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Kalkan-Yazıcı M, Karaaslan E, Güler-Çetin NS, Doymaz MZ. Cellular immunity to nucleoproteins (NP) of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Hazara Virus (HAZV). Med Microbiol Immunol 2024; 213:20. [PMID: 39320473 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-024-00802-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is a globally significant vector-borne pathogen with no internationally-licensed preventative and therapeutic interventions. Hazara virus (HAZV), on the other hand, a related Orthonairovirus, has not been reported as a human pathogen. HAZV has been proposed as a surrogate model for studying CCHFV, bisosafety level 4 (BSL-4) agent. Previously, we investigated the humoral immune responses between NPs of these viruses and in this study, we extended the scrutiny to cellular immune responses elicited by NPs of CCHFV and HAZV. Here, mice were immunized with recombinant CCHFV NP and HAZV NP to evaluate the correlates of cell-mediated immunity (CMI). Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were assessed by challenging immunized mice with CCHFV-rNP or HAZV-rNP on the footpad and lymphocyte proliferation assays (LPAs) were performed by stimulating splenocytes in vitro with CCHFV-rNP or HAZV-rNP to compare cellular immune responses. In all test groups, strong DTH and LPA responses were detected against homologous and heterologous challenging antigens. To assess the cytokine response, an RT-qPCR -specific for cytokine mRNAs was utilized. Interestingly, CCHFV NP stimulated groups exhibited a significantly elevated mRNA level of interleukin 17 A (IL-17) compared to HAZV NP, indicating a notable difference in immune responses. This study presents comparison between CMI elicited by NPs of CCHFV and HAZV and contributes to the understanding of a highly pathogenic virus, particularly in the context of the declaration of CCHFV by World Health Organization's (WHO) as a major viral threat to the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Kalkan-Yazıcı
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Current Address: Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Karaaslan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nesibe Selma Güler-Çetin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Current Address: Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Z Doymaz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Current Address: Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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2
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Cohen CA, Balinandi S, Kuehne AI, Rock ML, Bonagofski LG, Ricks KM, Davis I, Abelson D, Stonier SW, Odongo M, Bornholdt ZA, Zeitlin L, Moyer C, Cose S, Dye JM, Lutwama JJ, Herbert AS. A Longitudinal Analysis of Memory Immune Responses in Convalescent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Survivors in Uganda. J Infect Dis 2024:jiae395. [PMID: 39248523 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the adaptive immune responses to natural infection with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus (CCHFV) in human survivors is critical to the development of medical countermeasures. However, the correlates of protection are unknown. As the most prevalent tick-borne human hemorrhagic fever virus with case fatality rates of 5%-30% and worldwide distribution, there is an urgent need to fill these knowledge gaps. Here, we describe adaptive immune responses in a cohort of Ugandan CCHF survivors via serial sampling over 6 years. We demonstrate persistent antibodies after infection and cross-neutralization against various clades of authentic CCHFV, as well as potent effector function. Moreover, we show for the first time persistent, polyfunctional antigen-specific memory T-cell responses to multiple CCHFV proteins up to 9 years after infection. Together, this data provides immunological benchmarks for evaluating CCHFV medical countermeasures and information that can be leveraged toward vaccine immunogen design and viral target identification for monoclonal antibody therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Cohen
- Virology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen Balinandi
- Department of Arbovirology, Medical Research Council/Uganda Viral Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Ana I Kuehne
- Virology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle L Rock
- Virology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
- The Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Luke G Bonagofski
- Virology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Keersten M Ricks
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ian Davis
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Spencer W Stonier
- Virology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Odongo
- Department of Arbovirology, Medical Research Council/Uganda Viral Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Stephen Cose
- Department of Arbovirology, Medical Research Council/Uganda Viral Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - John M Dye
- Virology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Medical Research Council/Uganda Viral Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Andrew S Herbert
- Virology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
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3
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Srivastava S, Kumar S, Sharma PK, Rustagi S, Mohanty A, Donovan S, Henao‐Martinez AF, Sah R, Franco‐Paredes C. Control strategies for emerging infectious diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever management. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e70053. [PMID: 39229478 PMCID: PMC11368823 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70053] [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] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a significant public health concern transmitted by ticks. This study seeks to thoroughly grasp the epidemiology and transmission patterns of CCHF, which is caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV), a member of the Nairovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. Methods The study investigates the global distribution and endemicity of CCHF, its mortality rates, modes of transmission (including tick bites, contact with infected animal blood, and limited person-to-person transmission), and factors influencing its prevalence across different regions. Genetic diversity within CCHFV and its impact on transmission dynamics are explored, along with efforts to control the disease through tick prevention, antiviral treatment, and the development of vaccines and diagnostics. Results CCHFV exhibits widespread distribution, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, with an overall mortality rate of approximately 30% and a case fatality rate ranging from 10% to 40%. Transmission occurs primarily through tick bites and contact with infected animal blood, with limited person-to-person transmission. Livestock workers, slaughterhouse employees, and animal herders in endemic areas are most affected by their frequent interaction with sick animals and ticks. Genetic diversity within CCHFV contributes to variations in transmission dynamics, complicating control efforts. Antiviral ribavirin shows efficacy in treating CCHF infection. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of further research to understand the enzootic environment, transmission routes, and genetic diversity of CCHFV for effective control measures, including the development of vaccines, treatment options, and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shriyansh Srivastava
- Department of PharmacologyDelhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU)Sector 3 Pushp ViharNew DelhiIndia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied SciencesGalgotias UniversityGreater NoidaIndia
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of PharmacologyDelhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU)Sector 3 Pushp ViharNew DelhiIndia
| | - Pramod Kumar Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied SciencesGalgotias UniversityGreater NoidaIndia
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life SciencesUttaranchal UniversityDehradunUttarakhandIndia
| | - Aroop Mohanty
- Department of MicrobiologyAll India Institute of Medical SciencesGorakhpurIndia
| | - Suzanne Donovan
- Department of MedicineDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Ranjit Sah
- Department of MicrobiologyTribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of MedicineKathmanduNepal
- Department of MicrobiologyDr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research CentreDr. D. Y. Patil VidyapeethPuneMaharashtraIndia
- Department of Public Health DentistryDr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and HospitalDr. D.Y. Patil VidyapeethPuneMaharashtraIndia
| | - Carlos Franco‐Paredes
- Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, México; and Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and PathologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
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Nurmakhanov T, Tukhanova N, Sayakova Z, Sadovskaya V, Shevtsov A, Tokmurziyeva G, Turebekov N. Outcome of the entomological monitoring for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in the western and southern regions of Kazakhstan in 2021-2022. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 4:1310071. [PMID: 39238565 PMCID: PMC11374626 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2024.1310071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The natural foci of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Kazakhstan are geographically located in the southern regions of the country (Kyzylorda, Turkestan and Zhambyl regions), where the infection of ticks with the CCHF virus predominantly reside, tick species composition and the number of vectors are monitored annually. The objective of our research was to investigate the genetic variants of the CCHF virus in the southern endemic regions, as well as to monitor the spread of the CCHF virus in the western regions of the country (Aktobe, Atyrau and Mangystau regions). In total, 974 (216 pools) ticks from the western regions and 3527 (583 pools) ticks from the southern regions collected during 2021-2022 were investigated. The presence of CCHF virus was detected by real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT- PCR) in 1 pool out of 799 pools (0.12%) with Hyalomma scupense ticks captured in the CCHF-endemic Kyzylorda region. In the western regions, CCHF virus was not detected in ticks. The sequencing of incomplete fragments of the S, M and L segments of the CCHF virus in the detected virus was identified as genotype Asia - I. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate obtained in this study is grouped with the isolate from a patient with CCHF, which we reported in 2015 (KX129738 Genbank). Our findings highlight the importance of including sequencing in the annual monitoring system for better understanding the evolution of the CCHF virus in the study areas of our country.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nurmakhanov
- Laboratory of Natural-Focal Viral Infections, M.Aikymbayev's National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - N Tukhanova
- Laboratory of Natural-Focal Viral Infections, M.Aikymbayev's National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Z Sayakova
- Department of Epizootology of Especially Dangerous Infections with the Museum and Insectarium, M.Aikymbayev's National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - V Sadovskaya
- Department of Biostatistics and GIS, M.Aikymbayev's National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - A Shevtsov
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - G Tokmurziyeva
- M.Aikymbayev's National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - N Turebekov
- Laboratory of Natural-Focal Viral Infections, M.Aikymbayev's National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Shin OS, Monticelli SR, Hjorth CK, Hornet V, Doyle M, Abelson D, Kuehne AI, Wang A, Bakken RR, Mishra AK, Middlecamp M, Champney E, Stuart L, Maurer DP, Li J, Berrigan J, Barajas J, Balinandi S, Lutwama JJ, Lobel L, Zeitlin L, Walker LM, Dye JM, Chandran K, Herbert AS, Pauli NT, McLellan JS. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever survivors elicit protective non-neutralizing antibodies that target 11 overlapping regions on glycoprotein GP38. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114502. [PMID: 39002130 PMCID: PMC11346345 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114502] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus can cause lethal disease in humans yet there are no approved medical countermeasures. Viral glycoprotein GP38, exclusive to Nairoviridae, is a target of protective antibodies and is a key antigen in preclinical vaccine candidates. Here, we isolate 188 GP38-specific antibodies from human survivors of infection. Competition experiments show that these antibodies bind across 5 distinct antigenic sites, encompassing 11 overlapping regions. Additionally, we show structures of GP38 bound with 9 of these antibodies targeting different antigenic sites. Although these GP38-specific antibodies are non-neutralizing, several display protective efficacy equal to or better than murine antibody 13G8 in two highly stringent rodent models of infection. Together, these data expand our understanding regarding this important viral protein and may inform the development of broadly effective CCHFV antibody therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie R Monticelli
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA; Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA 98042, USA
| | - Christy K Hjorth
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | | | - Dafna Abelson
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Ana I Kuehne
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Albert Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Russell R Bakken
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Akaash K Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | | | - Lauran Stuart
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | | | - Jacob Berrigan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | | | | | | - Leslie Lobel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Larry Zeitlin
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - John M Dye
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kartik Chandran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Andrew S Herbert
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
| | | | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Muzammil K, Rayyani S, Abbas Sahib A, Gholizadeh O, Naji Sameer H, Jwad Kazem T, Badran Mohammed H, Ghafouri Kalajahi H, Zainul R, Yasamineh S. Recent Advances in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Detection, Treatment, and Vaccination: Overview of Current Status and Challenges. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38926669 PMCID: PMC11201903 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00244-3] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus, and zoonosis, and affects large regions of Asia, Southwestern and Southeastern Europe, and Africa. CCHFV can produce symptoms, including no specific clinical symptoms, mild to severe clinical symptoms, or deadly infections. Virus isolation attempts, antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are all possible diagnostic tests for CCHFV. Furthermore, an efficient, quick, and cheap technology, including biosensors, must be designed and developed to detect CCHFV. The goal of this article is to offer an overview of modern laboratory tests available as well as other innovative detection methods such as biosensors for CCHFV, as well as the benefits and limits of the assays. Furthermore, confirmed cases of CCHF are managed with symptomatic assistance and general supportive care. This study examined the various treatment modalities, as well as their respective limitations and developments, including immunotherapy and antivirals. Recent biotechnology advancements and the availability of suitable animal models have accelerated the development of CCHF vaccines by a substantial margin. We examined a range of potential vaccines for CCHF in this research, comprising nucleic acid, viral particles, inactivated, and multi-epitope vaccines, as well as the present obstacles and developments in this field. Thus, the purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive summary of the endeavors dedicated to advancing various diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies for CCHF infection in anticipation of forthcoming hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khursheed Muzammil
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Khamis Mushait Campus, Abha, 62561, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saba Rayyani
- Medical Faculty, University of Georgi, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | | | - Hayder Naji Sameer
- Collage of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, 64001, Iraq
| | - Tareq Jwad Kazem
- Scientific Affairs Department, Al-Mustaqbal University, Hillah, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | - Haneen Badran Mohammed
- Optics techniques department, health and medical techniques college, Al-Noor University, Mosul, Iraq
| | | | - Rahadian Zainul
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia.
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Center for Advanced Material Processing, Artificial Intelligence, and Biophysics Informatics (CAMPBIOTICS), Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia.
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Ndiaye M, Badji A, Dieng I, Dolgova AS, Mhamadi M, Kirichenko AD, Gladkikh AS, Gaye A, Faye O, Sall AA, Diallo M, Dedkov VG, Faye O. Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Two Dugbe Orthonairovirus Isolates Detected from Ticks in Southern Senegal. Viruses 2024; 16:964. [PMID: 38932256 PMCID: PMC11209035 DOI: 10.3390/v16060964] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dugbe virus (DUGV) is a tick-borne arbovirus first isolated in Nigeria in 1964. It has been detected in many African countries using such diverse methods as serological tests, virus isolation, and molecular detection. In Senegal, reports of DUGV isolates mainly occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. Here, we report a contemporary detection of three novel DUGV isolates upon screening of a total of 2877 individual ticks regrouped into 844 pools. The three positive pools were identified as Amblyomma variegatum, the main known vector of DUGV, collected in the southern part of the country (Kolda region). Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis indicates that the newly sequenced isolates are globally related to the previously characterized isolates in West Africa, thus highlighting potentially endemic, unnoticed viral transmission. This study was also an opportunity to develop a rapid and affordable protocol for full-genome sequencing of DUGV using nanopore technology. The results suggest a relatively low mutation rate and relatively conservative evolution of DUGV isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mignane Ndiaye
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
| | - Aminata Badji
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
| | - Idrissa Dieng
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
| | - Anna S. Dolgova
- St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Federal Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being Surveillance, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Moufid Mhamadi
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
| | - Anastasiia D. Kirichenko
- St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Federal Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being Surveillance, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna S. Gladkikh
- St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Federal Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being Surveillance, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alioune Gaye
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
| | - Ousmane Faye
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
| | - Amadou Alpha Sall
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
| | - Vladimir G. Dedkov
- St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Federal Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being Surveillance, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oumar Faye
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur, BP 220, Dakar 12000, Senegal
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Pahmeier F, Monticelli SR, Feng X, Hjorth CK, Wang A, Kuehne AI, Bakken RR, Batchelor TG, Lee SE, Middlecamp M, Stuart L, Abelson DM, McLellan JS, Biering SB, Herbert AS, Chandran K, Harris E. Antibodies targeting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus GP38 limit vascular leak and viral spread. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.23.595578. [PMID: 38826290 PMCID: PMC11142176 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.23.595578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a priority pathogen transmitted by tick bites, with no vaccines or specific therapeutics approved to date. Severe disease manifestations include hemorrhage, endothelial dysfunction, and multiorgan failure. Infected cells secrete the viral glycoprotein GP38, whose extracellular function is presently unknown. GP38 is considered an important target for vaccine and therapeutic design as GP38-specific antibodies can protect against severe disease in animal models, albeit through a currently unknown mechanism of action. Here, we show that GP38 induces endothelial barrier dysfunction in vitro, and that CCHFV infection, and GP38 alone, can trigger vascular leak in a mouse model. Protective antibodies that recognize specific antigenic sites on GP38, but not a protective neutralizing antibody binding the structural protein Gc, potently inhibit endothelial hyperpermeability in vitro and vascular leak in vivo during CCHFV infection. This work uncovers a function of the secreted viral protein GP38 as a viral toxin in CCHFV pathogenesis and elucidates the mode of action of non-neutralizing GP38-specific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Pahmeier
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity Graduate Group, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie R. Monticelli
- Viral Immunology Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
- The Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Xinyi Feng
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Christy K. Hjorth
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Albert Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ana I. Kuehne
- Viral Immunology Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Russell R. Bakken
- Viral Immunology Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Thomas G. Batchelor
- Viral Immunology Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Saeyoung E. Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jason S. McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Scott B. Biering
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew S. Herbert
- Viral Immunology Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Kartik Chandran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eva Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Umair M, Rehman Z, Whitmer S, Mobley M, Fahim A, Ikram A, Salman M, Montgomery JM, Klena JD. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Diversity and Reassortment, Pakistan, 2017-2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:654-664. [PMID: 38526059 PMCID: PMC10977834 DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.231155] [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] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Sporadic cases and outbreaks of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been documented across Pakistan since 1976; however, data regarding the diversity of CCHF virus (CCHFV) in Pakistan is sparse. We whole-genome sequenced 36 CCHFV samples collected from persons infected in Pakistan during 2017-2020. Most CCHF cases were from Rawalpindi (n = 10), followed by Peshawar (n = 7) and Islamabad (n = 4). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the Asia-1 genotype was dominant, but 4 reassorted strains were identified. Strains with reassorted medium gene segments clustered with Asia-2 (n = 2) and Africa-2 (n = 1) genotypes; small segment reassortments clustered with the Asia-2 genotype (n = 2). Reassorted viruses showed close identity with isolates from India, Iran, and Tajikistan, suggesting potential crossborder movement of CCHFV. Improved and continuous human, tick, and animal surveillance is needed to define the diversity of circulating CCHFV strains in Pakistan and prevent transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shannon Whitmer
- National Institutes of Health Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan (M. Umair, Z. Rehman, A. Ikram, M. Salman)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (S. Whitmer, M. Mobley, J.M. Montgomery, J.D. Klena)
- The Indus Hospital and Health Networks, Karachi, Pakistan (A. Fahim)
| | - Melissa Mobley
- National Institutes of Health Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan (M. Umair, Z. Rehman, A. Ikram, M. Salman)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (S. Whitmer, M. Mobley, J.M. Montgomery, J.D. Klena)
- The Indus Hospital and Health Networks, Karachi, Pakistan (A. Fahim)
| | - Ammad Fahim
- National Institutes of Health Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan (M. Umair, Z. Rehman, A. Ikram, M. Salman)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (S. Whitmer, M. Mobley, J.M. Montgomery, J.D. Klena)
- The Indus Hospital and Health Networks, Karachi, Pakistan (A. Fahim)
| | - Aamer Ikram
- National Institutes of Health Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan (M. Umair, Z. Rehman, A. Ikram, M. Salman)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (S. Whitmer, M. Mobley, J.M. Montgomery, J.D. Klena)
- The Indus Hospital and Health Networks, Karachi, Pakistan (A. Fahim)
| | - Muhammad Salman
- National Institutes of Health Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan (M. Umair, Z. Rehman, A. Ikram, M. Salman)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (S. Whitmer, M. Mobley, J.M. Montgomery, J.D. Klena)
- The Indus Hospital and Health Networks, Karachi, Pakistan (A. Fahim)
| | - Joel M. Montgomery
- National Institutes of Health Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan (M. Umair, Z. Rehman, A. Ikram, M. Salman)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (S. Whitmer, M. Mobley, J.M. Montgomery, J.D. Klena)
- The Indus Hospital and Health Networks, Karachi, Pakistan (A. Fahim)
| | - John D. Klena
- National Institutes of Health Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan (M. Umair, Z. Rehman, A. Ikram, M. Salman)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (S. Whitmer, M. Mobley, J.M. Montgomery, J.D. Klena)
- The Indus Hospital and Health Networks, Karachi, Pakistan (A. Fahim)
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10
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Wang Y, Xu Z, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Cao J, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Zhou J. Towards modelling tick-virus interactions using the weakly pathogenic Sindbis virus: Evidence that ticks are competent vectors. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1334351. [PMID: 38567020 PMCID: PMC10985168 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1334351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Most tick-borne viruses (TBVs) are highly pathogenic and require high biosecurity, which severely limits their study. We found that Sindbis virus (SINV), predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes, can replicate in ticks and be subsequently transmitted, with the potential to serve as a model for studying tick-virus interactions. We found that both larval and nymphal stages of Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides can be infected with SINV-wild-type (WT) when feeding on infected mice. SINV replicated in two species of ticks (R. haemaphysaloides and Hyalomma asiaticum) after infecting them by microinjection. Injection of ticks with SINV expressing enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP) revealed that SINV-eGFP specifically aggregated in the tick midguts for replication. During blood-feeding, SINV-eGFP migrated from the midguts to the salivary glands and was transmitted to a new host. SINV infection caused changes in expression levels of tick genes related to immune responses, substance transport and metabolism, cell growth and death. SINV mainly induced autophagy during the early stage of infection; with increasing time of infection, the level of autophagy decreased, while the level of apoptosis increased. During the early stages of infection, the transcript levels of immune-related genes were significantly upregulated, and then decreased. In addition, SINV induced changes in the transcription levels of some functional genes that play important roles in the interactions between ticks and tick-borne pathogens. These results confirm that the SINV-based transmission model between ticks, viruses, and mammals can be widely used to unravel the interactions between ticks and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengmao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zedong Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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11
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Shin OS, Monticelli SR, Hjorth CK, Hornet V, Doyle M, Abelson D, Kuehne AI, Wang A, Bakken RR, Mishra A, Middlecamp M, Champney E, Stuart L, Maurer DP, Li J, Berrigan J, Barajas J, Balinandi S, Lutwama JJ, Lobel L, Zeitlin L, Walker LM, Dye JM, Chandran K, Herbert AS, Pauli NT, McLellan JS. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Survivors Elicit Protective Non-Neutralizing Antibodies that Target 11 Overlapping Regions on Viral Glycoprotein GP38. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.02.583110. [PMID: 38496658 PMCID: PMC10942344 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.02.583110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus can cause lethal disease in humans yet there are no approved medical countermeasures. Viral glycoprotein GP38, unique to Nairoviridae, is a target of protective antibodies, but extensive mapping of the human antibody response to GP38 has not been previously performed. Here, we isolated 188 GP38-specific antibodies from human survivors of infection. Competition experiments showed that these antibodies bind across five distinct antigenic sites, encompassing eleven overlapping regions. Additionally, we reveal structures of GP38 bound with nine of these antibodies targeting different antigenic sites. Although GP38-specific antibodies were non-neutralizing, several antibodies were found to have protection equal to or better than murine antibody 13G8 in two highly stringent rodent models of infection. Together, these data expand our understanding regarding this important viral protein and inform the development of broadly effective CCHFV antibody therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie R. Monticelli
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
- Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA 98042, USA
| | - Christy K. Hjorth
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | | | - Dafna Abelson
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Ana I. Kuehne
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Albert Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Russell R. Bakken
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Akaash Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | | | - Lauran Stuart
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | | | - Jacob Berrigan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | | | | | | - Leslie Lobel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Larry Zeitlin
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - John M. Dye
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kartik Chandran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Andrew S. Herbert
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | - Jason S. McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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12
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Addo SO, Bentil RE, Addae CA, Baako BOA, Yartey KN, Ansah-Owusu J, Tawiah-Mensah CNL, Agbodzi B, Kumordjie S, Yeboah C, Asoala V, Dunford JC, Larbi JA, Baidoo PK, Wilson MD, Diclaro JW, Dadzie SK. Molecular identification of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in Hyalomma rufipes and Amblyomma variegatum in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Arch Virol 2024; 169:62. [PMID: 38446223 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-024-05983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Sampled ticks were screened for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) using an assay that targets the nucleoprotein gene region of the S segment, a conserved region of the CCHFV genome. Minimum infection rates of 0.34% and 0.10% were obtained when testing pools of Hyalomma rufipes and Amblyomma variegatum, respectively. Next-generation sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the S and L segments of the CCHFV isolate clustered with those of similar isolates of genotype III. However, analysis of the M segment showed that reassortment had occurred, causing this segment to cluster with those of isolates of genotype I, providing the first evidence of such an occurrence in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charlotte Adwoa Addae
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Kevin Nii Yartey
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jane Ansah-Owusu
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Bright Agbodzi
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Selassie Kumordjie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clara Yeboah
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Upper East Region, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - James C Dunford
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- School of Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Michael David Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph W Diclaro
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Center for Disease Control and Prevention Detachment, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Samuel K Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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13
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Atwan Z, Alhilfi R, Mousa AK, Rawaf S, Torre JD, Hashim AR, Sharquie IK, Khaleel H, Tabche C. Alarming update on incidence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Iraq in 2023. IJID REGIONS 2024; 10:75-79. [PMID: 38173860 PMCID: PMC10762355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Objectives In 2021, large outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) was reported in Iraq and cases have increased without any significant control measures. To raise awareness about the increasing cases in different regions of Iraq, hence remind the necessity to tackle contributing factors and potential outbreak interventions. Methods The study included 511 polymerase chain reaction-confirmed CCHF infection cases out of 1827 suspected cases from 18 Provinces from January to August 2023. Approval from the Ministry of Health for data analyzed. Results Out of 1827 suspected cases, 511 were confirmed positive by polymerase chain reaction. The total case fatality rate (CFR) was 12.7 with varying severity levels among provinces. Erbil had the highest CFR, 38.5, while Sulaimaniya and Anbar report no deaths. Independent t-test showed a significant difference in CFR between provinces west and south of Baghdad compared to north (P <0.05). Trend showed significant surges after Iftar and Adha holidays. Conclusion Differences in CFR among provinces around the religious ceremonies, highlight the need for one public health intervention strategy. Increased temperatures affected vector behavior. Uncontrolled animal movement with neighboring countries is an important factor. Virus or host determinants can shape the clinical case outcomes, which need clinical and extensive laboratory studies to unravel the reasons leading to death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeenah Atwan
- Central Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq & WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Education and Training, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Riyad Alhilfi
- Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Alaa K Mousa
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
| | - Salman Rawaf
- Public Health Director, WHO Collaboration Center, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Juan D.L. Torre
- Professor of Immunology & Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ali R Hashim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
| | - Inas K Sharquie
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hanan Khaleel
- Surveillance section, Communicable Diseases Control Center, Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Celine Tabche
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Education and Training, Imperial College London, UK
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14
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Garrison AR, Moresco V, Zeng X, Cline CR, Ward MD, Ricks KM, Olschner SP, Cazares LH, Karaaslan E, Fitzpatrick CJ, Bergeron É, Pegan SD, Golden JW. Nucleocapsid protein-specific monoclonal antibodies protect mice against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1722. [PMID: 38409240 PMCID: PMC10897337 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46110-4] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a WHO priority pathogen. Antibody-based medical countermeasures offer an important strategy to mitigate severe disease caused by CCHFV. Most efforts have focused on targeting the viral glycoproteins. However, glycoproteins are poorly conserved among viral strains. The CCHFV nucleocapsid protein (NP) is highly conserved between CCHFV strains. Here, we investigate the protective efficacy of a CCHFV monoclonal antibody targeting the NP. We find that an anti-NP monoclonal antibody (mAb-9D5) protected female mice against lethal CCHFV infection or resulted in a significant delay in mean time-to-death in mice that succumbed to disease compared to isotype control animals. Antibody protection is independent of Fc-receptor functionality and complement activity. The antibody bound NP from several CCHFV strains and exhibited robust cross-protection against the heterologous CCHFV strain Afg09-2990. Our work demonstrates that the NP is a viable target for antibody-based therapeutics, providing another direction for developing immunotherapeutics against CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura R Garrison
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA.
| | - Vanessa Moresco
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Xiankun Zeng
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Curtis R Cline
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Michael D Ward
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Keersten M Ricks
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Scott P Olschner
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Lisa H Cazares
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Elif Karaaslan
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Collin J Fitzpatrick
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Éric Bergeron
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Scott D Pegan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, USA
| | - Joseph W Golden
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA.
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15
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Li L, Chong T, Peng L, Liu Y, Rao G, Fu Y, Shu Y, Shen J, Xiao Q, Liu J, Li J, Deng F, Yan B, Hu Z, Cao S, Wang M. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against the Gc fusion loop region of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011948. [PMID: 38300972 PMCID: PMC10863865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a highly pathogenic tick-borne virus, prevalent in more than 30 countries worldwide. Human infection by this virus leads to severe illness, with an average case fatality of 40%. There is currently no approved vaccine or drug to treat the disease. Neutralizing antibodies are a promising approach to treat virus infectious diseases. This study generated 37 mouse-derived specific monoclonal antibodies against CCHFV Gc subunit. Neutralization assays using pseudotyped virus and authentic CCHFV identified Gc8, Gc13, and Gc35 as neutralizing antibodies. Among them, Gc13 had the highest neutralizing activity and binding affinity with CCHFV Gc. Consistently, Gc13, but not Gc8 or Gc35, showed in vivo protective efficacy (62.5% survival rate) against CCHFV infection in a lethal mouse infection model. Further characterization studies suggested that Gc8 and Gc13 may recognize a similar, linear epitope in domain II of CCHFV Gc, while Gc35 may recognize a different epitope in Gc. Cryo-electron microscopy of Gc-Fab complexes indicated that both Gc8 and Gc13 bind to the conserved fusion loop region and Gc13 had stronger interactions with sGc-trimers. This was supported by the ability of Gc13 to block CCHFV GP-mediated membrane fusion. Overall, this study provides new therapeutic strategies to treat CCHF and new insights into the interaction between antibodies with CCHFV Gc proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liushuai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Chong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guibo Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanni Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiamei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China
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16
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Choi Y, Kim Y. Application of multiplex realtime PCR detection for hemorrhagic fever syndrome viruses. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1933-1941. [PMID: 37866271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.012] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiplex real-time PCR is a quick and cost effective method for detection of various gene simultaneously. HFSV (Hemorrhagic Fever Syndrome Virus) is a newly emerging infectious disease because of globalization and climate change. We tried to develop a molecular diagnostic technique for various causative viruses and evaluate its usefulness for improving public health. METHODS Molecular diagnostic test method that qualitatively detects viruses causing viral hemorrhagic fevers hired Taq-Man Real-time RT-PCR technique. The Ct value was experimentally observed three or more times at the RNA concentration before and after the detection limit. After designing a multiplex real-time RT-PCR test for target gene of selected 17 viruses, the detection limit for each target and the presence or absence of cross-reaction and interference reaction were evaluated to determine its availability. RESULTS Six kinds of viruses, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus, Sabia virus, Chapare virus, Yellow fever virus, and Variola virus (A4L gene, B12R gene), were able to confirm the detection limit of 0.5 copies/μl, and other Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Rift Valley fever virus, Kyasanur Forest disease virus, Junin virus, Guanarito virus, Machupo virus, Chikungunya virus, Hantavirus, Dengue virus types 1-4, and Lassa virus (L gene, GPC gene), and 11 kinds of viruses, the detection limit was confirmed at 5 copies/μl. No cross-reaction or interference between detected genes was observed. CONCLUSION The virus test method developed through this study using multiplex is expected to be used for public health and quarantine as a test method that can be used when a hemorrhagic fever virus of unknown cause is introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhyuk Choi
- Department of Convergence Engineering, Graduate School of Venture, Hoseo University, Seoul, 06724, South Korea; MDx Center, Diagnosis Division, iNtRON Biotechnology, South Korea
| | - Younghee Kim
- Department of Convergence Engineering, Graduate School of Venture, Hoseo University, Seoul, 06724, South Korea.
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17
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Maotoana MG, Burt FJ, Goedhals D. Identification of T cell responses to the nonstructural glycoproteins in survivors of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in South Africa. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29154. [PMID: 37812041 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is listed as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to the severity of disease, propensity for spread to nonendemic regions, and absence of a vaccine or specific treatment. The immune correlates of protection are not clearly defined and hence the importance of investigating host immune responses in survivors. We have previously shown that survivors generate memory T cell responses that are long-lived and this study aimed to further define specific viral proteins targeted by the T cell response. The NSM , GP38, highly variable mucin-like domain, and N-terminus of GC regions in CCHFV are considered immunogenic regions and were investigated using peptide libraries representing regions of interest. An interferon gamma ELISpot assay was used to identify responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from 12 survivors of laboratory confirmed CCHFV infections. IFN-γ responses were detected from eight survivors, against nine peptides, including four peptides located in the NSM region and five peptides located in the GP38 protein. No response was detected against peptides representing the mucin-like domain. In conclusion, the results suggest the presence of a long-lasting T cell memory response upon stimulation with viral epitopes in survivors of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felicity Jane Burt
- Division of Virology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Dominique Goedhals
- Division of Virology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- PathCare, Pretoria, South Africa
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18
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Ahata B, Akçapınar GB. CCHFV vaccine development, current challenges, limitations, and future directions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1238882. [PMID: 37753088 PMCID: PMC10518622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1238882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most prevalent tick-borne viral disease affecting humans. The disease is life-threatening in many regions of the developing world, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. In line with the rapidly increasing disease prevalence, various vaccine strategies are under development. Despite a large number of potential vaccine candidates, there are no approved vaccines as of yet. This paper presents a detailed comparative analysis of current efforts to develop vaccines against CCHFV, limitations associated with current efforts, and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Büşra Ahata
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Health Institutes of Turkey, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Günseli Bayram Akçapınar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Ozdarendeli A. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus: Progress in Vaccine Development. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2708. [PMID: 37627967 PMCID: PMC10453274 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a member of the Nairoviridae family and Bunyavirales order, is transmitted to humans via tick bites or contact with the blood of infected animals. It can cause severe symptoms, including hemorrhagic fever, with a mortality rate between 5 to 30%. CCHFV is classified as a high-priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its high fatality rate and the absence of effective medical countermeasures. CCHFV is endemic in several regions across the world, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and has the potential for global spread. The emergence of the disease in new areas, as well as the presence of the tick vector in countries without reported cases, emphasizes the need for preventive measures to be taken. In the past, the lack of a suitable animal model susceptible to CCHFV infection has been a major obstacle in the development of vaccines and treatments. However, recent advances in biotechnology and the availability of suitable animal models have significantly expedited the development of vaccines against CCHF. These advancements have not only contributed to an enhanced understanding of the pathogenesis of CCHF but have also facilitated the evaluation of potential vaccine candidates. This review outlines the immune response to CCHFV and animal models utilized for the study of CCHFV and highlights the progress made in CCHFV vaccine studies. Despite remarkable advancements in vaccine development for CCHFV, it remains crucial to prioritize continued research, collaboration, and investment in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aykut Ozdarendeli
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri, Türkiye;
- Vaccine Research, Development and Application Centre (ERAGEM), Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri, Türkiye
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20
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Weidinger P, Kolodziejek J, Loney T, Kannan DO, Osman BM, Khafaga T, Howarth B, Sher Shah M, Mazrooei H, Wolf N, Karuvantevida N, Abou Tayoun A, Alsheikh-Ali A, Camp JV, Nowotny N. MERS-CoV Found in Hyalomma dromedarii Ticks Attached to Dromedary Camels at a Livestock Market, United Arab Emirates, 2019. Viruses 2023; 15:1288. [PMID: 37376588 DOI: 10.3390/v15061288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The main mode of transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) between dromedaries is likely via the respiratory route. However, there must be other modes to explain how the infection is brought to MERS-CoV-negative closed herds, such as transmission by ticks. Here, we present a study performed at three different locations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involving 215 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) and the ticks attached to them. We tested the camels and ticks via RT-(q)PCR for the presence of MERS-CoV nucleic acids, as well as flaviviruses that may be present in the region (e.g., Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus). Camel sera were additionally analyzed for evidence of previous exposure to MERS-CoV. In total, 8 out of 242 tick pools were positive for MERS-CoV RNA (3.3%; Ct 34.6-38.3), 7 of which contained Hyalomma dromedarii ticks, and one contained a Hyalomma sp. tick (species not identified). All of the virus-positive ticks' host camels were also positive for MERS-CoV RNA in their nasal swab samples. Short sequences established in the N gene region from two positive tick pools were identical to viral sequences from their hosts' nasal swabs. In total, 59.3% of dromedaries at the livestock market had MERS-CoV RNA in their nasal swabs (Ct 17.7-39.5). While dromedaries at all locations were negative for MERS-CoV RNA in their serum samples, antibodies were detected in 95.2% and 98.7% of them (tested by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence test, respectively). Given the probably transient and/or low level of MERS-CoV viremia in dromedaries and the rather high Ct values observed in the ticks, it seems unlikely that Hyalomma dromedarii is a competent vector for MERS-CoV; however, its role in mechanical or fomite transmission between camels should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Weidinger
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dafalla O Kannan
- Al Ain City Municipality, Al Ain P.O. Box 1003, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Tamer Khafaga
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group, Dubai P.O. Box 686, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brigitte Howarth
- Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD), Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 94000, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moayyed Sher Shah
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group, Dubai P.O. Box 686, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hessa Mazrooei
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nadine Wolf
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Noushad Karuvantevida
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Abou Tayoun
- Al Jalila Genomics Center of Excellence, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai P.O. Box 7662, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomic Discovery, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alawi Alsheikh-Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jeremy V Camp
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
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Febrer-Sendra B, Fernández-Soto P, García-Bernalt Diego J, Crego-Vicente B, Negredo A, Muñor-Bellido JL, Belhassen-García M, Sánchez-Seco MP, Muro A. A Novel RT-LAMP for the Detection of Different Genotypes of Crimean–Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus in Patients from Spain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076411. [PMID: 37047384 PMCID: PMC10094476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially lethal tick-borne viral disease with a wide distribution. In Spain, 12 human cases of CCHF have been confirmed, with four deaths. The diagnosis of CCHF is hampered by the nonspecific symptoms, the high genetic diversity of CCHFV, and the biosafety requirements to manage the virus. RT-qPCR and serological tests are used for diagnosis with limitations. Reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) could be an effective alternative in the diagnosis of the disease. However, none of the few RT-LAMP assays developed to date has detected different CCHFV genotypes. Here, we designed a RT-LAMP using a degenerate primer set to compensate for the variability of the CCHFV target sequence. RT-LAMP was performed in colorimetric and real-time tests on RT-qPCR-confirmed CCHF patient samples notified in Spain in 2020 and 2021. Urine from an inpatient was analysed by RT-LAMP for the first time and compared with RT-qPCR. The amplicons obtained by RT-qPCR were sequenced and African III and European V genotypes were identified. RT-LAMP amplified both genotypes and was more sensitive than RT-qPCR in urine samples. We have developed a novel, rapid, specific, and sensitive RT-LAMP test that allows the detection of different CCHFV genotypes in clinical samples. This pan-CCHFV RT-LAMP detected viral RNA for the first time in urine samples. It can be easily performed as a single-tube isothermal colorimetric method on a portable platform in real time and without the need for expensive equipment, thus bringing molecular diagnostics closer to rural or resource-poor areas, where CCHF usually occurs.
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Simo Tchetgna H, Yousseu FS, Cosset FL, de Freitas NB, Kamgang B, McCall PJ, Ndip RN, Legros V, Wondji CS. Molecular and serological evidence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus prevalence in livestock and ticks in Cameroon. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1132495. [PMID: 37056704 PMCID: PMC10086150 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1132495] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite a high fatality rate in humans, little is known about the occurrence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Cameroon. Hence, this pioneer study was started with the aim of determining the prevalence of CCHFV in domestic ruminants and its potential vector ticks in Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in two livestock markets of Yaoundé to collect blood and ticks from cattle, sheep, and goats. CCHFV-specific antibodies were detected in the plasma using a commercial ELISA assay and confirmed using a modified seroneutralization test. Ticks were screened for the presence of orthonairoviruses by amplification of a fragment of the L segment using RT-PCR. Phylogeny was used to infer the genetic evolution of the virus. Results Overall, 756 plasma samples were collected from 441 cattle, 168 goats, and 147 sheep. The seroprevalence of CCHFV was 61.77% for all animals, with the highest rate found in cattle (433/441, 98.18%) followed by sheep (23/147, 15.65%), and goats (11/168, 6.55%), (p-value < 0.0001). The highest seroprevalence rate was found in cattle from the Far North region (100%). Overall, 1500 ticks of the Rhipicephalus (773/1500, 51.53%), Amblyomma (341/1500, 22.73%), and Hyalomma (386/1500, 25.73%) genera were screened. CCHFV was identified in one Hyalomma truncatum pool collected from cattle. Phylogenetic analysis of the L segment classified this CCHFV strain within the African genotype III. Conclusion These seroprevalence results call for additional epidemiological studies on CCHFV, especially among at-risk human and animal populations in high-risk areas of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huguette Simo Tchetgna
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Francine S. Yousseu
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - François-Loïc Cosset
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Team Enveloped Viruses, Vectors and Immunotherapy (EVIR), Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normal Superieur (ENS) Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Natalia Bezerra de Freitas
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Team Enveloped Viruses, Vectors and Immunotherapy (EVIR), Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normal Superieur (ENS) Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Basile Kamgang
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Philip J. McCall
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Ndip Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Vincent Legros
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Team Enveloped Viruses, Vectors and Immunotherapy (EVIR), Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normal Superieur (ENS) Lyon, Lyon, France
- Campus vétérinaire de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Charles S. Wondji
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Saunders JE, Gilbride C, Dowall S, Morris S, Ulaszewska M, Spencer AJ, Rayner E, Graham VA, Kennedy E, Thomas K, Hewson R, Gilbert SC, Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Lambe T. Adenoviral vectored vaccination protects against Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever disease in a lethal challenge model. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104523. [PMID: 36933409 PMCID: PMC10025009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tick-borne bunyavirus, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus (CCHFV), can cause severe febrile illness in humans and has a wide geographic range that continues to expand due to tick migration. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines against CCHFV for widespread usage. METHODS In this study, we describe the preclinical assessment of a chimpanzee adenoviral vectored vaccine (ChAdOx2 CCHF) which encodes the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) from CCHFV. FINDINGS We demonstrate here that vaccination with ChAdOx2 CCHF induces both a humoral and cellular immune response in mice and 100% protection in a lethal CCHF challenge model. Delivery of the adenoviral vaccine in a heterologous vaccine regimen with a Modified Vaccinia Ankara vaccine (MVA CCHF) induces the highest levels of CCHFV-specific cell-mediated and antibody responses in mice. Histopathological examination and viral load analysis of the tissues of ChAdOx2 CCHF immunised mice reveals an absence of both microscopic changes and viral antigen associated with CCHF infection, further demonstrating protection against disease. INTERPRETATION There is the continued need for an effective vaccine against CCHFV to protect humans from lethal haemorrhagic disease. Our findings support further development of the ChAd platform expressing the CCHFV GPC to seek an effective vaccine against CCHFV. FUNDING This research was supported by funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UKRI-BBSRC) [BB/R019991/1 and BB/T008784/1].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack E Saunders
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Ciaran Gilbride
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart Dowall
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Susan Morris
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marta Ulaszewska
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexandra J Spencer
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Rayner
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Victoria A Graham
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Emma Kennedy
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Kelly Thomas
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Roger Hewson
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Sarah C Gilbert
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sandra Belij-Rammerstorfer
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Teresa Lambe
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS) Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne illness with a wide geographical distribution and case fatality rates of 30% or higher. Caused by infection with the CCHF virus (CCHFV), cases are reported throughout Africa, the Middle East, Asia and southern and eastern Europe. The expanding range of the Hyalomma tick vector is placing new populations at risk for CCHF, and no licensed vaccines or specific antivirals exist to treat CCHF. Furthermore, despite cases of CCHF being reported annually, the host and viral determinants of CCHFV pathogenesis are poorly understood. CCHFV can productively infect a multitude of animal species, yet only humans develop a severe illness. Within human populations, subclinical infections are underappreciated and may represent a substantial proportion of clinical outcomes. Compared with other members of the Bunyavirales order, CCHFV has a more complex genomic organization, with many viral proteins having unclear functions in viral pathogenesis. In recent years, improved animal models have led to increased insights into CCHFV pathogenesis, and several antivirals and vaccines for CCHFV have shown robust efficacy in preclinical models. Translation of these insights and candidate therapeutics to the clinic will hopefully reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by CCHFV.
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Weidinger P, Kolodziejek J, Khafaga T, Loney T, Howarth B, Sher Shah M, Abou Tayoun A, Alsheikh-Ali A, Camp JV, Nowotny N. Potentially Zoonotic Viruses in Wild Rodents, United Arab Emirates, 2019—A Pilot Study. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030695. [PMID: 36992404 PMCID: PMC10054371 DOI: 10.3390/v15030695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of emerging viral infectious diseases in humans originate from wildlife reservoirs, such as rodents and bats. We investigated a possible reservoir, namely wild gerbils and mice trapped in a desert reserve within the emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In total, 52 gerbils and 1 jird (Gerbillinae), 10 house mice (Mus musculus), and 1 Arabian spiny mouse (Acomys dimidiatus) were sampled. Oro-pharyngeal swabs, fecal samples, attached ticks, and organ samples (where available) were screened by (RT-q)PCR for the following viruses: Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus, Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus, hantaviruses, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis mammarenavirus, Rustrela virus, poxviruses, flaviviruses, and herpesviruses. All of the samples were negative for all investigated viruses, except for herpesviruses: 19 gerbils (35.8%) and 7 house mice (70.0%) were positive. The resulting sequences were only partly identical to sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three novel betaherpesviruses and four novel gammaherpesviruses. Interestingly, species identification of the positive gerbils resulted in eight individuals clustering in a separate clade, most closely related to Dipodillus campestris, the North African gerbil, indicating either the expansion of the geographic range of this species, or the existence of a closely related, yet undiscovered species in the UAE. In conclusion, we could not find evidence of persistence or shedding of potentially zoonotic viruses in the investigated rodent cohorts of limited sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Weidinger
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamer Khafaga
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group, Dubai P.O. Box 686, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Brigitte Howarth
- American University in Dubai, Al Sufouh 2, Dubai P.O. Box 28282, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moayyed Sher Shah
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Emirates Group, Dubai P.O. Box 686, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Abou Tayoun
- Al Jalila Genomics Center of Excellence, Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai 7662, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomic Discovery, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alawi Alsheikh-Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jeremy V. Camp
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-25077-2704
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Tyrrell BE, Kumar A, Gangadharan B, Alonzi D, Brun J, Hill M, Bharucha T, Bosworth A, Graham V, Dowall S, Miller JL, Zitzmann N. Exploring the Potential of Iminosugars as Antivirals for Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus, Using the Surrogate Hazara Virus: Liquid-Chromatography-Based Mapping of Viral N-Glycosylation and In Vitro Antiviral Assays. Pathogens 2023; 12:399. [PMID: 36986321 PMCID: PMC10057787 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a pathogen of increasing public health concern, being a widely distributed arbovirus and the causative agent of the potentially fatal Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. Hazara virus (HAZV) is a genetically and serologically related virus that has been proposed as a surrogate for antiviral and vaccine testing for CCHFV. Glycosylation analysis of HAZV has been limited; first, we confirmed for the first time the occupation of two N-glycosylation sites in the HAZV glycoprotein. Despite this, there was no apparent antiviral efficacy of a panel of iminosugars against HAZV, as determined by quantification of the total secretion and infectious virus titres produced following infection of SW13 and Vero cells. This lack of efficacy was not due to an inability of deoxynojirimycin (DNJ)-derivative iminosugars to access and inhibit endoplasmic reticulum α-glucosidases, as demonstrated by free oligosaccharide analysis in uninfected and infected SW13 and uninfected Vero cells. Even so, iminosugars may yet have potential as antivirals for CCHFV since the positions and importance of N-linked glycans may differ between the viruses, a hypothesis requiring further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice E. Tyrrell
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Abhinav Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Bevin Gangadharan
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Dominic Alonzi
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Juliane Brun
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Michelle Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Tehmina Bharucha
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Andrew Bosworth
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Victoria Graham
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Stuart Dowall
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Joanna L. Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Nicole Zitzmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
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Shah SZ, Jabbar B, Mirza MU, Waqas M, Aziz S, Halim SA, Ali A, Rafique S, Idrees M, Khalid A, Abdalla AN, Khan A, Al-Harrasi A. An Immunoinformatics Approach to Design a Potent Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Asia-1 Genotype of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus Using the Structural Glycoproteins as a Target. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 11:61. [PMID: 36679906 PMCID: PMC9867508 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), is a disease of worldwide importance (endemic yet not limited to Asia, Middle East, and Africa) and has triggered several outbreaks amounting to a case fatality rate of 10-40% as per the World Health Organization. Genetic diversity and phylogenetic data revealed that the Asia-1 genotype of CCHFV remained dominant in Pakistan, where 688 confirmed cases were reported between the 2012-2022 period. Currently, no approved vaccine is available to tackle the viral infection. Epitope-based vaccine design has gained significant attention in recent years due to its safety, timeliness, and cost efficiency compared to conventional vaccines. In the present study, we employed a robust immunoinformatics-based approach targeting the structural glycoproteins G1 and G2 of CCHFV (Asia-1 genotype) to design a multi-epitope vaccine construct. Five B-cells and six cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) epitopes were mapped and finalized from G1 and G2 and were fused with suitable linkers (EAAAK, GGGS, AAY, and GPGPG), a PADRE sequence (13 aa), and an adjuvant (50S ribosomal protein L7/L12) to formulate a chimeric vaccine construct. The selected CTL epitopes showed high affinity and stable binding with the binding groove of common human HLA class I molecules (HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-B*44:02) and mouse major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. The chimeric vaccine was predicted to be an antigenic, non-allergenic, and soluble molecule with a suitable physicochemical profile. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation indicated a stable and energetically favourable interaction between the constructed antigen and Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4). Our results demonstrated that innate, adaptive, and humoral immune responses could be elicited upon administration of such a potent muti-epitope vaccine construct. These results could be helpful for an experimental vaccinologist to develop an effective vaccine against the Asia-1 genotype of CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Zawar Shah
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Basit Jabbar
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Mirza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, Mansehra 21120, Pakistan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz 616, Oman
| | - Shahkaar Aziz
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Ahsan Halim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz 616, Oman
| | - Amjad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, Mansehra 21120, Pakistan
| | - Shazia Rafique
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 53700, Pakistan
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Center, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Traditional Medicine Research Institute, National Center for Research, P.O. Box 2404, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Ashraf N. Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz 616, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz 616, Oman
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Structural characterization of protective non-neutralizing antibodies targeting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7298. [PMID: 36435827 PMCID: PMC9701186 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34923-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) causes a life-threatening disease with up to a 40% mortality rate. With no approved medical countermeasures, CCHFV is considered a public health priority agent. The non-neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) 13G8 targets CCHFV glycoprotein GP38 and protects mice from lethal CCHFV challenge when administered prophylactically or therapeutically. Here, we reveal the structures of GP38 bound with a human chimeric 13G8 mAb and a newly isolated CC5-17 mAb from a human survivor. These mAbs bind overlapping epitopes with a shifted angle. The broad-spectrum potential of c13G8 and CC5-17 and the practicality of using them against Aigai virus, a closely related nairovirus were examined. Binding studies demonstrate that the presence of non-conserved amino acids in Aigai virus corresponding region prevent CCHFV mAbs from binding Aigai virus GP38. This information, coupled with in vivo efficacy, paves the way for future mAb therapeutics effective against a wide swath of CCHFV strains.
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Lule SA, Gibb R, Kizito D, Nakanjako G, Mutyaba J, Balinandi S, Owen L, Jones KE, Abubakar I, Lutwama JJ, Field N. Widespread exposure to Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Uganda might be driven by transmission from Rhipicephalus ticks: Evidence from cross-sectional and modelling studies. J Infect 2022; 85:683-692. [PMID: 36152736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.09.016] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick-borne viral infection, present across Africa and Eurasia, which might pose a cryptic public health problem in Uganda. We aimed to understand the magnitude and distribution of CCHF risk in humans, livestock and ticks across Uganda by synthesising epidemiological (cross-sectional) and ecological (modelling) studies. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study at three urban abattoirs receiving cattle from across Uganda. We sampled humans (n = 478), livestock (n = 419) and ticks (n = 1065) and used commercially-available kits to detect human and livestock CCHF virus (CCHFV) antibodies and antigen in tick pools. We developed boosted regression tree models to evaluate the correlates and geographical distribution of expected tick and wildlife hosts, and of human CCHF exposures, drawing on continent-wide data. FINDINGS The cross-sectional study found CCHFV IgG/IgM seroprevalence in humans of 10·3% (7·8-13·3), with antibody detection positively associated with reported history of tick bite (age-adjusted odds ratio = 2·09 (1·09-3·98)). Cattle had a seroprevalence of 69·7% (65·1-73·4). Only one Hyalomma tick (CCHFV-negative) was found. However, CCHFV antigen was detected in Rhipicephalus (5·9% of 304 pools) and Amblyomma (2·9% of 34 pools) species. Modelling predicted high human CCHF risk across much of Uganda, low environmental suitability for Hyalomma, and high suitability for Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma. INTERPRETATION Our epidemiological and ecological studies provide complementary evidence that CCHF exposure risk is widespread across Uganda. We challenge the idea that Hyalomma ticks are consistently the principal reservoir and vector for CCHFV, and postulate that Rhipicephalus might be important for CCHFV transmission in Uganda, due to high frequency of infected ticks and predicted environmental suitability. FUNDING UCL Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and Pan-African Network on Emerging and Re-Emerging Infections (PANDORA-ID-NET) funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) under the EU Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaib A Lule
- Institute for Global Health (IGH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Rory Gibb
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dennison Kizito
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gladys Nakanjako
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Mutyaba
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Stephen Balinandi
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Leah Owen
- Institute for Global Health (IGH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate E Jones
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ibrahim Abubakar
- Institute for Global Health (IGH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Nigel Field
- Institute for Global Health (IGH), University College London, London, UK.
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Perveen N, Khan G. Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever in the Arab world: A systematic review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:938601. [PMID: 36176697 PMCID: PMC9513365 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.938601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an important tick-borne viral infection with a fatality rate of up to 50% during outbreaks. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is sustained in the ecosystem in benign form through vertical and horizontal transmission cycles involving tick vectors, wildlife, and livestock. Hyalomma ticks are considered the major source of human infection. CCHF occurs most often among butchers, slaughterhouse workers, and farmworkers through infected tick bites or/and contact with blood and tissues of infected livestock. The nosocomial transmission can occur in auxiliary nurses and physicians through contact with the infected patients. The widespread distribution of CCHFV most probably occurred by ticks on migratory birds, or through international travel and trade of livestock and wildlife. During co-infections of ticks and vertebrates, reassortment among genome segments could play a significant role in generating diversity, and hence, a potential risk for the emergence of novel variants. In this systematic review, we aimed to determine the epidemiology, transmission, distribution, mortality, and clinical features of CCHF in 22 Arab countries, comprising the Arab world. Based on the analysis of 57 studies published from 1978 to 2021, we found 20 tick species that could be associated with CCHFV transmission. During the 43-year period, 321 cases of CCHF were reported from 9/22 Arab countries, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sudan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Mauritania. The mean case fatality rate was 29% during various outbreaks. Individuals working in abattoirs/slaughter houses, livestock farms, and healthcare were most at risk. Contact with blood or body secretions from infected animals and patients was the most common mode of transmission. A number of different animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, and camels were reported to be seropositive for CCHFV. The highest seroprevalence was observed in camels (29%), followed by cattle (21%), goats (15%), and sheep (14%). We discuss these results in the context of policy-making and potential preventative measures that can be implemented to reduce the burden of CCHF in the Arab world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Perveen
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gulfaraz Khan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Gulfaraz Khan
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Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Limon G, Maze EA, Hannant K, Hughes E, Tchakarova SR, Alexandrov T, Mmbaga BT, Willett B, Booth G, Lyons NA, Baker N, Thomas KM, Wright D, Saunders J, Browning C, Wilsden G, Carroll M, Hewson R, Charleston B, Lambe T, Ludi AB. Development of anti-Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus Gc and NP-specific ELISA for detection of antibodies in domestic animal sera. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:913046. [PMID: 36090164 PMCID: PMC9454098 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.913046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a priority emerging disease. CCHF, caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV), can lead to hemorrhagic fever in humans with severe cases often having fatal outcomes. CCHFV is maintained within a tick-vertebrate-tick cycle, which includes domestic animals. Domestic animals infected with CCHFV do not show clinical signs of the disease and the presence of antibodies in the serum can provide evidence of their exposure to the virus. Current serological tests are specific to either one CCHFV antigen or the whole virus antigen. Here, we present the development of two in-house ELISAs for the detection of serum IgG that is specific for two different CCHFV antigens: glycoprotein Gc (CCHFV Gc) and nucleoprotein (CCHFV NP). We demonstrate that these two assays were able to detect anti-CCHFV Gc-specific and anti-CCHFV NP-specific IgG in sheep from endemic CCHFV areas with high specificity, providing new insight into the heterogeneity of the immune response induced by natural infection with CCHFV in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ellen Hughes
- Medical Research Council (MRC)-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CRV), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Brian Willett
- Medical Research Council (MRC)-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CRV), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Natalie Baker
- Research and Evaluation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly M. Thomas
- Research and Evaluation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Wright
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Saunders
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Miles Carroll
- Pandemic Science Institute, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Hewson
- Research and Evaluation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Teresa Lambe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Molecular epidemiology of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in Russia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266177. [PMID: 35551538 PMCID: PMC9098019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report, we present new data on the diversity and geographical distribution of genetic variants in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Russia. Partial S, M, and L segment sequences of the CCHFV genome were obtained from 500 serum samples from CCHF patients and 103 pools of ticks collected in the south of the European region of Russia in 2007–2017. The investigated viral strains belonged to the lineages Europe 1 (596 samples), Africa 3 (1 sample) and a new genetic lineage, Europe 3 (6 samples). The Russian CCHFV strains of the Europe 1 lineage formed four subgroups (Va-Vd) correlated with the geographical site of virus isolation. Segment reassortment events between strains of different subgroups within lineage Europe 1 were revealed. The complete S, M and L genome segments of 18 CCHFV strains belonging to different subgroups of the Europe 1 lineage and the complete S segments of 3 strains of the Europe 3 lineage and 1 strain of the Africa 3 lineage were sequenced. The analysis of the geographical distribution of CCHFV genetic variants in southern Russia revealed local viral populations with partially overlapping boundaries.
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Potency, toxicity and protection evaluation of PastoCoAd candidate vaccines: Novel preclinical mix and match rAd5 S, rAd5 RBD-N and SOBERANA dimeric-RBD protein. Vaccine 2022; 40:2856-2868. [PMID: 35393148 PMCID: PMC8977851 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite substantial efforts, no effective treatment has been discovered for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, vaccination to reach herd immunity is the ultimate solution to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the potency, toxicity, and protection of candidate PastoCoAd vaccines as novel mix and match of recombinant adenovirus type 5 (rAd5) containing the full-length spike protein (rAd5-S), rAd5 containing the receptor-binding domain of S protein and nucleoprotein (rAd5 RBD-N), and SOBERANA dimeric RBD protein of SARS-CoV-2. Three vaccine candidates were developed against SARS-CoV-2 using adenoviral vectors, including the prime-boost (rAd5-S/rAd5 RBD-N), heterologous prime-boost (rAd5-S/ SOBERANA vaccine), and prime only (mixture of rAd5-S and rAd5 RBD-N). The rAd5-S and rAd5 RBD-N were produced with a Cytomegalovirus promoter and the human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) leader sequence. The immunogenicity of vaccine candidates was also evaluated in mouse, rabbit, and hamster models and protection was evaluated in a hamster model. Following the injection of vaccine candidates, no significant toxicity was observed in the tissues of animal models. The immunogenicity studies of mice, rabbits, and hamsters showed that responses of total IgG antibodies were significantly higher with the prime-only and heterologous prime-boost vaccines as compared to the other groups (P < 0.009). Virus neutralizing antibodies were detected, and the level of cytokines related to humoral and cellular immunity increased significantly in all vaccinated models. A high cellular immunity response was found in the vaccinated groups compared to the controls. On the other hand, the vaccine challenge test showed that the virus titers significantly decreased in the pharynx and lung tissues of vaccinated hamsters compared to the control group. These successful findings suggest the safety and protection produced by the heterologous prime-boost vaccine (adenovector/ SOBERANA RBD), as well as a single dose of adenovector vaccine in animal models.
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Papa (Άννα Παπά) A, Marklewitz M, Paraskevopoulou (Σοφία Παρασκευοπούλου) S, Garrison AR, Alkhovsky (Альховский Сергей Владимирович) SV, Avšič-Županc T, Bente DA, Bergeron É, Burt F, Di Paola N, Ergünay K, Hewson R, Mirazimi A, Sall AA, Spengler JR, Postler TS, Palacios G, Kuhn JH. History and classification of Aigai virus (formerly Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus genotype VI). J Gen Virol 2022; 103:001734. [PMID: 35412967 PMCID: PMC10026732 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the medically most important member of the rapidly expanding bunyaviral family Nairoviridae. Traditionally, CCHFV isolates have been assigned to six distinct genotypes. Here, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group outlines the reasons for the recent decision to re-classify genogroup VI (aka Europe-2 or AP-92-like) as a distinct virus, Aigai virus (AIGV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papa (Άννα Παπά)
- National Reference Centre for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses (Εθνικό Κέντρο Αναφοράς Αρμποϊών και Αιμορραγικών πυρετών, 1st Laboratory of Microbiology (Α' Εργαστήριο Μικροβιολογίας), School of Medicine (Τμήμα Ιατρικής), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης), Thessaloniki, Greece
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
| | - Marco Marklewitz
- Institute of Virology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia Paraskevopoulou (Σοφία Παρασκευοπούλου)
- Institute of Virology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aura R. Garrison
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
| | - Sergey V. Alkhovsky (Альховский Сергей Владимирович)
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- D. I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology of the N. F. Gamaleya National Center on Epidemiology and Microbiology of Ministry of Health of Russian Federation (Институт вирусологии им. Д. И. Ивановского, входящий в состав ФГБУ «НИЦЭМ им. Н. Ф. Гамалеи» Минздрава России), Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
- University of Ljubljana (Univerza v Ljubljani), Faculty of Medicine (Medicinska fakulteta), Slovenia
| | - Dennis A. Bente
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Éric Bergeron
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Felicity Burt
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service and Division of Virology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Di Paola
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
| | - Koray Ergünay
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
- Virology Unit (Viroloji Birimi), Department of Medical Microbiology (Tıbbi Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dalı), Faulty of Medicine (Tıp Fakültesi), Hacettepe University (Hacettepe Üniversitesi), Ankara, Turkey
| | - Roger Hewson
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Wiltshire, Salisbury, UK
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
- Folkhalsomyndigheten, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amadou Alpha Sall
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Jessica R. Spengler
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thomas S. Postler
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gustavo Palacios
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
| | - Jens H. Kuhn
- The members of the 2017–2020 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Group
- The members of the 2020–2023 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Nairoviridae Study Groups
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Lado S, Futas J, Plasil M, Loney T, Weidinger P, Camp JV, Kolodziejek J, Kannan DO, Horin P, Nowotny N, Burger PA. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Past Infections Are Associated with Two Innate Immune Response Candidate Genes in Dromedaries. Cells 2021; 11:8. [PMID: 35011568 PMCID: PMC8750074 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dromedaries are an important livestock, used as beasts of burden and for meat and milk production. However, they can act as an intermediate source or vector for transmitting zoonotic viruses to humans, such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) or Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). After several outbreaks of CCHFV in the Arabian Peninsula, recent studies have demonstrated that CCHFV is endemic in dromedaries and camel ticks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There is no apparent disease in dromedaries after the bite of infected ticks; in contrast, fever, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, and petechial hemorrhaging are common symptoms in humans, with a case fatality ratio of up to 40%. We used the in-solution hybridization capture of 100 annotated immune genes to genotype 121 dromedaries from the UAE tested for seropositivity to CCHFV. Through univariate linear regression analysis, we identified two candidate genes belonging to the innate immune system: FCAR and CLEC2B. These genes have important functions in the host defense against viral infections and in stimulating natural killer cells, respectively. This study opens doors for future research into immune defense mechanisms in an enzootic host against an important zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lado
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1160 Vienna, Austria;
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Futas
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (J.F.); (M.P.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC VETUNI Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Plasil
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (J.F.); (M.P.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC VETUNI Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates; (T.L.); (N.N.)
| | - Pia Weidinger
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Jeremy V. Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | | | - Petr Horin
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (J.F.); (M.P.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC VETUNI Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates; (T.L.); (N.N.)
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Pamela A. Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1160 Vienna, Austria;
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Kong Y, Yan C, Liu D, Jiang L, Zhang G, He B, Li Y. Phylogenetic analysis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in inner Mongolia, China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101856. [PMID: 34763306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne arbovirus that can cause bleeding and death in humans. The mortality rate in humans is between 5 and 30%. The pathogen is prevalent in more than 30 countries in the world. In China, the CCHFV has been reported in Xinjiang province but not in Inner Mongolia province yet. In this report, we phylogenetically analyzed a new CCHFV strain, HANM-18, identified from Hyalomma asiaticum and Hyalomma dromedarii collected in Alxa Left Banner and Alxa Right Banner of Inner Mongolia, China. Complete sequences of CCHFV were obtained by the nested PCR technique and used for phylogenetic analysis of the identity and evolutionary relationship with other CCHFV strains. Our results showed that the S and L fragments of the HANM-18 strain had a high percentage of identity with strains in Xinjiang, China. The M fragment was significantly homologous to South African isolates. In addition, these data also indicate that the HANM-18 strain may have been prevalent in northwestern Inner Mongolia for many years. This discovery will be helpful in CCHF prevention and control in Inner Mongolia, and it also adds new evidence to the epidemiology of CCHF in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Kong
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China; School of life science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Chao Yan
- School of life science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Dongxiao Liu
- School of life science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- School of life science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- School of life science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Biao He
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yong Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China; School of life science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China.
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Obanda V, Agwanda B, Blanco-Penedo I, Mwangi IA, King'ori E, Omondi GP, Ahlm C, Evander M, Lwande OW. Livestock Presence Influences the Seroprevalence of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus on Sympatric Wildlife in Kenya. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:809-816. [PMID: 34559011 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic viral disease with the potential of causing public health emergencies. However, less is known about the role of wildlife and livestock in spreading the virus. Therefore, we aimed to assess how the interactions between African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle may influence the seroprevalence of CCHF across livestock-wildlife management systems in Kenya. The study included archived sera samples from buffalo and cattle from wildlife only habitats (Lake Nakuru National Park and Solio conservancy), open wildlife-livestock integrated habitats (Maasai Mara ecosystem and Meru National Park), and closed wildlife-livestock habitats (Ol Pejeta Conservancy) in Kenya. We analyzed 191 buffalo and 139 cattle sera using IDvet multispecies, double-antigen IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalence toward Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was significantly higher for buffalo compared to cattle (75.3% and 28.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). We obtained the highest seroprevalence among buffalo of 92.1% in closed wildlife only systems compared to 28.8% and 46.1% prevalence in closed-integrated and open-integrated systems, respectively. The regression coefficients were all negative for cattle compared to buffalo in both closed-integrated and open-integrated compared to wildlife only system. Our results show that CCHFV circulates among the diverse animal community in Kenya in spatially disconnected foci. The habitat overlap between cattle and buffalo makes cattle a "bridge species" or superspreader host for CCHFV and increases transmission risks to humans. The effect of animal management system on prevalence is depended on tick control on the cattle and not the animal per se. We conclude that buffalo, a host with a longer life span than livestock, is a reservoir and may serve as a sentinel population for longitudinal surveillance of CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Obanda
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bernard Agwanda
- Department of Mammalogy, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isabel Blanco-Penedo
- Unit of Veterinary Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Irene Ann Mwangi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Kenya AIDs Vaccine Initiative Institute of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edward King'ori
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George P Omondi
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.,Ahadi Veterinary Resource Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Clas Ahlm
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Magnus Evander
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Camp JV, Weidinger P, Ramaswamy S, Kannan DO, Osman BM, Kolodziejek J, Karuvantevida N, Abou Tayoun A, Loney T, Nowotny N. Association of Dromedary Camels and Camel Ticks with Reassortant Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, United Arab Emirates. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2471-2474. [PMID: 34424177 PMCID: PMC8386785 DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.210299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously detected a potentially novel reassortant of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in camels at the largest livestock market in the United Arab Emirates. A broader survey of large mammals at the site indicated zoonotic transmission is associated with dromedaries and camel ticks. Seroprevalence in cattle, sheep, and goats is minimal.
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39
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Development of double antibody sandwich ELISA as potential diagnostic tool for rapid detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14699. [PMID: 34282163 PMCID: PMC8289837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus, a highly pathogenic viral agent is responsible for severe fatal hemorrhagic infections in many parts of the world. The early diagnosis of CCHF infection is important for successful clinical management and epidemiological control. The nucleoprotein (NP) of CCHFV being highly conserved and immunogenic is used as early diagnostic marker. In this study, we report a rapid and sensitive double antibody based antigen capture ELISA to detect Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Highly specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibody against NP has been generated and used as capture and detector antibody respectively. The assay was able to detect viral nucleoprotein in different matrices including human serum, ticks and culture supernatant. The detection limit of the developed sandwich ELISA assay was 25 ng of purified antigen. Comparison with a real time RT-PCR revealed its detection limit to be 1000 genome equivalents of CCHFV. Further the assay was comparatively evaluated with a commercial kit employing gamma irradiated CCHFV, revealing a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. This newly developed sandwich ELISA (sELISA) with high sensitivity and specificity could be used as an efficient method for the detection of CCHF virus in humans, ticks and culture supernatant. The assay will be useful as alternate tool for diagnosis of acute infection and is amenable for screening of large scale samples in resource limited settings.
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40
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Evans TS, Myat TW, Hom NS, Ricks KM, Maw MT, Oo ZM, Toe AT, Aung NT, Aung P, Aung TH, Kuehnert P, Thant KZ, Win YT, Thein WZ, Gardner NR, Schoepp RJ, Johnson CK, Thu HM. Seroepidemiologic Survey of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Logging Communities, Myanmar. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1709-1713. [PMID: 34013868 PMCID: PMC8153884 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.203223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is endemic in Asia, infecting many animal hosts, but CCHFV has not been reported in Myanmar. We conducted a seroepidemiologic survey of logging communities in Myanmar and found CCHFV exposure was common (9.8%) and exposure to wild animal blood and body fluids was associated with seropositivity.
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Schulz A, Barry Y, Stoek F, Pickin MJ, Ba A, Chitimia-Dobler L, Haki ML, Doumbia BA, Eisenbarth A, Diambar A, Bah MY, Eiden M, Groschup MH. Detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in blood-fed Hyalomma ticks collected from Mauritanian livestock. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:342. [PMID: 34187526 PMCID: PMC8244218 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) belongs to the genus Orthonairovirus (Nairovididae) and is a (re)emerging tick-borne pathogen. It is endemic in most parts of Africa, Asia and southern Europe, and can cause severe hemorrhagic symptoms in humans, with high fatality rates (5–30%). Methods Hyalomma ticks were collected from four different livestock herds (cattle and camels) in Mauritania in 2018. The tick species were determined morphologically and confirmed molecularly by using the cytochrome oxidase 1 gene marker. For the detection of CCHFV, ticks were tested individually by one-step multiplex real-time reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The small segment of all positive samples was sequenced to determine the CCHFV genotype. Results In total, 39 of the 1523 ticks (2.56%) collected from 63 cattles and 28 camels tested positive for CCHFV. Three Hyalomma species were identified. Hyalomma rufipes had the largest proportion of positivity (5.67%; 16/282), followed by Hyalomma dromedarii (1.89%; 23/1214). No Hyalomma impeltatum tested positive (0%; 0/21). Positive ticks were found in only six out of 91 host animals. Viral sequence analysis revealed the presence of two different CCHFV lineages (Africa I and Africa III). Conclusions In this study, 2.56% of Hyalomma ticks collected from camels and cattle in Mauritania tested positive for CCHFV. However, the true prevalence of CCHFV in unfed ticks may be lower, as a considerable number of ticks may have been passively infected during blood-feeding by co-feeding ticks or due to viremia of the host. The results indicate the need to track the actual area of circulation of this virus. Graphic Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04819-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schulz
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Y Barry
- Office National de Recherches et de Développement de l'Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - F Stoek
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M J Pickin
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - A Ba
- Office National de Recherches et de Développement de l'Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - L Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - M L Haki
- Office National de Recherches et de Développement de l'Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - B A Doumbia
- Ministère du Développement Rural, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - A Eisenbarth
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - A Diambar
- Office National de Recherches et de Développement de l'Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - M Y Bah
- Ministère du Développement Rural, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - M Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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First Serological Evidence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Rift Valley Fever Virus in Ruminants in Tunisia. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060769. [PMID: 34207423 PMCID: PMC8234966 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV, Nairoviridae family) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV, Phenuiviridae family) are zoonotic vector-borne pathogens with clinical relevance worldwide. Our study aimed to determine seroprevalences of these viruses and potential risk factors among livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) in Tunisia. Sera were tested for antibodies against CCHFV (n = 879) and RVFV (n = 699) using various enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect immunofluorescence assays (IIFA). The overall seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was 8.6% (76/879) and 2.3% (16/699) against CCHFV and RVFV, respectively. For CCHF seropositivity bioclimatic zones and breed were potential risk factors for the three tested animal species; while the season was associated with cattle and sheep seropositivity, tick infestation was associated with cattle and goats seropositivity and age as a risk factor was only associated with cattle seropositivity. Age and season were significantly associated with RVFV seropositivity in sheep. Our results confirm the circulation of CCHFV and RVFV in Tunisia and identified the principal risk factors in ruminants. This knowledge could help to mitigate the risk of ruminant infections and subsequently also human infections.
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Tahir Ul Qamar M, Ismail S, Ahmad S, Mirza MU, Abbasi SW, Ashfaq UA, Chen LL. Development of a Novel Multi-Epitope Vaccine Against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus: An Integrated Reverse Vaccinology, Vaccine Informatics and Biophysics Approach. Front Immunol 2021; 12:669812. [PMID: 34220816 PMCID: PMC8242340 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.669812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a highly severe and virulent viral disease of zoonotic origin, caused by a tick-born CCHF virus (CCHFV). The virus is endemic in many countries and has a mortality rate between 10% and 40%. As there is no licensed vaccine or therapeutic options available to treat CCHF, the present study was designed to focus on application of modern computational approaches to propose a multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) expressing antigenic determinants prioritized from the CCHFV genome. Integrated computational analyses revealed the presence of 9 immunodominant epitopes from Nucleoprotein (N), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), Glycoprotein N (Gn/G2), and Glycoprotein C (Gc/G1). Together these epitopes were observed to cover 99.74% of the world populations. The epitopes demonstrated excellent binding affinity for the B- and T-cell reference set of alleles, the high antigenic potential, non-allergenic nature, excellent solubility, zero percent toxicity and interferon-gamma induction potential. The epitopes were engineered into an MEV through suitable linkers and adjuvating with an appropriate adjuvant molecule. The recombinant vaccine sequence revealed all favorable physicochemical properties allowing the ease of experimental analysis in vivo and in vitro. The vaccine 3D structure was established ab initio. Furthermore, the vaccine displayed excellent binding affinity for critical innate immune receptors: TLR2 (-14.33 kcal/mol) and TLR3 (-6.95 kcal/mol). Vaccine binding with these receptors was dynamically analyzed in terms of complex stability and interaction energetics. Finally, we speculate the vaccine sequence reported here has excellent potential to evoke protective and specific immune responses subject to evaluation of downstream experimental analysis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/metabolism
- Antigens, Viral/pharmacology
- Computational Biology
- Computer-Aided Design
- Drug Development
- Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo/genetics
- Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo/immunology
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean/immunology
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean/prevention & control
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean/virology
- Immunodominant Epitopes
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- Molecular Dynamics Simulation
- Ticks/virology
- Toll-Like Receptor 2/metabolism
- Toll-Like Receptor 3/metabolism
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/metabolism
- Vaccines, DNA/pharmacology
- Vaccinology
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/metabolism
- Viral Vaccines/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saba Ismail
- NUMS Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology and Pharmacy, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Mirza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Sumra Wajid Abbasi
- NUMS Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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Wampande EM, Waiswa P, Allen DJ, Hewson R, Frost SDW, Stubbs SCB. Phylogenetic Characterization of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Detected in African Blue Ticks Feeding on Cattle in a Ugandan Abattoir. Microorganisms 2021; 9:438. [PMID: 33672497 PMCID: PMC7923759 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the most geographically widespread of the tick-borne viruses. However, African strains of CCHFV are poorly represented in sequence databases. In addition, almost all sequence data collected to date have been obtained from cases of human disease, while information regarding the circulation of the virus in tick and animal reservoirs is severely lacking. Here, we characterize the complete coding region of a novel CCHFV strain, detected in African blue ticks (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus) feeding on cattle in an abattoir in Kampala, Uganda. These cattle originated from a farm in Mbarara, a major cattle-trading hub for much of Uganda. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the newly sequenced strain belongs to the African genotype II clade, which predominantly contains the sequences of strains isolated from West Africa in the 1950s, and South Africa in the 1980s. Whilst the viral S (nucleoprotein) and L (RNA polymerase) genome segments shared >90% nucleotide similarity with previously reported genotype II strains, the glycoprotein-coding M segment shared only 80% nucleotide similarity with the next most closely related strains, which were derived from ticks in Western India and Northern China. This genome segment also displayed a large number of non-synonymous mutations previously unreported in the genotype II strains. Characterization of this novel strain adds to our limited understanding of the natural diversity of CCHFV circulating in both ticks and in Africa. Such data can be used to inform the design of vaccines and diagnostics, as well as studies exploring the epidemiology and evolution of the virus for the establishment of future CCHFV control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddie M. Wampande
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; (E.M.W.); (P.W.)
| | - Peter Waiswa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; (E.M.W.); (P.W.)
| | - David J. Allen
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (D.J.A.); (R.H.)
| | - Roger Hewson
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (D.J.A.); (R.H.)
- Virology and Pathogenesis Group, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Simon D. W. Frost
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington, DC 98052, USA
| | - Samuel C. B. Stubbs
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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45
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Sánchez-Seco MP, Sierra MJ, Estrada-Peña A, Valcárcel F, Molina R, de Arellano ER, Olmeda AS, San Miguel LG, Jiménez M, Romero LJ, Negredo A. Widespread Detection of Multiple Strains of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Ticks, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 28:394-402. [PMID: 35076008 PMCID: PMC8798670 DOI: 10.3201/eid2802.211308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were first detected in Spain in 2016. National human and animal health authorities organized a large, multidisciplinary study focusing on ticks as sentinels to determine the nationwide distribution of ticks with CCHF virus. Ticks were collected from animals and vegetation, samples pooled (12,584 ticks; 4,556 pools), and molecular methods used to look for the virus. We detected the virus in 135 pools from most of the regions studied, indicating that it is widespread in Spain. We found sequences of CCHF virus genotypes I, III, and IV in the tick species collected, most commonly in Hyalomma lusitanicum, suggesting this tick has a prominent role in the virus’s natural cycle. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) was the host that most frequently yielded positive ticks. Our study highlights the need for larger studies in Spain to ascertain the complete risk to public health.
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Monsalve Arteaga L, Muñoz Bellido JL, Negredo AI, García Criado J, Vieira Lista MC, Sánchez Serrano JÁ, Vicente Santiago MB, López Bernús A, de Ory Manchón F, Sánchez Seco MP, Leralta N, Alonso Sardón M, Muro A, Belhassen-García M. New circulation of genotype V of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in humans from Spain. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009197. [PMID: 33617538 PMCID: PMC7943016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick-borne viral disease caused by the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). CCHFV has been implicated in severe viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks. During the summer of 2016, the first two cases with genotype III (Africa 3) were reported in Spain. The first objective of our study was to determine the presence of CCHFV among patients with febrile illness during the spring and summer periods in 2017 and 2018. Finally, we perform a phylogenetic analysis to determine the genotype of the virus. METHODOLOGY We prospectively evaluated patients aged 18 years and older who came to the emergency department at the Salamanca's University Hospital (HUS) with fever. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies against CCHFV by ELISA and one immunofluorescence assay against two different proteins (nucleoprotein and glycoprotein C) was done. Moreover, molecular detection by Real Time PCR was performed in all collected samples. A phylogenetic analysis was carried out to genetically characterize CCHFV detected in this study. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 133 patients were selected. The mean age was 67.63 years and 60.9% were male. One-third of the patients presented an acute undifferentiated febrile illness. Three patients had anti-CCHFV IgG antibodies, suggesting a previous infection. One patient had anti-CCHFV IgM antibodies and a confirmatory RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the virus corresponds to the European genotype V. This patient came to the emergency department at HUS in August 2018 presenting an acute febrile syndrome with thrombopenia and liver impairment. CONCLUSIONS We describe a new circulation of European genotype V CCHFV in Spain. Moreover, this study suggests that CCHFV is an identifiable cause of febrile illness of unknown origin in Spain. Thus, CCHF could be suspected in patients with fever, liver damage, and/or haemorrhagic disorders, particularly in people with risk activities who present in the spring or summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Monsalve Arteaga
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Muñoz Bellido
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Negredo
- Arbovirus and Imported Viral Diseases Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge García Criado
- Emergency Department, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Maria Carmen Vieira Lista
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - María Belén Vicente Santiago
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Amparo López Bernús
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Department, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando de Ory Manchón
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, España; Ciber en Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - María Paz Sánchez Seco
- Arbovirus and Imported Viral Diseases Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Leralta
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, España; Ciber en Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Montserrat Alonso Sardón
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Moncef Belhassen-García
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Department, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Khalafalla AI, Li Y, Uehara A, Hussein NA, Zhang J, Tao Y, Bergeron E, Ibrahim IH, Al Hosani MA, Yusof MF, Alhammadi ZM, Alyammahi SM, Gasim EF, Ishag HZA, Hosani FAL, Gerber SI, Almuhairi SS, Tong S. Identification of a novel lineage of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in dromedary camels, United Arab Emirates. J Gen Virol 2021; 102:001473. [PMID: 33231536 PMCID: PMC8749806 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus causing Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a disease reported to have a high fatality rate in numerous countries. The virus is geographically widespread due to its vector, and numerous wild and domestic animals can develop asymptomatic infection. Serological and limited molecular evidence of CCHFV has previously been reported in Camelus dromedarius (the dromedary, or one-humped camel) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, 238 camel samples were screened for CCHFV RNA where 16 camel samples were positive for CCHFV by RT-PCR. Analysis of full-length CCHFV genome sequences revealed a novel lineage in camels from the UAE, and potential reassortment of the M segment of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmalik I. Khalafalla
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Yan Li
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna Uehara
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nasareldien A. Hussein
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Jing Zhang
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ying Tao
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric Bergeron
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Mohamed A. Al Hosani
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Mohd F. Yusof
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Zulaikha M. Alhammadi
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Saeed M. Alyammahi
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Esmat F. Gasim
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Hassan Z. A. Ishag
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Susan I. Gerber
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Salama S. Almuhairi
- Veterinary Laboratories Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, PO Box 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Suxiang Tong
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- *Correspondence: Suxiang Tong,
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Arboviruses in the Astrakhan region of Russia for 2018 season: The development of multiplex PCR assays and analysis of mosquitoes, ticks, and human blood sera. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 88:104711. [PMID: 33421655 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Astrakhan region of Russia is endemic for the number of arboviruses. In this paper, we describe the results of the detection of the list of neglected arboviruses in the Astrakhan region for the 2018 season. For the purpose of the study in-house PCR assays for detection of 18 arboviruses have been developed and validated using arboviruses obtained from Russian State Collection of Viruses. Pools of ticks (n = 463) and mosquitoes (n = 312) as well as 420 samples of human patients sera have been collected and analyzed. Using developed multiplex real-time PCR assays we were able to detect RNA of eight arboviruses (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Dhori (Batken strain) virus, Batai virus, Tahyna virus, Uukuniemi virus, Inkoo virus, Sindbis virus and West Nile fever virus). All discovered viruses are capable of infecting humans causing fever and in some cases severe forms with hemorrhagic or neurologic symptoms. From PCR-positive samples, we were able to recover one isolate each of Dhori (Batken strain) virus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus which were further characterized by next-generation sequencing. The genomic sequences of identified Dhori (Batken strain) virus strain represent the most complete genome of Batken virus strain among previously reported.
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Discovery and genetic characterization of a novel orthonairovirus in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Danube Delta. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 88:104704. [PMID: 33418146 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Different arthropod species are vectors of a wide array of arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) and have likely been central to viral evolution. To better understand the extent of arthropod-borne pathogens, as well as their origin and evolutionary history, it is crucial to uncover the full range of microbial agents, including viruses associated with arthropods. In this study, a collection of ticks obtained in 2016 directly from mammal and bird hosts from several rural and natural sites of Danube Delta was subjected to transcriptome sequencing and amplification assays. Vector surveillance revealed the presence of a novel orthonairovirus species, designated Sulina virus, in Ixodes ricinus ticks. Phylogenetic clustering of each viral protein consistently placed the new virus in the Orthonairovirus genus as a new genogroup closely related to Tamdy orthonairovirus, a genogroup comprising both pathogenic and tick-associated orthonairoviruses. The serological testing of engorged ticks and blood of infected hosts, along with the inoculation of vertebrate cells and mice found no specific antibodies or viral replication, suggesting that Sulina virus is an orthonairovirus associated with the virome of Ixodes ricinus. Finally, the characterization of a novel orthonairovirus identified using high throughput sequencing will advance our knowledge of interactions between viruses and tick vectors, expanding our perspective on fundamental questions regarding orthonairovirus evolution, diversity, ecology and potential of emergence as pathogens.
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A DNA-based vaccine protects against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus disease in a Cynomolgus macaque model. Nat Microbiol 2020; 6:187-195. [PMID: 33257849 PMCID: PMC7854975 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-020-00815-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no specific prophylaxis or vaccine against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe febrile-illness transmitted by Hyalomma ticks in endemic areas, handling of infected livestock or care of infected patients. We report here the successful protection against CCHFV-mediated disease in a non-human primate disease model. Cynomolgus macaques were vaccinated with a DNA-based vaccine using in vivo electroporation-assisted delivery. The vaccine contained two plasmids encoding the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) and the nucleoprotein (NP) of CCHFV. Animals received three vaccinations and we recorded potent antibody and T-cell responses after vaccination. While all sham-vaccinated animals developed viremia, high tissue viral loads and CCHF-induced disease, the NP + GPC vaccinated animals were significantly protected. In conclusion, this is the first evidence of a vaccine that can protect against CCHFV-induced disease in a non-human primate model. This supports clinical development of the vaccine to protect groups at risk for contracting the infection. A DNA-based vaccine confers significant protection from CCHFV infection in Cynomolgus macaques
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