1
|
Matusali G, D’Abramo A, Terrosi C, Carletti F, Colavita F, Vairo F, Savellini GG, Gandolfo C, Anichini G, Lalle E, Bordi L, Corpolongo A, Maritti M, Marchioni L, Capobianchi MR, Castilletti C, Cusi MG, Nicastri E. Infectious Toscana Virus in Seminal Fluid of Young Man Returning from Elba Island, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:865-869. [PMID: 35318936 PMCID: PMC8962903 DOI: 10.3201/eid2804.211920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We report detecting infectious Toscana virus in the seminal fluid of a 25-year-old man from Italy returning from Elba Island. The presence of infectious virus in human semen adds Toscana virus to the long list of viruses detected in this genital fluid and indicates a potential for sexual transmission.
Collapse
|
2
|
Identification of a Neutralizing Epitope on TOSV Gn Glycoprotein. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9080924. [PMID: 34452049 PMCID: PMC8402642 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viral infections have been an important public health problem in recent years. We focused our attention on Toscana virus (TOSV), an emergent neurotropic negative-strand RNA virus of the Phenuiviridae family. The mechanisms of protection against phlebovirus natural infection are not known; however, it is supposed that a virus-neutralizing antibody response against viral glycoproteins would be useful to block the first stages of infection. By using an improved memory B cell immortalization method, we obtained a panel of human mAbs which reacted with TOSV antigens. We identified three epitopes of TOSV Gn glycoproteins by neutralizing mAbs using synthetic peptide arrays on membrane support (SPOT synthesis). These epitopes, separated in primary structure, might be exposed near one another as a conformational epitope in their native structure. In vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the humoral response elicited in mice immunized with the identified peptides. The results underlined the hypothesis that the first two peptides located in the NH2 terminus could form a conformational epitope, while the third, located near the transmembrane sequence in the carboxyl terminus, was necessary to strengthen neutralizing activity. Our results emphasize the importance of identifying neutralizing epitopes shared among the various phleboviruses, which could be exploited for the development of a potential epitope-based diagnostic assay or a polyvalent protective vaccine against different phleboviruses.
Collapse
|
3
|
AL-Eitan LN, Tarkhan AH, Alghamdi MA, Marston DA, Wu G, McElhinney LM, Brown IH, Fooks AR. Bat-Borne Coronaviruses in Jordan and Saudi Arabia: A Threat to Public Health? Viruses 2020; 12:E1413. [PMID: 33316899 PMCID: PMC7764733 DOI: 10.3390/v12121413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are of great concern to public health, as highlighted by the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Such diseases are of particular danger during mass gathering and mass influx events, as large crowds of people in close proximity to each other creates optimal opportunities for disease transmission. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are two countries that have witnessed mass gatherings due to the arrival of Syrian refugees and the annual Hajj season. The mass migration of people not only brings exotic diseases to these regions but also brings new diseases back to their own countries, e.g., the outbreak of MERS in South Korea. Many emerging pathogens originate in bats, and more than 30 bat species have been identified in these two countries. Some of those bat species are known to carry viruses that cause deadly diseases in other parts of the world, such as the rabies virus and coronaviruses. However, little is known about bats and the pathogens they carry in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Here, the importance of enhanced surveillance of bat-borne infections in Jordan and Saudi Arabia is emphasized, promoting the awareness of bat-borne diseases among the general public and building up infrastructure and capability to fill the gaps in public health preparedness to prevent future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laith N. AL-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Amneh H. Tarkhan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Mansour A. Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Denise A. Marston
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Guanghui Wu
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Lorraine M. McElhinney
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Anthony R. Fooks
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Clinical, Virological, and Immunological Findings in Patients with Toscana Neuroinvasive Disease in Croatia: Report of Three Cases. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030144. [PMID: 32937866 PMCID: PMC7557803 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus, transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sandflies. Although the majority of infections are asymptomatic, neuroinvasive disease may occur. We report three cases of neuroinvasive TOSV infection detected in Croatia. Two patients aged 21 and 54 years presented with meningitis, while a 22-year old patient presented with meningoencephalitis and right-sided brachial plexitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, and urine samples were collected and tested for neuroinvasive arboviruses: tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, Usutu, TOSV, Tahyna, and Bhanja virus. In addition, CSF and serum samples were tested for the anti-viral cytokine response. High titers of TOSV IgM (1000–3200) and IgG (3200−10,000) antibodies in serum samples confirmed TOSV infection. Antibodies to other phleboviruses (sandfly fever Sicilian/Naples/Cyprus virus) were negative. CSF samples showed high concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6; range 162.32−2683.90 pg/mL), interferon gamma (IFN-γ; range 110.12−1568.07 pg/mL), and IL-10 (range 28.08−858.91 pg/mL), while significantly lower cytokine production was observed in serum. Two patients recovered fully. The patient with a brachial plexitis improved significantly at discharge. The presented cases highlight the need of increasing awareness of a TOSV as a possible cause of aseptic meningitis/meningoencephalitis during summer months. Association of TOSV and brachial plexitis with long-term sequelae detected in one patient indicates the possibility of more severe disease, even in young patients.
Collapse
|
5
|
Morini S, Calzolari M, Rossini G, Pascarelli N, Porcellini A, Randi V, Re MC, Albieri A, Bonilauri P, Bellini R, Ayhan N, Charrel R, Varani S. Detection of Specific Antibodies against Toscana Virus among Blood Donors in Northeastern Italy and Correlation with Sand Fly Abundance in 2014. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020145. [PMID: 31973058 PMCID: PMC7074719 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies and is an important etiological agent of summer meningitis in the Mediterranean basin. Since TOSV infection is often asymptomatic, we evaluated the seroprevalence in blood donors (BDs) in the Bologna and Ferrara provinces (Northeastern Italy)-the areas with the highest and lowest numbers of TOSV neuroinvasive cases in the region, respectively. A total of 1208 serum samples from BDs were collected in April-June 2014 and evaluated for the presence of specific TOSV-IgG by ELISA. The IgG-reactive samples were confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) and by microneutralization test (MN). Serum samples were defined as positive for anti-TOSV IgG when reactive by ELISA and by at least one second-level test; TOSV seroprevalence was 6.8% in the Bologna province, while no circulation of TOSV was detected in the Ferrara province. Sand fly abundance in 2014 was also estimated by a geographic information system using a generalized linear model applied to a series of explanatory variables. TOSV seroprevalence rate was strongly associated with the sand fly abundance index in each municipality, pointing out the strong association between sand fly abundance and human exposure to TOSV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Morini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Laboratory of Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZLER), 42124 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Giada Rossini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Nadia Pascarelli
- Centro Regionale Sangue Emilia-Romagna, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Andrea Porcellini
- Centro Regionale Sangue Emilia-Romagna, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Vanda Randi
- Centro Regionale Sangue Emilia-Romagna, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Maria Carla Re
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.R.)
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Albieri
- Department of Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Centro Agricoltura Ambiente ‘G. Nicoli’, 40014 Crevalcore, Italy; (A.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Laboratory of Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZLER), 42124 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Romeo Bellini
- Department of Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Centro Agricoltura Ambiente ‘G. Nicoli’, 40014 Crevalcore, Italy; (A.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (N.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France; (N.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Stefania Varani
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.R.)
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-2143013
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Salimi H, Cain MD, Klein RS. Encephalitic Arboviruses: Emergence, Clinical Presentation, and Neuropathogenesis. Neurotherapeutics 2016; 13:514-34. [PMID: 27220616 PMCID: PMC4965410 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-016-0443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses are arthropod-borne viruses that exhibit worldwide distribution, contributing to systemic and neurologic infections in a variety of geographical locations. Arboviruses are transmitted to vertebral hosts during blood feedings by mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, mites, and nits. While the majority of arboviral infections do not lead to neuroinvasive forms of disease, they are among the most severe infectious risks to the health of the human central nervous system. The neurologic diseases caused by arboviruses include meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, encephalomyelitis, neuritis, and myositis in which virus- and immune-mediated injury may lead to severe, persisting neurologic deficits or death. Here we will review the major families of emerging arboviruses that cause neurologic infections, their neuropathogenesis and host neuroimmunologic responses, and current strategies for treatment and prevention of neurologic infections they cause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Salimi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Matthew D Cain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Meningitis Caused by Toscana Virus Is Associated with Strong Antiviral Response in the CNS and Altered Frequency of Blood Antigen-Presenting Cells. Viruses 2015; 7:5831-43. [PMID: 26569288 PMCID: PMC4664982 DOI: 10.3390/v7112909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebotomus-transmitted RNA virus and a frequent cause of human meningitis and meningoencephalitis in Southern Europe during the summer season. While evidence for TOSV-related central nervous system (CNS) cases is increasing, little is known about the host defenses against TOSV. We evaluated innate immune response to TOSV by analyzing frequency and activation of blood antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and cytokine levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with TOSV neuroinvasive infection and controls. An altered frequency of different blood APC subsets was observed in TOSV-infected patients, with signs of monocytic deactivation. Nevertheless, a proper or even increased responsiveness of toll-like receptor 3 and 7/8 was observed in blood APCs of these patients as compared to healthy controls. Systemic levels of cytokines remained low in TOSV-infected patients, while levels of anti-inflammatory and antiviral mediators were significantly higher in CSF from TOSV-infected patients as compared to patients with other infectious and noninfectious neurological diseases. Thus, the early host response to TOSV appears effective for viral clearance, by proper response to TLR3 and TLR7/8 agonists in peripheral blood and by a strong and selective antiviral and anti-inflammatory response in the CNS.
Collapse
|
8
|
Calzolari M, Angelini P, Finarelli AC, Cagarelli R, Bellini R, Albieri A, Bonilauri P, Cavrini F, Tamba M, Dottori M, Gaibani P, Natalini S, Maioli G, Pinna M, Mattivi A, Sambri V, Pierro A, Landini MP, Rossini G, Squintani G, Cinotti S, Varani S, Vocale C, Bedeschi E. Human and entomological surveillance of Toscana virus in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, 2010 to 2012. Euro Surveill 2014; 19:20978. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2014.19.48.20978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV), transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies, is recognised as one of the most important causes of viral meningitis in summer in Mediterranean countries. A surveillance plan based on both human and entomological surveys was started in 2010 in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy. Clinical samples from patients with neurological manifestations were collected during 2010 to 2012. The surveillance protocol was improved during these years, allowing the detection of 65 human infections. Most of these infections were recorded in hilly areas, where sandflies reach the highest density. Entomological sampling around the homes of the patients resulted in a low number of captured sandflies, while later sampling in a hilly area with high number of human cases (n=21) resulted in a larger number of captured sandflies. Using this approach, 25,653 sandflies were sampled, of which there were 21,157 females, which were sorted into 287 pools. TOSV RNA was detected by real-time PCR in 33 of the pools. The results highlighted the role of Phlebotomus perfiliewi as the main vector of TOSV and a potential link between vector density and virus circulation. This integrated system shows that an interdisciplinary approach improves the sensitiveness and effectiveness of health surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - P Angelini
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - A C Finarelli
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - R Cagarelli
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - R Bellini
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente ‘G Nicoli’, Crevalcore, Italy
| | - A Albieri
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente ‘G Nicoli’, Crevalcore, Italy
| | - P Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Cavrini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Tamba
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Dottori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - P Gaibani
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Natalini
- Veterinary and Food Hygiene Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Maioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Pinna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Mattivi
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Italy
| | - A Pierro
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - M P Landini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Rossini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Squintani
- Veterinary and Food Hygiene Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Cinotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Varani
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Vocale
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Bedeschi
- Public Health Service, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|