1
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Maia C. Sand fly-borne diseases in Europe: epidemiological overview and potential triggers for their emergence and re-emergence. J Comp Pathol 2024; 209:6-12. [PMID: 38320331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are vectors of human and animal pathogens, including Leishmania species protozoan parasites and viruses of the genus Phlebovirus. In Europe, visceral zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum, a deadly disease when left untreated, is endemic in southern countries, and dogs are the main reservoir hosts for human infection. Most phleboviruses cause asymptomatic infections or flu-like syndromes in humans, but Toscana phlebovirus can cause meningitis and encephalitis. These diseases are likely to re-emerge, posing a growing threat to public and animal health. Potential triggers include the movement of humans and dogs, increasing numbers of immunosuppressive conditions, climate change and other human-mediated environmental changes. An overview of the main epidemiological characteristics of the pathogens transmitted by sand flies in Europe and the potential triggers involved in their emergence and re-emergence are reviewed here. There is a need to implement mandatory notification of human and canine leishmaniases and human phleboviruses and coordinated epidemiological surveillance programmes at a European level, and to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and citizens about sand fly-borne diseases, following a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1348-009, Lisboa, Portugal.
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2
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Sellali S, Lafri I, Ayhan N, Medrouh B, Messahel NE, Lafri M, Charrel R, Bitam I. Neutralizing based seroprevalence study of Toscana virus in livestock from Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 103:102075. [PMID: 37922744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Toscana virus is a sandfly-borne human pathogen belonging to Phlebovirus genus into Phenuiviridae family. It is emerging in north Africa posing a complex threat to public health. TOSV is heavily affecting sandfly-exposed people in northern Algeria. A larger distribution has recently been stated in Algeria by using dog sera. Dog exposure to TOSV was repeatedly identified in north Algeria, with 4.56% lately detected to possess respective neutralizing antibodies. However, evidence for TOSV has only been observed in dogs among various species of domestic animals. Therefore, we attempted to assess sera from 221 livestock comprising cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits and horses, to identify the presence of TOSV neutralizing antibodies. The study was conducted during 2017, in 11 areas from the governorates of Blida, Medea, Algiers, Tipaza, Ain Defla, Tissemsilt in the north center, and Setif, Mila, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel in the northeast of Algeria. Positive results were obtained in 14.6% (12/82) cattle, 17.18% (11/64) sheep, 15% (3/20) horses and 3.33% (1/30) goats, whereas rabbits remained negative. Positive samples originated mainly from the north centre, with new areas being first-ever detected. The seroprevalence was noticed to be very strongly related to sample origin (p < 0.01). Females (OR=4.09) were observed to be more likely infected. Our findings represent a further proof of TOSV circulation in Algeria. Moreover, they revealed a potential role of livestock (p = 0.00731) in its natural cycle. This fact emphasize how important is to elucidate the exact contribution of livestock to the epidemiology of sandfly-borne phleboviruses, and their impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Sellali
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Bachir Medrouh
- Center of Research in Agro-pastoralism, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | | | - Mohamed Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria; Laboraoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Center of Research in Agro-pastoralism, Djelfa 17000, Algeria.
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3
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Christou M, Koyutourk B, Yetismis K, Martinou AF, Christodoulou V, Koliou M, Antoniou M, Pavlou C, Ozbel Y, Kasap OE, Alten B, Georgiades P, Georgiou GK, Christoudias T, Proestos Y, Lelieveld J, Erguler K. Entomological surveillance and spatiotemporal risk assessment of sand fly-borne diseases in Cyprus. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100152. [PMID: 38223852 PMCID: PMC10787173 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases are important public health concerns in Cyprus. Although the diseases, historically prevalent on the island, were nearly eradicated by 1996, an increase in frequency and geographical spread has recently been recorded. Upward trends in leishmaniasis prevalence have largely been attributed to environmental changes that amplify the abundance and activity of its vector, the phlebotomine sand flies. Here, we performed an extensive field study across the island to map the sand fly fauna and compared the presence and distribution of the species found with historical records. We mapped the habitat preferences of Phlebotomus papatasi and P. tobbi, two medically important species, and predicted the seasonal abundance of P. papatasi at unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution using a climate-sensitive population dynamics model driven by high-resolution meteorological forecasting. Our compendium holds a record of 18 species and the locations of a subset, including those of potential public and veterinary health concern. We confirmed that P. papatasi is widespread, especially in densely urbanized areas, and predicted that its abundance uniformly peaks across the island at the end of summer. We identified potential hotspots of P. papatasi activity even after this peak. Our results form a foundation to inform public health planning and contribute to the development of effective, efficient, and environmentally sensitive strategies to control sand fly populations and prevent sand fly-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Christou
- The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Joint Services Health Unit, British Forces Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, Akrotiri, BFPO 57, Cyprus
| | | | - Kardelen Yetismis
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Institute of Health Science, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Angeliki F. Martinou
- The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Joint Services Health Unit, British Forces Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, Akrotiri, BFPO 57, Cyprus
| | | | - Maria Koliou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Yusuf Ozbel
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozge Erisoz Kasap
- Biology Department, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Beytepe-Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bulent Alten
- Biology Department, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Beytepe-Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | - Jos Lelieveld
- The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany
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4
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Polat C, Ayhan N, Saygan MB, Karahan S, Charrel R, Ergünay K. Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Human Sandfly-Borne Phlebovirus Exposure in an Endemic Region. Viruses 2023; 15:1902. [PMID: 37766308 PMCID: PMC10535931 DOI: 10.3390/v15091902] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are endemic in countries around the Mediterranean Basin and pose a significant health threat for populations, with symptoms spanning from febrile diseases to central nervous system involvement. We carried out a comprehensive cross-sectional screening via microneutralization (MN) assays for a quantitative assessment of neutralizing antibodies (NAs) to seven phleboviruses representing three distinct serocomplexes, using samples previously screened via immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) in Turkey, an endemic region with various phleboviruses in circulation. We detected NAs to three phleboviruses: Toscana virus (TOSV), sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV), and sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), while assays utilizing Adana virus, Punique virus, Massilia virus, and Zerdali virus remained negative. The most frequently observed virus exposure was due to TOSV, with a total prevalence of 22.6%, followed by SFNV (15.3%) and SFSV (12.1%). For each virus, IFA reactivity was significantly associated with NA detection, and further correlated with NA titers. TOSV and SFSV seroreactivities were co-detected, suggesting exposure to multiple pathogenic viruses presumably due to shared sandfly vectors. In 9.6% of the samples, multiple virus exposure was documented. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate widespread exposure to distinct pathogenic phleboviruses, for which diagnostic testing and serological screening efforts should be directed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Nazlı Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Mehmet Bakır Saygan
- Middle Anatolia Regional Blood Center, Turkish Red Crescent Society, Ankara 06378, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Karahan
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
- Laboratoire des Infections Virales Aigues et Tropicales, Pole des Maladies Infectieuses, AP-HM Hopitaux Universitaires de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC 20560, USA
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5
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Ayhan N, Rodríguez-Teijeiro JD, López-Roig M, Vinyoles D, Ferreres JA, Monastiri A, Charrel R, Serra-Cobo J. High rates of antibodies against Toscana and Sicilian phleboviruses in common quail Coturnix coturnix birds. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1091908. [PMID: 36687574 PMCID: PMC9846092 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1091908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Birds are involved natural cycle of a number of vector-borne viruses in both rural and urban areas. Toscana (TOSV) and Sicilian (SFSV) phleboviruses are sandfly-borne viruses in the genus Phlebovirus that can cause diseases in human. However, there is limited information on the role of the birds in sandfly-borne phleboviruses natural cycle and reservoirs ofthese viruses remain unknown. Methods In this study, we analyzed Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) sera from Spain to identify the seroprevalence of these two phleboviruses. We tested respectively, 106 and 110 quail serum against TOSV and SFSV from 2018, 2019, and 2021 from two locations in northern Spain with using virus neutralization test. Results We identified high neutralizing antibody rates for SFSV (45.45%) and TOSV (42.45%) with yearly fluctuation. Discussion This is the first identification of SFSV and TOSV neutralizing antibodies in wild birds. High seroprevalence rates of TOSV and SFSV in quail birds raises the question whether birds have a role as amplifying hosts in the natural cycle of phleboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207), Marseille, France
| | - José Domingo Rodríguez-Teijeiro
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc López-Roig
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Vinyoles
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Anton Ferreres
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abir Monastiri
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207), Marseille, France,*Correspondence: Remi Charrel,
| | - Jordi Serra-Cobo
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Jordi Serra-Cobo,
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6
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Sellali S, Lafri I, Hachid A, Ayhan N, Benbetka C, Medrouh B, Messahel NE, El Amine Bekara M, Lafri M, Charrel RN, Bitam I. Presence of the sandfly-borne phlebovirus (Toscana virus) in different bio-geographical regions of Algeria demonstrated by a microneutralisation-based seroprevalence study in owned dogs. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 88:101861. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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7
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First report of Karimabad virus in Rhombomys opimus in China. One Health 2022; 15:100437. [PMID: 36277086 PMCID: PMC9582553 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Karimabad virus (KARV) is an arthropod-borne viral agent originally found in the Mediterranean region that can cause human infection via sandfly as the main vector. The KARV virion has been only detected from sandfly in western Asian countries and specific antibody has been detected from Rhombomys opimus and human in countries in Africa, Western and Central Asia. In this study, by next-generation sequencing (NGS) on a high variety of wild small animals in Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China, we obtained a complete sequence of KARV from Rhombomys opimus. An expanded epidemiological investigation was subsequently performed on 1713 small wild mammals that were widely collected from seven bioclimatic distinct sites in China by applying KARV specific RT-PCR and sequencing. Positive results were only obtained from 8 (2.29%) of the Rhombomys opimus captured in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, while not in 57 rodent species that were captured in other six provinces. Sequence analysis revealed the currently identified KARV was clustered with Gabek Forest virus, and they shared 79.1–93.9% identity with Iranian KARV that differed for L, M and S segments. Phylogenetic analysis based on eight partial L gene sequences demonstrated the separation of two lineages of the current KARV sequences. The first report of KARV in Rhombomys opimus in China expanded the currently known geographic scope, reservoirs types and the genetic heterogeneity of KARV. Our results show a new host, Rhombomys opimus, for KARV and highlight potential zoonotic transmission of KARV in humans.
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8
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Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses in Portugal: Four and Still Counting. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081768. [PMID: 36016390 PMCID: PMC9413822 DOI: 10.3390/v14081768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
According to ICTV, there are currently 66 known phlebovirus species. More than 40 of these viruses were isolated or detected in phlebotomine sandflies and some of them are known pathogens. In Portugal, information about sandfly-borne phleboviruses is scarce and scattered sandfly-borne diseases are neglected and often not considered in differential diagnoses. The main objective of this work was to gather the existing information and to raise awareness about the circulating phleboviruses in this country. To date, Massilia and Alcube phleboviruses have been isolated from sandflies in southern Portugal. Human infections with Toscana and Sicilian phleboviruses have been reported, as well as seroprevalence in cats and dogs. More studies are needed in order to understand if the viruses isolated during the entomological surveys have an impact on human health and to fully understand the real importance of the already recognized pathogens in our country.
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9
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Highly adaptive
Phenuiviridae
with biomedical importance in multiple fields. J Med Virol 2022; 94:2388-2401. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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10
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Wuerth JD, Weber F. NSs of the mildly virulent sandfly fever Sicilian virus is unable to inhibit interferon signaling and upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34726591 PMCID: PMC8742993 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001676] [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] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phleboviruses (order Bunyavirales, family Phenuiviridae) are globally emerging arboviruses with a wide spectrum of virulence. Sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) is one of the most ubiquitous members of the genus Phlebovirus and associated with a self-limited, incapacitating febrile disease in travellers and military troops. The phleboviral NSs protein is an established virulence factor, acting as antagonist of the antiviral interferon (IFN) system. Consistently, we previously reported that SFSV NSs targets the induction of IFN mRNA synthesis by specifically binding to the DNA-binding domain of the IFN transcription factor IRF3. Here, we further characterized the effect of SFSV and its NSs towards IFN induction, and evaluated its potential to affect the downstream IFN-stimulated signalling and the subsequent transactivation of antiviral interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). We found that SFSV dampened, but did not entirely abolish type I and type III IFN induction. Furthermore, SFSV NSs did not affect IFN signalling, resulting in substantial ISG expression in infected cells. Hence, although SFSV targets IRF3 to reduce IFN induction, it is not capable of entirely disarming the IFN system in the presence of high basal IRF3 and/or IRF7 levels, and we speculate that this significantly contributes to its low level of virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Deborah Wuerth
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Institute of Innate Immunity, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Friedemann Weber
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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11
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Xu X, Cheng J, Fu S, Wang Q, Wang J, Lu X, Tian X, Cheng J, Ni S, He Y, Li F, Xu S, Wang H, Wang B, Liang G. Wuxiang Virus Is a Virus Circulated Naturally in Wuxiang County, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:289-300. [PMID: 33600240 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2702] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Wuxiang virus was isolated from sandfly specimens collected in Wuxiang County, Shanxi Province, China in 2018, representing the first reported isolation of sandfly-borne virus from sandflies collected in a natural environment in China. The local sandfly density, seasonal fluctuations, and temporal and spatial distributions of the virus in Wuxiang County remain unclear. Materials and Methods: Four fixed sandfly collection sites were set up in Wuxiang County and sandfly specimens were collected continuously from June to August 2019. All sandfly specimens were subjected to viral isolation and molecular biological analysis. Results: The data on sandfly specimens collected in Wuxiang County from June to August 2019 showed a significant difference in the density of sandflies between June 26 and August 16 (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was found in sandfly density among collection sites (p > 0.05). A total of 33 virus isolates causing cytopathic effects in mammalian (BHK-21) cells were obtained from 7466 sandflies (91 pools) collected from June to August 2019. The results of molecular genetic evolution analysis of the nucleotide sequence of these isolates showed that the L and S genes (encoding NS and N proteins) of the 33 viruses isolated in 2019 are in the same evolutionary branch as the previously isolated Wuxiang virus. No significant difference was found in the virus isolation rate (the pool isolation rate of virus) among sandflies collected at different times from June to August (p > 0.05). The virus isolation rate of sandflies collected at different collection sites showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the Wuxiang virus is a stable viral population in local sandflies. Strengthened research into Wuxiang virus infection of humans and animals and clarification of the public health hazards posed by Wuxiang virus to both humans and animals are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyan Xu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxia Cheng
- Shanxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shihong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qinyan Wang
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Shanxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianshu Cheng
- Wuxiang County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxiang, China
| | - Shuqing Ni
- Wuxiang County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxiang, China
| | - Ying He
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Songtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guodong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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12
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Phumee A, Wacharapluesadee S, Petcharat S, Tawatsin A, Thavara U, Siriyasatien P. Detection of Changuinola virus (Reoviridae: Orbivirus) in field-caught sand flies in southern Thailand. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:1039-1044. [PMID: 33515044 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traa203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors for several pathogenic bacteria, parasites and viruses that have significant impacts on public health. Sand fly-associated viruses that cause diseases in humans and animals have recently received more attention. This study aimed to detect pathogenic viruses belonging to the Orbivirus genus, Phlebovirus genus, Flavivirus genus and family Rhabdoviridae in several field-caught sand fly species in southern Thailand. METHODS Sand flies were collected in southern Thailand using CDC light traps. Each sample was processed individually for virus screening using RT-PCR and sequencing. RESULTS Seven out of 60 sand fly samples (two samples of Idiophlebotomus spp., three of Phlebotomus papatasi and two of Sergentomyia khawi) were positive for the Orbivirus genus, which is closely related to Changuinola virus (CGLV). Phlebovirus genus, Flavivirus genus and family Rhabdoviridae were negative in all samples. CONCLUSIONS CGLV causes Changuinola virus disease or Changuinola fever, a febrile illness in Central and South America. The virus has never been reported in Thailand. This study is the first report of the detection of CGLV in sand flies from Thailand. An extensive study of sand flies from other regions of the country and the associations between sand flies, viruses and vertebrate hosts in Thailand should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atchara Phumee
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Wacharapluesadee
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training on Viral Zoonoses, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sininat Petcharat
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training on Viral Zoonoses, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Apiwat Tawatsin
- National Institute of Health of Thailand, Department of Medical Sciences, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Usavadee Thavara
- National Institute of Health of Thailand, Department of Medical Sciences, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Seroprevalence of Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in European Bat Colonies Measured Using a Neutralization Test. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010088. [PMID: 33440618 PMCID: PMC7826795 DOI: 10.3390/v13010088] [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: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV) and Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV) are endemic in the Mediterranean area where they are transmitted to humans by infected sandflies. Vertebrates of several species have been postulated to act as reservoirs of these viruses, but convincing evidence is still awaited. Among them, bats have been suggested, however documented evidence is lacking. Here we tested a total of 329 bats belonging to eight species collected from twelve localities in southern Spain for the presence of neutralizing antibodies specific to TOSV and SFSV. Positive sera were detected in Schreiber’s long-fingered bat (Miniopterus schreibersii), mouse-eared Myotis (Myotis myotis), European free-tailed bat (Tadarida teniotis), and common serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) with the latter showing the highest prevalence rates for SFSV (22.6%) and TOSV (10%). There was no difference between females and males. Results suggest that bats are not likely to play a major role in the natural cycle of these two sandfly-borne phleboviruses. However, large breeding colonies of bats can be used as sentinels for surveillance of the presence of such viruses in a given locality. In addition, capture–recapture studies should be initiated in order to understand better the dynamics of TOSV and SFSV in bat populations.
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Kassiri H, Dehghani R, Khodkar I, Karami S. A comprehensive overview on sandfly fever. JOURNAL OF ACUTE DISEASE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/2221-6189.316673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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15
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Vaselek S, Oguz G, Ayhan N, Ozbel Y, Kadriaj P, Ćupina AI, Velo E, Muja N, Baymak D, Alishani M, Toz S, Nalcaci M, Sherifi K, Charrel R, Alten B, Petrić D. Sandfly surveillance and investigation of Leishmania spp. DNA in sandflies in Kosovo. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:394-401. [PMID: 32438501 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, leishmaniasis seems to be re-emerging in Balkan countries. There are serious implications that Kosovo is a visceral leishmaniasis endemic region with autochthonous transmission; nevertheless, surveillance of vectors, reservoirs or the disease is not yet established. Gaining knowledge about sandfly vector species is a prerequisite for the development of a monitoring and control plan in the future. After a long gap in research of over 70 years, sandfly studies in Kosovo were resumed in 2014. During this presence/absence study, nine sandfly species were detected: Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, Ph. simici, Ph. balcanicus, Ph. alexandri, Ph. mascittii and Sergentomyia minuta. Three species are new with regard to the fauna of Kosovo - Ph. alexandri, Ph. balcanicus and Ph. mascittii. Besides increased diversity, changes in the number of collected specimens and distribution range of species were recorded, with Ph. neglectus being the most dominant species with the widest distribution. Testing of randomly chosen females for Leishmania spp. DNA resulted the in detection of L. tropica in a specimen of Ph. neglectus. The presence of numerous vector species in the sandfly fauna of Kosovo pose a threat for the re-emergence of vector-borne diseases. Therefore, continuous surveillance is recommended with regular updates on vector distribution and abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vaselek
- Laboratory for Medical Entomology, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - G Oguz
- VERG Laboratory, Ecology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
| | - N Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Y Ozbel
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - P Kadriaj
- Control of Infectious Diseases Department, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - A I Ćupina
- Laboratory for Medical Entomology, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - E Velo
- Control of Infectious Diseases Department, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - N Muja
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Department of Biology, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - D Baymak
- Kosovo National Institute of Public Health, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - M Alishani
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - S Toz
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - M Nalcaci
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - K Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - R Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - B Alten
- VERG Laboratory, Ecology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
| | - D Petrić
- Laboratory for Medical Entomology, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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16
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Dvořák V, Tsirigotakis N, Pavlou C, Dokianakis E, Akhoundi M, Halada P, Volf P, Depaquit J, Antoniou M. Sand fly fauna of Crete and the description of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) creticus n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae). Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:547. [PMID: 33148317 PMCID: PMC7640489 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Greek island of Crete is endemic for both visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and recently increasing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study summarizes published data on the sand fly fauna of Crete, the results of new sand fly samplings and the description of a new sand fly species. METHODS All published and recent samplings were carried out using CDC light traps, sticky traps or mouth aspirators. The specific status of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) creticus n. sp., was assessed by morphological analysis, cytochrome b (cytb) sequencing and MALDI-TOF protein profiling. RESULTS Published data revealed the presence of 10 Phlebotomus spp. and 2 Sergentomyia spp. During presented field work, 608 specimens of 8 species of Phlebotomus and one species of Sergentomyia were collected. Both published data and present samplings revealed that the two most common and abundant species were Phlebotomus neglectus, a proven vector of Leishmania infantum causing VL, and Ph. similis, a suspected vector of L. tropica causing CL. In addition, the field surveys revealed the presence of a new species, Ph. (Adlerius) creticus n. sp. CONCLUSIONS The identification of the newly described species is based on both molecular and morphological criteria, showing distinct characters of the male genitalia that differentiate it from related species of the subgenus Adlerius as well as species-specific sequence of cytb and protein spectra generated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vít Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Nikolaos Tsirigotakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology Parasitology Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christoforos Pavlou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology Parasitology Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Dokianakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology Parasitology Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Mohammad Akhoundi
- Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Avicenne AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Petr Halada
- BioCeV - Institute of Microbiology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jérôme Depaquit
- FEA7510 "ESCAPE", USC ANSES "VECPAR", Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51, rue Cognacq-Jay, 51096, Reims cedex, Reims, France
| | - Maria Antoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology Parasitology Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Abstract
RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) is one of the most powerful antiviral defense factors of the mammalian host. PKR acts by phosphorylating mRNA translation initiation factor eIF2α, thereby converting it from a cofactor to an inhibitor of mRNA translation that strongly binds to initiation factor eIF2B. To sustain synthesis of their proteins, viruses are known to counteract this on the level of PKR or eIF2α or by circumventing initiation factor-dependent translation altogether. Here, we report a different PKR escape strategy executed by sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), a member of the increasingly important group of phleboviruses. We found that the nonstructural protein NSs of SFSV binds to eIF2B and protects it from inactivation by PKR-generated phospho-eIF2α. Protein synthesis is hence maintained and the virus can replicate despite ongoing full-fledged PKR signaling in the infected cells. Thus, SFSV has evolved a unique strategy to escape the powerful antiviral PKR. RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) is a major innate immune factor that senses viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 2α. Phosphorylation of the α subunit converts the eIF2αβγ complex into a stoichiometric inhibitor of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF2B, thus halting mRNA translation. To escape this protein synthesis shutoff, viruses have evolved countermechanisms such as dsRNA sequestration, eIF-independent translation by an internal ribosome binding site, degradation of PKR, or dephosphorylation of PKR or of phospho-eIF2α. Here, we report that sandfly fever Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV) confers such a resistance without interfering with PKR activation or eIF2α phosphorylation. Rather, SFSV expresses a nonstructural protein termed NSs that strongly binds to eIF2B. Although NSs still allows phospho-eIF2α binding to eIF2B, protein synthesis and virus replication are unhindered. Hence, SFSV encodes a unique PKR antagonist that acts by rendering eIF2B resistant to the inhibitory action of bound phospho-eIF2α.
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18
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Pezzi L, Charrel RN, Ninove L, Nougairede A, Molle G, Coutard B, Durand G, Leparc-Goffart I, de Lamballerie X, Thirion L. Development and Evaluation of a duo SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR Assay Combining Two Assays Approved by the World Health Organization Targeting the Envelope and the RNA-Dependant RNA Polymerase (RdRp) Coding Regions. Viruses 2020; 12:E686. [PMID: 32630601 PMCID: PMC7354606 DOI: 10.3390/v12060686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide has highlighted the importance of reliable and rapid diagnostic testing to prevent and control virus circulation. Dozens of monoplex in-house RT-qPCR assays are already available; however, the development of dual-target assays is suited to avoid false-negative results caused by polymorphisms or point mutations, that can compromise the accuracy of diagnostic and screening tests. In this study, two mono-target assays recommended by WHO (E-Sarbeco (enveloppe gene, Charite University, Berlin, Germany) and RdRp-IP4 (RdRp, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France)) were selected and combined in a unique robust test; the resulting duo SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR assay was compared to the two parental monoplex tests. The duo SARS-CoV-2 assay performed equally, or better, in terms of sensitivity, specificity, linearity and signal intensity. We demonstrated that combining two single systems into a dual-target assay (with or without an MS2-based internal control) did not impair performances, providing a potent tool adapted for routine molecular diagnosis in clinical microbiology laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pezzi
- UR7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250 Corte, France;
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Laetitia Ninove
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Antoine Nougairede
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Gregory Molle
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Bruno Coutard
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Guillaume Durand
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, National Reference Laboratory for Arboviruses, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Leparc-Goffart
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, National Reference Laboratory for Arboviruses, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Laurence Thirion
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (L.N.); (A.N.); (G.M.); (B.C.); (G.D.); (I.L.-G.); (X.d.L.); (L.T.)
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Host Species Determines the Composition of the Prokaryotic Microbiota in Phlebotomus Sandflies. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060428. [PMID: 32485988 PMCID: PMC7350354 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sandflies are vectors of the humans' and mammals' parasite Leishmania spp. Although the role of gut microbiome in the biological cycle of insects is acknowledged, we still know little about the factors modulating the composition of the gut microbiota of sandflies. We tested whether host species impose a strong structural effect on the gut microbiota of Phlebotomus spp. Sandflies were collected from the island of Leros, Greece, and classified to P. papatasi, P. neglectus, P. tobbi, and P. similis, all being negative to Leishmania spp. The prokaryotic gut microbiota was determined via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Phlebotomus species supported distinct microbial communities (p < 0.001). P. papatasi microbiota was the most distinct over-dominated by three Spiroplasma, Wolbachia and Paenibacillus operational taxonomic units (OTUs), while another Wolbachia OTU prevailed in P. neglectus. Conversely, the microbiota of P. tobbi and P. similis was composed of several less dominant OTUs. Archaea showed low presence with the dominant OTUs belonging to methanogenic Euryarcheota, ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarcheota, and Nanoarchaeota. We provide first insights into the composition of the bacterial and archaeal community of Phlebotomus sandflies and showed that, in the absence of Leishmania, host genotype is the major modulator of Phlebotomus sandfly gut microbiota.
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Experimental Infection of Dogs with Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus to Determine Their Potential as Possible Vertebrate Hosts. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8040596. [PMID: 32326097 PMCID: PMC7232252 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The sandfly-borne Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), a close relative of the sandfly fever Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), is one of the most common causes of acute meningitis or meningoencephalitis in humans in the Mediterranean Basin. However, most of human phlebovirus infections in endemic areas either are asymptomatic or cause mild influenza-like illness. To date, a vertebrate reservoir for sandfly-borne phleboviruses has not been identified. Dogs are a prime target for blood-feeding phlebotomines and are the primary reservoir of human sandfly-borne Leishmania infantum. However, there are no definitive studies to assess whether dogs play a significant role as a reservoir host for human phlebovirus survival in the environment. Here, we have evaluated the susceptibility of domestic dogs to infection by TOSV and SFSV following the direct inoculation of the infectious virus. After experimental infection, the presence of viral RNA was investigated in plasma, urine, saliva, conjunctiva, faeces, semen, and bone marrow samples from 0 to 91 days postinoculation (dpi), as well as in plasma, saliva, and tears samples at 760 dpi. None of the challenged dogs developed clinical signs of infection with either TOSV or SFSV. SFSV RNA was never detected. TOSV RNA was not in any of the specimen types, except for plasma samples that showed low viral loads, although irregularly. None of the dogs developed detectable neutralizing antibodies after a single challenge dose of either TOSV or SFSV. However, a second challenge dose of virus given 56 days later elicited neutralizing antibodies, implying that the first inoculation of virus primed the animals for an anamnestic response following the second challenge. These results demonstrated that healthy domestic dogs are not highly susceptible to infection by TOSV or SFSV and do not develop significant viremia or excrete virus following infection. Consequently, dogs are unlikely natural reservoir hosts of infection and do not appear to play a significant role in phlebovirus transmission cycles.
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21
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Development of a Reverse Genetics System for Toscana Virus (Lineage A). Viruses 2020; 12:v12040411. [PMID: 32272808 PMCID: PMC7232365 DOI: 10.3390/v12040411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus in the Phenuiviridae family, order Bunyavirales, found in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. TOSV is an important cause of seasonal acute meningitis and encephalitis within its range. Here, we determined the full sequence of the TOSV strain 1500590, a lineage A virus obtained from an infected patient (Marseille, 2007) and used this in combination with other sequence information to construct functional cDNA plasmids encoding the viral L, M, and S antigenomic sequences under the control of the T7 RNA promoter to recover recombinant viruses. Importantly, resequencing identified two single nucleotide changes to a TOSV reference genome, which, when corrected, restored functionality to the polymerase L and made it possible to recover infectious recombinant TOSV (rTOSV) from cDNA, as well as establish a minigenome system. Using reverse genetics, we produced an NSs-deletant rTOSV and also obtained viruses expressing reporter genes instead of NSs. The availability of such a system assists investigating questions that require genetic manipulation of the viral genome, such as investigations into replication and tropism, and beyond these fundamental aspects, also the development of novel vaccine design strategies.
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22
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Ayhan N, Prudhomme J, Laroche L, Bañuls AL, Charrel RN. Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8010114. [PMID: 31947561 PMCID: PMC7022675 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.)perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
- Unité de Virologie EA7310 Bioscope, Université de Corse Pasquale Paoli (UCPP), 20250 Corte, France
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Lison Laroche
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
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An update on Toscana virus distribution, genetics, medical and diagnostic aspects. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 26:1017-1023. [PMID: 31904562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toscana virus is an arbovirus transmitted by sand flies within the Mediterranean area where it can cause febrile illness and neuroinvasive infections during the seasonal circulation period of the vector. Although it is an important cause of meningitis and encephalitis, it remains a neglected virus with limited published data, as demonstrated by <250 peer-reviewed articles since the 1970s. OBJECTIVE The last review article on Toscana virus was published in 2012. The aim was to compile peer-reviewed articles to provide an updated review highlighting recent findings to complement previous review articles. SOURCES PubMed database was searched using the 'Toscana virus' keyword from 2010 to present. A total of 152 articles were retrieved and identified studies were assessed for novel information on virus genetics, and geographic and medical aspects compared with existing knowledge reported in previous review articles. CONTENT Studies addressing medical, veterinary and entomological aspects have provided evidence that Toscana virus is present in North Africa, in the Balkan Peninsula, and in most of the Mediterranean islands. Besides the two previously recognized genetic lineages, a novel evolutionary lineage has been identified in the Balkan Peninsula. Co-circulation of two genetic lineages has been demonstrated in France, in Turkey and in Croatia. In addition to meningitis and meningo-encephalitis, which have been reported for 40 years, various neuroinvasive forms have been recently reported such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, hydrocephalus, myositis, fasciitis, polymyeloradiculopathy, deafness and facial paralysis. IMPLICATION Because it is endemic in countries bordering the Mediterranean, physicians should include Toscana virus in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with febrile illness and/or neurological manifestations.
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Pereira A, Ayhan N, Cristóvão JM, Vilhena H, Martins Â, Cachola P, Henriques J, Coimbra M, Catarino A, Lestinova T, Spitzova T, Volf P, Campino L, Charrel R, Maia C. Antibody Response to Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in Cats Naturally Exposed to Phlebotomine Sand Fly Bites in Portugal. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7090339. [PMID: 31514266 PMCID: PMC6780191 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7090339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand fly-borne pathogens such as Leishmania spp. and phleboviruses are emerging threats to humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this work was to evaluate the exposure of cats from Portugal to Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and assess the associated risk factors. The possible association between exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus saliva with TOSV and SFSV was also investigated. Out of 369 cats tested, 18 (4.9%, n = 365) were seropositive for TOSV, and eight (2.2%, n = 367) were seropositive for SFSV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cats presenting clinical signs that were compatible with leishmaniosis and antibodies to TOSV had a significantly higher risk of being SFSV seropositive. The presence of antibodies to sand fly-borne viruses in cats indicate that these animals are frequently exposed to sand flies and transmitted pathogens. Data suggest that cats can be used to qualitatively monitor human exposure to TOSV and SFSV in endemic areas. The clinical impact of SFSV in cats’ health should be investigated. The identification of the sand fly species responsible for the circulation of TOSV and SFSV in nature and the evaluation of the vectorial competence of P. perniciosus to SFSV should also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13385 Marseille, France.
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Hugo Vilhena
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vasco da Gama Universitary School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal.
- University Veterinary Hospital of Coimbra, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ângela Martins
- Hospital Veterinário da Arrábida, 2925-538 Azeitão, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Mónica Coimbra
- Clínica Veterinária Porto Seguro, 8700-507 Olhão, Portugal.
| | - Ana Catarino
- VetCoa - Serviços Veterinários, 6320-354 Sabugal, Portugal.
| | - Tereza Lestinova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Tatiana Spitzova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenea Campino
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13385 Marseille, France.
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Circulation of Toscana Virus in a Sample Population of Corsica, France. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090817. [PMID: 31487870 PMCID: PMC6784206 DOI: 10.3390/v11090817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses pathogenic to humans, such as Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), are endemic in the Mediterranean region. In France, several autochthonous cases of TOSV infection have been described, causing either meningitis or encephalitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of TOSV and SFSV antibodies in a healthy population from Corsica. In this cross-sectional study, participants were enrolled (i) from a medical staff at the University of Corsica and (ii) from general practitioners of the Corsican Sentinelles Network. The seroprevalence study was based on a virus microneutralization assay. A total of 240 sera were tested. Altogether, 54 sera (22.5%) were confirmed positive for TOSV antibodies, whereas none were positive for SFSV (0/240). The residential district of participants was significantly associated with TOSV seropositivity (p value = 0.005). The rate of the seropositivity against TOSV in our study suggests that the Corsican population is well exposed to the TOSV. These results encourage the implementation of a systematic surveillance system including entomological, microbiological, and medical aspects for the collection of better information on the diseases that are associated with phleboviruses in Corsica and beyond in the regions where these viruses are present.
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Billioud G, Tryfonos C, Richter J. The Prevalence of Antibodies against Sandfly Fever Viruses and West Nile Virus in Cyprus. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2019; 13:116-125. [PMID: 31346541 PMCID: PMC6643013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sandfly fever is an incapacitating disease caused by sandfly-borne Phleboviruses that can lead to meningitis, encephalitis or meningoencephalitis. West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne Flavivirus, can induce neuroinvasive disease manifested by meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis. Both vectors are endemic in Cyprus and very active during summer. The aims of this study were to determine first the prevalence of sandfly fever viruses (SFV) and WNV infections in Cyprus and second, to investigate their role in central nervous system (CNS) infections. METHODS For the prevalence study, 327 sera collected in 2013 and 2014 were tested for anti-SFV and anti-WNV IgG using indirect immunofluorescence assay and ELISA, respectively. In order to investigate a possible role of SFV and WNV in CNS infections, 127 sera of patients presenting symptoms of SFV or WNV infections were screened for IgM specific to SFV and WNV. RESULTS The overall anti-SFV IgG seroprevalence was 28% and was increasing with age (P< 0.01). The seroprevalence rate for anti-WNV IgG in Cyprus was 5%. Concerning the role of SFVs in CNS infections, anti-SFV IgM was detected in 8 out of 127 sera from selected patients presenting relevant symptoms of infections during vector's active period. In addition, anti-WNV IgM were detected in 17 out of the 127 patients with compatible symptoms. CONCLUSION The findings confirm the presence of sandfly fever and WNV in Cyprus and should, therefore, be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with febrile illness/meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Richter
- Corresponding author: Dr Jan Richter, E-mail:
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NSs Protein of Sandfly Fever Sicilian Phlebovirus Counteracts Interferon (IFN) Induction by Masking the DNA-Binding Domain of IFN Regulatory Factor 3. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01202-18. [PMID: 30232186 PMCID: PMC6232482 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01202-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) is one of the most widespread and frequently identified members of the genus Phlebovirus (order Bunyavirales, family Phenuiviridae) infecting humans. Being transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies, SFSV causes a self-limiting, acute, often incapacitating febrile disease ("sandfly fever," "Pappataci fever," or "dog disease") that has been known since at least the beginning of the 20th century. We show that, similarly to other pathogenic phleboviruses, SFSV suppresses the induction of the antiviral type I interferon (IFN) system in an NSs-dependent manner. SFSV NSs interfered with the TBK1-interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) branch of the RIG-I signaling pathway but not with NF-κB activation. Consistently, we identified IRF3 as a host interactor of SFSV NSs. In contrast to IRF3, neither the IFN master regulator IRF7 nor any of the related transcription factors IRF2, IRF5, and IRF9 were bound by SFSV NSs. In spite of this specificity for IRF3, NSs did not inhibit its phosphorylation, dimerization, or nuclear accumulation, and the interaction was independent of the IRF3 activation or multimerization state. In further studies, we identified the DNA-binding domain of IRF3 (amino acids 1 to 113) as sufficient for NSs binding and found that SFSV NSs prevented the association of activated IRF3 with the IFN-β promoter. Thus, unlike highly virulent phleboviruses, which either destroy antiviral host factors or sequester whole signaling chains into inactive aggregates, SFSV modulates type I IFN induction by directly masking the DNA-binding domain of IRF3.IMPORTANCE Phleboviruses are receiving increased attention due to the constant discovery of new species and the ongoing spread of long-known members of the genus. Outbreaks of sandfly fever were reported in the 19th century, during World War I, and during World War II. Currently, SFSV is recognized as one of the most widespread phleboviruses, exhibiting high seroprevalence rates in humans and domestic animals and causing a self-limiting but incapacitating disease predominantly in immunologically naive troops and travelers. We show how the nonstructural NSs protein of SFSV counteracts the upregulation of the antiviral interferon (IFN) system. SFSV NSs specifically inhibits promoter binding by IFN transcription factor 3 (IRF3), a molecular strategy which is unique among phleboviruses and, to our knowledge, among human pathogenic RNA viruses in general. This IRF3-specific and stoichiometric mechanism, greatly distinct from the ones exhibited by the highly virulent phleboviruses, correlates with the intermediate level of pathogenicity of SFSV.
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Charrel RN, Berenger JM, Laroche M, Ayhan N, Bitam I, Delaunay P, Parola P. Neglected vector-borne bacterial diseases and arboviruses in the Mediterranean area. New Microbes New Infect 2018; 26:S31-S36. [PMID: 30402241 PMCID: PMC6205580 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod vectors can transmit pathogenic microorganisms from one vertebrate to another during their blood meal. Although some vector-borne diseases have been eradicated in the Mediterranean area, such as malaria and dengue, recent endemic microorganisms (Toscana virus, Rickettsia spp.) remain neglected even though they cause many more cases. New diagnostic tools and innovative tools for the identification and characterization of vector species and microorganisms have been developed at IHU Méditerranée Infection, either internally or through collaborative and integrated projects. We have detected Rickettsia slovaca as a human pathogen and have described the disease; we have shown that Rickettsia felis can be transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes; we have emphasized the increasing importance of bedbug (Cimex lectularius) as a potential vector of Bartonella quintana; and we have described the Toscana virus, a major agent of meningitis and meningoencephalitis which was disseminated in North Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, where it frequently cocirculates with a large number of newly described phleboviruses transmitted by sand flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Charrel
- Unite des Virus Emergents, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - J-M Berenger
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - M Laroche
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - N Ayhan
- Unite des Virus Emergents, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - I Bitam
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - P Delaunay
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital de l'Archet, Nice, France.,MIVEGEC, UMR IRD224-CNRS5290, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - P Parola
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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Ayhan N, Sherifi K, Taraku A, Bërxholi K, Charrel RN. High Rates of Neutralizing Antibodies to Toscana and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Viruses in Livestock, Kosovo. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:989-992. [PMID: 28518045 PMCID: PMC5443445 DOI: 10.3201/eid2306.161929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana and sandfly fever Sicilian viruses (TOSV and SFSV, respectively), both transmitted by sand flies, are prominent human pathogens in the Old World. Of 1,086 serum samples collected from cattle and sheep during 2013 in various regions of Kosovo (Balkan Peninsula), 4.7% and 53.4% had neutralizing antibodies against TOSV and SFSV, respectively.
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Tsirigotakis N, Pavlou C, Christodoulou V, Dokianakis E, Kourouniotis C, Alten B, Antoniou M. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Greek Aegean Islands: ecological approaches. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:97. [PMID: 29458398 PMCID: PMC5819154 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2680-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-sucking phlebotomine sand flies are the vectors of the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. Different Phlebotomus species transmit different Leishmania species causing leishmaniases which are neglected diseases emerging/reemerging in new regions. Thirteen sand fly species, ten belonging to the medically important genus Phlebotomus and three belonging to Sergentomyia are known in Greece. An increasing number of human and dog cases are reported each year from all parts of the country including the Aegean Islands. However, no previous study has been conducted on the sand fly fauna on the islands, except for Rhodes and Samos. The aim of this study was to investigate sand fly species in eleven small Aegean islands; to understand species-specific relationships with environmental and climatic factors and to compare sand fly community parameters among islands. A risk analysis was carried out for each species using climatic and environmental variables. RESULTS Nine sand fly species: Phlebotomus neglectus, P. tobbi, P. similis, P. simici, P. perfiliewi, P. alexandri, P. papatasi, Sergentomyia minuta and S. dentata, were collected from the islands studied. Phlebotomus (Adlerius) sp. and Sergentomyia sp. specimens were also collected but not identified to the species level. There was a positive effect of distance from the sea on the abundance of P. neglectus, S. minuta and S. dentata, and a negative effect on the abundance of P. tobbi, P. simici and P. similis. In general, temperature preferences of sand fly populations were between 21 and 29 °C. Nevertheless, there were significant differences in terms of temperature and relative humidity preference ranges among species. The most important species found, P. neglectus, was indisputably the most adapted species in the study area with a very high reaction norm, favoring even the lower temperature and humidity ranges. Overall, the sand fly fauna in the islands was very rich but there were differences in species diversity, as indicated by the values of the Shannon-Wiener index, along with evenness and richness of the sand fly fauna between the islands and altitude ranges in the islands. CONCLUSIONS The study indicated that the Greek Aegean Islands, however small, maintain a rich sand fly fauna. This includes important vectors of Leishmania spp. representing a risk for parasite transmission to humans and dogs along with the danger of maintaining new Leishmania spp. if introduced to the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Tsirigotakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, GR-71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christoforos Pavlou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, GR-71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, GR-71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Dokianakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, GR-71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Bulent Alten
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ecology Division, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Beytepe-Ankara, Turkey
| | - Maria Antoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, GR-71003, Heraklion, Greece.
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Alkan C, Moin Vaziri V, Ayhan N, Badakhshan M, Bichaud L, Rahbarian N, Javadian EA, Alten B, de Lamballerie X, Charrel RN. Isolation and sequencing of Dashli virus, a novel Sicilian-like virus in sandflies from Iran; genetic and phylogenetic evidence for the creation of one novel species within the Phlebovirus genus in the Phenuiviridae family. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005978. [PMID: 29281639 PMCID: PMC5760094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sandflies are vectors of phleboviruses that cause sandfly fever or meningitis with significant implications for public health. Although several strains of these viruses had been isolated in Iran in the late 1970's, there was no recent data about the present situation at the outset of this study. Entomological investigations performed in 2009 and 2011 in Iran collected 4,770 sandflies from 10 different regions. Based on morphological identification, they were sorted into 315 pools according to species, sex, trapping station and date of capture. A phlebovirus, provisionally named Dashli virus (DASHV), was isolated from one pool of Sergentomyia spp, and subsequently DASHV RNA was detected in a second pool of Phlebotomus papatasi. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses based on complete coding genomic sequences indicated that (i) DASHV is most closely related to the Iranian isolates of Sandfly fever Sicilian virus [SFSV], (ii) there is a common ancestor to DASHV, Sandfly fever Sicilian- (SFS) and SFS-like viruses isolated in Italy, India, Turkey, and Cyprus (lineage I), (iii) DASHV is more distantly related with Corfou and Toros viruses (lineage II) although common ancestry is supported with 100% bootstrap, (iii) lineage I can be subdivided into sublineage Ia including all SFSV, SFCV and SFTV except those isolated in Iran which forms sublineage Ib (DASHV). Accordingly, we suggest to approve Sandfly fever Sicilian virus species consisting of the all aforementioned viruses. Owing that most of these viruses have been identified in human patients with febrile illness, DASHV should be considered as a potential human pathogen in Iran. Phlebotomine sandflies are vectors of phleboviruses that cause sandfly fever or meningitis with significant implications for public health. Although several strains of these viruses had been isolated in Iran in the late 1970's, there was no recent data about the present situation at the outset of this study. Entomological investigations performed in 2009 and 2011 in Iran collected 4,770 sandflies from 10 different regions. A phlebovirus, provisionally named Dashli virus (DASHV), was isolated / detected in two pools. DASHV strain was isolated in cell culture and complete genome sequence was determined. Sequence analysis indicated that (i) DASHV is most closely related to the Iranian isolates of Sandfly fever Sicilian virus [SFSV], a virus that is known to cause self-resolutive incapacitating febrile illness in humans, (ii) there is a common ancestor to DASHV and all other variants of SFSV isolated in Italy, India, Turkey, and Cyprus (lineage I), (iii) DASHV is more distantly related with Corfou and Toros viruses (lineage II) although common ancestry is supported with 100% bootstrap, (iii) lineage I can be subdivided into sublineage Ia including all SFSV strains, whereas Iranian viruses are most closely related and should be individualized as DASHV (sublineage Ib). Although discovered first in the 1940's, SFSV is still listed as "tentative species" by the International Committee for Taxonomy of Viruses. Based on the results described in this study, we propose to approve Sandfly fever Sicilian virus species. Owing that most of these viruses have been identified in human patients with febrile illness, DASHV should be considered as a potential human pathogen in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Alkan
- UMR "Unité des Virus Emergents" (UVE Aix-Marseille Univ—IRD 190—Inserm 1207—EHESP), Marseille, France
- Fondation IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Vahideh Moin Vaziri
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: (RNC); (VMV)
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- UMR "Unité des Virus Emergents" (UVE Aix-Marseille Univ—IRD 190—Inserm 1207—EHESP), Marseille, France
- Fondation IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Mehdi Badakhshan
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laurence Bichaud
- UMR "Unité des Virus Emergents" (UVE Aix-Marseille Univ—IRD 190—Inserm 1207—EHESP), Marseille, France
- Fondation IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Nourina Rahbarian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ezat-Aldin Javadian
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bulent Alten
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ecology Section, ESR Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- UMR "Unité des Virus Emergents" (UVE Aix-Marseille Univ—IRD 190—Inserm 1207—EHESP), Marseille, France
- Fondation IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- UMR "Unité des Virus Emergents" (UVE Aix-Marseille Univ—IRD 190—Inserm 1207—EHESP), Marseille, France
- Fondation IHU Mediterranee Infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
- * E-mail: (RNC); (VMV)
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Ayhan N, Charrel RN. Of phlebotomines (sandflies) and viruses: a comprehensive perspective on a complex situation. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 22:117-124. [PMID: 28805633 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Old World sandfly-borne phleboviruses are classified into three serological complexes: Sandfly fever Sicilian, Sandfly fever Naples and Salehabad. Human pathogens (febrile illness ['sandfly fever'], neuroinvasive infections) belong to the two first complexes. The increasing number of newly discovered sandfly-borne phleboviruses raises concerns about their medical and veterinary importance. They occupy a wide geographic area from Mediterranean basin to North Africa and the Middle East to the central Asia. At least nine species of sandflies can transmit these viruses. Recent results suggest that sandfly vectors are not as specific for viruses as initially believed. Recent seroprevalence studies demonstrate that humans and domestic animals are heavily exposed. Specific molecular diagnostic methods must be developed and implemented in clinical microbiology laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Remi N Charrel
- UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP - IHU Mediterranee Infection), Marseille, France; Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Serological association between Leishmania infantum and sand fly fever Sicilian (but not Toscana) virus in sheltered dogs from southern Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:92. [PMID: 28285587 PMCID: PMC5346850 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phlebotomine sand fly-borne diseases such as leishmanioses and phleboviruses are emerging threats to animal and public health. Canine leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is an endemic zoonosis in Portugal. Antibodies to Toscana virus (TOSV) and sand fly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) were also reported in dogs from the south of the country. The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible association between exposure to L. infantum, TOSV and SFSV in sheltered dogs from the south of Portugal. Results Seventy-six (13.1%) out of 581 dogs were seropositive for L. infantum, 327 (56.3%) for SFSV and 36 (6.2%) for TOSV. Six dogs were co-exposed with L. infantum and TOSV, 51 with L. infantum and SFSV and 25 with TOSV and SFSV. One dog had antibodies to the three pathogens. Leishmania infantum seroprevalence was significantly higher in pure breed dogs than in mongrels and in dogs with clinical signs while SFSV positivity was significantly higher in males, in pure and cross-breed dogs than in mongrels and in those not treated with insecticides. Seroprevalence for both viruses was significantly higher in dogs over than 7 years-old than in those aged 1–7. A significant association was observed between the presence of antibodies to L. infantum and SFSV. Conclusions The presence of antibodies to several phlebotomine sand fly-borne pathogens in dogs, reinforces the need to implement efficient prophylactic measures to prevent infection among vertebrate hosts including humans. The results also indicate that dogs are good sentinels for assessing human exposure to TOSV and SFSV. Further studies must be performed to elucidate the role of dogs in the dynamics of transmission and if they can play a role as amplifying or reservoir hosts in the natural cycle of these viruses. Public and animal health impacts of these phleboviruses in Portugal should be addressed via serological and virological studies on both phlebotomine sand flies and vertebrate hosts, especially on humans.
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Alwassouf S, Christodoulou V, Bichaud L, Ntais P, Mazeris A, Antoniou M, Charrel RN. Seroprevalence of Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses Belonging to Three Serocomplexes (Sandfly fever Naples, Sandfly fever Sicilian and Salehabad) in Dogs from Greece and Cyprus Using Neutralization Test. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005063. [PMID: 27783676 PMCID: PMC5081206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phleboviruses transmitted by sandflies are endemic in the Mediterranean area. The last decade has witnessed the description of an accumulating number of novel viruses. Although, the risk of exposure of vertebrates is globally assessed, detailed geographic knowledge is poor even in Greece and Cyprus where sandfly fever has been recognized for a long time and repeatedly. A total of 1,250 dogs from mainland Greece and Greek archipelago on one hand and 422 dogs from Cyprus on the other hand have been sampled and tested for neutralising antibodies against Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), Arbia virus, and Adana virus i.e. four viruses belonging to the 3 sandfly-borne serocomplexes known to circulate actively in the Mediterranean area. Our results showed that (i) SFSV is highly prevalent with 71.9% (50.7–84.9% depending on the region) in Greece and 60.2% (40.0–72.6%) in Cyprus; (ii) TOSV ranked second with 4.4% (0–15.4%) in Greece and 8.4% (0–11.4%) in Cyprus; (iii) Salehabad viruses (Arbia and Adana) displayed also substantial prevalence rates in both countries with values ranging from 0–22.6% depending on the region and on the virus strain used in the test. These results demonstrate that circulation of viruses transmitted by sand flies can be estimated qualitatively using dog sera. As reported in other regions of the Mediterranean, these results indicate that it is time to shift these viruses from the "neglected" status to the "priority" status in order to stimulate studies aiming at defining and quantifying their medical and veterinary importance and possible public health impact. Specifically, viruses belonging to the Sandfly fever Sicilian complex should be given careful consideration. This calls for implementation of direct and indirect diagnosis in National reference centers and in hospital microbiology laboratories and systematic testing of unelucidated febrile illness and central and peripheral nervous system febrile manifestations. Phleboviruses transmitted by sandflies are endemic in the Mediterranean basin. An increased number of new viruses was described during the last decade. However, levels of exposure of human and animal populations are poorly known. A total of 1,250 dogs from Greece and 422 dogs from Cyprus were tested for the presence of neutralising antibodies signing previous infection with selected phleboviruses representing the 3 serological complexes known to be present in the Old World: Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and Salehabad viruses (Arbia and Adana viruses). Our data showed that (i) SFSV is largely predominant with infection rates higher than 50%, (ii) TOSV is widely distributed with 4.4% and 8.4% in Greece and Cyprus, respectively, and (iii) that viruses belonging to the Salehabad serocomplex should be further studied for their capacity to cause human disease in view of prevalence rates in dogs up to 22.6%. These findings confirm that dogs can be considered as excellent sentinels for sandfly-borne phleboviruses. The results also underline the importance to study the role of SFSV in humans and may lead to the set-up diagnostic tests for patients presenting unexplained febrile illness and neuroinvasive infections. Further studies are also needed to define whether these viruses cause diseases in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaf Alwassouf
- UMR “Emergence des Pathologies Virales” (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP), Marseille, France
- Institut hospitalo-universitaire Méditerranée infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | | | - Laurence Bichaud
- UMR “Emergence des Pathologies Virales” (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP), Marseille, France
- Institut hospitalo-universitaire Méditerranée infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Pantelis Ntais
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes. Heraklion. Crete, Greece
| | | | - Maria Antoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes. Heraklion. Crete, Greece
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- UMR “Emergence des Pathologies Virales” (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP), Marseille, France
- Institut hospitalo-universitaire Méditerranée infection, APHM Public Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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