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Ndione MHD, Diagne MM, Mencattelli G, Diallo A, Ndiaye EH, Di Domenico M, Diallo D, Kane M, Curini V, Top NM, Marcacci M, Sankhe S, Ancora M, Secondini B, Di Lollo V, Teodori L, Leone A, Puglia I, Gaye A, Sall AA, Loucoubar C, Rosà R, Diallo M, Monaco F, Faye O, Cammà C, Rizzoli A, Savini G, Faye O. An amplicon-based sequencing approach for Usutu virus characterization. Virol J 2024; 21:163. [PMID: 39044231 PMCID: PMC11267690 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02426-7] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV), an arbovirus from the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus, has recently gained increasing attention because of its potential for emergence. After his discovery in South Africa, USUV spread to other African countries, then emerged in Europe where it was responsible for epizootics. The virus has recently been found in Asia. USUV infection in humans is considered to be most often asymptomatic or to cause mild clinical signs. However, a few cases of neurological complications such as encephalitis or meningo-encephalitis have been reported in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. USUV natural life cycle involves Culex mosquitoes as its main vector, and multiple bird species as natural viral reservoirs or amplifying hosts, humans and horses can be incidental hosts. Phylogenetic studies carried out showed eight lineages, showing an increasing genetic diversity for USUV. This work describes the development and validation of a novel whole-genome amplicon-based sequencing approach to Usutu virus. This study was carried out on different strains from Senegal and Italy. The new approach showed good coverage using samples derived from several vertebrate hosts and may be valuable for Usutu virus genomic surveillance to better understand the dynamics of evolution and transmission of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giulia Mencattelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
- Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige, 38010, Italy
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, 38010, Italy
| | - Amadou Diallo
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - El Hadji Ndiaye
- Medical Zoology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Marco Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Diawo Diallo
- Medical Zoology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Mouhamed Kane
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Valentina Curini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Ndeye Marieme Top
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Maurilia Marcacci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Safiétou Sankhe
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Massimo Ancora
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Barbara Secondini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Lollo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Liana Teodori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Leone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Ilaria Puglia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Alioune Gaye
- Medical Zoology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Amadou Alpha Sall
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Loucoubar
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige, 38010, Italy
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- Medical Zoology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Ousmane Faye
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
| | - Cesare Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, 38010, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, 64100, Italy
| | - Oumar Faye
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, BP220, Senegal
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MAHAMANE IRO S, LAGARE A, MAIGA AA, NOUHOU Z, GAGARA H, OUSMANE H, HASSOUMI SANDA AN, ZAMANKA H, AMADOU S, BOUBAKAR F, ISSA ARZIKA I, IBRAHIM MAMAN L. [First detection of Rift Valley Fever Virus among Culex pipiens in Tahoua, Niger]. MEDECINE TROPICALE ET SANTE INTERNATIONALE 2024; 4:mtsi.v4i2.2024.512. [PMID: 39099714 PMCID: PMC11292430 DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v4i2.2024.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Background The Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an arbovirus disease responsible of regular epizootics and epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa and Arabian Peninsula. In 2016, Niger experienced its first outbreak of RVF in Tahoua region, which resulted in high consequences in animal and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate on the RVFV circulation among potential vectors of the disease. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey carried out in Tahoua and Agadez regions in August 2021. Adult mosquitoes were collected by using the morning spray in human dwellings and the CDC light trap methods. After morphological identification, viral RNA was extracted. The RNA was extracted by using QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen). The RVFV detection was performed by using the qRT-PCR method. Results A total of 2487 insects (1978 mosquitoes, 509 sandflies and 251 biting midges) were identified and divided into three families (Culicidae, Psychodidae and Ceratopogonidae). The Culicidae family composed of the Culex genus being the most abundant with a predominance of Cx.pipiens (31.88%; n = 793) followed by Mansonia sp (21.51%; n = 535), Anophelesgambiae s.l. (8.44%; n = 210), An. pharoensis (0.72%; n = 18), An. rufipes (0.48%; n = 12), Cx. quinquefasciatus (6.39%; n = 159), the Psychodidae with sandflies (20.46%; n = 509), and the Ceratopogonidae with Culicoides genus (10.09%; n = 251). The qRT-PCR carried out on a sample of mosquitoes (N = 96) highlighted that one individual of Cx.pipiens was found positive to RVFV. This specimen was from Tassara locality (Tahoua) and collected by CDC Light Trap method. Conclusion This study reveals for the first time the circulation of RVFV among Cx.pipiens in Niger and highlights the possible vectorial role of this vector in the disease transmission. Further investigations should be carried out to identify the biological and ecological determinants that support the maintenance of the virus in this area in order to guide control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adamou LAGARE
- Centre de recherche médicale et sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | - Abdoul-Aziz MAIGA
- Laboratoire d’entomologie fondamentale et appliquée, Université Joseph KI-ZERBO (UJKZ), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Zara NOUHOU
- Faculté des sciences agronomiques-Université Abdou Moumouni (UAM) de Niamey, Niamey, Niger
| | - Haladou GAGARA
- Laboratoire central de l’élevage de Niamey (LABOCEL), Niamey, Niger
| | - Hadiza OUSMANE
- Centre de recherche médicale et sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | | | - Halima ZAMANKA
- Centre de recherche médicale et sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | - Soumana AMADOU
- Centre de recherche médicale et sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | - Fouta BOUBAKAR
- École nationale de santé publique de Zinder (ENSP), Zinder, Niger
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Gerken KN, Owuor KO, Ndenga B, Wambua S, Winter C, Chemutai S, Omukuti R, Arabu D, Miring’u I, Wilson WC, Mutuku F, Waggoner JJ, Pinsky B, Bosire C, LaBeaud AD. Expanding Understanding of Urban Rift Valley Fever Risk and Associated Vector Ecology at Slaughterhouses in Kisumu, Kenya. Pathogens 2024; 13:488. [PMID: 38921786 PMCID: PMC11206928 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060488] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an adaptable arbovirus that can be transmitted by a wide variety of arthropods. Widespread urban transmission of RVFV has not yet occurred, but peri-urban outbreaks of RVFV have recently been documented in East Africa. We previously reported low-level exposure in urban communities and highlighted the risk of introduction via live animal influx. We deployed a slaughtered animal testing framework in response to an early warning system at two urban slaughterhouses and tested animals entering the meat value chain for anti-RVFV IgG and IgM antibodies. We simultaneously trapped mosquitoes for RVFV and bloodmeal testing. Out of 923 animals tested, an 8.5% IgG seroprevalence was identified but no evidence of recent livestock exposure was detected. Mosquito species abundance varied greatly by slaughterhouse site, which explained 52% of the variance in blood meals. We captured many Culex spp., a known RVFV amplifying vector, at one of the sites (p < 0.001), and this species had the most diverse blood meals. No mosquito pools tested positive for RVFV antigen using a rapid VecTOR test. These results expand understanding of potential RVF urban disease ecology, and highlight that slaughterhouses are key locations for future surveillance, modelling, and monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Nicole Gerken
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (B.P.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Kevin Omondi Owuor
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (K.O.O.); (B.N.); (C.W.)
| | - Bryson Ndenga
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (K.O.O.); (B.N.); (C.W.)
| | - Sammy Wambua
- Pwani University Biosciences Research Centre (PUBReC), Pwani University, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; (S.W.); (S.C.); (R.O.); (D.A.); (I.M.)
- Research and Conservation Support Society (RECOURSE), Kilifi 80108, Kenya
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Christabel Winter
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (K.O.O.); (B.N.); (C.W.)
| | - Salome Chemutai
- Pwani University Biosciences Research Centre (PUBReC), Pwani University, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; (S.W.); (S.C.); (R.O.); (D.A.); (I.M.)
- Research and Conservation Support Society (RECOURSE), Kilifi 80108, Kenya
| | - Rodney Omukuti
- Pwani University Biosciences Research Centre (PUBReC), Pwani University, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; (S.W.); (S.C.); (R.O.); (D.A.); (I.M.)
- Research and Conservation Support Society (RECOURSE), Kilifi 80108, Kenya
| | - Daniel Arabu
- Pwani University Biosciences Research Centre (PUBReC), Pwani University, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; (S.W.); (S.C.); (R.O.); (D.A.); (I.M.)
- Research and Conservation Support Society (RECOURSE), Kilifi 80108, Kenya
| | - Irene Miring’u
- Pwani University Biosciences Research Centre (PUBReC), Pwani University, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; (S.W.); (S.C.); (R.O.); (D.A.); (I.M.)
- Research and Conservation Support Society (RECOURSE), Kilifi 80108, Kenya
| | - William C. Wilson
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research, United States Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS), Manhattan, KS 66502, USA;
| | - Francis Mutuku
- Department of Environment and Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa 80110, Kenya;
| | - Jesse J. Waggoner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Benjamin Pinsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (B.P.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Carren Bosire
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa 80100, Kenya;
| | - Angelle Desiree LaBeaud
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (B.P.); (A.D.L.)
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Poungou N, Sevidzem SL, Koumba AA, Koumba CRZ, Mbehang P, Onanga R, Zahouli JZB, Maganga GD, Djogbénou LS, Borrmann S, Adegnika AA, Becker SC, Mavoungou JF, Nguéma RM. Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses Occurrence and Distribution in the Last Three Decades in Central Africa: A Systematic Literature Review. Microorganisms 2023; 12:4. [PMID: 38276174 PMCID: PMC10819313 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010004] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses represent a real public health problem globally and in the Central African subregion in particular, which represents a high-risk zone for the emergence and re-emergence of arbovirus outbreaks. Furthermore, an updated review on the current arbovirus burden and associated mosquito vectors is lacking for this region. To contribute to filling this knowledge gap, the current study was designed with the following objectives: (i) to systematically review data on the occurrence and distribution of arboviruses and mosquito fauna; and (ii) to identify potential spillover mosquito species in the Central African region in the last 30 years. A web search enabled the documentation of 2454 articles from different online databases. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the quality of reporting of meta-analyses (QUORUM) steps for a systematic review enabled the selection of 164 articles that fulfilled our selection criteria. Of the six arboviruses (dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), yellow fever virus (YFV), Zika virus (ZIKV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and West Nile virus (WNV)) of public health concern studied, the most frequently reported were chikungunya and dengue. The entomological records showed >248 species of mosquitoes regrouped under 15 genera, with Anopheles (n = 100 species), Culex (n = 56 species), and Aedes (n = 52 species) having high species diversity. Three genera were rarely represented, with only one species included, namely, Orthopodomyia, Lutzia, and Verrallina, but individuals of the genera Toxorhinchites and Finlayas were not identified at the species level. We found that two Aedes species (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) colonised the same microhabitat and were involved in major epidemics of the six medically important arboviruses, and other less-frequently identified mosquito genera consisted of competent species and were associated with outbreaks of medical and zoonotic arboviruses. The present study reveals a high species richness of competent mosquito vectors that could lead to the spillover of medically important arboviruses in the region. Although epidemiological studies were found, they were not regularly documented, and this also applies to vector competence and transmission studies. Future studies will consider unpublished information in dissertations and technical reports from different countries to allow their information to be more consistent. A regional project, entitled "Ecology of Arboviruses" (EcoVir), is underway in three countries (Gabon, Benin, and Cote d'Ivoire) to generate a more comprehensive epidemiological and entomological data on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Poungou
- Ecole Doctorale Regionale en Infectiologie Tropical de Franceville (EDR), University of Science and Technique of Masuku (USTM), Franceville P.O. Box 943, Gabon;
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Maladies Transmissibles (LEMAT), Université Libreville Nord (ULN), Libreville P.O. Box 1177, Gabon
| | - Silas Lendzele Sevidzem
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Maladies Transmissibles (LEMAT), Université Libreville Nord (ULN), Libreville P.O. Box 1177, Gabon
| | - Aubin Armel Koumba
- Département de Biologie et Ecologie Animale, Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale (IRET-CENAREST), Libreville P.O. Box 13354, Gabon
| | - Christophe Roland Zinga Koumba
- Département de Biologie et Ecologie Animale, Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale (IRET-CENAREST), Libreville P.O. Box 13354, Gabon
| | - Phillipe Mbehang
- Département de Biologie et Ecologie Animale, Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale (IRET-CENAREST), Libreville P.O. Box 13354, Gabon
| | - Richard Onanga
- Center of Interdisciplinary Medical Analysis of Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville P.O. Box 769, Gabon
| | - Julien Zahouli Bi Zahouli
- Centre d’Entomologie Médicale et Vétérinaire, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké 01 BPV 18, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Gael Darren Maganga
- Center of Interdisciplinary Medical Analysis of Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville P.O. Box 769, Gabon
| | - Luc Salako Djogbénou
- Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Institut Régional de Santé Publique, Ouidah P.O. Box 384, Benin
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Institute for Tropical Medicine (ITM), University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné P.O. Box 242, Gabon
| | - Stefanie C. Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Jacques François Mavoungou
- Département de Biologie et Ecologie Animale, Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale (IRET-CENAREST), Libreville P.O. Box 13354, Gabon
| | - Rodrigue Mintsa Nguéma
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Maladies Transmissibles (LEMAT), Université Libreville Nord (ULN), Libreville P.O. Box 1177, Gabon
- Département de Biologie et Ecologie Animale, Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale (IRET-CENAREST), Libreville P.O. Box 13354, Gabon
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Tinto B, Quellec J, Cêtre-Sossah C, Dicko A, Salinas S, Simonin Y. Rift Valley fever in West Africa: A zoonotic disease with multiple socio-economic consequences. One Health 2023; 17:100583. [PMID: 37664171 PMCID: PMC10474305 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100583] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arbovirus that causes Rift Valley fever (RVF), a zoonotic disease that mainly affects domestic and wildlife ruminants and humans. The first epidemic in North-Western and West Africa occurred in Senegal and Mauritania in 1987, two countries where RVF is now endemic. Slaughterhouse workers, farmers, herders and veterinarians are at high risk of exposure to RVF. Beyond the health threat, RVF is considered to cause major socio-economic problems, specifically in developing countries where livestock farming and trade are important economic activities. Indeed, the mortality rate linked to RVF infection can reach 95-100% in newborns and young animals. In West Africa, livestock production is a key factor for food production and for national economics. Epizootics caused by RVF can therefore have serious socio-economic consequences by impacting multisectoral economics, the psycho-social health of pastoral communities, and food security. Improving prevention strategies against RVF, including vaccination, enhancing knowledge of RVF and correcting any inappropriate behaviors by populations of endemics areas, as well as better monitoring of RVF ecological factors are effective ways to better foresee and control outbreaks of RVF and its socio-economical side-effects in countries at high risk of occurrence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bachirou Tinto
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire National de Référence des Fièvres Hémorragiques Virale, Centre MURAZ, Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Jordan Quellec
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAe, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Amadou Dicko
- Laboratoire central de référence, Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des ressources animales et halieutiques du Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAe, Montpellier, France
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Fall FK, Diarra AZ, Bouganali C, Sokhna C, Parola P. Using MALDI-TOF MS to Identify Mosquitoes from Senegal and the Origin of Their Blood Meals. INSECTS 2023; 14:785. [PMID: 37887797 PMCID: PMC10607482 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are arthropods that represent a real public health problem in Africa. Morphology and molecular biology techniques are usually used to identify different mosquito species. In recent years, an innovative tool, matrix-assisted desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), has been used to identify many arthropods quickly and at low cost, where equipment is available. We evaluated the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify mosquitoes collected in Senegal and stored for several months in silica gel, and to determine the origin of their blood meal. A total of 582 mosquitoes were collected and analysed. We obtained 329/582 (56.52%) MALDI-TOF MS good-quality spectra from mosquito legs and 123/157 (78.34%) good-quality spectra from engorged abdomens. We updated our home-made MALDI-TOF MS arthropod spectra database by adding 23 spectra of five mosquito species from Senegal that had been identified morphologically and molecularly. These included legs from Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles cf. rivulorum, Culex nebulosus, Anopheles funestus, and three spectra from abdomens engorged with human blood. Having updated the database, all mosquitoes tested by MALDI-TOF MS were identified with scores greater than or equal to 1.7 as An. gambiae (n = 64), Anopheles coluzzii (n = 12), An. arabiensis (n = 1), An. funestus (n = 7), An. cf rivulorum (n = 1), Lutzia tigripes (n = 3), Cx. nebulosus (n = 211), Culex quinquefasciatus (n = 2), Culex duttoni (n = 1), Culex perfescus (n = 1), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (n = 1), and Aedes aegypti (n = 2). Blood meal identification by MALDI-TOF MS revealed that mosquitoes had fed on the blood of humans (n = 97), cows (n = 6), dogs (n = 2), goats (n = 1), sheep (n = 1), and bats (n = 1). Mixed meals were also detected. These results confirm that MALDI-TOF MS is a promising technique for identifying mosquitoes and the origin of their blood meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatou Kiné Fall
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.K.F.); (A.Z.D.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, VITROME, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France;
- VITROME Dakar, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar 1386, Senegal;
| | - Adama Zan Diarra
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.K.F.); (A.Z.D.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, VITROME, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Charles Bouganali
- VITROME Dakar, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar 1386, Senegal;
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, VITROME, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France;
- VITROME Dakar, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar 1386, Senegal;
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.K.F.); (A.Z.D.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, VITROME, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France;
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Nikookar SH, Charkame A, Nezammahalleh A, Moradi-Asl E, Enayati A, Fazeli-Dinan M, Sedaghat MM, Zaim M. Entomological surveillance of invasive Aedes mosquitoes in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran from 2014 to 2020. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8683. [PMID: 37248286 PMCID: PMC10227060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35860-8] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the most important vectors of serious infectious diseases in the world. Dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever are emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, associated with the distribution of two key vectors i.e. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus throughout the world including countries neighbouring Iran. Entomological surveillance was planned and performed monthly from May to December during 2014-2020 in selected counties of Mazandaran Province, North of Iran, by ovitrap, larval collection, hand catch and human baited trap. Overall, 4410 Aedes specimens including 2376 larvae (53.9%) and 2034 (46.1%) adults belonging to six species, namely Aedes vexans, Aedes geniculatus, Aedes caspius, Aedes echinus, Aedes pulcritarsis and Aedes flavescence were collected and morphologically identified. Over the seven years of surveillance, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were not found by any sampling method. Aedes vexans and Ae. geniculatus were the most abundant species, their populations peaked in October and November and was positively correlated with precipitation and relative humidity. Aedes flavescence was a new species record for the province. A flowchart for planning and implementation of invasive mosquito surveillance for provincial health authorities in the country is proposed. These surveillance efforts provide basic and timely information for the health system to act promptly on integrated and intensified surveillance and control programs should Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus detected in the province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hassan Nikookar
- Health Sciences Research Center, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Charkame
- Medical Entomology, Health Expert of the Health Deputy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Nezammahalleh
- Medical Entomology, Health Expert of the Health Deputy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Eslam Moradi-Asl
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ahmadali Enayati
- Head of Medical Entomology Department, School of Public Health and Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Mahmoud Fazeli-Dinan
- Health Sciences Research Center, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Zaim
- Affiliated Professor, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Rakotonirina A, Maquart PO, Flamand C, Sokha C, Boyer S. Mosquito diversity (Diptera: Culicidae) and medical importance in four Cambodian forests. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:110. [PMID: 36945055 PMCID: PMC10029166 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A total of 290 mosquito species are recorded in Cambodia among which 43 are known vectors of pathogens. As Cambodia is heavily affected by deforestation, a potential change in the dynamic of vector-borne diseases (VDBs) could occur through alteration of the diversity and density of sylvatic vector mosquitoes and induce an increase in their interactions with humans. Understanding mosquito diversity is therefore critical, providing valuable data for risk assessments concerning the (re)emergence of local VBDs. Consequently, this study mainly aimed to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of sylvatic mosquito populations of Cambodia by determining which factors impact on their relative abundance and presence. METHODS A study was conducted in 12 sites from four forests in Cambodia. All mosquitoes, collected during the dry and rainy seasons, were morphologically identified. The diversity and relative density of mosquito species in each site were calculated along with the influence of meteorological and geographical factors using a quasi-Poisson generalized linear model. RESULTS A total of 9392 mosquitoes were collected belonging to 13 genera and 85 species. The most represented genera were Culex, accounting for 46% of collected mosquitoes, and Aedes (42%). Besides being the most abundant species, Culex pseudovishnui and Aedes albopictus, which are known vectors of numerous arboviruses, were present in all sites during both dry and rainy seasons. The presence of mosquito species reported to be zoo-anthropophilic feeders was also observed in both forested and urban areas. Finally, this study demonstrated that altitude, temperature and precipitation impacted the abundance of mosquitoes but also influenced species community composition. CONCLUSION The results indicate an important diversity of mosquitoes in the four forests and an influence of meteorological and geographical factors on their community. Additionally, this work highlights in parallel the abundance of species considered to be of medical importance and therefore underlines the high risk of pathogen emergence/re-emergence in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antsa Rakotonirina
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, 983, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
| | - Pierre-Olivier Maquart
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, 983, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Claude Flamand
- Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, 983, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Chea Sokha
- Wildlife Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Sébastien Boyer
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, 983, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Ecology & Emergence of Arthropod-Borne Pathogens Unit, Department of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France
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Onen H, Luzala MM, Kigozi S, Sikumbili RM, Muanga CJK, Zola EN, Wendji SN, Buya AB, Balciunaitiene A, Viškelis J, Kaddumukasa MA, Memvanga PB. Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Their Control Strategies: An Overview Focused on Green Synthesized Plant-Based Metallic Nanoparticles. INSECTS 2023; 14:221. [PMID: 36975906 PMCID: PMC10059804 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes act as vectors of pathogens that cause most life-threatening diseases, such as malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, Zika, West Nile, Lymphatic filariasis, etc. To reduce the transmission of these mosquito-borne diseases in humans, several chemical, biological, mechanical, and pharmaceutical methods of control are used. However, these different strategies are facing important and timely challenges that include the rapid spread of highly invasive mosquitoes worldwide, the development of resistance in several mosquito species, and the recent outbreaks of novel arthropod-borne viruses (e.g., Dengue, Rift Valley fever, tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, yellow fever, etc.). Therefore, the development of novel and effective methods of control is urgently needed to manage mosquito vectors. Adapting the principles of nanobiotechnology to mosquito vector control is one of the current approaches. As a single-step, eco-friendly, and biodegradable method that does not require the use of toxic chemicals, the green synthesis of nanoparticles using active toxic agents from plant extracts available since ancient times exhibits antagonistic responses and broad-spectrum target-specific activities against different species of vector mosquitoes. In this article, the current state of knowledge on the different mosquito control strategies in general, and on repellent and mosquitocidal plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles in particular, has been reviewed. By doing so, this review may open new doors for research on mosquito-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson Onen
- Department of Entomology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Plot 51/59 Nakiwogo Road, Entebbe P.O. Box 49, Uganda
| | - Miryam M. Luzala
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Phytopharmaceutical Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation Technologique en Environnement et en Sciences de la Santé (CRITESS), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Stephen Kigozi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, Kampala P.O. Box 1, Uganda
| | - Rebecca M. Sikumbili
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation Technologique en Environnement et en Sciences de la Santé (CRITESS), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 190, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Claude-Josué K. Muanga
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Phytopharmaceutical Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation Technologique en Environnement et en Sciences de la Santé (CRITESS), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Eunice N. Zola
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Phytopharmaceutical Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation Technologique en Environnement et en Sciences de la Santé (CRITESS), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Sébastien N. Wendji
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Phytopharmaceutical Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation Technologique en Environnement et en Sciences de la Santé (CRITESS), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Aristote B. Buya
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Phytopharmaceutical Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation Technologique en Environnement et en Sciences de la Santé (CRITESS), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Aiste Balciunaitiene
- Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, 54333 Babtai, Lithuania
| | - Jonas Viškelis
- Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, 54333 Babtai, Lithuania
| | - Martha A. Kaddumukasa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, Kampala P.O. Box 1, Uganda
| | - Patrick B. Memvanga
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Phytopharmaceutical Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation Technologique en Environnement et en Sciences de la Santé (CRITESS), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 212, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Kipp EJ, Lindsey LL, Milstein MS, Blanco CM, Baker JP, Faulk C, Oliver JD, Larsen PA. Nanopore adaptive sampling for targeted mitochondrial genome sequencing and bloodmeal identification in hematophagous insects. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:68. [PMID: 36788607 PMCID: PMC9930342 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05679-3] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-feeding insects are important vectors for an array of zoonotic pathogens. While previous efforts toward generating molecular resources have largely focused on major vectors of global medical and veterinary importance, molecular data across a large number of hematophagous insect taxa remain limited. Advancements in long-read sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatic pipelines provide new opportunities for targeted sequencing of insect mitochondrial (mt) genomes. For engorged hematophagous insects, such technologies can be leveraged for both insect mitogenome genome assembly and identification of vertebrate blood-meal sources. METHODS We used nanopore adaptive sampling (NAS) to sequence genomic DNA from four species of field-collected, blood-engorged mosquitoes (Aedes and Culex spp.) and one deer fly (Chrysops sp.). NAS was used for bioinformatical enrichment of mtDNA reads of hematophagous insects and potential vertebrate blood-meal hosts using publically available mt genomes as references. We also performed an experimental control to compare results of traditional non-NAS nanopore sequencing to the mt genome enrichment by the NAS method. RESULTS Complete mitogenomes were assembled and annotated for all five species sequenced with NAS: Aedes trivittatus, Aedes vexans, Culex restuans, Culex territans and the deer fly, Chrysops niger. In comparison to data generated during our non-NAS control experiment, NAS yielded a substantially higher proportion of reference-mapped mtDNA reads, greatly streamlining downstream mitogenome assembly and annotation. The NAS-assembled mitogenomes ranged in length from 15,582 to 16,045 bp, contained between 78.1% and 79.0% A + T content and shared the anticipated arrangement of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNAs, and 22 transfer RNAs. Maximum likelihood phylogenies were generated to further characterize each insect species. Additionally, vertebrate blood-meal analysis was successful in three samples sequenced, with mtDNA-based phylogenetic analyses revealing that blood-meal sources for Chrysops niger, Culex restuans and Aedes trivittatus were human, house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that NAS has dual utility to simultaneously molecularly identify hematophagous insects and their blood-meal hosts. Moreover, our data indicate NAS can facilitate a wide array of mitogenomic systematic studies through novel 'phylogenetic capture' methods. We conclude that the NAS approach has great potential for broadly improving genomic resources used to identify blood-feeding insects, answer phylogenetic questions and elucidate complex pathways for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan J. Kipp
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
| | - Laramie L. Lindsey
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
| | - Marissa S. Milstein
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
| | - Cristina M. Blanco
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
| | - Julia P. Baker
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
| | - Jonathan D. Oliver
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Peter A. Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
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Human and Livestock Surveillance Revealed the Circulation of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Agnam, Northern Senegal, 2021. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020087. [PMID: 36828503 PMCID: PMC9962223 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-borne disease caused by the Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is a viral hemorrhagic fever that affects humans and animals. In 1987, RVFV emerged in Mauritania, which caused the first RVFV outbreak in West Africa. This outbreak was shortly followed by reported cases in humans and livestock in Senegal. Animal trade practices with neighboring Mauritania suggest northern regions of Senegal are at high risk for RVF. In this study, we aim to conduct a molecular and serological survey of RVFV in humans and livestock in Agnam (northeastern Senegal) by RT-PCR (reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), respectively. Of the two hundred fifty-five human sera, one (0.39%) tested RVFV IgM positive, while fifty-three (20.78%) tested positive for RVFV IgG. For animal monitoring, out of 30 sheep recorded and sampled over the study period, 20 (66.67%) showed seroconversion to RVFV IgG antibodies, notably during the rainy season. The presence of antibodies increased significantly with age in both groups (p < 0.05), as the force of RVF infection (FOI), increased by 16.05% per year for humans and by 80.4% per month for livestock sheep. This study supports the usefulness of setting up a One Health survey for RVF management.
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Koh C, Frangeul L, Blanc H, Ngoagouni C, Boyer S, Dussart P, Grau N, Girod R, Duchemin JB, Saleh MC. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences from 33 globally distributed mosquito species for improved metagenomics and species identification. eLife 2023; 12:82762. [PMID: 36688360 PMCID: PMC10014081 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82762] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Total RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is an important tool in the study of mosquitoes and the RNA viruses they vector as it allows assessment of both host and viral RNA in specimens. However, there are two main constraints. First, as with many other species, abundant mosquito ribosomal RNA (rRNA) serves as the predominant template from which sequences are generated, meaning that the desired host and viral templates are sequenced far less. Second, mosquito specimens captured in the field must be correctly identified, in some cases to the sub-species level. Here, we generate mosquito rRNA datasets which will substantially mitigate both of these problems. We describe a strategy to assemble novel rRNA sequences from mosquito specimens and produce an unprecedented dataset of 234 full-length 28S and 18S rRNA sequences of 33 medically important species from countries with known histories of mosquito-borne virus circulation (Cambodia, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, and French Guiana). These sequences will allow both physical and computational removal of rRNA from specimens during RNA-seq protocols. We also assess the utility of rRNA sequences for molecular taxonomy and compare phylogenies constructed using rRNA sequences versus those created using the gold standard for molecular species identification of specimens-the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. We find that rRNA- and COI-derived phylogenetic trees are incongruent and that 28S and concatenated 28S+18S rRNA phylogenies reflect evolutionary relationships that are more aligned with contemporary mosquito systematics. This significant expansion to the current rRNA reference library for mosquitoes will improve mosquito RNA-seq metagenomics by permitting the optimization of species-specific rRNA depletion protocols for a broader range of species and streamlining species identification by rRNA sequence and phylogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Koh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, F-75015ParisFrance
| | - Lionel Frangeul
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, F-75015ParisFrance
| | - Hervé Blanc
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, F-75015ParisFrance
| | - Carine Ngoagouni
- Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Medical Entomology LaboratoryBanguiCentral African Republic
| | - Sébastien Boyer
- Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Medical and Veterinary Entomology UnitPhnom PenhCambodia
| | | | - Nina Grau
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Medical Entomology UnitAntananarivoMadagascar
| | - Romain Girod
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Medical Entomology UnitAntananarivoMadagascar
| | - Jean-Bernard Duchemin
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Vectopôle Amazonien Emile AbonnencCayenneFrench Guiana
| | - Maria-Carla Saleh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, F-75015ParisFrance
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Drouin A, Chevalier V, Durand B, Balenghien T. Vector Competence of Mediterranean Mosquitoes for Rift Valley Fever Virus: A Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050503. [PMID: 35631024 PMCID: PMC9146998 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease caused by a virus mainly transmitted by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes. Infection leads to high abortion rates and considerable mortality in domestic livestock. The combination of viral circulation in Egypt and Libya and the existence of unregulated live animal trade routes through endemic areas raise concerns that the virus may spread to other Mediterranean countries, where there are mosquitoes potentially competent for RVF virus (RVFV) transmission. The competence of vectors for a given pathogen can be assessed through laboratory experiments, but results may vary greatly with the study design. This research aims to quantify the competence of five major potential RVFV vectors in the Mediterranean Basin, namely Aedes detritus, Ae. caspius, Ae. vexans, Culex pipiens and Cx. theileri, through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. We first computed the infection rate, the dissemination rate among infected mosquitoes, the overall dissemination rate, the transmission rate among mosquitoes with a disseminated infection and the overall transmission rate for these five mosquito species. We next assessed the influence of laboratory study designs on the variability of these five parameters. According to experimental results and our analysis, Aedes caspius may be the most competent vector among the five species considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Drouin
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), University Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.D.); (B.D.)
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34398 Montpellier, France;
| | - Véronique Chevalier
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34398 Montpellier, France;
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
- Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
- Correspondence:
| | - Benoit Durand
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), University Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.D.); (B.D.)
| | - Thomas Balenghien
- ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34398 Montpellier, France;
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Rabat 10101, Morocco
- IAV Hassan II, UR MIMC, Rabat 10101, Morocco
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Vargas-Espinosa JH, Aguirre-Obando OA. Global phylogeography of the flood mosquito, Aedes vexans (Diptera: Culicidae), from mitochondrial DNA. ZOOLOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-4689.v39.e21029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Outammassine A, Zouhair S, Loqman S. Global potential distribution of three underappreciated arboviruses vectors (Aedes japonicus, Aedes vexans and Aedes vittatus) under current and future climate conditions. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e1160-e1171. [PMID: 34821477 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) are expanding their geographic range, posing significant health threats to millions of people worldwide. This expansion is associated with efficient and suitable vector availability. Apart from the well-known Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, other Aedes species may potentially promote the geographic spread of arboviruses because these viruses have similar vector requirements. Aedes japonicus, Ae. vexans and Ae. vittatus are a growing concern, given their potential and known vector competence for several arboviruses including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In the present study, we developed detailed maps of their global potential distributions under both current and future (2050) climate conditions, using an ecological niche modeling approach (Maxent). Under present-day conditions, Ae. japonicus and Ae. vexans have suitable areas in the northeastern United States, across Europe and in southeastern China, whereas the tropical regions of South America, Africa and Asia are more suitable for Ae. vittatus. Future scenarios anticipated range changes for the three species, with each expected to expand into new areas that are currently not suitable. By 2050, Ae. japonicus will have a broader potential distribution across much of Europe, the United States, western Russia and central Asia. Aedes vexans may be able to expand its range, especially in Libya, Egypt and southern Australia. For Ae. vittatus, future projections indicated areas at risk in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. As such, these species deserve as much attention as Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus when processing arboviruses risk assessments and our findings may help to better understand the potential distribution of each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelkrim Outammassine
- Laboratoire de Lutte contre les Maladies Infectieuses, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Said Zouhair
- Laboratoire de Lutte contre les Maladies Infectieuses, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco.,Laboratory of Bacteriology-Virology, Avicienne Hospital Military, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Souad Loqman
- Laboratoire de Lutte contre les Maladies Infectieuses, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
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Diouf G, Seck MT, Ciss M, Faye B, Biteye B, Bakhoum MT, Fall AG. Improving the efficiency of the BG sentinel 2 trap to assess the activity of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti [Linnaeus, 1762] in Senegal. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106065. [PMID: 34303690 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The use of efficient mosquito sampling methods in vector surveillance programs is crucial to inform control actions and prevent outbreaks. amongst existing trapping methods, the BG sentinel trap is widely used for collecting mosquitoes from the subgenus Stegomyia. However, studies state that the BG-sentinel trap underestimates the relative abundance of mosquito vectors. In this study, we used mice to enhance the effectiveness of the BG-sentinel trap to collect Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and follow the species' daily abundance under local conditions. The Latin square method was used to compare different combinations in three different seasons. Of the 35,107 mosquitoes collected, Ae. aegypti (53.82%) and Culex quinquefasciatus (46.07%) were dominant. The combination of BG-Lure + 3 mice captured more Ae. aegypti individuals (apparent density per trap/day (ADT = 187.65 ± 133.53; p < 0.001) followed by the 3 mice-baited BG-sentinel trap (ADT = 163.47 ± 117.32), the BG-sentinel trap without attractant (ADT = 74.15 ± 117.07) and the BG-sentinel trap + BG-Lure (ADT = 47.1 ± 115.91). Aedes aegypti showed two peaks of activity in the day, one following the sunrise and one before the sunset, influenced by temperature and relative humidity. Our study suggests the use of mice to enhance the efficiency of the BG-Sentinel trap to catch Ae. aegypti. However, its application in large scale entomological monitoring programs should be difficult because of ethical and operational constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorgui Diouf
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route du Front de Terre, BP 2057, Dakar, Senegal; Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Département de Biologie Animale, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, BP 5005, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - Momar Talla Seck
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route du Front de Terre, BP 2057, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mamadou Ciss
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route du Front de Terre, BP 2057, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Binetou Faye
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route du Front de Terre, BP 2057, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Biram Biteye
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route du Front de Terre, BP 2057, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mame Thierno Bakhoum
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route du Front de Terre, BP 2057, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Assane Guèye Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, Route du Front de Terre, BP 2057, Dakar, Senegal.
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An Unsupervised Algorithm for Host Identification in Flaviviruses. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050442. [PMID: 34069049 PMCID: PMC8157105 DOI: 10.3390/life11050442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Early characterization of emerging viruses is essential to control their spread, such as the Zika Virus outbreak in 2014. Among other non-viral factors, host information is essential for the surveillance and control of virus spread. Flaviviruses (genus Flavivirus), akin to other viruses, are modulated by high mutation rates and selective forces to adapt their codon usage to that of their hosts. However, a major challenge is the identification of potential hosts for novel viruses. Usually, potential hosts of emerging zoonotic viruses are identified after several confirmed cases. This is inefficient for deterring future outbreaks. In this paper, we introduce an algorithm to identify the host range of a virus from its raw genome sequences. The proposed strategy relies on comparing codon usage frequencies across viruses and hosts, by means of a normalized Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). We have tested our algorithm on 94 flaviviruses and 16 potential hosts. This novel method is able to distinguish between arthropod and vertebrate hosts for several flaviviruses with high values of accuracy (virus group 91.9% and host type 86.1%) and specificity (virus group 94.9% and host type 79.6%), in comparison to empirical observations. Overall, this algorithm may be useful as a complementary tool to current phylogenetic methods in monitoring current and future viral outbreaks by understanding host–virus relationships.
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18
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Rift Valley fever virus detection in susceptible hosts with special emphasis in insects. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9822. [PMID: 33972596 PMCID: PMC8110843 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89226-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV, Phenuiviridae) is an emerging arbovirus that can cause potentially fatal disease in many host species including ruminants and humans. Thus, tools to detect this pathogen within tissue samples from routine diagnostic investigations or for research purposes are of major interest. This study compares the immunohistological usefulness of several mono- and polyclonal antibodies against RVFV epitopes in tissue samples derived from natural hosts of epidemiologic importance (sheep), potentially virus transmitting insect species (Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti) as well as scientific infection models (mouse, Drosophila melanogaster, C6/36 cell pellet). While the nucleoprotein was the epitope most prominently detected in mammal and mosquito tissue samples, fruit fly tissues showed expression of glycoproteins only. Antibodies against non-structural proteins exhibited single cell reactions in salivary glands of mosquitoes and the C6/36 cell pellet. However, as single antibodies exhibited a cross reactivity of varying degree in non-infected specimens, a careful interpretation of positive reactions and consideration of adequate controls remains of critical importance. The results suggest that primary antibodies directed against viral nucleoproteins and glycoproteins can facilitate RVFV detection in mammals and insects, respectively, and therefore will allow RVFV detection for diagnostic and research purposes.
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19
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Kumalija MS, Chilongola JO, Budodo RM, Horumpende PG, Mkumbaye SI, Vianney JM, Mwakapuja RS, Mmbaga BT. Detection of Rift Valley Fever virus inter-epidemic activity in Kilimanjaro Region, North Eastern Tanzania. Glob Health Action 2021; 14:1957554. [PMID: 34415237 PMCID: PMC8381910 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1957554] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus of public health impact infecting livestock, wildlife, and humans mainly in Africa and other parts of the world. Despite its public health importance, mechanisms of RVFV maintenance during interepidemic periods (IEPS) remain unclear. Objective We aimed to examine comparatively exposure to RVFV between humans and goats and RVFV infection between humans, goats and mosquitoes. Methods A cross sectional study was performed in the Lower Moshi area of the Kilimanjaro region from March to June 2020. RVFV exposure was determined by detecting IgG/IgM to RVFV using a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay whereas infection was determined by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Results Results show that the male gender was related to RVFV seropositivity (χ2 = 5.351; p=0.030). Being 50 years and above was related to seropositivity (χ2 =14.430; p=0.006) whereas bed net use, larger numbers of persons living in the same house (>7 persons) and RVFV seropositivity in goats were related to higher seropositivity to RVFV among humans χ2 =6.003; p=0.021, χ2 =23.213; p < 0.001 and χ2 =27.053; p < 0.001), respectively. By the use of RT-qPCR, goats exhibited the highest RVFV infection rate of 4.1%, followed by humans (2.6%), Ae. aegypti (2.3%), and Cx. pipiens complex(1.5%). Likewise, a higher proportion of goats (23.3%) were RVFV seropositive as compared with humans (13.2%). Conclusion Our findings suggest the Lower Moshi area as a potential hotspot for Rift Valley Fever (RVF), posing the danger of being a source of RVFV spread to other areas. Goats had the highest infection rate, suggesting goats as important hosts for virus maintenance during IEPs. We recommend the implementation of strategies that will warrant active RVF surveillance through the identification of RVF hotspots for targeted control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medard S Kumalija
- Department of Global Health and Biomedical Sciences, Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Jaffu O Chilongola
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi Tanzania.,Department of Clinical Trials, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Rule M Budodo
- Department of Clinical Trials, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Pius G Horumpende
- Department of Public Health and Research, Lugalo Military College of Medical Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sixbert I Mkumbaye
- Department of Clinical Trials, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - John-Mary Vianney
- Department of Global Health and Biomedical Sciences, Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Richard S Mwakapuja
- Department of Bacterial Vaccines, Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA), Kibaha, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Department of Clinical Trials, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
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20
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Cecilia H, Métras R, Fall AG, Lo MM, Lancelot R, Ezanno P. It's risky to wander in September: Modelling the epidemic potential of Rift Valley fever in a Sahelian setting. Epidemics 2020; 33:100409. [PMID: 33137548 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2020.100409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the epidemic potential of vector-borne diseases, along with the relative contribution of underlying mechanisms, is crucial for animal and human health worldwide. In West African Sahel, several outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) have occurred over the last decades, but uncertainty remains about the conditions necessary to trigger these outbreaks. We use the basic reproduction number (R0) as a measure of RVF epidemic potential in northern Senegal, and map its value in two distinct ecosystems, namely the Ferlo and the Senegal River delta and valley. We consider three consecutive rainy seasons (July-November 2014, 2015 and 2016) and account for several vector and animal species. We parametrize our model with estimates of Aedes vexans arabiensis, Culex poicilipes, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, cattle, sheep and goat abundances. The impact of RVF virus introduction is assessed every week over northern Senegal. We highlight September as the period of highest epidemic potential in northern Senegal, resulting from distinct dynamics in the two study areas. Spatially, in the seasonal environment of the Ferlo, we observe that high-risk locations vary between years. We show that decreased vector densities do not greatly reduce R0 and that cattle immunity has a greater impact on reducing transmission than small ruminant immunity. The host preferences of vectors and the temperature-dependent time interval between their blood meals are crucial parameters needing further biological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Cecilia
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France; UMR ASTRE, CIRAD, Montpellier, France; ASTRE, Montpellier University, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France.
| | - Raphaëlle Métras
- Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), F-75012, Paris, France.
| | - Assane Gueye Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal.
| | - Modou Moustapha Lo
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal.
| | - Renaud Lancelot
- UMR ASTRE, CIRAD, Montpellier, France; ASTRE, Montpellier University, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France.
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21
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Liu B, Ma J, Jiao Z, Gao X, Xiao J, Wang H. Risk assessment for the Rift Valley fever occurrence in China: Special concern in south-west border areas. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:445-457. [PMID: 32568445 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease. Since its first outbreak in 1930, RVF epidemics have caused huge economic losses and public health impacts in Africa. In 2000, RVF became a disease of global concern as it spread to the Arabian Peninsula. In our study, a Geographic Information System-based risk assessment for the occurrence of Rift Valley fever in China was established by means of ecological niche modelling. Based on occurrence records (RVF records from FAO EMPRES-i, vector records from literatures and GBIF) and high-resolution environmental layers, the prediction maps of RVF occurrence probability and distribution of five potential RVF vectors in China were modelled using Maxent. An internal validation was adopted for model verification, and high AUC values were obtained (0.918 for RVF and 0.837-0.992 for vectors). By overlaying the RVF prediction map with the combined RVF vector prediction map using Fuzzy overlay tool ('AND' operator) of ArcMap 10.2, we got the first risk map of possible RVF vector transmission. This map was further overlaid with the latest livestock distribution map ('AND' operator) to generate the second risk map of possible RVF threat to domestic livestock. The south-west border provinces in China, Yunnan, Guangxi and Tibet were predicted to have a high possibility of RVF occurrence. Conditions conducive to the local amplification of RVF also exist in these areas. Temperature seasonality, mean temperature of dry season and precipitation of the driest month were considered as key environmental variables for RVF, and common environmental conditions were found conductive for vectors. It is suggested to establish proper surveillance systems in south-west border areas to minimize the possibility of RVF invasion. Our findings can serve as a valuable reference for prevention measures to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Liu
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhihui Jiao
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jianhua Xiao
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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22
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Parry R, Naccache F, Ndiaye EH, Fall G, Castelli I, Lühken R, Medlock J, Cull B, Hesson JC, Montarsi F, Failloux AB, Kohl A, Schnettler E, Diallo M, Asgari S, Dietrich I, Becker SC. Identification and RNAi Profile of a Novel Iflavirus Infecting Senegalese Aedes vexans arabiensis Mosquitoes. Viruses 2020; 12:E440. [PMID: 32295109 PMCID: PMC7232509 DOI: 10.3390/v12040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The inland floodwater mosquito Aedes vexans (Meigen, 1830) is a competent vector of numerous arthropod-borne viruses such as Rift Valley fever virus (Phenuiviridae) and Zika virus (Flaviviridae). Aedes vexans spp. have widespread Afrotropical distribution and are common European cosmopolitan mosquitoes. We examined the virome of Ae. vexans arabiensis samples from Barkédji village, Senegal, with small RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and RT-PCR screening. We identified a novel 9494 nt iflavirus (Picornaviridae) designated here as Aedes vexans iflavirus (AvIFV). Annotation of the AvIFV genome reveals a 2782 amino acid polyprotein with iflavirus protein domain architecture and typical iflavirus 5' internal ribosomal entry site and 3' poly-A tail. Aedes vexans iflavirus is most closely related to a partial virus sequence from Venturia canescens (a parasitoid wasp) with 56.77% pairwise amino acid identity. Analysis of AvIFV-derived small RNAs suggests that AvIFV is targeted by the exogenous RNA interference pathway but not the PIWI-interacting RNA response, as ~60% of AvIFV reads corresponded to 21 nt Dicer-2 virus-derived small RNAs and the 24-29 nt AvIFV read population did not exhibit a "ping-pong" signature. The RT-PCR screens of archival and current (circa 2011-2020) Ae. vexans arabiensis laboratory samples and wild-caught mosquitoes from Barkédji suggest that AvIFV is ubiquitous in these mosquitoes. Further, we screened wild-caught European Ae. vexans samples from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Sweden, all of which tested negative for AvIFV RNA. This report provides insight into the diversity of commensal Aedes viruses and the host RNAi response towards iflaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Parry
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.P.); (S.A.)
| | - Fanny Naccache
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - El Hadji Ndiaye
- Pole de Zoologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar BP 220, Senegal; (E.H.N.); (M.D.)
| | - Gamou Fall
- Pole de Virologie, Unité des Arbovirus et Virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar BP 220, Senegal;
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France; (I.C.); (A.-B.F.)
| | - Renke Lühken
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universiät Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany; (R.L.); (E.S.)
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jolyon Medlock
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infection, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK;
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; or
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; or
| | - Jenny C. Hesson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy;
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France; (I.C.); (A.-B.F.)
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Esther Schnettler
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universiät Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany; (R.L.); (E.S.)
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- Pole de Zoologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar BP 220, Senegal; (E.H.N.); (M.D.)
| | - Sassan Asgari
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.P.); (S.A.)
| | | | - Stefanie C. Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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23
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Gaye A, Diagne MM, Ndiaye EH, Dior Ndione MH, Faye M, Talla C, Fall G, Ba Y, Diallo D, Dia I, Handschumacher P, Faye O, Sall AA, Diallo M. Vector competence of anthropophilic mosquitoes for a new mesonivirus in Senegal. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:496-504. [PMID: 32106784 PMCID: PMC7054948 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1730710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The mesoniviruses (MESOVs) belong to the newly described Mesoniviridae family (Order: Nidovirales). They have never been reported in Senegal until recently during a study in arbovirus emergence with the detection of a new species of MESOV named Dianke virus (DKV) from common mosquitoes from eastern Senegal. Actually, their vector competence for this newly described DKV is unknown. We, therefore, estimated the vector competence of Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes collected in Senegal for DKV using oral infection. Whole bodies, legs/wings, and saliva samples were tested for DKV by RT–PCR to estimate infection, dissemination, and transmission rates. The infectivity of virus particles in the saliva was confirmed by infecting C6/36 cells. Virus transmission rates were up to 95.45% in Culex tritaeniorhynchus, 28% in Cx. quinquefasciatus and 9.09% in Aedes aegypti. Viral particles in the saliva were confirmed infectious by C6/36 cell culture. An. gambiae was able to disseminate DKV only at 20 days post-infection. This study shows that Culex mosquitoes are more competent than Ae. aegypti for DKV, while Anopheles gambiae is not likely a competent vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alioune Gaye
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Moussa Moïse Diagne
- Pole de virologie, Unité des Arbovirus et virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - El Hadji Ndiaye
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Marie Henriette Dior Ndione
- Pole de virologie, Unité des Arbovirus et virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal.,Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Martin Faye
- Pole de virologie, Unité des Arbovirus et virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Cheikh Talla
- Epidemiology of infectious diseases unit, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Gamou Fall
- Pole de virologie, Unité des Arbovirus et virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Yamar Ba
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Diawo Diallo
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Ibrahima Dia
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Pascal Handschumacher
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, UMR SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Ousmane Faye
- Pole de virologie, Unité des Arbovirus et virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Amadou Alpha Sall
- Pole de virologie, Unité des Arbovirus et virus de Fièvres Hémorragiques, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
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24
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Van Bortel W, Petric D, Ibáñez Justicia A, Wint W, Krit M, Mariën J, Vanslembrouck A, Braks M. Assessment of the probability of entry of Rift Valley fever virus into the EU through active or passive movement of vectors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2020.en-1801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adolfo Ibáñez Justicia
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority National Reference Centre Centre for Monitoring of Vectors the Netherlands
| | - Willy Wint
- Ergo – Environmental Research Group Oxford United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Marieta Braks
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment the Netherlands
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25
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Atyame CM, Alout H, Mousson L, Vazeille M, Diallo M, Weill M, Failloux AB. Insecticide resistance genes affect Culex quinquefasciatus vector competence for West Nile virus. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 286:20182273. [PMID: 30963855 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insecticide resistance has been reported to impact the interactions between mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit. However, the effect on vector competence for arboviruses still remained to be investigated. We examined the influence of two insecticide resistance mechanisms on vector competence of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus for two arboviruses, Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Three Cx. quinquefasciatus lines sharing a common genetic background were used: two insecticide-resistant lines, one homozygous for amplification of the Ester2 locus (SA2), the other homozygous for the acetylcholinesterase ace-1 G119S mutation (SR) and the insecticide-susceptible reference line Slab. Statistical analyses revealed no significant effect of insecticide-resistant mechanisms on vector competence for RVFV. However, both insecticide resistance mechanisms significantly influenced the outcome of WNV infections by increasing the dissemination of WNV in the mosquito body, therefore leading to an increase in transmission efficiency by resistant mosquitoes. These results showed that insecticide resistance mechanisms enhanced vector competence for WNV and may have a significant impact on transmission dynamics of arboviruses. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the impacts of insecticide resistance on the vectorial capacity parameters to assess the overall consequence on transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célestine M Atyame
- 1 Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors , Paris , France.,2 Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical) CNRS-INSERM-IRD-Université de La Réunion , île de La Réunion , France
| | - Haoues Alout
- 3 INRA, UMR 1309 ASTRE, INRA-CIRAD , 34598 Montpellier , France.,4 Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), UMR CNRS-IRD-EPHE-Université de Montpellier , Montpellier , France
| | - Laurence Mousson
- 1 Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors , Paris , France
| | - Marie Vazeille
- 1 Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors , Paris , France
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- 5 Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Unité d'Entomologie médicale , Dakar , Sénégal
| | - Mylène Weill
- 4 Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), UMR CNRS-IRD-EPHE-Université de Montpellier , Montpellier , France
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- 1 Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors , Paris , France
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26
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Simons RRL, Croft S, Rees E, Tearne O, Arnold ME, Johnson N. Using species distribution models to predict potential hot-spots for Rift Valley Fever establishment in the United Kingdom. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225250. [PMID: 31869335 PMCID: PMC6927579 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector borne diseases are a continuing global threat to both human and animal health. The ability of vectors such as mosquitos to cover large distances and cross country borders undetected provide an ever-present threat of pathogen spread. Many diseases can infect multiple vector species, such that even if the climate is not hospitable for an invasive species, indigenous species may be susceptible and capable of transmission such that one incursion event could lead to disease establishment in these species. Here we present a consensus modelling methodology to estimate the habitat suitability for presence of mosquito species in the UK deemed competent for Rift Valley fever virus (RVF) and demonstrate its application in an assessment of the relative risk of establishment of RVF virus in the UK livestock population. The consensus model utilises observed UK mosquito surveillance data, along with climatic and geographic prediction variables, to inform six independent species distribution models; the results of which are combined to produce a single prediction map. As a livestock host is needed to transmit RVF, we then combine the consensus model output with existing maps of sheep and cattle density to predict the areas of the UK where disease is most likely to establish in local mosquito populations. The model results suggest areas of high suitability for RVF competent mosquito species across the length and breadth of the UK. Notable areas of high suitability were the South West of England and coastal areas of Wales, the latter of which was subsequently predicted to be at higher risk for establishment of RVF due to higher livestock densities. This study demonstrates the applicability of outputs of species distribution models to help predict hot-spots for risk of disease establishment. While there is still uncertainty associated with the outputs we believe that the predictions are an improvement on just using the raw presence points from a database alone. The outputs can also be used as part of a multidisciplinary approach to inform risk based disease surveillance activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin R. L. Simons
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, Surrey, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Simon Croft
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton York, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Rees
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Tearne
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Mark E. Arnold
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, Surrey, United Kingdom
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Birnberg L, Talavera S, Aranda C, Núñez AI, Napp S, Busquets N. Field-captured Aedes vexans (Meigen, 1830) is a competent vector for Rift Valley fever phlebovirus in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:484. [PMID: 31619269 PMCID: PMC6794816 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes vexans (Meigen) is considered a nuisance species in central Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is an anthropophilic and mammalophilic floodwater mosquito involved in the transmission of several arboviruses. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a relevant mosquito-borne zoonosis, affecting mainly humans and ruminants, that causes severe impact in public health and economic loses. Due to globalization and climate change, the European continent is threatened by its introduction. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the vector competence of a European field-collected Ae. vexans population. METHODS Aedes vexans field-collected larvae were reared in the laboratory under field-simulated conditions. To assess the vector competence for Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) transmission, adult F0 females were exposed to infectious blood meals containing the 56/74 RVFV strain. Additionally, intrathoracic inoculations with the same virus strain were performed to evaluate the relevance of the salivary gland barriers. Natural circulation of alphavirus, flavivirus and phlebovirus was also tested. RESULTS To our knowledge, an autochthonous Ae. vexans population was experimentally confirmed as a competent vector for RVFV for the first time. This virus was capable of infecting and disseminating within the studied Ae. vexans mosquitoes. Moreover, infectious virus was isolated from the saliva of disseminated specimens, showing their capacity to transmit the virus. Additionally, a natural infection with a circulating Mosquito flavivirus was detected. The co-infection with the Mosquito flavivirus seemed to modulate RVFV infection susceptibility in field-collected Ae. vexans, but further studies are needed to confirm its potential interference in RVFV transmission. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that field-collected European Ae. vexans would be able to transmit RVFV in case of introduction into the continent. This should be taken into consideration in the design of surveillance and control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotty Birnberg
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca en Tecnologies Agroalimentaries (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Talavera
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca en Tecnologies Agroalimentaries (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Aranda
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca en Tecnologies Agroalimentaries (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain.,Servei de Control de Mosquits del Consell Comarcal del Baix Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana I Núñez
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca en Tecnologies Agroalimentaries (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sebastian Napp
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca en Tecnologies Agroalimentaries (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Busquets
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca en Tecnologies Agroalimentaries (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain.
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Impact of genetic diversity on biological characteristics of Usutu virus strains in Africa. Virus Res 2019; 273:197753. [PMID: 31521764 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) previously restricted to Africa where it caused mild infections, emerged in 2001 in Europe and caused more severe infections among birds and humans with neurological forms, suggesting an adaptation and increasing virulence. This evolution suggests the need to better understand USUV transmission patterns for assessing risks and to develop control strategies. Phylogenetic analysis conducted in Africa showed low genetic diversity of African USUV strains except for one human and the USUV subtype (USUVsub) strains, which exhibited a deletion in the 3'UTR and nucleotide substitutions throughout the genome. Here we analyzed their viral replication in vitro in mosquito and mammalian cells, and vector competence of Culex quinquefasciatus, compared to a reference strain. Growth kinetics of the different strains showed comparable replication rates however variations in replication and translation efficiency were observed. Vector competence analysis showed that all strains were able to infect Culex quinquefasciatus the main peridomestic Culex species in Africa, with detection of USUV viral genomes and infectious particles. Dissemination and transmission were observed only for USUVsub, but infectious particles were not detected in Culex quinquefasciatus saliva. Our findings suggest that genetic variability can affect USUV in vitro replication in a cell type-dependent manner and in vivo in mosquitoes. In addition, the results show that Culex quinquefasciatus is not competent for the USUV strains analyzed here and also suggest an aborted transmission process for the USUVsub, which requires further investigations.
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Kroeker AL, Smid V, Embury-Hyatt C, Moffat E, Collignon B, Lung O, Lindsay R, Weingartl H. RVFV Infection in Goats by Different Routes of Inoculation. Viruses 2018; 10:v10120709. [PMID: 30545088 PMCID: PMC6316315 DOI: 10.3390/v10120709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus of the Phenuiviridae family. Infection causes abortions in pregnant animals, high mortality in neonate animals, and mild to severe symptoms in both people and animals. There is currently an ongoing effort to produce safe and efficacious veterinary vaccines against RVFV in livestock to protect against both primary infection in animals and zoonotic infections in people. To test the efficacy of these vaccines, it is essential to have a reliable challenge model in relevant target species, including ruminants. We evaluated two goat breeds (Nubian and LaMancha), three routes of inoculation (intranasal, mosquito-primed subcutaneous, and subcutaneous) using an infectious dose of 107 pfu/mL, a virus strain from the 2006–2007 Kenyan/Sudan outbreak and compared the effect of using virus stocks produced in either mammalian or mosquito cells. Our results demonstrated that the highest and longest viremia titers were achieved in Nubian goats. The Nubian breed was also efficient at producing clinical signs, consistent viremia (peak viremia: 1.2 × 103–1.0 × 105 pfu/mL serum), nasal and oral shedding of viral RNA (1.5 × 101–8 × 106 genome copies/swab), a systemic infection of tissues, and robust antibody responses regardless of the inoculation route. The Nubian goat breed and a needle-free intranasal inoculation technique could both be utilized in future vaccine and challenge studies. These studies are important for preventing the spread and outbreak of zoonotic viruses like RVFV and are supported by the Canadian-led BSL4ZNet network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerie Smid
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada.
| | | | - Estella Moffat
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada.
| | - Brad Collignon
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada.
| | - Oliver Lung
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Robbin Lindsay
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada.
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Hana Weingartl
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
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Detection of Usutu, Sindbis, and Batai Viruses in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected in Germany, 2011⁻2016. Viruses 2018; 10:v10070389. [PMID: 30041410 PMCID: PMC6070890 DOI: 10.3390/v10070389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the emergence of non-endemic mosquito vectors and the recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito-borne pathogens are considered an increasing risk to public and animal health in Europe. To obtain a status quo regarding mosquito-borne viruses and their vectors in Germany, 97,648 mosquitoes collected from 2011 to 2016 throughout the country were screened for arboviruses. Mosquitoes were identified to species, pooled in groups of up to 50 individuals according to sampling location and date, and screened with different PCR assays for Flavi-, Alpha- and Orthobunyavirus RNA. Two pools tested positive for Usutu virus-RNA, two for Sindbis virus-RNA, and 24 for Batai virus-RNA. The pools consisted of Culex pipiens s.l., Culex modestus, Culex torrentium, Culiseta sp., Aedes vexans, Anopheles daciae, and Anopheles messeae mosquitoes and could be assigned to nine different collection sites, with seven of them located in northeastern Germany. Phylogenetic analyses of the viral RNA sequences showed relationships with strains of the viruses previously demonstrated in Germany. These findings confirm continuing mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus circulation even though only a rather small percentage of the screened samples tested positive. With respect to sampling sites and periods, virus circulation seems to be particularly intense in floodplains and after flooding events when mosquitoes develop in excessive numbers and where they have numerous avian hosts available to feed on.
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31
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Hernández-Triana LM, de Marco MF, Mansfield KL, Thorne L, Lumley S, Marston D, Fooks AA, Johnson N. Assessment of vector competence of UK mosquitoes for Usutu virus of African origin. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:381. [PMID: 29970149 PMCID: PMC6029037 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2959-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic virus originally from sub-Saharan Africa. It has been introduced into Europe on multiple occasions, causing substantial mortality within the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) population. It is transmitted by the mosquito species Culex pipiens in Europe and Africa. Vector competence studies indicate that European strains of USUV are readily transmitted by indigenous Cx. pipiens. However, there is limited information on the ability of an African strain to infect European mosquitoes. METHODS We evaluated the ability of African strain SAAR-1776 to infect two lines of Cx. pipiens colonised within the United Kingdom (UK). Mosquitoes were fed blood meals containing this virus and maintained at 25 °C for up to 21 days. Individual mosquitoes were tested for the presence of virus in the body, legs and an expectorate saliva sample. Changes to the consensus of the virus genome were monitored in samples derived from infected mosquitoes using amplicon based next generation sequencing. RESULTS Infection, dissemination and the presence of virus in saliva in one mosquito line was observed, but no evidence for dissemination in the second mosquito line. This suggests a strong barrier to infection in UK Cx. pipiens for this strain of USUV. When comparing the genome of input virus within the blood meal with USUV recovered from an infected mosquito, we observed limited changes in the consensus genome sequence. CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of vector competence of UK populations of Cx. pipiens for Usutu virus suggests a limited susceptibility to infection with USUV strain SAAR-1776 of African origin. However, within a single mosquito there was complete dissemination and expectoration of USUV, indicating that infection, and potentially transmission, is possible. Sequence changes were observed that may represent early adaption to the mosquito host and could reflect the early events of USUV establishment in European mosquito populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Hernández-Triana
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Maria Fernández de Marco
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Karen L. Mansfield
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Leigh Thorne
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Sarah Lumley
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 XH UK
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG UK
| | - Denise Marston
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
| | - Anthony A. Fooks
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nick Johnson
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 XH UK
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Gutiérrez Y, Ramos GS, Tomé HVV, Oliveira EE, Salaro AL. Bt i-based insecticide enhances the predatory abilities of the backswimmer Buenoa tarsalis (Hemiptera: Notonectidae). ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2017; 26:1147-1155. [PMID: 28780653 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1840-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The backswimmer Buenoa tarsalis (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) is a naturally occurring predator of immature stages of mosquitoes. These aquatic predators can suffer from non-targeted exposure to insecticides that are commonly used in aquatic environments to control mosquitoes. Here, we evaluated whether insecticide formulations containing the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) or the organophosphate pirimiphos-methyl would affect the survival and the predatory abilities of B. tarsalis. First, we conducted survival bioassays to estimate the median survival time (LT50) of B. tarsalis when exposed to Bti-based insecticide (at 0.25 and 25 mg a.i./L) and pirimiphos-methyl (at 1, 10 and 1000 mg a.i./L). The highest concentrations of the insecticides were equivalent to the label-recommended field rates. Second, the predatory abilities of B. tarsalis exposed to insecticides were evaluated at three prey densities (3, 6 and 9 mosquito larvae/100 mL water) just after insecticide exposure or after a 24 h recovery time. While the survival of B. tarsalis was significantly reduced with pirimiphos-methyl concentrations ≥10 mg a.i./L, the Bti-exposed predators exhibited similar survival as unexposed predators. Interestingly, after a recovery time of 24 h, B. tarsalis sublethally exposed to pirimiphos-methyl or Bti-based insecticide consistently killed more A. aegypti larvae (at the intermediate density) than unexposed predators. However, for the without-recovery bioassays, the pirimiphos-methyl-exposed predators exhibited reduced predatory abilities at the lowest prey density. Because they do not reduce the survival or the predatory abilities of B. tarsalis, Bti-based insecticides can be considered a safe insecticide to use in the presence of backswimmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeisson Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
- Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Gabryele S Ramos
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Hudson V V Tomé
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
- EAG Laboratories, 13709 Progress Blvd #24 Suite S163, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
| | - Eugênio E Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
| | - Ana L Salaro
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
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O’Donnell KL, Bixby MA, Morin KJ, Bradley DS, Vaughan JA. Potential of a Northern Population of Aedes vexans (Diptera: Culicidae) to Transmit Zika Virus. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1354-1359. [PMID: 28499036 PMCID: PMC5850107 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus is an emerging arbovirus of humans in the western hemisphere. With its potential spread into new geographical areas, it is important to define the vector competence of native mosquito species. We tested the vector competency of Aedes vexans (Meigen) from the Lake Agassiz Plain of northwestern Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota. Aedes aegypti (L.) was used as a positive control for comparison. Mosquitoes were fed blood containing Zika virus and 2 wk later were tested for viral infection and dissemination. Aedes vexans (n = 60) were susceptible to midgut infection (28% infection rate) but displayed a fairly restrictive midgut escape barrier (3% dissemination rate). Cofed Ae. aegypti (n = 22) displayed significantly higher rates of midgut infection (61%) and dissemination (22%). To test virus transmission, mosquitoes were inoculated with virus and 16-17 d later, tested for their ability to transmit virus into fluid-filled capillary tubes. Unexpectedly, the transmission rate was significantly higher for Ae. vexans (34%, n = 47) than for Ae. aegypti (5%, n = 22). The overall transmission potential for Ae. vexans to transmit Zika virus was 1%. Because of its wide geographic distribution, often extreme abundance, and aggressive human biting activity, Ae. vexans could serve as a potential vector for Zika virus in northern latitudes where the conventional vectors, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus Skuse, cannot survive. However, Zika virus is a primate virus and humans are the only amplifying host species in northern latitudes. To serve as a vector of Zika virus, Ae. vexans must feed repeatedly on humans. Defining the propensity of Ae. vexans to feed repeatedly on humans will be key to understanding its role as a potential vector of Zika virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle L. O’Donnell
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202 (; )
| | - Mckenzie A. Bixby
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202 (; ; )
| | - Kelsey J. Morin
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202 (; ; )
| | - David S. Bradley
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202 (; )
| | - Jefferson A. Vaughan
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202 (; ; )
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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Gendernalik A, Weger-Lucarelli J, Garcia Luna SM, Fauver JR, Rückert C, Murrieta RA, Bergren N, Samaras D, Nguyen C, Kading RC, Ebel GD. American Aedes vexans Mosquitoes are Competent Vectors of Zika Virus. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:1338-1340. [PMID: 28719283 PMCID: PMC5462567 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Starting in 2013–2014, the Americas have experienced a massive outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) which has now reached at least 49 countries. Although most cases have occurred in South America and the Caribbean, imported and autochthonous cases have occurred in the United States. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are known vectors of ZIKV. Little is known about the potential for temperate Aedes mosquitoes to transmit ZIKV. Aedes vexans has a worldwide distribution, is highly abundant in particular localities, aggressively bites humans, and is a competent vector of several arboviruses. However, it is not clear whether Ae. vexans mosquitoes are competent to transmit ZIKV. To determine the vector competence of Ae. vexans for ZIKV, wild-caught mosquitoes were exposed to an infectious bloodmeal containing a ZIKV strain isolated during the current outbreak. Approximately 80% of 148 mosquitoes tested became infected by ZIKV, and approximately 5% transmitted infectious virus after 14 days of extrinsic incubation. These results establish that Ae. vexans are competent ZIKV vectors. Their relative importance as vectors (i.e., their vectorial capacity) depends on feeding behavior, longevity, and other factors that are likely to vary in ecologically distinct environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gendernalik
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Selene M Garcia Luna
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Joseph R Fauver
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Claudia Rückert
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Reyes A Murrieta
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Nicholas Bergren
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Demitrios Samaras
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Chilinh Nguyen
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Rebekah C Kading
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Lumley S, Horton DL, Hernandez-Triana LLM, Johnson N, Fooks AR, Hewson R. Rift Valley fever virus: strategies for maintenance, survival and vertical transmission in mosquitoes. J Gen Virol 2017; 98:875-887. [PMID: 28555542 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus causing severe disease in humans and ruminants. Spread of RVFV out of Africa has raised concerns that it could emerge in Europe or the USA. Virus persistence is dependent on successful infection of, replication in, and transmission to susceptible vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, modulated by virus-host and vector-virus interactions. The principal accepted theory for the long-term maintenance of RVFV involves vertical transmission (VT) of virus to mosquito progeny, with the virus surviving long inter-epizootic periods within the egg. This VT hypothesis, however, is yet to be comprehensively proven. Here, evidence for and against the VT of RVFV is reviewed along with the identification of factors limiting its detection in natural and experimental data. The observations of VT for other arboviruses in the genera Alphavirus, Flavivirus and Orthobunyavirus are discussed within the context of RVFV. The review concludes that VT of RVFV is likely but that current data are insufficient to irrefutably prove this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lumley
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Virology and Pathogenesis Group, Microbiology Services Division, Public Health England, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Daniel L Horton
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Luis L M Hernandez-Triana
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Anthony R Fooks
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.,Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Roger Hewson
- Virology and Pathogenesis Group, Microbiology Services Division, Public Health England, Wiltshire, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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More S, Bicout D, Bøtner A, Butterworth A, Calistri P, De Koeijer A, Depner K, Edwards S, Garin-Bastuji B, Good M, Gortazar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda MA, Nielsen SS, Raj M, Sihvonen L, Spoolder H, Thulke HH, Velarde A, Willeberg P, Winckler C, Bau A, Beltran-Beck B, Carnesecchi E, Casier P, Czwienczek E, Dhollander S, Georgiadis M, Gogin A, Pasinato L, Richardson J, Riolo F, Rossi G, Watts M, Lima E, Stegeman JA. Vector-borne diseases. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04793. [PMID: 32625493 PMCID: PMC7009857 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
After a request from the European Commission, EFSA's Panel on Animal Health and Welfare summarised the main characteristics of 36 vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in https://efsa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/PublicGallery/index.html?appid=dfbeac92aea944599ed1eb754aa5e6d1. The risk of introduction in the EU through movement of livestock or pets was assessed for each of the 36 VBDs individually, using a semiquantitative Method to INTegrate all relevant RISK aspects (MINTRISK model), which was further modified to a European scale into the http://www3.lei.wur.nl/mintrisk/ModelMgt.aspx. Only eight of the 36 VBD-agents had an overall rate of introduction in the EU (being the combination of the rate of entry, vector transmission and establishment) which was estimated to be above 0.001 introductions per year. These were Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, bluetongue virus, West Nile virus, Schmallenberg virus, Hepatozoon canis, Leishmania infantum, Bunyamwera virus and Highlands J. virus. For these eight diseases, the annual extent of spread was assessed, assuming the implementation of available, authorised prevention and control measures in the EU. Further, the probability of overwintering was assessed, as well as the possible impact of the VBDs on public health, animal health and farm production. For the other 28 VBD-agents for which the rate of introduction was estimated to be very low, no further assessments were made. Due to the uncertainty related to some parameters used for the risk assessment or the instable or unpredictability disease situation in some of the source regions, it is recommended to update the assessment when new information becomes available. Since this risk assessment was carried out for large regions in the EU for many VBD-agents, it should be considered as a first screening. If a more detailed risk assessment for a specific VBD is wished for on a national or subnational level, the EFSA-VBD-RISK-model is freely available for this purpose.
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Danzetta ML, Bruno R, Sauro F, Savini L, Calistri P. Rift Valley fever trasmission dynamics described by compartmental models. Prev Vet Med 2016; 134:197-210. [PMID: 27707507 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the most important zoonotic Transboundary Animal Diseases able to cross international borders and cause devastating effect on animal health and food security. Climate changes and the presence of competent vectors in the most of the current RVF-free temperate countries strongly support the inclusion of RVF virus (RVFV) among the most significant emerging viral threats for public and animal health. The transmission of RVFV is driven by complex eco-climatic factors making the epidemiology of RVF infection difficult to study and to understand. Mathematical, statistical and spatial models are often used to explain the mechanisms underlying these biological processes, providing new and effective tools to plan measures for public health protection. In this paper we performed a systematic literature review on RVF published papers with the aim of identifying and describing the most recent papers developing compartmental models for the study of RVFV transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Danzetta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Rossana Bruno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca Sauro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Lara Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Paolo Calistri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy.
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