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Dawson KLD, Rosato G, Egloff S, Burgener C, Oevermann A, Grest P, Hilbe M, Seuberlich T. Fatal tick-borne encephalitis virus infection in Dalmatian puppy-dogs after putative vector independent transmission. Vet Q 2024; 44:1-7. [PMID: 38596900 PMCID: PMC11008312 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2024.2338385] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In a retrospective metatranscriptomics study, we identified tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) to be the causative agent for a fatal non-suppurative meningoencephalitis in a three-week-old Dalmatian puppy in Switzerland. Further investigations showed that the two other littermates with similar signs and pathological lesions were also positive for TBEV. By using an unbiased approach of combining high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics we were able to solve the etiology and discover an unusual case of TBEV in three young puppies. Based on our findings, we suggest that a vector-independent transmission of TBEV occurred and that most likely an intrauterine infection led to the severe and fulminant disease of the entire litter. We were able to demonstrate the presence of TBEV RNA by in situ hybridization (ISH) in the brain of all three puppies. Furthermore, we were able to detect TBEV by RT-qPCR in total RNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks containing multiple peripheral organs. Overall, our findings shed light on alternative vector-independent transmission routes of TBEV infections in dogs and encourage veterinary practitioners to consider TBEV as an important differential diagnosis in neurological cases in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L. D. Dawson
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giuliana Rosato
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simone Egloff
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carole Burgener
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Oevermann
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paula Grest
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monika Hilbe
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Seuberlich
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Gonzalo-Nadal V, Kohl A, Rocchi M, Brennan B, Hughes J, Nichols J, Da Silva Filipe A, Dunlop JI, Fares M, Clark JJ, Tandavanitj R, Patel AH, Cloquell-Miro A, Bongers J, Deacon J, Kaczmarska A, Stalin C, Liatis T, Irving J, Gutierrez-Quintana R. Suspected tick-borne flavivirus meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs from the UK: six cases (2021). J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:132-143. [PMID: 37956993 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13682] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill virus are neurotropic flaviviruses transmitted by ticks. Epidemiologically, tick-borne encephalitis is endemic in Europe whereas louping ill's predominant geographical distribution is the UK. Rarely, these flaviviruses affect dogs causing neurological signs. This case series aimed to describe the clinical, clinicopathological, and imaging findings, as well as the outcomes in six dogs with meningoencephalitis and/or meningomyelitis caused by a flavivirus in the UK in 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS Observational retrospective case-series study. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records of dogs with positive serological or immunohistochemical results from three different institutions from spring to winter 2021. RESULTS Six dogs were included in the study. All dogs presented an initial phase of pyrexia and/or lethargy followed by progressive signs of spinal cord and/or intracranial disease. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral and symmetrical lesions affecting the grey matter of the thalamus, pons, medulla oblongata, and thoracic or lumbar intumescences with none or mild parenchymal and meningeal contrast enhancement. Serology for tick-borne encephalitis virus was positive in five dogs with the presence of seroconversion in two dogs. The viral distinction between flaviviruses was not achieved. One dog with negative serology presented positive immunohistochemistry at post-mortem examination. Three dogs survived but presented neurological sequelae. Three dogs were euthanased due to the rapid progression of the clinical signs or static neurological signs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE These cases raise awareness of the presence of tick-borne encephalitis as an emergent disease or the increased prevalence of louping ill virus affecting dogs in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Gonzalo-Nadal
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Midlothian, UK
| | - B Brennan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Hughes
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Nichols
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - J I Dunlop
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Fares
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - J J Clark
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - R Tandavanitj
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - A H Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Cloquell-Miro
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Bongers
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Moorview Vets, Cramlington, UK
| | | | - A Kaczmarska
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - C Stalin
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Moorview Vets, Cramlington, UK
| | - T Liatis
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - J Irving
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
- Harper & Keele Veterinary School, Newport, Shropshire, UK
| | - R Gutierrez-Quintana
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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3
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Simkute E, Pautienius A, Grigas J, Urbute P, Stankevicius A. The Prevalence, Seroprevalence, and Risk Factors of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Dogs in Lithuania, a Highly Endemic State. Viruses 2023; 15:2265. [PMID: 38005941 PMCID: PMC10674385 DOI: 10.3390/v15112265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising awareness and increasing number of case reports of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in dogs indicate that the virus might be an important tick-borne pathogen in dogs, especially in endemic areas. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence rate of TBEV RNA and TBEV-specific antibodies in clinical samples of dogs living in a highly endemic region of Lithuania and to evaluate the main risk factors for severe disease course and death. The blood samples (n = 473) of dogs were collected in two veterinary clinics in central Lithuania. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) RNA was detected in 18.6% (88/473; CI 95% 15.2-22.4) and TBEV-specific antibodies were found in 21.6% (102/473; CI 95% 17.9-25.6) of dog blood serum samples after confirmation with a virus neutralization test. The death/euthanasia rate was 18.2% (16/88; CI 95% 10.8-27.8) in PCR-positive dogs. Male dogs were more likely to develop neurological symptoms (p = 0.008). Older dogs (p = 0.003), dogs with the presence of neurological symptoms (p = 0.003), and dogs with the presence of TBEV-specific antibodies (p = 0.024) were more likely to experience worse outcomes of the disease. The results of the present study demonstrate that TBEV is a common and clinically important pathogen in dogs in such endemic countries as Lithuania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Simkute
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
| | - Arnoldas Pautienius
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Juozas Grigas
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Paulina Urbute
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
| | - Arunas Stankevicius
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
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4
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Sioutas G, Tsakou K, Top C, Jongejan F, Papadopoulos E. First clinical case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in a dog in Greece. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102226. [PMID: 37419000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102226] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), affecting human health in Europe and Asia. Reports on canine clinical cases of TBE are rare, although dogs are used as sentinels for assessing human health risks. The first canine clinical TBE case in Greece is reported in this case report. The dog had a history of tick infestation and displayed neurological symptoms, particularly tetraparesis, neck hyperalgesia, and a sudden behavior change. Serum samples were obtained and examined in a commercial ELISA to detect anti-TBEV specific IgG and IgM antibodies. The dog tested seropositive for both IgG and IgM, and based on its history and compatible clinical signs, the diagnosis of TBE infection was reached. The prognosis was initially poor, and treatment included the administration of fluids, corticosteroids, and antibiotics, followed by physical therapy. After a 10-day hospitalization, the dog had a much better prognosis. This case highlights that TBEV does emerge in new locations, increasing human and animal infection risk. Veterinarians should include TBE in their differential diagnosis of canine patients with a history of tick infestations, progressive neurological symptoms, and abnormal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Tsakou
- Veterinary Center of Companion Animals "Pet Vet Academy", Xanthi, GR 67100, Greece
| | - Chousein Top
- Veterinary Center of Companion Animals "Pet Vet Academy", Xanthi, GR 67100, Greece
| | - Frans Jongejan
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
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Salat J, Hunady M, Svoboda P, Strelcova L, Strakova P, Fortova A, Palus M, Ruzek D. Efficacy and immunogenicity of a veterinary vaccine candidate against tick-borne encephalitis in dogs. Vaccine 2023; 41:6150-6155. [PMID: 37716828 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.09.019] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe neuroinfection of humans. Dogs are also commonly infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). These infections are usually asymptomatic, but sometimes show clinical signs similar to those seen in humans and can be fatal. To date, there is no TBEV vaccine available for use in dogs. To address this need, a TBEV vaccine candidate for dogs based on inactivated whole virus antigen was developed. The safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the vaccine candidate were tested in mice as the preclinical model and in dogs as the target organism. The vaccine was well tolerated in both species and elicited the production of specific anti-TBEV antibodies with virus neutralising activity. Vaccination of mice provided complete protection against the development of fatal TBE. Immunisation of dogs prevented the development of viremia after challenge infection. Therefore, the developed vaccine candidate is promising to protect dogs from severe TBEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Salat
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Milan Hunady
- Bioveta, Inc., Ivanovice na Hane, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Svoboda
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Petra Strakova
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Fortova
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Palus
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Ruzek
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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6
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Magouras I, Schoster A, Fouché N, Gerber V, Groschup MH, Ziegler U, Fricker R, Griot C, Vögtlin A. Neurological disease suspected to be caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus infection in 6 horses in Switzerland. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:2254-2262. [PMID: 36093849 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16533] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on acute tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infections with signs of neurologic disease in horses are limited. OBJECTIVES To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of suspected acute TBEV infections in 6 horses. ANIMALS Six horses originating from TBEV endemic regions of Switzerland were presented to equine hospitals with acute onset of neurologic disease between 2011 and 2019. METHODS Retrospective case series. Horses with acute onset of signs of neurologic disease that were subjected to clinical and microbiological examinations to rule out infectious diseases affecting the central nervous system. RESULTS All horses exhibited acute signs of neurologic disease including ataxia and proprioceptive deficits. Horses tested positive for TBEV using virus neutralization test and samples were further tested for TBEV-specific IgM. The presence of TBEV-specific IgM antibodies was confirmed in 5 horses (cases 1-5, Laboratory Unit [LU] values ranging from 30 to 56). One horse (case no. 6) with an LU value just below the test threshold (LU = 22.3) was also included under the hypothesis that the horse was transitioning from acute to chronic infection. All horses originated from areas where humans with confirmed tick-borne encephalitis reported to have been bitten by ticks. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Acute TBEV infection should be a differential diagnosis in horses with signs of neurologic disease and originating from TBEV endemic areas. The establishment of harmonized diagnostic criteria would help to overcome the diagnostic challenges associated with TBEV and other Flavivirus infections in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Magouras
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Angelika Schoster
- Clinic for Equine Internal Medicine, Equine Department, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Fouché
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Raffael Fricker
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Griot
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Vögtlin
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland
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7
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Da Rold G, Obber F, Monne I, Milani A, Ravagnan S, Toniolo F, Sgubin S, Zamperin G, Foiani G, Vascellari M, Drzewniokova P, Castellan M, De Benedictis P, Citterio CV. Clinical Tick-Borne Encephalitis in a Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). Viruses 2022; 14:v14020300. [PMID: 35215891 PMCID: PMC8875940 DOI: 10.3390/v14020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the causative agent of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a severe zoonosis occurring in the Palearctic region mainly transmitted through Ixodes ticks. In Italy, TBEV is restricted to the north-eastern part of the country. This report describes for the first time a case of clinical TBE in a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). The case occurred in the Belluno province, Veneto region, an area endemic for TBEV. The affected roe deer showed ataxia, staggering movements, muscle tremors, wide-base stance of the front limbs, repetitive movements of the head, persistent teeth grinding, hypersalivation and prolonged recumbency. An autopsy revealed no significant lesions to explain the neurological signs. TBEV RNA was detected in the brain by real-time RT-PCR, and the nearly complete viral genome (10,897 nucleotides) was sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the gene encoding the envelope protein revealed a close relationship to TBEV of the European subtype, and 100% similarity with a partial sequence (520 nucleotides) of a TBEV found in ticks in the bordering Trento province. The histological examination of the midbrain revealed lymphohistiocytic encephalitis, satellitosis and microgliosis, consistent with a viral etiology. Other viral etiologies were ruled out by metagenomic analysis of the brain. This report underlines, for the first time, the occurrence of clinical encephalitic manifestations due to TBEV in a roe deer, suggesting that this pathogen should be included in the frame of differential diagnoses in roe deer with neurologic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Da Rold
- U.O. Ecopathology SCT2-Belluno, Istituto Zoprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Via Cappellari 44/A, 32100 Belluno, Italy; (F.O.); (C.V.C.)
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Federica Obber
- U.O. Ecopathology SCT2-Belluno, Istituto Zoprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Via Cappellari 44/A, 32100 Belluno, Italy; (F.O.); (C.V.C.)
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
| | - Isabella Monne
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Genomics and Trascriptomics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Adelaide Milani
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Genomics and Trascriptomics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory of Parasitology Micology and Sanitary Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Federica Toniolo
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory of Parasitology Micology and Sanitary Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sofia Sgubin
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory of Parasitology Micology and Sanitary Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Zamperin
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Genomics and Trascriptomics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Greta Foiani
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Histopathology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Universita 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marta Vascellari
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Histopathology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Universita 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Petra Drzewniokova
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Emerging Zoonoses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Martina Castellan
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Emerging Zoonoses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paola De Benedictis
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Emerging Zoonoses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Carlo Vittorio Citterio
- U.O. Ecopathology SCT2-Belluno, Istituto Zoprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Via Cappellari 44/A, 32100 Belluno, Italy; (F.O.); (C.V.C.)
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
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Hossain ME, Islam A, Islam S, Rahman MK, Miah M, Alam MS, Rahman MZ. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Canine Alphacoronavirus in Free-Roaming Dogs, Bangladesh. Viruses 2021; 14:67. [PMID: 35062271 PMCID: PMC8778797 DOI: 10.3390/v14010067] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is widespread among the dog population and causes gastrointestinal disorders, and even fatal cases. As the zoonotic transmission of viruses from animals to humans has become a worldwide concern nowadays, it is necessary to screen free-roaming dogs for their common pathogens due to their frequent interaction with humans. We conducted a cross-sectional study to detect and characterize the known and novel Corona, Filo, Flavi, and Paramyxoviruses in free-roaming dogs in Bangladesh. Between 2009-10 and 2016-17, we collected swab samples from 69 dogs from four districts of Bangladesh, tested using RT-PCR and sequenced. None of the samples were positive for Filo, Flavi, and Paramyxoviruses. Only three samples (4.3%; 95% CI: 0.9-12.2) tested positive for Canine Coronavirus (CCoV). The CCoV strains identified were branched with strains of genotype CCoV-II with distinct distances. They are closely related to CCoVs from the UK, China, and other CoVs isolated from different species, which suggests genetic recombination and interspecies transmission of CCoVs. These findings indicate that CCoV is circulating in dogs of Bangladesh. Hence, we recommend future studies on epidemiology and genetic characterization with full-genome sequencing of emerging coronaviruses in companion animals in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enayet Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.E.H.); (M.M.); (M.S.A.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Ariful Islam
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, NY 10001-2320, USA; (S.I.); (M.K.R.)
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3216, Australia
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Shariful Islam
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, NY 10001-2320, USA; (S.I.); (M.K.R.)
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kaisar Rahman
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, NY 10001-2320, USA; (S.I.); (M.K.R.)
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mojnu Miah
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.E.H.); (M.M.); (M.S.A.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Md Shaheen Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.E.H.); (M.M.); (M.S.A.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Mohammed Ziaur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.E.H.); (M.M.); (M.S.A.); (M.Z.R.)
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Salat J, Hunady M, Schanilec P, Strakova P, Stefanik M, Svoboda P, Strelcova L, Bojcukova J, Palus M, Růžek D. Experimental and Natural Infections of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Dogs. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102039. [PMID: 34696468 PMCID: PMC8537875 DOI: 10.3390/v13102039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are frequently infected with the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). However, to date, only a few clinically manifest cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) have been reported in dogs. In this study, three-month-old beagle dogs were infected with TBEV through a subcutaneous injection. Body temperature, clinical signs, blood haematology, blood biochemistry, and immune responses were monitored for up to 28 days postinfection (p.i.). No changes in body temperature or clinical signs were observed in the infected dogs. Most haematology and blood biochemistry parameters were unchanged after the infection, except for a slight reduction in blood lymphocyte counts, but they were within the physiological range. Low-titre viraemia was detected in 2/4 infected dogs between days 1 and 3 p.i. All infected dogs developed a robust immune response, in terms of neutralising antibodies. Thus, TBEV infections lead to effective seroconversion in dogs. Next, to assess TBEV exposure in dogs in the TBEV-endemic region of the Czech Republic, we conducted a serosurvey. Virus neutralisation tests revealed TBEV-specific antibodies in 17 of 130 (13.07%) healthy dogs, which confirmed a high, but clinically inappreciable TBEV exposure rate in the endemic area. The seropositivity rate was similar (12.7%; 41 positives out of 323) in a subgroup of dogs with various clinical disorders, and it was 13.4% (23 out of 171) in a subgroup of dogs with signs of acute neurological disease. Two dogs with fatal acute meningoencephalitis showed positive results for TBEV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies. These data extended our understanding of the clinical presentation of TBEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Salat
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (D.R.)
| | - Milan Hunady
- Bioveta, Inc., Komenského 212, 68323 Ivanovice na Hane, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Pavel Schanilec
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Petra Strakova
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Stefanik
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1665, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Svoboda
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Lucie Strelcova
- Bioveta, Inc., Komenského 212, 68323 Ivanovice na Hane, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Jana Bojcukova
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Martin Palus
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Růžek
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (D.R.)
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Alnefelt Y, Van Meervenne S, Varjonen K, Tidholm A, Rohdin C. Evaluation of antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis in dogs. Acta Vet Scand 2021; 63:32. [PMID: 34446031 PMCID: PMC8396403 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-021-00597-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by the neurotropic tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In dogs, this virus may affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing meningoencephalitis, meningomyelitis, radiculitis or any combination of these. Diagnosis of TBE relies on a combination of clinical signs of CNS disease and laboratory findings, including CSF pleocytosis and serum TBEV antibody titers. Exposure to TBEV does not necessarily cause clinical disease, and seroprevalence has been reported as high as 40% in endemic areas. This causes concerns of over-diagnosing TBE in dogs with CNS disease. By examining TBEV antibodies in dogs with and without neurological disease in a TBEV endemic area, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of TBEV antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in dogs. Eighty-nine dogs were included in the study, 56 with neurological disease and 33 neurologically normal control dogs. A positive TBEV CSF and serum IgG antibody titer (> 126 U/mL) was found in 3/89 dogs (3.4%). A positive serum TBEV antibody titer was found in 11 of the 89 dogs (12.4%). None of the control dogs showed a positive CSF antibody titer, whilst two showed positive serum concentrations. A positive CSF IgG antibody titer supports a clinical diagnosis of TBE in patients with acute onset of CNS disease and may help reduce the risk of over-diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Alnefelt
- Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, 182 36 Danderyd, Sweden
| | | | | | - Anna Tidholm
- Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, 182 36 Danderyd, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Rohdin
- Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, 182 36 Danderyd, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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Clinical Presentation and Laboratory Diagnostic Work-Up of a Horse with Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Switzerland. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081474. [PMID: 34452340 PMCID: PMC8402657 DOI: 10.3390/v13081474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis is an important viral tick-borne zoonosis in Europe and Asia. The disease is induced by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). This report describes a 16-year-old Warmblood gelding presenting with sudden onset of lethargy, ataxia, and muscle fasciculations on the nostrils, the lips, and the eye lids as the most important clinical findings. The horse further had a mild facial nerve paralysis with drooping of the right upper and lower lip. Diagnosis was based on paired serum samples using TBEV-ELISAs revealing high serum IgM in the first sample with normal IgM in the second sample and an increase in serum IgG and neutralizing antibodies, indicating acute and recent infection. TBEV was confirmed by a virus-neutralization test, revealing a fivefold increase in antibodies 32 days after of the onset of clinical signs. Although the specific PCR on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was negative, TBEV-specific IgG and IgM were identified in the CSF of the horse. Treatment consisted of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative treatment and the horse recovered with a mild drooping of the right nostril as the only remaining clinical sign. TBEV infection is a potential differential diagnosis of neurological disease in horses living in endemic areas and this is the first report to describe the diagnostic criteria in a horse as recommended in humans with suspected TBEV infection.
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