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Crivei LA, Vata A, Teodor D, Porea D, Cozma AP, Anita A, Oslobanu LE, Morosan S, Savuta G. An Assessment of West Nile and Usutu Viruses' Seroprevalence in Hospitalized Patients: A Preliminary Study on Flavivirus Exposure in Eastern Romania. Pathogens 2024; 13:133. [PMID: 38392871 PMCID: PMC10892458 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
WNV and USUV are closely related epornitic flaviviruses transmitted by Culex mosquitoes which can cause febrile and neurodegenerative disease in humans. The impact of both viruses on public health has increased in the recent decades. AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of WNV and USUV in hospitalized patients from eastern Romania who did not show symptoms corresponding to the case definition. METHODS Human blood samples from the hospitalized patients were collected in 2015 and from April to September 2019 in Iasi County, Romania. The samples were screened by ELISA for anti-WNV IgG, IgM, and anti-USUV IgG antibodies. RESULTS A cumulative seroprevalence of 3.4% was recorded for anti-WNV IgG antibodies and 9.1% for anti-WNV IgM. No sample was positive for anti-USUV antibodies. CONCLUSION The cumulative seroprevalence observed provides support for the consideration of WNV as being endemic in the east of Romania. The absence of anti-USUV antibodies may be related to cross-reactivity and cohort size, thus, USUV should be considered in clinical practice and become an objective for active surveillance in Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Alexandra Crivei
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
| | - Andrei Vata
- “Sf. Parascheva” Infectious Diseases Hospital of Iasi, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.T.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Danut Teodor
- “Sf. Parascheva” Infectious Diseases Hospital of Iasi, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.T.)
| | - Daniela Porea
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
- Laboratories and Research Stations Department, Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, 820112 Tulcea, Romania
| | - Andreea Paula Cozma
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Adriana Anita
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Luanda Elena Oslobanu
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Serban Morosan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Université, UMS 28, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Gheorghe Savuta
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
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Mencattelli G, Ndione MHD, Rosà R, Marini G, Diagne CT, Diagne MM, Fall G, Faye O, Diallo M, Faye O, Savini G, Rizzoli A. Epidemiology of West Nile virus in Africa: An underestimated threat. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010075. [PMID: 35007285 PMCID: PMC8789169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus which has been posing continuous challenges to public health worldwide due to the identification of new lineages and clades and its ability to invade and establish in an increasing number of countries. Its current distribution, genetic variability, ecology, and epidemiological pattern in the African continent are only partially known despite the general consensus on the urgency to obtain such information for quantifying the actual disease burden in Africa other than to predict future threats at global scale. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS References were searched in PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases on January 21, 2020, using selected keywords, without language and date restriction. Additional manual searches of reference list were carried out. Further references have been later added accordingly to experts' opinion. We included 153 scientific papers published between 1940 and 2021. This review highlights: (i) the co-circulation of WNV-lineages 1, 2, and 8 in the African continent; (ii) the presence of diverse WNV competent vectors in Africa, mainly belonging to the Culex genus; (iii) the lack of vector competence studies for several other mosquito species found naturally infected with WNV in Africa; (iv) the need of more competence studies to be addressed on ticks; (iv) evidence of circulation of WNV among humans, animals and vectors in at least 28 Countries; (v) the lack of knowledge on the epidemiological situation of WNV for 19 Countries and (vii) the importance of carrying out specific serological surveys in order to avoid possible bias on WNV circulation in Africa. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the state of art on WNV investigation carried out in Africa, highlighting several knowledge gaps regarding i) the current WNV distribution and genetic diversity, ii) its ecology and transmission chains including the role of different arthropods and vertebrate species as competent reservoirs, and iii) the real disease burden for humans and animals. This review highlights the needs for further research and coordinated surveillance efforts on WNV in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mencattelli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy
- Center Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy
- Center Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marini
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | - Gamou Fall
- Department of Virology, Fondation Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ousmane Faye
- Department of Virology, Fondation Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- Department of Zoology, Fondation Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Oumar Faye
- Department of Virology, Fondation Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Department of Public Health, OIE Reference Laboratory for WND, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy
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Ushijima Y, Abe H, Nguema Ondo G, Bikangui R, Massinga Loembé M, Zadeh VR, Essimengane JGE, Mbouna AVN, Bache EB, Agnandji ST, Lell B, Yasuda J. Surveillance of the major pathogenic arboviruses of public health concern in Gabon, Central Africa: increased risk of West Nile virus and dengue virus infections. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:265. [PMID: 33731022 PMCID: PMC7966894 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing arbovirus infections have been a global burden in recent decades. Many countries have experienced the periodic emergence of arbovirus diseases. However, information on the prevalence of arboviruses is largely unknown or infrequently updated because of the lack of surveillance studies, especially in Africa. METHODS A surveillance study was conducted in Gabon, Central Africa, on arboviruses, which are a major public health concern in Africa, including: West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), yellow fever virus (YFV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Serological and molecular assays were performed to investigate past infection history and the current status of infection, using serum samples collected from healthy individuals and febrile patients, respectively. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence during 2014-2017 was estimated to be 25.3% for WNV, 20.4% for DENV, 40.3% for ZIKV, 60.7% for YFV, 61.2% for CHIKV, and 14.3% for RVFV. No significant differences were found in the seroprevalence of any of the viruses between the male and female populations. However, a focus on the mean age in each arbovirus-seropositive individual showed a significantly younger age in WNV- and DENV-seropositive individuals than in CHIKV-seropositive individuals, indicating that WNV and DENV caused a relatively recent epidemic in the region, whereas CHIKV had actively circulated before. Of note, this indication was supported by the detection of both WNV and DENV genomes in serum samples collected from febrile patients after 2016. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the recent re-emergence of WNV and DENV in Gabon as well as the latest seroprevalence state of the major arboviruses, which indicated the different potential risks of virus infections and virus-specific circulation patterns. This information will be helpful for public health organizations and will enable a rapid response towards these arbovirus infections, thereby preventing future spread in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Ushijima
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Haruka Abe
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Rodrigue Bikangui
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marguerite Massinga Loembé
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vahid R. Zadeh
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Joseph G. E. Essimengane
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku, Franceville, Gabon
| | | | | | - Selidji T. Agnandji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bertrand Lell
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jiro Yasuda
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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4
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Watts DM, Rodriguez CM, Palermo PM, Suarez V, Wong SJ, Orbegozo J, Dupuis AP, Kramer LD, Gonzalez FJ, Handel GA. Serosurvey for dengue virus infection among pregnant women in the West Nile virus enzootic community of El Paso Texas. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242889. [PMID: 33253280 PMCID: PMC7703982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
All 4 dengue viruses (DENV) cause sporadic outbreaks of human disease in the Rio Grande Valley along the US-Mexico border. In addition, West Nile virus (WNV) is enzootic in most border communities, and is the only arbovirus known to cause human disease in the El Paso, Texas community. In an effort to determine if DENV were also endemic in the El Paso community, a serosurvey was conducted among mothers at the time of delivery of their babies in selected hospitals. Cord-blood plasma samples obtained from mothers were tested for DENV antibody by an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and a multiplex microsphere immunoassay. All DENV antibody positive plasma samples were also tested for WNV antibody by the same assays to consider the possibility that DENV antibody positive samples reflected WNV cross reactive antibody. The results indicated that 0.74% (11/1,472) of the mothers had a previous DENV infection and that 3.3% (48/1,472) had a previous WNV infection. Of these mothers, 0.20% (3/1,472) had antibody to both DENV and WNV as evidence of infection by both viruses. The results indicated that 0.2% (3/1472) of the mothers were positive for antibody to only WNV envelope, thus suggesting an undetermined flavivirus infection. Although 6 of the 11 DENV antibody positive mothers did not have a history of travel to a DENV endemic country, the findings of this survey provided further evidence of local transmission of WNV and suggested the possibility of focal autochthonous transmission of DENV in the El Paso community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas M. Watts
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Cynthia M. Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pedro M. Palermo
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Veronica Suarez
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Susan J. Wong
- Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Jeanette Orbegozo
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alan P. Dupuis
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States of America
| | - Laura D. Kramer
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Gilbert A. Handel
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
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5
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Eshetu D, Kifle T, Agaje BG, Hirigo AT. Seropositivity of West Nile Virus Among Acute Febrile Patients in Southern Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:1491-1497. [PMID: 32547118 PMCID: PMC7246317 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s245518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the widely distributed arboviruses in the world, and it is a pathogen of both humans and animals. The evidence that supports the prevalence of the WNV infection in Ethiopia is very scarce. Hence, this study aimed to assess the seropositivity of WNV among patients with acute febrile illness. Methods This health institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 532 acute febrile patients from May to August 2016 in Arba Minch Zuria district selected public health facilities, Southern Ethiopia. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical related information of the participants through convenient sampling techniques. In addition, trained nurses who were working in the health centers were responsible for interviewing acute febrile patients. About 5 mL of venous blood was collected aseptically from each of the study participants for the screening of the WNV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence technique (IIFT) as per manufacturer’s protocol. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 software and the results were presented by frequency and percentage using tables. Results A total number of 529 acute febrile patients (42.7% males and 57.3% females) were enrolled in the study with a response rate of 99.4%. The overall 7.4% of acute febrile patients were seropositive for WNV-specific IgG and the rate was higher in males (9.7%) when compared to females (5.6%). While the overall 4.5% were seropositive for WNV-specific IgM and the rate was 6.6% in males and 3.0% in females. Conclusion The finding of this study is an important alarm for clinicians/physicians to diagnose febrile patients in the divergent direction including with the diagnosis of flaviviruses. In addition, the finding will further contribute to understanding the epidemiology of WNV fever in Ethiopia and it will play a role in the delivery of public health measures to decrease the risk of WNV exposure in the areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Eshetu
- Yirgalem Hospital Medical College, Department of Microbiology, Yirgalem Town, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Kifle
- Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Science, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Bekalu Getahun Agaje
- Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Optometry, Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Agete Tadewos Hirigo
- Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Science, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia
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Hachid A, Beloufa MA, Seghier M, Bahoura N, Dia M, Fall G, Sall AA. Evidence of West Nile virus circulation among humans in central northern Algeria. New Microbes New Infect 2019; 29:100512. [PMID: 30984402 PMCID: PMC6444287 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most widely distributed flavivirus worldwide. It is a mosquito-borne virus, and birds constitute its natural reservoir. Humans and equines are considered accidental hosts. Human WNV infections are usually asymptomatic or express as a mild febrile syndrome; however, in around 1% of cases they are responsible for more serious neurological diseases with a potentially lethal outcome. In the Mediterranean basin the virus circulation is regarded as endemic. Outbreaks of WNV meningoencephalitis are regularly notified, especially during summer and autumn seasons. In Algeria, although some surveys have reported WNV activity in the Sahara, to date few data are available about virus circulation in the northern part of the country. We conducted this study to detect possible WNV activity in this part of Algeria. For this purpose, in 2010 a total of 164 human sera were collected from native patients of the Algiers district and surrounding areas, then tested retrospectively for IgG anti-WNV by ELISA. Plaque reduction neutralization technique (PRNT) was used for result confirmation. In this cohort, 9.8% of the 164 collected sera returned positive for anti-WNV IgG; after confirmation by PRNT; 6.7% had specific neutralizing antibodies. No statistically significant difference was observed according to the sex or transfusion status of the patients. In conclusion, these data show for the first time serological evidence of WNV circulation in Algiers and its surrounding areas. They also highlight the need for implementing an integrated surveillance programme covering all aspects of WNV disease in order to better understand the circulation dynamics of WNV in this region. Other flaviviruses antigenically related to WNV should be investigated, given the evidence of serological cross-reaction, as specific IgG antibodies decrease after PRNT confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hachid
- Département de Virologie Humaine, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algeria.,Faculté de medecine d'Alger, Algerie
| | - M A Beloufa
- Département de Virologie Humaine, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algeria.,Faculté de medecine d'Alger, Algerie
| | - M Seghier
- Département de Virologie Humaine, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algeria.,Faculté de medecine d'Alger, Algerie
| | - N Bahoura
- Département de Virologie Humaine, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algeria.,Faculté de medecine d'Alger, Algerie
| | - M Dia
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus et Virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Senegal
| | - G Fall
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus et Virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Senegal
| | - A A Sall
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus et Virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Senegal
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Simo Tchetgna H, Sem Ouilibona R, Nkili-Meyong AA, Caron M, Labouba I, Selekon B, Njouom R, Leroy EM, Nakoune E, Berthet N. Viral Exploration of Negative Acute Febrile Cases Observed during Chikungunya Outbreaks in Gabon. Intervirology 2019; 61:174-184. [PMID: 30625488 DOI: 10.1159/000495136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-malarial febrile illness outbreaks were documented in 2007 and 2010 in Gabon. After investigation, these outbreaks were attributed to the chikungunya and dengue viruses (CHIKV and DENV). However, for more than half of the samples analyzed, the causative agent was not identified. Given the geographical and ecological position of Gabon, where there is a great animal and microbial diversity, the circulation of other emerging viruses was suspected in these samples lacking aetiology. A total of 436 undiagnosed samples, collected between 2007 and 2013, and originating from 14 urban, suburban, and rural Gabonese locations were selected. These samples were used for viral isolation on newborn mice and VERO cells. In samples with signs of viral replication, cell supernatants and brain suspensions were used to extract nucleic acids and perform real-time RT-PCR targeting specific arboviruses, i.e., CHIKV, DENV, yellow fever, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile and Zika viruses. Virus isolation was conclusive for 43 samples either on newborn mice or by cell culture. Virus identification by RT-PCR led to the identification of CHIKV in 37 isolates. A total of 18 complete genomes and 19 partial sequences containing the E2 and E1 genes of CHIKV were sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology or the Sanger method. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genomes showed that all the sequences belong to the East Central South Africa lineage. Furthermore, we identified 2 distinct clusters. The first cluster was made up of sequences from the western part of Gabon, whereas the second cluster was made up of sequences from the southern regions, reflecting the way CHIKV spread across the country following its initial introduction in 2007. Similar results were obtained when analyzing the CHIKV genes of the E2 and E1 structural proteins. Moreover, study of the mutations found in the E2 and E1 structural proteins revealed the presence of several mutations that facilitate the adaptation to the Aedes albopictus mosquito, such as E2 I211T and E1 A226V, in all the Gabonese CHIKV strains. Finally, sequencing of 6 additional viral isolates failed to lead to any conclusive identification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Melanie Caron
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Ingrid Labouba
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | | | - Eric M Leroy
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.,Unité Mixte de Recherche Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle (IRD 224 - CNRS 5290 - UM1-UM2), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Nicolas Berthet
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon, .,Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence, Unité Environnement et risques infectieux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France, .,Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR3569, Paris, France,
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8
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Sule WF, Oluwayelu DO, Hernández-Triana LM, Fooks AR, Venter M, Johnson N. Epidemiology and ecology of West Nile virus in sub-Saharan Africa. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:414. [PMID: 30005653 PMCID: PMC6043977 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2998-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the aetiological agent of the mosquito-borne zoonotic disease West Nile fever. The virus, first isolated in Uganda in 1937, evolved into two distinct lineages in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that subsequently spread to most continents where the virus has evolved further as evident through phylogenetic analysis of extant genomes. Numerous published reports from the past 70 years from countries in SSA indicate that the virus is endemic across the region. However, due in part to the limited availability of diagnostic methods across large areas of the continent, the human burden of WNV is poorly understood. So too are the drivers for translocation of the virus from countries south of the Sahara Desert to North Africa and Europe. Migratory birds are implicated in this translocation although the transient viraemia, measured in days, and the time taken to migrate, measured in weeks, suggest a more complex mechanism is in play. This review considers the evidence for the presence of WNV across SSA and the role of migratory birds in the emergence of the virus in other continents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waidi F Sule
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Daniel O Oluwayelu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.,Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Anthony R Fooks
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT153NB, UK.,Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Emerging Arbo and Respiratory Program, Centre for Viral Zoonosis, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT153NB, UK. .,Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU27XH, UK.
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Lustig Y, Kaufman Z, Mendelson E, Orshan L, Anis E, Glazer Y, Cohen D, Shohat T, Bassal R. Spatial distribution of West Nile virus in humans and mosquitoes in Israel, 2000-2014. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 64:20-26. [PMID: 28882664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Israel has a long history of West Nile virus (WNV) morbidity, and the rate of detection of WNV in mosquitoes has been high since 2000. The aim of this study was to integrate several WNV datasets in order to gain an insight into the geographical distribution of WNV in Israel. METHODS Three choropleth maps were generated showing WNV human morbidity, WNV prevalence in mosquitoes, and the results of a nationwide serological survey, based on the division of Israel into 15 sub-districts. RESULTS The maps show a high endemicity of WNV in Israel. In respect to the morbidity map, the population residing in the central part of the country and in Arava Region is at higher risk of developing the disease than the population of the rest of Israel. Interestingly, high prevalence rates of both WNV serology and WNV-infected mosquitoes were detected in Arava Region, but lower prevalence rates were detected in most areas of the coastal region, suggesting that other factors might also be important in the development of symptomatic WNV infections. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the high prevalence of WNV in Israel and point to specific risk areas for WNV infections across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Zalman Kaufman
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Emilia Anis
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Glazer
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamy Shohat
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ravit Bassal
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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10
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Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is endemic in Israel, affecting yearly 40-160 individuals. Israel is located on a central migratory path between Africa and Eurasia and most West Nile Fever (WNF) cases reported in recent years were among residents of the coastal plain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of WNV among the Israeli population and to assess correlates for WNV infection. A cross-sectional nationwide serologic survey was conducted using 3,145 serum samples collected by the national Israeli serum bank during 2011-2014, representing all age and population groups in Israel. Prevalence rates of WNV IgG antibodies were determined. Logistic regressions models were applied to assess the associations between demographic characteristics and WNV seropositivity. 350 samples were positive to WNV (11.1%; 95%CI: 10.0-12.3%). In the multivariable analysis, there was a significant association between seropositivity and the Arab population group vs. Jews and others (OR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.37-2.52), the time lived in Israel [50-59 years vs. 0-9 years; OR = 10.80 (95%CI: 1.03-113.46) and ≥60 years vs. 0-9 years; OR = 14.00 (1.32-148.31)] residence area] Coastal Plain, Inland Plain (Shfela) and Great Rift Valley vs. Upper Galilee; OR = 2.24 (95%CI: 1.37-3.65), OR = 2.18 (95%CI: 1.18-4.03), OR = 1.90 (95%CI: 1.10-3.30), respectively [and rural vs. urban settlement (OR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.26-2.16). People, who reside in the Coastal Plain, Inland Plain and Great Rift Valley, should be aware of the risk of contracting WNV and reduce exposure to mosquito bites, using insect repellents, and wearing protective clothing. The Ministry of Environmental Protection should be active in reducing the mosquito population by eliminating sources of standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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11
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Badoe E, Wilmshurst JM. An overview of the effect and epidemiology of viral central nervous system infections in African children. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2014; 21:26-9. [PMID: 24655401 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections in Africa are common. Polio still persists in the continent despite vaccination campaigns. Many of the common viral infections, such as by the nonpolio enteroviruses, lack effective therapies and leave devastating sequelae to infected neonates and infants. Rarer conditions, such as by West Nile virus, have generated a fascinating conundrum as to how the virus spread to other parts of the world, such as the United States of America. This infection illustrates that these conditions should not be considered isolated to Africa alone but that they represent examples of potentially lethal infections which, although predominantly found in Africa, have the capacity to spread wider afield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eben Badoe
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Red Cross Children's Hospital, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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12
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Martín-Acebes MA, Saiz JC. West Nile virus: A re-emerging pathogen revisited. World J Virol 2012; 1:51-70. [PMID: 24175211 PMCID: PMC3782267 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v1.i2.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a flavivirus of the Flaviviridae family, is maintained in nature in an enzootic transmission cycle between avian hosts and ornithophilic mosquito vectors, although the virus occasionally infects other vertebrates. WNV causes sporadic disease outbreaks in horses and humans, which may result in febrile illness, meningitis, encephalitis and flaccid paralysis. Until recently, its medical and veterinary health concern was relatively low; however, the number, frequency and severity of outbreaks with neurological consequences in humans and horses have lately increased in Europe and the Mediterranean basin. Since its introduction in the Americas, the virus spread across the continent with worrisome consequences in bird mortality and a considerable number of outbreaks among humans and horses, which have resulted in the largest epidemics of neuroinvasive WNV disease ever documented. Surprisingly, its incidence in human and animal health is very different in Central and South America, and the reasons for it are not yet understood. Even though great advances have been obtained lately regarding WNV infection, and although efficient equine vaccines are available, no specific treatments or vaccines for human use are on the market. This review updates the most recent investigations in different aspects of WNV life cycle: molecular virology, transmission dynamics, host range, clinical presentations, epidemiology, ecology, diagnosis, control, and prevention, and highlights some aspects that certainly require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Martín-Acebes
- Miguel A Martín-Acebes, Juan-Carlos Saiz, Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has caused multiple outbreaks in tropical and temperate areas worldwide, but the clinical and biological features of this disease are poorly described, particularly in Africa. We report a prospective study of clinical and biological features during an outbreak that occurred in Franceville, Gabon in 2010. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We collected, in suspect cases (individuals presenting with at least one of the following symptoms or signs: fever, arthralgias, myalgias, headaches, rash, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, or jaundice), blood samples, demographic and clinical characteristics and outcome. Hematological and biochemical tests, blood smears for malaria parasites and quantitative PCR for CHIKV then dengue virus were performed. CHIKV+ patients with concomitant malaria and/or dengue were excluded from the study. From May to July 2010, data on 270 laboratory-confirmed CHIK patients were recorded. Fever and arthralgias were reported by respectively 85% and 90% of patients, while myalgias, rash and hemorrhage were noted in 73%, 42% and 2% of patients. The patients were grouped into 4 clinical categories depending on the existence of fever and/or joint pain. On this basis, mixed forms accounted for 78.5% of cases, arthralgic forms 12.6%, febrile forms 6.7% and unusual forms (without fever and arthralgias) 2.2%. No cases of organ failure or death were reported. Elevated liver enzyme and creatinine levels, anemia and lymphocytopenia were the predominant biological abnormalities, and lymphocytopenia was more severe in patients with high viral loads (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE During CHIK epidemics, some patients may not have classical symptoms. The existence of unusual forms and the absence of severe forms of CHIK call for surveillance to detect any change in pathogenicity.
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A possible mechanism for maintenance of the deleterious allele of human CASPASE-12. Med Hypotheses 2011; 77:803-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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