classified as probable or confirmed cases. Fourteen cases (82%) occurred between June and September, and 3 cases in March, April and November. Two cases were potentially imported from Croatia and Tuscany. All patients presented with fever and neurological signs were observed such as aseptic meningitis (n = 6), muscular symptoms (n = 3), or encephalitis (n = 4). The outcome was always favorable. At the acute stage, anti TOSV IgM were observed in 14/17 patients, neutralization tests were positive for 3/8 patients, and RT-PCR confirmed TOSV infections in 5/8 CSF specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Dupouey
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, 13005 Marseille, France; IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - L Bichaud
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, 13005 Marseille, France; IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - L Ninove
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, 13005 Marseille, France; IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - C Zandotti
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, 13005 Marseille, France; IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - L Thirion-Perrier
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, 13005 Marseille, France; IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - X de Lamballerie
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, 13005 Marseille, France; IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - R N Charrel
- UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, 13005 Marseille, France; IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France.
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12
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Alkan C, Bichaud L, de Lamballerie X, Alten B, Gould EA, Charrel RN. Sandfly-borne phleboviruses of Eurasia and Africa: Epidemiology, genetic diversity, geographic range, control measures. Antiviral Res 2013; 100:54-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Sakhria S, Bichaud L, Mensi M, Salez N, Dachraoui K, Thirion L, Cherni S, Chelbi I, De Lamballerie X, Zhioua E, Charrel RN. Co-circulation of Toscana virus and Punique virus in northern Tunisia: a microneutralisation-based seroprevalence study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2429. [PMID: 24069484 PMCID: PMC3772032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In northern Tunisia, the co-circulation of two related sand fly-borne phleboviruses, Toscana virus (TOSV) and Punique virus (PUNV) was previously demonstrated. In contrast to TOSV, a prominent human pathogen, there is no data supporting that PUNV is capable to infect and cause disease to humans. We studied the respective involvement of TOSV and PUNV in human infections in northern Tunisia through a seroprevalence study. Methods The presence of TOSV and PUNV neutralising antibodies (NT-Ab) was tested in human sera collected from 5 districts of the governorate of Bizerte, and the titres of NT-Ab were estimated by microneutralisation (MN) assay. Principal Findings A total of 1,273 sera were processed. TOSV and PUNV NT-Ab were detected in 522 (41%) and 111 sera (8.72%) respectively. TOSV seroprevalence varied from 17.2% to 59.4% depending on the district. Analysis of TOSV geometric mean titre values demonstrated a constant increase according to the age. The vast majority of sera containing NT-Ab were found to be more reactive toward TOSV than PUNV. Indeed, past infections with PUNV and TOSV were undisputable for 5 and 414 sera, respectively. Conclusions PUNV may be capable to infect humans but at a low rate. TOSV is responsible for the vast majority of human infections by sand fly-borne phleboviruses in northern Tunisia. TOSV must be considered by physician and tested in diagnostic laboratories for patients with meningitis and unexplained fever in northern Tunisia. In northern Tunisia, two different pheboviruses are known to circulate in sand fly population, Toscana virus (TOSV) and Punique virus (PUNV). In contrast to TOSV, a prominent human pathogen, there is no data supporting that PUNV is capable to infect humans and to cause a disease. We studied the respective involvement of TOSV and PUNV in human infections in northern Tunisia through a seroprevalence study. Because TOSV and PUNV are antigenically and genetically closely related, it is difficult to distinguish between them by using broadly reactive serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thus, we developed a method of microneutralisation assay using the two viruses in a comparative manner. A total of 1,273 sera were processed. We provide first evidence to support (i) that Punique virus may be capable to infect humans but at a low rate, (ii) that TOSV, the most prevalent arbovirus in Southern Europe, is responsible for the vast majority of human infections by sand fly-borne phleboviruses in northern Tunisia. Therefore, it is important to consider TOSV as an important pathogen that needs to be included in all virological diagnostic concerning patients with meningitis and unexplained febrile illness originated from Northern Tunisia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurence Bichaud
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, UMR_D 190 “Emergence des Pathologies Virales”, Marseille, France
- IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Mohamed Mensi
- Regional Health Department, Governorate of Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Nicolas Salez
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, UMR_D 190 “Emergence des Pathologies Virales”, Marseille, France
| | | | - Laurence Thirion
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, UMR_D 190 “Emergence des Pathologies Virales”, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Xavier De Lamballerie
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, UMR_D 190 “Emergence des Pathologies Virales”, Marseille, France
- IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | | | - Rémi N. Charrel
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, UMR_D 190 “Emergence des Pathologies Virales”, Marseille, France
- IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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Toscana virus NSs protein promotes degradation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase. J Virol 2013; 87:3710-8. [PMID: 23325696 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02506-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV), which is transmitted by Phlebotomus spp. sandflies, is a major etiologic agent of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis in the Mediterranean. Like other members of the genus Phlebovirus of the family Bunyaviridae, TOSV encodes a nonstructural protein (NSs) in its small RNA segment. Although the NSs of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) has been identified as an important virulence factor, which suppresses host general transcription, inhibits transcription from the beta interferon promoter, and promotes the proteasomal degradation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), little is known about the functions of NSs proteins encoded by less-pathogenic members of this genus. In this study we report that TOSV is able to downregulate PKR with similar efficiency as RVFV, while infection with the other phleboviruses-i.e., Punta Toro virus, sandfly fever Sicilian virus, or Frijoles virus-has no effect on cellular PKR levels. In contrast to RVFV, however, cellular transcription remains unaffected during TOSV infection. TOSV NSs protein promotes the proteasome-dependent downregulation of PKR and is able to interact with kinase-inactive PKR in infected cells.
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15
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Charrel RN, Bichaud L, de Lamballerie X. Emergence of Toscana virus in the mediterranean area. World J Virol 2012; 1:135-41. [PMID: 24175218 PMCID: PMC3782275 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v1.i5.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus, identified in 1971, from Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus perfiliewi in central Italy. TOSV belongs to the Phlebovirus genus within the Bunyaviridae family. As other bunyaviruses, the genome of TOSV consists of 3 segments (S for small, M for Medium, and L for Large) respectively encoding non structural and capsid proteins, envelope structural proteins, and the viral RNA-dependant RNA-polymerase. It is transmitted by sand flies. Therefore its distribution is dictated by that of the arthropod vectors, and virus circulation peaks during summertime when sandfly populations are active. Here, we reviewed the epidemiology of TOSV in the old world. First evidence of its pathogenicity for humans, specifically its propensity to cause central nervous system (CNS) infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, was reported in central Italy. After 2000, it was recognized that TOSV had a much larger geographic distribution than initially believed, and was present in most of the Western European countries located on the northern border of the Mediterranean Sea (Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, Croatia) as well as eastern countries such as Cyprus and Turkey. In the countries where TOSV is present, it is among the three most prevalent viruses in meningitis during the warm seasons, together with enteroviruses and herpesviruses. Up to now, epidemiological data concerning Northern Africa and other countries located south of the Mediterranean are scarce. TOSV must be considered an emerging pathogen. Despite the important role played by TOSV in CNS infections, it remains a neglected agent and is rarely considered by physicians in diagnostic algorithms of CNS infections and febrile illness during the warm season, probably because of the lack of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi N Charrel
- Remi N Charrel, Laurence Bichaud, Xavier de Lamballerie, Aix Marseille University, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", 13005 Marseille, France
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Serata D, Rapinesi C, Del Casale A, Simonetti A, Mazzarini L, Ambrosi E, Kotzalidis GD, Fensore C, Girardi P, Tatarelli R. Personality Changes After Toscana Virus (TOSV) Encephalitis in a 49-Year-Old Man: A Case Report. Int J Neurosci 2010; 121:165-9. [DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2010.537412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Gori Savellini G, Weber F, Terrosi C, Habjan M, Martorelli B, Cusi MG. Toscana virus induces interferon although its NSs protein reveals antagonistic activity. J Gen Virol 2010; 92:71-9. [PMID: 20861320 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.025999-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a phlebotomus-transmitted virus that belongs to the family Bunyaviridae and causes widespread infections in humans; about 30 % of these cases result in aseptic meningitis. In the present study, it was shown that TOSV is an inducer of beta interferon (IFN-β), although its non-structural protein (NSs) could inhibit the induction of IFN-β if expressed in a heterologous context. A recombinant Rift Valley fever virus expressing the TOSV NSs could suppress IFN-β expression in infected cells. Moreover, in cells expressing NSs protein from a cDNA plasmid, IFN-β transcripts were not inducible by poly(I : C). Unlike other members of the family Bunyaviridae, TOSV appears to express an NSs protein that is a weak antagonist of IFN induction. Characterization of the interaction of TOSV with the IFN system will help our understanding of virus-host cell interactions and may explain why the pathogenesis of this disease is mostly mild in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Gori Savellini
- Department of Molecular Biology, Microbiology Section, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Cusi MG, Savellini GG, Zanelli G. Toscana virus epidemiology: from Italy to beyond. Open Virol J 2010; 4:22-8. [PMID: 20517492 DOI: 10.2174/1874357901004020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 11/04/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus which is transmitted to humans by Phlebotomus spp sandflies. Infection is the cause of brain injuries, such as aseptic meningitis and meningoencephalitis, in Italy mainly during the summer. More recently some unusual clinical manifestations due to TOSV with severe sequelae, such as ischemic complications and hydrocephalus, have been reported. TOSV represents an important emerging pathogen and its presence is being investigated in several European countries on the Mediterranean basin, including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Cyprus. Phylogenetic analysis has distinguished two genotypes of TOSV, A and B; the first is circulating mainly in Italy and the second in Spain, indicating a different geographic distribution possibly related to the vector. This distribution, evolving with the climate, globalization and habitat modification, has implications for the epidemiology of TOSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Cusi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Microbiology Section, University of Siena, Policlinico "S. Maria alle Scotte", Siena, Italy
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19
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Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus which is transmitted to humans by Phlebotomus spp sandflies. Infection is the cause of brain injuries, such as aseptic meningitis and meningoencephalitis, in Italy mainly during the summer. More recently some unusual clinical manifestations due to TOSV with severe sequelae, such as ischemic complications and hydrocephalus, have been reported. TOSV represents an important emerging pathogen and its presence is being investigated in several European countries on the Mediterranean basin, including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Cyprus. Phylogenetic analysis has distinguished two genotypes of TOSV, A and B; the first is circulating mainly in Italy and the second in Spain, indicating a different geographic distribution possibly related to the vector. This distribution, evolving with the climate, globalization and habitat modification, has implications for the epidemiology of TOSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Cusi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Microbiology Section, University of Siena, Policlinico "S. Maria alle Scotte", Siena, Italy
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Bahri O, Fazaa O, Ben Alaya-Bouafif N, Bouloy M, Triki H, Bouattour A. [Role of Toscana virus in meningo-encephalitis in Tunisia]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 59:e125-7. [PMID: 20378279 DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2010.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To detect the presence of Toscana virus (TOSV) circulation in Tunisia and to study its role in viral meningo-encephalitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 315 (167 sera and 178 cerobrospinal fluid [CSF]) samples was investigated. These samples are colleted from Tunisian patients with neurological diseases during the period between January 2003 and December 2009. All samples were tested negative for enterovirus, Herpes Simplex virus and West Nile virus. Detection for IgM and IgG specific to TOSV was done by ELISA tests. RESULTS Specific IgM for TOSV were detected in 10 % of patients with neurological diseases (31 cases). These recent infections were distributed throughout the study period and predominated during summer and automn. Patients were originated, in the majority from the coastal region. IgG were isolated in 22 cases (7 %) corresponding to previous infection. CONCLUSION This is the first report of TOSV circulating in Tunisia and its frequent implication in neurological diseases. These results incited to include TOSV as one of the viral etiologies to target in the diagnosis of viral meningitis and encephalitis in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Bahri
- Laboratoire de Virologie Clinique, Institut Pasteur, 13 Place Pasteur, Le Belvédère, 1002 Tunis, Tunisie.
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Hukić M, Salimović-Besić I. Sandfly - Pappataci fever in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the new-old disease. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2009; 9:39-43. [PMID: 19284393 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2009.2854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandfly fever viruses (SFV) are endemic in the Mediterranean, Middle East, northern African and western Asian countries. Toscana virus (TOSV), serotype of Sandfly fever Naples virus, is among of the three most prevalent viruses associated with meningitis during the warm seasons in northern Mediterranean countries. The historical data of the sandfly fever (Pappataci fever) indicates its origin in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of 19th century. There is a long period of time for which there are no data on research related to the SFV in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The purpose of the study was to investigate the presence of sandfly fever in Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent years. The 68 of serum samples were obtained from February 2006 until September 2008 from a group of patients with febrile illness of unknown etiology. The sera were tested on the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against TOSV by specific serology test- recomLine Bunyavirus IgG/IgM immuno-line assay. The recent TOSV-infection was confirmed in the patients in each year during the study: 10,71% (3/28) in 2008; 9,38% (3/32) in 2007 and 12,50% (1/8) in 2006. The presence of specific antibodies to TOSV in the sera of the patients in recent years indicates re-emerging character of the disease in this region. It would be necessary to make biological, epidemiological and clinical research on the TOSV and related phleboviruses to elucidate the problem of SFV in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirsada Hukić
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, University of Sarajevo Clincs Centre, Bolnicka 25, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Immunization with Toscana virus N-Gc proteins protects mice against virus challenge. Virology 2008; 375:521-8. [PMID: 18355889 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2007] [Revised: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an emerging virus, circulating in the Mediterranean area, that is responsible for aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and encephalitis. The development of a vaccine that could provide complete protection from TOSV infection is needed. In this study we investigated the capacity of TOSV structural proteins, nucleocapsid protein N and the two Gc and Gn glycoproteins, produced as recombinant proteins, in an animal model. In particular, we investigated their role in inducing specific and protective immune responses against virus infection. Mice were immunized intraperitoneally using TOSV antigens singly or in combination. The results show that only the N-Gc combination was able to protect 100% of animals from a lethal challenge with a neurovirulent strain of TOSV. This potential vaccine induces high serum antibody titres with neutralizing activity and it is safe for animals. Moreover, immunization induces a virus specific cell-mediated immune response, in particular a CD8+ T cell response associated with a marked expression of interferon gamma. These results indicate that the N+Gc viral antigen combination could be useful for future development of a vaccine controlling the spread of this emerging virus that could pose a new threat for humans.
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Valentini M, Valassina M, Savellini GG, Cusi MG. Nucleotide variability of Toscana virus M segment in strains isolated from clinical cases. Virus Res 2008; 135:187-90. [PMID: 18353481 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2008.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV), a member of the Bunyaviridae family, is an important etiologic agent of neurologic infection transmissible to humans by bites of the Phlebotomus spp. In consideration of the variations in the antigenic properties of Bunyaviruses and their potential genetic variability, we analysed a large region (2500nt) of the Toscana virus M segment coding for the non-structural protein (NSm) and the G(N) and G(C) glycoproteins in several strains isolated from patients with meningitis from 1998 to 2004 in the region of Tuscany in Italy. The sequences were compared with the reference strain of Toscana virus isolated from phlebotomus (ISS Phl. 3) and revealed some changes in amino acids, particularly in the G(C) protein, that are probably involved in recognition and binding to the cell receptor. The analyses were aimed at identifying the amino acid changes commonly to all of the clinical isolates potentially related to TOSV virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Valentini
- Department of Molecular Biology, Microbiology Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Venturi G, Ciccozzi M, Montieri S, Bartoloni A, Francisci D, Nicoletti L, Fortuna C, Marongiu L, Rezza G, Ciufolini MG. Genetic variability of the M genome segment of clinical and environmental Toscana virus strains. J Gen Virol 2007; 88:1288-1294. [PMID: 17374774 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.82330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty-seven strains of Toscana virus, collected over a period of 23 years and isolated from several localities and from different hosts (humans, arthropods and a bat), were investigated by sequencing of a portion of the M genomic segment comprising the G(N) glycoprotein coding region. Sequence data indicated that the divergence among isolates ranged from 0 to 5.7 % at the nucleotide level and from 0 to 3.4 % at the amino acid level. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four main clusters. A close correspondence between viral strains and area/year of isolation could not be demonstrated, whilst co-circulation of different viral strains in the same area and in the same time period was observed for both patients and environmental viral isolates. Alignment of the deduced amino acid sequences and evolutionary analysis indicated that most of the sites along the gene may be invariable because of purifying and/or neutral selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulietta Venturi
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Stefania Montieri
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Francisci
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Loredana Nicoletti
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Claudia Fortuna
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Luigi Marongiu
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ciufolini
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome 00161, Italy
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Sanbonmatsu-Gámez S, Pérez-Ruiz M, Collao X, Sánchez-Seco MP, Morillas-Márquez F, de la Rosa-Fraile M, Navarro-Mari JM, Tenorio A. Toscana virus in Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2006; 11:1701-7. [PMID: 16318721 PMCID: PMC3367369 DOI: 10.3201/eid1111.050851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV, Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae) infection is one of the most prevalent arboviruses in Spain. Within the objectives of a multidisciplinary network, a study on the epidemiology of TOSV was conducted in Granada, in southern Spain. The overall seroprevalence rate was 24.9%, significantly increasing with age. TOSV was detected in 3 of 103 sandfly pools by viral culture or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from a region of the L gene. Nucleotide sequence homology was 99%-100% in TOSV from vectors and patients and 80%-81% compared to the Italian strain ISS Phl.3. Sequencing of the N gene of TOSV isolates from patients and vectors indicated 87%-88% and 100% homology at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively, compared to the Italian strain. These findings demonstrate the circulation of at least 2 different lineages of TOSV in the Mediterranean basin, the Italian lineage and the Spanish lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sanbonmatsu-Gámez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas, s/n 18014-Granada, Spain
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Charrel RN, Gallian P, Navarro-Mari JM, Nicoletti L, Papa A, Sánchez-Seco MP, Tenorio A, de Lamballerie X. Emergence of Toscana virus in Europe. Emerg Infect Dis 2006; 11:1657-63. [PMID: 16318715 PMCID: PMC3367371 DOI: 10.3201/eid1111.050869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In southern Europe, Toscana virus is one of the three leading causes of aseptic meningitis. Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropodborne virus first identified in 1971 from the sandfly Phlebotomus perniciosus in central Italy. Many case reports in travelers and clinical research and epidemiologic studies conducted around the Mediterranean region have shown that TOSV has a tropism for the central nervous system (CNS) and is a major cause of meningitis and encephalitis in countries in which it circulates. In central Italy, TOSV is the most frequent cause of meningitis from May to October, far exceeding enteroviruses. In other northern Mediterranean countries, TOSV is among the 3 most prevalent viruses associated with meningitis during the warm seasons. Therefore, TOSV must be considered an emerging pathogen. Here, we review the epidemiology of TOSV in Europe and determine questions that should be addressed in future studies. Despite increasing evidence of its major role in medicine as an emerging cause of CNS infections, TOSV remains an unstudied pathogen, and few physicians are aware of its potential to cause CNS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi N Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Faculté de Médecine, Université de la Méditerranée, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France.
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Abstract
The authors review common themes in the ecology of emerging viruses that cause neurological disease. Three issues emerge. First, 49% of emerging viruses are characterized by encephalitis or serious neurological clinical symptoms. Second, all of these viruses are driven to emerge by ecological, environmental, or human demographic changes, some of which are poorly understood. Finally, the control of these viruses would be enhanced by collaborative multidisciplinary research into these drivers of emergence. The authors highlight this review with a case study of Nipah virus, which emerged in Malaysia due largely to shifts in livestock production and alterations to reservoir host habitat. Collaboration between virologists, ecologists, disease modelers and wildlife biologists has been instrumental in retracing the factors involved in this virus's emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Olival
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology & Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Cusi MG, Gori Savellini G, Terrosi C, Di Genova G, Valassina M, Valentini M, Bartolommei S, Miracco C. Development of a mouse model for the study of Toscana virus pathogenesis. Virology 2005; 333:66-73. [PMID: 15708593 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2004.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2004] [Revised: 10/29/2004] [Accepted: 12/09/2004] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) has recently been recognized as an emerging virus transmitted by phlebotomus vectors, responsible for acute neurological diseases in Mediterranean countries. In our study, we demonstrated that adult Balb/c mice were susceptible to TOSV when infected intracerebrally (i.c.) or subcutaneously (s.c.) with a neuroadapted strain of the virus. We have shown that by performing serial passages of a wild type human isolate of TOSV in mouse brains, selection occurs for a highly virulent variant which replicates efficiently in the central nervous system (CNS) of i.c.-injected mice, causing acute encephalitis and death. Immunohistochemical analysis and TUNEL assay of post-mortem organs showed that TOSV replication was highly restricted to neurons in which it induced apoptotic death; however, virus antigen-positivity was also observed in the spleen and lymph nodes. In s.c.-injected mice, virus was detectable in the spleen and lymph nodes, whereas only few meningeal cells and neurons were affected, allowing for the mouse survival the infection. The presence of TOSV in spleen and lymph node cells in both s.c.- and i.c.-treated mice suggests their possible involvement in the diffusion of the infection. This animal model may be helpful for the development of prophylactic measures against TOSV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Cusi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Virology Section, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, V.le Bracci, Building V, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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29
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Baldelli F, Ciufolini MG, Francisci D, Marchi A, Venturi G, Fiorentini C, Luchetta ML, Bruto L, Pauluzzi S. Unusual presentation of life-threatening Toscana virus meningoencephalitis. Clin Infect Dis 2004; 38:515-20. [PMID: 14765344 DOI: 10.1086/381201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2003] [Accepted: 10/11/2003] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This case report describes a brother and a sister with severe meningoencephalitis caused by Toscana virus (TOSv). The clinical presentation was characterized by stiff neck, deep coma, maculopapular rash, diffuse lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, renal involvement, tendency to bleeding, and diffuse intravascular coagulation. The boy had epididymo-orchitis. Recovery with neurologic sequelae as hydrocephalus was observed. Microbiological diagnosis was obtained by serological tests and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products from the S and M segments was carried out. TOSv may be a causative agent in severe meningoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Baldelli
- Clinica di Malattie Infettive, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Universita degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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Abstract
Toscana virus (Bunyaviridae family, Phlebovirus genus) is a sandfly fever virus responsible for human neurological infections. Sandfly viruses are transmitted by insect vectors (Phlebotomus species) and the infection is present in climatic areas that allow the life cycle of the vector. The arthropode-borne Toscana virus is the etiologic agent of meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and encephalitis. The frequency of this neuropathic infection increases in the summer months, peaking in August in the endemic Mediterranean areas (Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Cyprus). Infection diagnosis is carried out by molecular assays and immunoenzymatic tests, which are rapid and sensitive. Recent studies have investigated the antigenic properties of the viral proteins (nucleoprotein N and surface glycoproteins G1 and G2), to better understand their immunogentic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Valassina
- Department of Molecular Biology, Section of Virology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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31
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Dionisio D, Esperti F, Vivarelli A, Valassina M. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects of sandfly fever. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2003; 16:383-8. [PMID: 14501989 DOI: 10.1097/00001432-200310000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sandfly fever viruses are still a significant health problem in many regions of the world, such as Africa, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, and Central Asia. This review provides an update on the advances in knowledge about epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects of infections caused by Toscana, Sicilian and Naples viruses. RECENT FINDINGS Diagnosis of Toscana virus infection has been facilitated by new molecular methods and by immunoenzymatic tests based on the recombinant nucleoprotein. Gene analysis has allowed identification of circulating Toscana variants possibly involved in the protean pathomorphism and extreme variability of the clinical picture. New attention has been addressed to the antigenic properties of the viral proteins (the nucleoprotein N and the surface glycoproteins G1 and G2), in order to understand their immunogenetic role. High genetic divergence within the serocomplexes belonging to each of the Sicilian and the Naples viruses has suggested that infection with one genotype may not completely immunize against infection with all other genotypes in a given serocomplex. These findings could serve as a basis for vaccine development and may account for reports of multiple episodes of sandfly fever in the same host. Recently, the performance of analysis models based on weather data and reported vector surveys has allowed the prediction of the risk of acquiring sandfly infection in the endemic geographic areas. SUMMARY Recent developments include a better knowledge of the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects of sandfly infection, while the search for effective drugs and vaccines is still in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Dionisio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Il Ceppo Hospital of Pistoia, Pistoia, Italy.
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32
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Sánchez-Seco MP, Echevarría JM, Hernández L, Estévez D, Navarro-Marí JM, Tenorio A. Detection and identification of Toscana and other phleboviruses by RT-nested-PCR assays with degenerated primers. J Med Virol 2003; 71:140-9. [PMID: 12858420 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.10465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Phleboviruses are a large and widespread group of viruses that are transmitted by arthropods. Toscana virus is one of the principal agents that causes meningitis in humans during the summer in Italy and, possibly, in other Mediterranean countries. Rift Valley Fever virus can cause serious illness in both animals and humans, leading to high morbidity and mortality, and is considered to be a potential agent for epizootics and human epidemics. Since information on this group of viruses is still scant, reliable laboratory tools for diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance must be developed, in order to ascertain their real impact on Public Health. Sequence data obtained from Spanish isolates of Toscana virus and other phleboviruses confirmed that natural genome variability may hamper the diagnosis of these agents by molecular methods, so this must be borne in mind when developing reliable assays. In view of the above, a novel and useful protocol has been developed for the detection and specific identification of every member of the phlebovirus genus present in a sample, including Toscana virus, based on a generic RT-nested-PCR, followed by sequencing of the amplified fragment. A change in this method also allowed specific direct detection and identification of wild isolates of Toscana virus of different geographical origin, using newly designed primers. Testing clinical samples with these assays confirmed the role of Toscana virus as an agent that causes acute aseptic meningitis in the central region of Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Paz Sánchez-Seco
- Laboratory of Arboviruses and Imported Viral Diseases, Diagnostic Microbiology Service, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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33
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Echevarría JM, de Ory F, Guisasola ME, Sánchez-Seco MP, Tenorio A, Lozano A, Córdoba J, Gobernado M. Acute meningitis due to Toscana virus infection among patients from both the Spanish Mediterranean region and the region of Madrid. J Clin Virol 2003; 26:79-84. [PMID: 12589837 DOI: 10.1016/s1386-6532(02)00041-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a member of the genus Phlebovirus that is transmitted to humans by two different species of sand fly and causes acute aseptic meningitis (AAM) and meningoencephalitis in Central Italy. Fifteen cases of AAM due to TOSV have been found at the Spanish province of Granada, but no data regarding the presence of TOSV-related disease in other regions of Spain have been still reported. A collection of 88 serum and 53 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples taken from 81 selected patients with AAM of unknown aetiology, residing at Madrid or at the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain, was retrospectively studied for presence of TOSV-specific antibodies from both IgG and IgM classes. Anti-TOSV IgG was also investigated in 457 serum samples from healthy individuals, aged 2-60 years, residing at the south of the Region of Madrid. Specific IgM in serum and/or intrathecally produced anti-TOSV IgG were detected in seven patients, three residents from the Mediterranean region and the remainder four from the Region of Madrid. The overall prevalence of anti-TOSV among the healthy population studied was 5%. These results confirm the role of TOSV as an agent causing AAM in the Spanish Mediterranean coast, extend these findings to the central region of the country and suggest that TOSV might be producing infection and neurological disease in every area of Spain harbouring significant populations of the viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Manuel Echevarría
- Service of Diagnostic Microbiology, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Crtra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km 2. 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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34
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Di Bonito P, Bosco S, Mochi S, Accardi L, Ciufolini MG, Nicoletti L, Giorgi C. Human antibody response to Toscana virus glycoproteins expressed by recombinant baculovirus. J Med Virol 2002; 68:615-9. [PMID: 12376972 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.10227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The arthropod-borne Toscana virus has been associated with acute neurological disease in humans. In this study, the viral envelope glycoproteins were expressed in soluble form in a baculovirus system. The recombinant sGN and sGC proteins were used as viral antigens in a Western blot assay to analyze the specific immune response in sera from patients with recognized virus-associated aseptic meningitis. The anti-glycoprotein and the anti-nucleoprotein N IgG responses were compared by an immunoassay based on the recombinant proteins. In this system, all the sera showed a high reactivity to the N protein, but they differed in the response to the glycoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Di Bonito
- Laboratory of Virology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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35
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Dionisio D, Valassina M, Ciufolini MG, Vivarelli A, Esperti F, Cusi MG, Marchi A, Mazzoli F, Lupi C. Encephalitis without meningitis due to sandfly fever virus serotype toscana. Clin Infect Dis 2001; 32:1241-3. [PMID: 11283818 DOI: 10.1086/319759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2000] [Revised: 09/20/2000] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Toscana (TOS) virus in producing encephalitis without meningitis is uncertain. We studied 2 cases of TOS virus encephalitis without meningitis by means of nested polymerase chain reaction assay and DNA sequencing. Findings confirm that TOS virus may directly cause encephalitis and suggest the usefulness of DNA sequencing in investigating relationships between TOS virus molecular patterns and the spectrum of neurological involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Dionisio
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Pistoia Hospital, Pistoia, Italy.
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36
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37
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Cusi MG, Valensin PE, Donati M, Valassina M. Neutralization of Toscana virus is partially mediated by antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein. J Med Virol 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/1096-9071(200101)63:1<72::aid-jmv1011>3.0.co;2-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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38
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Ciufolini MG, Fiorentini C, di Bonito P, Mochi S, Giorgi C. Detection of Toscana virus-specific immunoglobulins G and M by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on recombinant viral nucleoprotein. J Clin Microbiol 1999; 37:2010-2. [PMID: 10325365 PMCID: PMC85011 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.37.6.2010-2012.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the recombinant Toscana virus nucleoprotein (rN) has been developed. Its sensitivity and specificity for the detection of virus-specific immunoglobulins G and M in human sera were similar to those of the ELISA that is based on an antigen extracted from infected mouse brain and that is routinely used for serodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Ciufolini
- Laboratory of Virology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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39
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Schwarz TF, Gilch S, Schätzl HM. A recombinant Toscana virus nucleoprotein in a diagnostic immunoblot test system. RESEARCH IN VIROLOGY 1998; 149:413-8. [PMID: 9923017 DOI: 10.1016/s0923-2516(99)80009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sandfly fever, a vector-borne disease endemic in the Mediterranean region, is caused by Toscana virus (TOS). The disease is increasingly important as a travel-related infection. Serological diagnosis is currently dependent on viral antigens derived from TOS-infected cell cultures. In this study, we report the cloning and expression of the TOS nucleoprotein (N) in Escherichia coli and evaluation of the recombinant (r) TOS N protein as an antigen for immunoblot assays. The TOS N gene was amplified by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the bacterial expression vector pTrcHis-A. Sera with known TOS antibody status were used to evaluate the immunoblot assay. The expressed rTOS N protein was purified and used as antigen for immunoblots. By recombinant immunoblot, the TOS antibody status (IgM and/or IgG) of the test panel was correctly identified. No cross-reactivity was detected. The rTOS N protein is useful as an antigen for immunoblot assays, and will enable more laboratories to perform TOS antibody diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Schwarz
- Central Laboratory, Foundation Juliusspital, Würzburg, Germany
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40
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Valassina M, Soldateschi D, Dal Maso GM, Santini L, Bianchi S, Valensin PE, Cusi MG. Diagnostic potential of Toscana virus N protein expressed in Escherichia coli. J Clin Microbiol 1998; 36:3170-2. [PMID: 9774559 PMCID: PMC105295 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.36.11.3170-3172.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of the Toscana (TOS) virus was expressed in Escherichia coli by using a pET15b vector. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The recombinant antigen was reactive with positive human sera, and the reactivity correlated very well (r = 0.9) with that of a whole-virus antigen when tested by EIA with 30 TOS virus-positive and 30 TOS virus-negative serum samples. The results demonstrate that the recombinant N protein can be easily produced in a procaryotic system and used for diagnostic assays for TOS virus immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Valassina
- Department of Molecular Biology, Section of Microbiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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