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Mbaoma OC, Thomas SM, Beierkuhnlein C. Spatiotemporally Explicit Epidemic Model for West Nile Virus Outbreak in Germany: An Inversely Calibrated Approach. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00254-0. [PMID: 38965178 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00254-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the first autochthonous transmission of West Nile Virus was detected in Germany (WNV) in 2018, it has become endemic in several parts of the country and is continuing to spread due to the attainment of a suitable environment for vector occurrence and pathogen transmission. Increasing temperature associated with a changing climate has been identified as a potential driver of mosquito-borne disease in temperate regions. This scenario justifies the need for the development of a spatially and temporarily explicit model that describes the dynamics of WNV transmission in Germany. In this study, we developed a process-based mechanistic epidemic model driven by environmental and epidemiological data. Functional traits of mosquitoes and birds of interest were used to parameterize our compartmental model appropriately. Air temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity were the key climatic forcings used to replicate the fundamental niche responsible for supporting mosquito population and infection transmission risks in the study area. An inverse calibration method was used to optimize our parameter selection. Our model was able to generate spatially and temporally explicit basic reproductive number (R0) maps showing dynamics of the WNV occurrences across Germany, which was strongly associated with the deviation from daily means of climatic forcings, signaling the impact of a changing climate in vector-borne disease dynamics. Epidemiological data for human infections sourced from Robert Koch Institute and animal cases collected from the Animal Diseases Information System (TSIS) of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute were used to validate model-simulated transmission rates. From our results, it was evident that West Nile Virus is likely to spread towards the western parts of Germany with the rapid attainment of environmental suitability for vector mosquitoes and amplifying host birds, especially short-distance migratory birds. Locations with high risk of WNV outbreak (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony) were shown on R0 maps. This study presents a path for developing an early warning system for vector-borne diseases driven by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Chinonso Mbaoma
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Universitaetsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Margarete Thomas
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Universitaetsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Universitaetsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Carl Beierkuhnlein
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Universitaetsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Universitaetsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
- Geographical Institute of the University of Bayreuth, GIB, Universitaetsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
- Departamento de Botánico, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
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Wang HR, Liu T, Gao X, Wang HB, Xiao JH. Impact of climate change on the global circulation of West Nile virus and adaptation responses: a scoping review. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:38. [PMID: 38790027 PMCID: PMC11127377 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV), the most widely distributed flavivirus causing encephalitis globally, is a vector-borne pathogen of global importance. The changing climate is poised to reshape the landscape of various infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne ones like WNV. Understanding the anticipated geographical and range shifts in disease transmission due to climate change, alongside effective adaptation strategies, is critical for mitigating future public health impacts. This scoping review aims to consolidate evidence on the impact of climate change on WNV and to identify a spectrum of applicable adaptation strategies. MAIN BODY We systematically analyzed research articles from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Our criteria included English-language research articles published between 2007 and 2023, focusing on the impacts of climate change on WNV and related adaptation strategies. We extracted data concerning study objectives, populations, geographical focus, and specific findings. Literature was categorized into two primary themes: 1) climate-WNV associations, and 2) climate change impacts on WNV transmission, providing a clear understanding. Out of 2168 articles reviewed, 120 met our criteria. Most evidence originated from North America (59.2%) and Europe (28.3%), with a primary focus on human cases (31.7%). Studies on climate-WNV correlations (n = 83) highlighted temperature (67.5%) as a pivotal climate factor. In the analysis of climate change impacts on WNV (n = 37), most evidence suggested that climate change may affect the transmission and distribution of WNV, with the extent of the impact depending on local and regional conditions. Although few studies directly addressed the implementation of adaptation strategies for climate-induced disease transmission, the proposed strategies (n = 49) fell into six categories: 1) surveillance and monitoring (38.8%), 2) predictive modeling (18.4%), 3) cross-disciplinary collaboration (16.3%), 4) environmental management (12.2%), 5) public education (8.2%), and 6) health system readiness (6.1%). Additionally, we developed an accessible online platform to summarize the evidence on climate change impacts on WNV transmission ( https://2xzl2o-neaop.shinyapps.io/WNVScopingReview/ ). CONCLUSIONS This review reveals that climate change may affect the transmission and distribution of WNV, but the literature reflects only a small share of the global WNV dynamics. There is an urgent need for adaptive responses to anticipate and respond to the climate-driven spread of WNV. Nevertheless, studies focusing on these adaptation responses are sparse compared to those examining the impacts of climate change. Further research on the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies for vector-borne diseases, along with more comprehensive evidence synthesis, is needed to inform effective policy responses tailored to local contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ran Wang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Bin Wang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Hua Xiao
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Abstract
This report by the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of the zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities carried out in 2022 in 27 Member States (MSs), the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and 11 non-MSs. Key statistics on zoonoses and zoonotic agents in humans, food, animals and feed are provided and interpreted historically. In 2022, the first and second most reported zoonoses in humans were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. The number of cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis remained stable in comparison with 2021. Nineteen MSs and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) achieved all the established targets in poultry populations for the reduction of Salmonella prevalence for the relevant serovars. Salmonella samples from carcases of various animal species, and samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcases, were more frequently positive when performed by the competent authorities than when own checks were conducted. Yersiniosis was the third most reported zoonosis in humans, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases, with the most hospitalisations and highest case fatality rates. In 2022, reporting showed an increase of more than 600% compared with 2021 in locally acquired cases of human West Nile virus infection, which is a mosquito-borne disease. In the EU, the number of reported foodborne outbreaks and cases, hospitalisations and deaths was higher in 2022 than in 2021. The number of deaths from outbreaks was the highest ever reported in the EU in the last 10 years, mainly caused by L. monocytogenes and to a lesser degree by Salmonella. Salmonella and in particular S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Norovirus (and other calicivirus) was the agent associated with the highest number of outbreak human cases. This report also provides updates on brucellosis, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), echinococcosis, rabies, toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (focusing on Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium caprae) and tularaemia.
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Athanasakopoulou Z, Sofia M, Skampardonis V, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Tsolakos K, Spyrou V, Chatzopoulos DC, Satra M, Diamantopoulos V, Mpellou S, Galamatis D, G. Papatsiros V, Billinis C. Indication of West Nile Virus (WNV) Lineage 2 Overwintering among Wild Birds in the Regions of Peloponnese and Western Greece. Vet Sci 2023; 10:661. [PMID: 37999484 PMCID: PMC10674244 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110661] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus, has recently caused human outbreaks in Europe, including Greece. Its transmission cycle in nature includes wild birds as amplifying hosts and ornithophilic mosquito vectors. The aim of this study was to assess WNV circulation among wild birds from two regions of Greece, Peloponnese and Western Greece, during 2022. To this end, a total of 511 birds belonging to 37 different species were sampled and molecularly screened. WNV RNA was detected from February to November in a total of 71 wild birds of nine species originating from both investigated regions. The first eight positive samples were sequenced on a part of NS3 and, according to the phylogenetic analysis, they belonged to evolutionary lineage 2 and presented similarity to previous outbreak-causing Greek strains (Argolis 2017, Macedonia 2010 and 2012). It was more likely to identify a PCR positive bird as the population density and the distance from water sources decreased. The present report provides evidence of WNV occurrence in both Peloponnese and Western Greece during 2022 and underlines its possible overwintering, highlighting the need for avian species surveillance to be conducted annually and throughout the year. Magpies are proposed as sentinels for WNV monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Vassilis Skampardonis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Faculty of Forestry, Wood Science and Design, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | | | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Satra
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Spyridoula Mpellou
- Bioefarmoges Eleftheriou LP-Integrated Mosquito Control, 19007 Marathon, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Galamatis
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Janev-Holcer N, Bogdanic M, Ferenc T, Vujica Ferenc M, Krcmar S, Savic V, Stevanovic V, Ilic M, Barbic L. Current Status of Vector-Borne Diseases in Croatia: Challenges and Future Prospects. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1856. [PMID: 37763260 PMCID: PMC10532474 DOI: 10.3390/life13091856] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Different vector-borne pathogens are present or have (re-)emerged in Croatia. Flaviviruses tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV), West Nile (WNV), and Usutu (USUV) are widely distributed in continental regions, while Toscana virus (TOSV) and sandfly fever viruses are detected at the Croatian littoral. Recently, sporadic clinical cases of Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) and Bhanja bandavirus infection and seropositive individuals have been reported in continental Croatia. Acute infections and serologic evidence of WNV, TBEV, USUV, and TAHV were also confirmed in sentinel animals and vectors. Autochthonous dengue was reported in 2010 at the Croatian littoral. Lyme borreliosis is the most widely distributed vector-borne bacterial infection. The incidence is very high in northwestern and eastern regions, which correlates with numerous records of Ixodes ricinus ticks. Acute human Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections are reported sporadically, but there are many records of serologic evidence of anaplasmosis in animals. Mediterranean spotted fever (Rickettsia conorii) and murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi) are the main rickettsial infections in Croatia. Human leishmaniasis is notified sporadically, while serologic evidence of leishmaniasis was found in 11.4% of the Croatian population. After the official eradication of malaria in 1964, only imported cases were reported in Croatia. Since vector-borne diseases show a growing trend, continuous monitoring of vectors is required to protect the population from these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Natasa Janev-Holcer
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Thomas Ferenc
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mateja Vujica Ferenc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stjepan Krcmar
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Poultry Center, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Ilic
- Department of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Pervanidou D, Kefaloudi CN, Vakali A, Tsakalidou O, Karatheodorou M, Tsioka K, Evangelidou M, Mellou K, Pappa S, Stoikou K, Bakaloudi V, Koliopoulos G, Stamoulis K, Patsoula E, Politis C, Hadjichristodoulou C, Papa A. The 2022 West Nile Virus Season in Greece; A Quite Intense Season. Viruses 2023; 15:1481. [PMID: 37515168 PMCID: PMC10383024 DOI: 10.3390/v15071481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2010, the West Nile virus (WNV) has been established in Greece. We describe the epidemiology of diagnosed human WNV infections in Greece with a focus on the 2022 season. During the transmission period, clinicians were sending samples from suspected cases for testing. Active laboratory-based surveillance was performed with immediate notification of diagnosed cases. We collected clinical information and interviewed patients on a timely basis to identify their place of exposure. Besides serological and molecular diagnostic methods, next-generation sequencing was also performed. In 2022, 286 cases of WNV infection were diagnosed, including 278 symptomatic cases and 184 (64%) cases with neuroinvasive disease (WNND); 33 patients died. This was the third most intense season concerning the number of WNND cases, following 2018 and 2010. Most (96%) cases were recorded in two regions, in northern and central Greece. The virus strain was a variant of previous years, clustering into the Central European subclade of WNV lineage 2. The 2022 WNV season was quite intense in Greece. The prompt diagnosis and investigation of cases are considered pivotal for the timely response, while the availability of whole genome sequences enables studies on the molecular epidemiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai Pervanidou
- National Public Health Organization (EODY), 151 23 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anna Vakali
- National Public Health Organization (EODY), 151 23 Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Tsakalidou
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Myrsini Karatheodorou
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katerina Tsioka
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Kassiani Mellou
- National Public Health Organization (EODY), 151 23 Athens, Greece
| | - Styliani Pappa
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantina Stoikou
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Bakaloudi
- Molecular Blood Center, AHEPA University General Hospital, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Koliopoulos
- Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 118 55 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Stamoulis
- Hellenic National Blood Transfusion Center, 136 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Patsoula
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Christos Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 412 22 Larisa, Greece
| | - Anna Papa
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
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CRIVEI LA, MOUTAILLER S, GONZALEZ G, LOWENSKI S, CRIVEI IC, POREA D, ANITA DC, RATOI IA, ZIENTARA S, OSLOBANU LE, TOMAZATOS A, SAVUTA G, LECOLLINET S. Detection of West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Eastern Romania and First Identification of Sindbis Virus RNA in Mosquitoes Analyzed using High-Throughput Microfluidic Real-Time PCR. Viruses 2023; 15:186. [PMID: 36680227 PMCID: PMC9860827 DOI: 10.3390/v15010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of mosquito-borne diseases on human and veterinary health is being exacerbated by rapid environmental changes caused mainly by changing climatic patterns and globalization. To gain insight into mosquito-borne virus circulation from two counties in eastern and southeastern Romania, we have used a combination of sampling methods in natural, urban and peri-urban sites. The presence of 37 mosquito-borne viruses in 16,827 pooled mosquitoes was analyzed using a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR assay. West Nile virus (WNV) was detected in 10/365 pools of Culex pipiens (n = 8), Culex modestus (n = 1) and Aedes vexans (n = 1) from both studied counties. We also report the first molecular detection of Sindbis virus (SINV) RNA in the country in one pool of Culex modestus. WNV infection was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR (10/10) and virus isolation on Vero or C6/36 cells (four samples). For the SINV-positive pool, no cytopathic effectwas observed after infection of Vero or C6/36 cells, but no amplification was obtained in conventional SINV RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of WNV partial NS5 sequences revealed that WNV lineage 2 of theCentral-Southeast European clade, has a wider circulation in Romania than previously known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Alexandra CRIVEI
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Sara MOUTAILLER
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Gaëlle GONZALEZ
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Steeve LOWENSKI
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Ioana Cristina CRIVEI
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Daniela POREA
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Dragoș Constantin ANITA
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Ioana Alexandra RATOI
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Stéphan ZIENTARA
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luanda Elena OSLOBANU
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Alexandru TOMAZATOS
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gheorghe SAVUTA
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Sylvie LECOLLINET
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Abstract
This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities carried out in 2021 in 27 MSs, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and nine non-MSs. Key statistics on zoonoses and zoonotic agents in humans, food, animals and feed are provided and interpreted historically. In 2021, the first and second most reported zoonoses in humans were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. Cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis increased in comparison with 2020, but decreased compared with previous years. In 2021, data collection and analysis at the EU level were still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the control measures adopted in the MSs, including partial or total lockdowns. Sixteen MSs and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) achieved all the established targets in poultry populations for reduction in Salmonella prevalence for the relevant serovars. Salmonella samples from carcases of various animal species and samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcases were more frequently positive when performed by the competent authorities than when own-checks were conducted. Yersiniosis was the third most reported zoonosis in humans, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases, with the most hospitalisations and highest case fatality rates. Overall, MSs reported more foodborne outbreaks and cases in 2021 than in 2020. S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Salmonella in 'eggs and egg products' and in 'mixed foods' were the agent/food pairs of most concern. Outbreaks linked to 'vegetables and juices and products thereof' rose considerably compared with previous years. This report also provides updates on brucellosis, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), echinococcosis, rabies, toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis or M. caprae, and tularaemia.
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Di Pol G, Crotta M, Taylor RA. Modelling the temperature suitability for the risk of West Nile Virus establishment in European Culex pipiens populations. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1787-e1799. [PMID: 35304820 PMCID: PMC9790397 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Increases in temperature and extreme weather events due to global warming can create an environment that is beneficial to mosquito populations, changing and possibly increasing the suitable geographical range for many vector-borne diseases. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a flavivirus, maintained in a mosquito-avian host cycle that is usually asymptomatic but can cause primarily flu-like symptoms in human and equid accidental hosts. In rare circumstances, serious disease and death are possible outcomes for both humans and horses. The main European vector of WNV is the Culex pipiens mosquito. This study examines the effect of environmental temperature on WNV establishment in Europe via Culex pipiens populations through use of a basic reproduction number ( R 0 ${R_0}$ ) model. A metric of thermal suitability derived from R 0 ${R_0}$ was developed by collating thermal responses of different Culex pipiens traits and combining them through use of a next-generation matrix. WNV establishment was determined to be possible between 14°C and 34.3°C, with the optimal temperature at 23.7°C. The suitability measure was plotted against monthly average temperatures in 2020 and the number of months with high suitability mapped across Europe. The average number of suitable months for each year from 2013 to 2019 was also calculated and validated with reported equine West Nile fever cases from 2013 to 2019. The widespread thermal suitability for WNV establishment highlights the importance of European surveillance for this disease and the need for increased research into mosquito and bird distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Di Pol
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health GroupDepartment of Pathobiology and Population SciencesRoyal Veterinary CollegeLondonUK
| | - Matteo Crotta
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health GroupDepartment of Pathobiology and Population SciencesRoyal Veterinary CollegeLondonUK
| | - Rachel A. Taylor
- Department of Epidemiological SciencesAnimal and Plant Health AgencySurreyUK
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Riccardo F, Bella A, Monaco F, Ferraro F, Petrone D, Mateo-Urdiales A, Andrianou XD, Del Manso M, Venturi G, Fortuna C, Di Luca M, Severini F, Caporali MG, Morelli D, Iapaolo F, Pati I, Lombardini L, Bakonyi T, Alexandra O, Pezzotti P, Perrotta MG, Maraglino F, Rezza G, Palamara AT. Rapid increase in neuroinvasive West Nile virus infections in humans, Italy, July 2022. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 36082685 PMCID: PMC9461310 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.36.2200653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As in 2018, when a large West Nile virus (WNV) epidemic occurred, the 2022 vector season in Italy was marked by an early onset of WNV circulation in mosquitoes and birds. Human infections were limited until early July, when we observed a rapid increase in the number of cases. We describe the epidemiology of human infections and animal and vector surveillance for WNV and compare the more consolidated data of June and July 2022 with the same period in 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Xanthi D Andrianou
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Morelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Iapaolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | - Tamas Bakonyi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olivia Alexandra
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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- The members of the Italian Arbovirus Surveillance network are listed under Collaborators
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11
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Reemtsma H, Holicki CM, Fast C, Bergmann F, Eiden M, Groschup MH, Ziegler U. Pathogenesis of West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Domestic Geese after Experimental Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061319. [PMID: 35746790 PMCID: PMC9230372 DOI: 10.3390/v14061319] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging infectious pathogen circulating between mosquitoes and birds but also infecting mammals. WNV has become autochthonous in Germany, causing striking mortality rates in avifauna and occasional diseases in humans and horses. We therefore wanted to assess the possible role of free-ranging poultry in the WNV transmission cycle and infected 15 goslings with WNV lineage 2 (German isolate). The geese were monitored daily and sampled regularly to determine viremia, viral shedding, and antibody development by molecular and serological methods. Geese were euthanized at various time points post-infection (pi). All infected geese developed variable degrees of viremia from day 1 to day 10 (maximum) and actively shed virus from days 2 to 7 post-infection. Depending on the time of death, the WN viral genome was detected in all examined tissue samples in at least one individual by RT-qPCR and viable virus was even re-isolated, except for in the liver. Pathomorphological lesions as well as immunohistochemically detectable viral antigens were found mainly in the brain. Furthermore, all of the geese seroconverted 6 days pi at the latest. In conclusion, geese are presumably not functioning as important amplifying hosts but are suitable sentinel animals for WNV surveillance.
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12
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Schvartz G, Tirosh-Levy S, Bider S, Lublin A, Farnoushi Y, Erster O, Steinman A. West Nile Virus in Common Wild Avian Species in Israel. Pathogens 2022; 11:107. [PMID: 35056055 PMCID: PMC8780237 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to evaluate the contribution of different wild bird species to West Nile virus (WNV) circulation in Israel, during the months preceding the 2018 outbreak that occurred in Israel, we randomly sampled 136 frozen carcasses of a variety of avian species. Visceral and central nervous system (CNS) tissue pools were tested using WNV NS2A RT qPCR assay; of those, 15 (11.03%, 95% CI: 6.31-17.54%) tissue pools were positive. A total of 13 out of 15 WNV RT qPCR positive samples were successfully sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all WNV isolates were identified as lineage 1 and all categorized as cluster 2 eastern European. Our results indicated that WNV isolates that circulated within the surveyed wild birds in spring 2018 were closely related to several of the isolates of the previously reported 2018 outbreak in birds in Israel and that the majority of infected birds were of local species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gili Schvartz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (S.T.-L.); (S.B.)
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 5025001, Israel;
| | - Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (S.T.-L.); (S.B.)
| | - Shahar Bider
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (S.T.-L.); (S.B.)
| | - Avishai Lublin
- Department of Avian Diseases, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 5025001, Israel; (A.L.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yigal Farnoushi
- Department of Avian Diseases, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 5025001, Israel; (A.L.); (Y.F.)
| | - Oran Erster
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 5025001, Israel;
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (S.T.-L.); (S.B.)
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13
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Abstract
It is unclear whether West Nile virus (WNV) circulates endemically in Portugal. Despite the country’s adequate climate for transmission, Portugal has only reported four human WNV infections so far. We performed a review of WNV-related data (1966–2020), explored mosquito (2016–2019) and land type distributions (1992–2019), and used climate data (1981–2019) to estimate WNV transmission suitability in Portugal. Serological and molecular evidence of WNV circulation from animals and vectors was largely restricted to the south. Land type and climate-driven transmission suitability distributions, but not the distribution of WNV-capable vectors, were compatible with the North-South divide present in serological and molecular evidence of WNV circulation. Our study offers a comprehensive, data-informed perspective and review on the past epidemiology, surveillance and climate-driven transmission suitability of WNV in Portugal, highlighting the south as a subregion of importance. Given the recent WNV outbreaks across Europe, our results support a timely change towards local, active surveillance. Lourenço et al. review historical data and quantify the transmission potential of West Nile virus in Portugal. They report a North-South divide in infection patterns, a higher ecological capacity in the south, and an increasing positive effect of climate change over the last 40 years.
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14
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Erdogan Bamac O, Cizmecigil UY, Mete A, Yilmaz A, Aydin O, Tali HE, Tali BH, Yilmaz SG, Gurel A, Turan N, Ozsoy S, Vatansever Celik E, Sadeyen JR, Roman-Sosa G, Iqbal M, Richt JA, Yilmaz H. Emergence of West Nile Virus Lineage-2 in Resident Corvids in Istanbul, Turkey. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:892-899. [PMID: 34748405 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile fever is a vector-borne viral disease affecting animals and humans causing significant health and economic problems globally. This study was aimed at investigating circulating West Nile virus (WNV) strains in free-ranging corvids in Istanbul, Turkey. Brain, liver, and kidney were collected from corvids (n = 34) between June 2019 and April 2020 and analyzed for the presence of WNV-specific RNA by quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations were also performed. Samples found to be positive by qRT-PCR were partially sequenced. WNV-specific RNA was detected in 8 of 34 corvids analyzed, which included 7 hooded crows (Corvus cornix) and 1 Eurasian magpie (Pica pica). Phylogenetic analysis based on partial WNV sequences from the 8 WNV-positive corvids identified in this study revealed that all sequences clustered within the WNV lineage-2; they were at least 97% homologues to WNV lineage-2 sequences from Slovakia, Italy, Czechia, Hungary, Senegal, Austria, Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Germany. WNV sequences showed a divergence (87.94-94.46%) from sequences reported from Romania, Central African Republic, South Africa, Madagascar, Israel, and Cyprus, which clustered into a different clade of WNV lineage-2. Common histopathologic findings of WNV-positive corvids included lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis, myocarditis, and splenitis. The liver and heart were found to be the tissues most consistently positive for WNV-specific antigen by immunohistochemistry, followed by the kidney and brain. This study demonstrates for the first time the existence of WNV virus belonging to the genetic lineage-2 in resident corvids in Istanbul, Turkey. We hypothesize that the WNV strains circulating in Istanbul are possibly the result of a spillover event from Europe. Since WNV is a zoonotic pathogen transmitted by mosquito vectors, the emergence of WNV in Istanbul also poses a risk to humans and other susceptible animals in this densely populated city and needs to be addressed by animal and public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Erdogan Bamac
- Department of Pathology, and Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Utku Y Cizmecigil
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Asli Mete
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Davis Branch, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Aysun Yilmaz
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Aydin
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan E Tali
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Besim H Tali
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Semaha G Yilmaz
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aydin Gurel
- Department of Pathology, and Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nuri Turan
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serhat Ozsoy
- Department of Wild Animals and Ecology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Vatansever Celik
- Department of Wild Animals and Ecology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jean-Remy Sadeyen
- Avian Influenza Group, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Gleyder Roman-Sosa
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Munir Iqbal
- Avian Influenza Group, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Juergen A Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Huseyin Yilmaz
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
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15
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Intensive West Nile Virus Circulation in Serbia in 2018-Results of Integrated Surveillance Program. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101294. [PMID: 34684243 PMCID: PMC8540029 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The results of the Serbian national integrated West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance program conducted in 2018 and funded by the Serbian Veterinary Directorate are presented. The WNV surveillance program encompassed the entire territory of Serbia and was conducted by the veterinary service in collaboration with entomologists and ornithologists. The objective of the program was early detection of WNV circulation in the environment and timely reporting to the public health service and local authorities to increase clinical and mosquito control preparedness. The program was based on the detection of WNV presence in wild birds (natural hosts) and mosquitoes (virus vectors) and on serological testing of sentinel horses (WNV-specific IgM antibodies). The season 2018 was confirmed to be the season of the most intensive WNV circulation with the highest number and severity of human cases in Serbia ever reported. The most intense WNV circulation was observed in the northern and central parts of Serbia including Vojvodina Province, the Belgrade City area, and surrounding districts, where most positive samples were detected among sentinel animals, mosquitoes and wild birds. The majority of human cases were preceded by the detection of WNV circulation during the surveillance. The WNV surveillance program in 2018 showed satisfactory results in the capacity to indicate the spatial distribution of the risk for humans and sensitivity to early detection of WNV circulation in the environment.
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16
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Semenza JC, Paz S. Climate change and infectious disease in Europe: Impact, projection and adaptation. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2021; 9:100230. [PMID: 34664039 PMCID: PMC8513157 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Europeans are not only exposed to direct effects from climate change, but also vulnerable to indirect effects from infectious disease, many of which are climate sensitive, which is of concern because of their epidemic potential. Climatic conditions have facilitated vector-borne disease outbreaks like chikungunya, dengue, and West Nile fever and have contributed to a geographic range expansion of tick vectors that transmit Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Extreme precipitation events have caused waterborne outbreaks and longer summer seasons have contributed to increases in foodborne diseases. Under the Green Deal, The European Union aims to support climate change health policy, in order to be better prepared for the next health security threat, particularly in the aftermath of the traumatic COVID-19 experience. To bolster this policy process we discuss climate change-related hazards, exposures and vulnerabilities to infectious disease and describe observed impacts, projected risks, with policy entry points for adaptation to reduce these risks or avoid them altogether.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan C. Semenza
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shlomit Paz
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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17
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Seasonal Phenological Patterns and Flavivirus Vectorial Capacity of Medically Important Mosquito Species in a Wetland and an Urban Area of Attica, Greece. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6040176. [PMID: 34698285 PMCID: PMC8544675 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040176] [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: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal patterns of mosquito population density and their vectorial capacity constitute major elements to understand the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. Using adult mosquito traps, we compared the population dynamics of major mosquito species (Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles spp.) in an urban and a wetland rural area of Attica Greece. Pools of the captured Cx. pipiens were analyzed to determine infection rates of the West Nile virus (WNV) and the Usutu virus (USUV). The data provided were collected under the frame of the surveillance program carried out in two regional units (RUs) of the Attica region (East Attica and South Sector of Attica), during the period 2017-2018. The entomological surveillance of adult mosquitoes was performed on a weekly basis using a network of BG-sentinel traps (BGs), baited with CO2 and BG-Lure, in selected, fixed sampling sites. A total of 46,726 adult mosquitoes were collected, with larger variety and number of species in East Attica (n = 37,810), followed by the South Sector of Attica (n = 8916). The collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species level and evaluated for their public health importance. Collected Cx. pipiens adults were pooled and tested for West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) presence by implementation of a targeted molecular methodology (real-time PCR). A total of 366 mosquito pools were analyzed for WNV and USUV, respectively, and 38 (10.4%) positive samples were recorded for WNV, while no positive pool was detected for USUV. The majority of positive samples for WNV were detected in the East Attica region, followed by the South Sector of Attica, respectively. The findings of the current study highlight the WNV circulation in the region of Attica and the concomitant risk for the country, rendering mosquito surveillance actions and integrated mosquito management programs as imperative public health interventions.
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18
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Costa ÉA, Giovanetti M, Silva Catenacci L, Fonseca V, Aburjaile FF, Chalhoub FLL, Xavier J, Campos de Melo Iani F, da Cunha e Silva Vieira MA, Freitas Henriques D, Medeiros DBDA, Guedes MIMC, Senra Álvares da Silva Santos B, Gonçalves Silva AS, de Pino Albuquerque Maranhão R, da Costa Faria NR, Farinelli de Siqueira R, de Oliveira T, Ribeiro Leite Jardim Cavalcante K, Oliveira de Moura NF, Pecego Martins Romano A, Campelo de Albuquerque CF, Soares Feitosa LC, Martins Bayeux JJ, Bertoni Cavalcanti Teixeira R, Lisboa Lobato O, da Costa Silva S, Bispo de Filippis AM, Venâncio da Cunha R, Lourenço J, Alcantara LCJ. West Nile Virus in Brazil. Pathogens 2021; 10:896. [PMID: 34358046 PMCID: PMC8308589 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: West Nile virus (WNV) was first sequenced in Brazil in 2019, when it was isolated from a horse in the Espírito Santo state. Despite multiple studies reporting serological evidence suggestive of past circulation since 2004, WNV remains a low priority for surveillance and public health, such that much is still unknown about its genomic diversity, evolution, and transmission in the country. Methods: A combination of diagnostic assays, nanopore sequencing, phylogenetic inference, and epidemiological modeling are here used to provide a holistic overview of what is known about WNV in Brazil. Results: We report new genetic evidence of WNV circulation in southern (Minas Gerais, São Paulo) and northeastern (Piauí) states isolated from equine red blood cells. A novel, climate-informed theoretical perspective of the potential transmission of WNV across the country highlights the state of Piauí as particularly relevant for WNV epidemiology in Brazil, although it does not reject possible circulation in other states. Conclusion: Our output demonstrates the scarceness of existing data, and that although there is sufficient evidence for the circulation and persistence of the virus, much is still unknown on its local evolution, epidemiology, and activity. We advocate for a shift to active surveillance, to ensure adequate preparedness for future epidemics with spill-over potential to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica Azevedo Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (É.A.C.); (M.I.M.C.G.); (B.S.Á.d.S.S.); (A.S.G.S.)
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (M.G.); (F.L.L.C.); (N.R.d.C.F.); (A.M.B.d.F.)
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (V.F.); (F.F.A.); (J.X.)
| | - Lilian Silva Catenacci
- Departamento De Morfofisiologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil;
| | - Vagner Fonseca
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (V.F.); (F.F.A.); (J.X.)
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa;
- Coordenação Geral dos Laboratórios de Saúde Pública/Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (CGLAB/SVS-MS), Brasília 70719-040, Brazil
| | - Flávia Figueira Aburjaile
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (V.F.); (F.F.A.); (J.X.)
| | - Flávia L. L. Chalhoub
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (M.G.); (F.L.L.C.); (N.R.d.C.F.); (A.M.B.d.F.)
| | - Joilson Xavier
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (V.F.); (F.F.A.); (J.X.)
| | | | | | - Danielle Freitas Henriques
- Seção de Arbovirologia e Febres Hemorrágicas, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ministério da Saúde, Ananindeua 70058-900, Brazil; (D.F.H.); (D.B.d.A.M.)
| | - Daniele Barbosa de Almeida Medeiros
- Seção de Arbovirologia e Febres Hemorrágicas, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ministério da Saúde, Ananindeua 70058-900, Brazil; (D.F.H.); (D.B.d.A.M.)
| | - Maria Isabel Maldonado Coelho Guedes
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (É.A.C.); (M.I.M.C.G.); (B.S.Á.d.S.S.); (A.S.G.S.)
| | - Beatriz Senra Álvares da Silva Santos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (É.A.C.); (M.I.M.C.G.); (B.S.Á.d.S.S.); (A.S.G.S.)
| | - Aila Solimar Gonçalves Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (É.A.C.); (M.I.M.C.G.); (B.S.Á.d.S.S.); (A.S.G.S.)
| | - Renata de Pino Albuquerque Maranhão
- Setor de Clínica de Equinos, Hospital Veterinário, Campus Pampulha, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Escola de Veterinária, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Nieli Rodrigues da Costa Faria
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (M.G.); (F.L.L.C.); (N.R.d.C.F.); (A.M.B.d.F.)
| | | | - Tulio de Oliveira
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa;
| | - Karina Ribeiro Leite Jardim Cavalcante
- Coordenacao Geral das Arboviroses, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde/Ministério da Saúde, Brasília 70058-900, Brazil; (K.R.L.J.C.); (N.F.O.d.M.); (A.P.M.R.)
| | - Noely Fabiana Oliveira de Moura
- Coordenacao Geral das Arboviroses, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde/Ministério da Saúde, Brasília 70058-900, Brazil; (K.R.L.J.C.); (N.F.O.d.M.); (A.P.M.R.)
| | - Alessandro Pecego Martins Romano
- Coordenacao Geral das Arboviroses, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde/Ministério da Saúde, Brasília 70058-900, Brazil; (K.R.L.J.C.); (N.F.O.d.M.); (A.P.M.R.)
| | | | - Lauro César Soares Feitosa
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil;
| | - José Joffre Martins Bayeux
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Medicina Veterinária, Urbanova, São José Dos Campos, UNIVAP-Universidade Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo 12245-720, Brazil;
| | | | - Osmaikon Lisboa Lobato
- Laboratório de Genética e Conservação de Germoplasma, Campus Prof. Cinobelina Elvas, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Bom Jesus, Piauí 64049-550, Brazil; (O.L.L.); (S.d.C.S.)
| | - Silvokleio da Costa Silva
- Laboratório de Genética e Conservação de Germoplasma, Campus Prof. Cinobelina Elvas, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Bom Jesus, Piauí 64049-550, Brazil; (O.L.L.); (S.d.C.S.)
| | - Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (M.G.); (F.L.L.C.); (N.R.d.C.F.); (A.M.B.d.F.)
| | - Rivaldo Venâncio da Cunha
- Coordenacao dos Laboratorios de Referencia, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil;
| | - José Lourenço
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK;
| | - Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (M.G.); (F.L.L.C.); (N.R.d.C.F.); (A.M.B.d.F.)
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (V.F.); (F.F.A.); (J.X.)
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19
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Wang H, Abbo SR, Visser TM, Westenberg M, Geertsema C, Fros JJ, Koenraadt CJM, Pijlman GP. Competition between Usutu virus and West Nile virus during simultaneous and sequential infection of Culex pipiens mosquitoes. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 9:2642-2652. [PMID: 33215969 PMCID: PMC7738303 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1854623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are closely related mosquito-borne flaviviruses that are mainly transmitted between bird hosts by vector mosquitoes. Infections in humans are incidental but can cause severe disease. USUV is endemic in large parts of Europe, while WNV mainly circulates in Southern Europe. In recent years, WNV is also frequently detected in Northern Europe, thereby expanding the area where both viruses co-circulate. However, it remains unclear how USUV may affect the future spread of WNV and the likelihood of human co-infection. Here we investigated whether co-infections with both viruses in cell lines and their primary mosquito vector, Culex pipiens, affect virus replication and transmission dynamics. We show that USUV is outcompeted by WNV in mammalian, avian and mosquito cells during co-infection. Mosquitoes that were exposed to both viruses simultaneously via infectious blood meal displayed significantly reduced USUV transmission compared to mosquitoes that were only exposed to USUV (from 15% to 3%), while the infection and transmission of WNV was unaffected. In contrast, when mosquitoes were pre-infected with USUV via infectious blood meal, WNV transmission was significantly reduced (from 44% to 17%). Injection experiments established the involvement of the midgut in the observed USUV-mediated WNV inhibition. The competition between USUV and WNV during co-infection clearly indicates that the chance of concurrent USUV and WNV transmission via a single mosquito bite is low. The competitive relation between USUV and WNV may impact virus transmission dynamics in the field and affect the epidemiology of WNV in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidong Wang
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Sandra R Abbo
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Tessa M Visser
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Marcel Westenberg
- Dutch National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO-NL), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Corinne Geertsema
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jelke J Fros
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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20
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Young JJ, Haussig JM, Aberle SW, Pervanidou D, Riccardo F, Sekulić N, Bakonyi T, Gossner CM. Epidemiology of human West Nile virus infections in the European Union and European Union enlargement countries, 2010 to 2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 26. [PMID: 33988124 PMCID: PMC8120798 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.19.2001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background West Nile virus (WNV) circulates in an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds; humans are accidental hosts. Aim We analysed human WNV infections reported between 2010 and 2018 to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to better understand WNV epidemiology. Methods We describe probable and confirmed autochthonous human cases of WNV infection reported by European Union (EU) and EU enlargement countries. Cases with unknown clinical manifestation or with unknown place of infection at NUTS 3 or GAUL 1 level were excluded from analysis. Results From southern, eastern and western Europe, 3,849 WNV human infections and 379 deaths were reported. Most cases occurred between June and October. Two large outbreaks occurred, in 2010 (n = 391) and in 2018 (n = 1,993). The outbreak in 2018 was larger than in all previous years and the first cases were reported unusually early. The number of newly affected areas (n = 45) was higher in 2018 than in previous years suggesting wider spread of WNV. Conclusion Real-time surveillance of WNV infections is key to ensuring that clinicians and public health authorities receive early warning about the occurrence of cases and potential unusual seasonal patterns. Human cases may appear shortly after first detection of animal cases. Therefore, public health authorities should develop preparedness plans before the occurrence of human or animal WNV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna J Young
- These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship.,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Joana M Haussig
- These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship.,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Stephan W Aberle
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Nebojša Sekulić
- Institute for Public Health of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Tamás Bakonyi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Céline M Gossner
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
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21
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Capoferri AA, Sorrell EM. Assessment of West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Dynamics in Greece and Future Implications. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:466-474. [PMID: 33857383 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of West Nile Virus lineage 2 (WNV-2) has contributed to multiple major human outbreaks in Greece since 2010. Studies to date investigating biological and environmental factors that contribute to West Nile Virus (WNV) transmission have resulted in complex statistical models. We sought to examine open publicly available data to ascertain if a predictive risk assessment could be employed for WNV-2 in Greece. Based on accessible data, factors such as precipitation, temperature, and range of avian host species did not yield conclusive outcomes. However, by measuring the average rate of temperature change leading up to peak caseloads, we found a predictive characteristic to the timing of outbreaks. Detailed evolutionary studies revealed possible multiple introductions of WNV-2 in Europe, and that Greece acts through a source-sink inversion model, thereby allowing continued reseeding of WNV transmission each year by overwintering the Culex pipiens mosquito vector. Greece has proven an excellent model in WNV surveillance and has demonstrated the importance of rapid reporting for proper preparedness and response to vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam A Capoferri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Erin M Sorrell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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22
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Lourenço J, Thompson RN, Thézé J, Obolski U. Characterising West Nile virus epidemiology in Israel using a transmission suitability index. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 25. [PMID: 33213688 PMCID: PMC7678037 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.46.1900629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Climate is a major factor in the epidemiology of West Nile virus (WNV), a pathogen increasingly pervasive worldwide. Cases increased during 2018 in Israel, the United States and Europe. Aim We set to retrospectively understand the spatial and temporal determinants of WNV transmission in Israel, as a case study for the possible effects of climate on virus spread. Methods We employed a suitability index to WNV, parameterising it with prior knowledge pertaining to a bird reservoir and Culex species, using local time series of temperature and humidity as inputs. The predicted suitability index was compared with confirmed WNV cases in Israel (2016–2018). Results The suitability index was highly associated with WNV cases in Israel, with correlation coefficients of 0.91 (p value = 4 × 10− 5), 0.68 (p = 0.016) and 0.9 (p = 2 × 10− 4) in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The fluctuations in the number of WNV cases between the years were explained by higher area under the index curve. A new WNV seasonal mode was identified in the south-east of Israel, along the Great Rift Valley, characterised by two yearly peaks (spring and autumn), distinct from the already known single summer peak in the rest of Israel. Conclusions By producing a detailed geotemporal estimate of transmission potential and its determinants in Israel, our study promotes a better understanding of WNV epidemiology and has the potential to inform future public health responses. The proposed approach further provides opportunities for retrospective and prospective mechanistic modelling of WNV epidemiology and its associated climatic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Lourenço
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robin N Thompson
- Christ Church, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Thézé
- Joint Research Unit Epidemiology of Animal and Zoonotic Diseases (EPIA), INRA, VetAgro Sup, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Uri Obolski
- Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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23
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Nurmakhanov T, Sansyzbaev Y, Atshabar B, Berlin V, Kobzhasarov D, Yeskhojayev O, Vilkova A, Ayazbayev T, Andryuchshenko A, Bidashko F, Hay J, Shvetsov A. Phylogenetic Characteristics of West Nile Virus Isolated From Culex modestus Mosquitoes in West Kazakhstan. Front Public Health 2021; 8:575187. [PMID: 33643981 PMCID: PMC7907182 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.575187] [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: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus is widespread in southern Russia, where the fever appears annually. Since Western Kazakhstan borders on southern Russia, we examined mosquitoes in this region for the presence of West Nile virus. Virus was detected in a small proportion of Culex modestus mosquitoes (3/239 pools) and isolates are related to strains from Volgograd, Russia. A screen for West Nile virus IgG was conducted and ~5% of the local human population tested positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talgat Nurmakhanov
- M. Aikimbayev's Kazakh Scientific Centre for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases (KSCQZD), Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Yerlan Sansyzbaev
- M. Aikimbayev's Kazakh Scientific Centre for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases (KSCQZD), Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Boris Atshabar
- M. Aikimbayev's Kazakh Scientific Centre for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases (KSCQZD), Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Vladimir Berlin
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Ministry of Education and Science, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Damir Kobzhasarov
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Ministry of Education and Science, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Olzhas Yeskhojayev
- M. Aikimbayev's Kazakh Scientific Centre for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases (KSCQZD), Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Anna Vilkova
- M. Aikimbayev's Kazakh Scientific Centre for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases (KSCQZD), Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Timur Ayazbayev
- Committee on Consumer Rights Protection, Nursultan, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Fyodor Bidashko
- Committee on Consumer Rights Protection, Nursultan, Kazakhstan
| | - John Hay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine, Univertsity at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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24
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Pervanidou D, Vakali A, Georgakopoulou T, Panagiotopoulos T, Patsoula E, Koliopoulos G, Politis C, Stamoulis K, Gavana E, Pappa S, Mavrouli M, Emmanouil M, Sourvinos G, Mentis A, Tsakris A, Hadjichristodoulou C, Tsiodras S, Papa A. West Nile virus in humans, Greece, 2018: the largest seasonal number of cases, 9 years after its emergence in the country. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 25. [PMID: 32794446 PMCID: PMC7427301 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.32.1900543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection are recorded since 2010 in Greece, with seasonal outbreaks occurring almost annually. Enhanced surveillance has been implemented since 2010, to promptly characterise cases’ temporal and geographical distribution and inform authorities for implementation of appropriate measures (mosquito control, health education, blood safety). Aim We describe the epidemiology of WNV human infections in Greece focusing on the 2018 season. Methods The National Public Health Organization advised physicians to test all suspect WNV infection cases and refer samples to reference laboratories. Laboratories notified diagnosed cases on a daily basis. Treating physicians, patients, and infected blood donors were interviewed within 48 hours after diagnosis and the probable infection location was identified. Hospitalised cases were followed up until discharge. Results A total of 317 autochthonous WNV infection cases were diagnosed in 2018. Among them, 243 cases had neuroinvasive disease (WNND), representing a 23% increase of WNND cases compared with 2010, the previous most intense season. There were 51 deaths. Cases started occurring from week 22, earlier than usual. Both rural and urban areas were affected, with 86 (26% of the total) municipalities belonging to seven (54% of the total) regions recording cases. Two major epicentres were identified in Attica and Central Macedonia regions. Conclusions The largest number of human cases of WNV infection ever recorded in Greece occurred in 2018, with a wide geographical distribution, suggesting intense virus circulation. Enhanced surveillance is vital for the early detection of human cases and the prompt implementation of response measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai Pervanidou
- Hellenic National Public Health Organization/former Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Annita Vakali
- Hellenic National Public Health Organization/former Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Theano Georgakopoulou
- Hellenic National Public Health Organization/former Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Takis Panagiotopoulos
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health Policy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Patsoula
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health Policy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Constantina Politis
- Hellenic National Public Health Organization/former Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Elpida Gavana
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Styliani Pappa
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Mavrouli
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Emmanouil
- Diagnostic Services Laboratory, Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Andreas Mentis
- Diagnostic Services Laboratory, Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanassios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic National Public Health Organization/former Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Papa
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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25
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Constant O, Bollore K, Clé M, Barthelemy J, Foulongne V, Chenet B, Gomis D, Virolle L, Gutierrez S, Desmetz C, Moares RA, Beck C, Lecollinet S, Salinas S, Simonin Y. Evidence of Exposure to USUV and WNV in Zoo Animals in France. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121005. [PMID: 33266071 PMCID: PMC7760666 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are zoonotic arboviruses. These flaviviruses are mainly maintained in the environment through an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. Horses and humans are incidental, dead-end hosts, but can develop severe neurological disorders. Nevertheless, there is little data regarding the involvement of other mammals in the epidemiology of these arboviruses. In this study, we performed a serosurvey to assess exposure to these viruses in captive birds and mammals in a zoo situated in the south of France, an area described for the circulation of these two viruses. A total of 411 samples comprising of 70 species were collected over 16 years from 2003 to 2019. The samples were first tested by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The positive sera were then tested using virus-specific microneutralization tests against USUV and WNV. USUV seroprevalence in birds was 10 times higher than that of WNV (14.59% versus 1.46%, respectively). Among birds, greater rhea (Rhea Americana) and common peafowl (Pavo cristatus) exhibited the highest USUV seroprevalence. Infections occurred mainly between 2016-2018 corresponding to a period of high circulation of these viruses in Europe. In mammalian species, antibodies against WNV were detected in one dama gazelle (Nanger dama) whereas serological evidence of USUV infection was observed in several Canidae, especially in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Our study helps to better understand the exposure of captive species to WNV and USUV and to identify potential host species to include in surveillance programs in zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Constant
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Karine Bollore
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Marion Clé
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Jonathan Barthelemy
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Vincent Foulongne
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Baptiste Chenet
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | - David Gomis
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | - Laurie Virolle
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (B.C.); (D.G.); (L.V.)
| | | | - Caroline Desmetz
- bBioCommunication en CardioMétabolique (BC2M), Montpellier University, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Rayane Amaral Moares
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Cécile Beck
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.M.); (C.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France; (O.C.); (K.B.); (M.C.); (J.B.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)4-3435-9114
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26
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Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Aedes Albopictus and Culex Pipiens along an Urban-Natural Gradient in the Ventotene Island, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228300. [PMID: 33182683 PMCID: PMC7696970 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of mosquitos and their corresponding hosts is critical in public health to determine the risk of transmission for vector-borne diseases. In this pilot study conducted in the small Mediterranean island of Ventotene, a known stopover site for migratory birds, the spatio-temporal distribution of two major mosquito vectors is analyzed from the natural to urban environment. The results show that Aedes albopictus aggregates mostly near areas with a human presence and the urban landscape, while Culex pipiens is more spatio-temporally spread, as it can also be found in wilder and less anthropized areas where the availability of human hosts is limited. Culex pipiens is also active earlier in the year. From a microgeographical perspective, our results confirm the anthropophilic spatial distribution of Ae. Albopictus, while suggesting that the circulation of bird zoonosis, such as West Nile, could be favored by the Cx. pipiens distribution. The results highlight the different ecology of the vectors and the interplay with their hosts, even at a small scale. The current evidence may help in forecasting the risk of pathogen transmission and surveillance planning.
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27
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Depner K, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Sihvonen LH, Stahl K, Calvo AV, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Gubbins S, Antoniou S, Broglia A, Abrahantes JC, Dhollander S, Van der Stede Y. Rift Valley Fever - assessment of effectiveness of surveillance and control measures in the EU. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06292. [PMID: 33193869 PMCID: PMC7642843 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6292] [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] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Effectiveness of surveillance and control measures against Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Mayotte (overseas France) and in continental EU were assessed using mathematical models. Surveillance for early detection of RVF virus circulation implies very low design prevalence values and thus sampling a high number of animals, so feasibility issues may rise. Passive surveillance based on notified abortions in ruminants is key for early warning and at present the only feasible surveillance option. The assessment of vaccination and culling against RVF in Mayotte suggests that vaccination is more effective when quickly implemented throughout the population, e.g. at a rate of 200 or 2,000 animals vaccinated per day. Test and cull is not an option for RVF control in Mayotte given the high number of animals that would need to be tested. If the risk of RVFV introduction into the continental EU increases, ruminant establishments close to possible points of disease incursion should be included in the surveillance. An enhanced surveillance on reproductive disorders should be applied during summer in risk areas. Serosurveillance targets of 0.3% animals should be at least considered. RVF control measures possibly applied in the continental EU have been assessed in the Netherlands, as an example. Culling animals on farms within a 20 km radius of detected farms appears as the most effective measure to control RVF spread, although too many animals should be culled. Alternative measures are vaccination in a 50 km radius around detection, ring vaccination between 20 and 50 km and culling of detected farms. The assessment of zoning showed that, following RVFV introduction and considering an R0 = 2, a mean vector dispersal of 10 km and 10 farms initially detected, RVFV would spread beyond a radius of up to 100 km or 50 km from the infected area with 10% or 55% probability, respectively.
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28
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Contrasted Epidemiological Patterns of West Nile Virus Lineages 1 and 2 Infections in France from 2015 to 2019. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110908. [PMID: 33143300 PMCID: PMC7692118 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2015, annual West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks of varying intensities have been reported in France. Recent intensification of enzootic WNV circulation was observed in the South of France with most horse cases detected in 2015 (n = 49), 2018 (n = 13), and 2019 (n = 13). A WNV lineage 1 strain was isolated from a horse suffering from West Nile neuro-invasive disease (WNND) during the 2015 episode in the Camargue area. A breaking point in WNV epidemiology was achieved in 2018, when WNV lineage 2 emerged in Southeastern areas. This virus most probably originated from WNV spread from Northern Italy and caused WNND in humans and the death of diurnal raptors. WNV lineage 2 emergence was associated with the most important human WNV epidemics identified so far in France (n = 26, including seven WNND cases and two infections in blood and organ donors). Two other major findings were the detection of WNV in areas with no or limited history of WNV circulation (Alpes-Maritimes in 2018, Corsica in 2018–2019, and Var in 2019) and distinct spatial distribution of human and horse WNV cases. These new data reinforce the necessity to enhance French WNV surveillance to better anticipate future WNV epidemics and epizootics and to improve the safety of blood and organ donations.
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29
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Rexhepi A, Sherifi K, Berxholi K, Xhekaj B, Muja-Bajraktari N, Özkul A, von Possel R, Emmerich P. First Serological Evidence of West Nile Virus Among Equines and Birds in Kosovo, 2018-2019. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 21:116-120. [PMID: 33090084 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in Kosovo by serological testing of apparently healthy local horses and free-range chicken, and it attempted to detect viral nucleic acid in birds and mosquitoes. Between January 2018 and June 2019, 260 equine serum samples were collected, additionally 580 adult mosquitoes (53 pools) were grouped in for genera, including Culex spp. (226 individuals; 26 pools), Aedes spp. (136 individuals; 16 pools), Anopheles spp. (184 individuals; 7 pools), and Culiseta spp. (34 individuals; 4 pools). Fifty domestic birds and 51 wild birds were collected from different regions of Kosovo. Equine and domestic bird serum samples were tested by flavivirus IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while mosquitoes and bird viscera were tested for WNV RNA by RT-qPCR. All ELISA-positive results were confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and eight by virus neutralization test. WNV antibodies were present in 27 out of 260 equine sera (10.38%) and one out of 50 samples in domestic birds by ELISA and PRNT. Eight of 27 positive equine serum samples with high titer neutralized WNV, but not Usutu virus. No WNV RNA was detected in birds or mosquitoes. The occurrence of WNV antibodies in local equines from all regions of Kosovo indicates that the virus is circulating within the country. Public health authorities should therefore plan a risk assessment and disease control program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agim Rexhepi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina," Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina," Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Kristaq Berxholi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Betim Xhekaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina," Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Nesade Muja-Bajraktari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina," Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Aykut Özkul
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ronald von Possel
- Department of Virology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Emmerich
- Department of Virology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Neuroinvasive West Nile Infection with an Unusual Clinical Presentation: A Single-Center Case Series. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030138. [PMID: 32878269 PMCID: PMC7558676 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2018 West Nile Virus (WNV) season in Europe was characterized by an extremely high infection rate and an exceptionally higher burden when compared to previous seasons. Overall, there was a 10.9-fold increase in incidence in Italy, with 577 human cases, 230 WNV neuroinvasive diseases (WNNV) and 42 WNV-attributed deaths. Methods: in this paper we retrospectively reported the neurological presentation of 7 patients admitted to University Hospital of Udine with a diagnosis of WNNV, especially focusing on two patients who presented with atypical severe brain stem involvement. Conclusions: the atypical features of some of these forms highlight the necessity to stay vigilant and suspect the diagnosis when confronted with neurological symptoms. We strongly encourage clinicians to consider WNNV in patients presenting with unexplained neurological symptoms in mild climate-areas at risk.
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Nagy A, Mezei E, Nagy O, Bakonyi T, Csonka N, Kaposi M, Koroknai A, Szomor K, Rigó Z, Molnár Z, Dánielisz Á, Takács M. Extraordinary increase in West Nile virus cases and first confirmed human Usutu virus infection in Hungary, 2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 31311619 PMCID: PMC6636212 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.28.1900038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundDuring the 2018 WNV transmission season, similarly to other endemic areas in Europe, a large number of human West Nile virus (WNV) infections were reported in Hungary.AimsWe summarise the epidemiological and laboratory findings of the 2018 transmission season and expand experiences in flavivirus differential diagnostics.MethodsEvery patient with clinical suspicion of acute WNV infection was in parallel tested for WNV, tick-borne encephalitis virus and Usutu virus (USUV) by serological methods. Sera, whole blood and urine samples were also tested for the presence of viral nucleic acid.ResultsUntil the end of December 2018, 215 locally acquired and 10 imported human WNV infections were notified in Hungary. All reported cases were symptomatic; most of them exhibited neurological symptoms. In a large proportion of tested individuals, whole blood was the most appropriate sample type for viral nucleic acid detection, but because whole blood samples were not always available, testing of urine samples also extended diagnostic possibilities. In addition, the first human USUV infection was confirmed in 2018 in a patient with aseptic meningitis. Serological cross-reactions with WNV in different serological assays were experienced, but subsequent molecular biological testing and sequence analysis identified Europe lineage 2 USUV infection.ConclusionCareful interpretation and simultaneous application of different laboratory methods are necessary to avoid misdiagnosis of human USUV cases. Expansion of the laboratory-confirmed case definition criteria for detection of viral RNA in any clinical specimens to include urine samples could increase diagnostic sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nagy
- These authors contributed equally to this work.,National Reference Laboratory for Viral Zoonoses; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Mezei
- Department of Communicable Diseases Epidemiology and Infection Control; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Orsolya Nagy
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,National Reference Laboratory for Viral Zoonoses; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bakonyi
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Csonka
- National Reference Laboratory for Viral Zoonoses; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Magdolna Kaposi
- National Reference Laboratory for Viral Zoonoses; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anita Koroknai
- National Reference Laboratory for Viral Zoonoses; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Szomor
- National Reference Laboratory for Viral Exanthematous Diseases; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zita Rigó
- National Reference Laboratory for Viral Exanthematous Diseases; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Molnár
- Department of Communicable Diseases Epidemiology and Infection Control; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Dánielisz
- Department of Communicable Diseases Epidemiology and Infection Control; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Takács
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,National Reference Laboratory for Viral Zoonoses; National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
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32
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Knap N, Korva M, Ivović V, Kalan K, Jelovšek M, Sagadin M, Zakotnik S, Strašek Smrdel K, Slunečko J, Avšič-Županc T. West Nile Virus in Slovenia. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070720. [PMID: 32635155 PMCID: PMC7411925 DOI: 10.3390/v12070720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes. Birds are the reservoir for the virus; humans, horses and other mammals are dead-end hosts. Infections caused by WNV in humans can vary from asymptomatic infections to West Nile fever (WNF) or West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND). In 1995, a serosurvey was performed in Slovenia on forest workers, and WNV specific IgG antibodies were confirmed in 6.8% of the screened samples, indicating that WNV is circulating in Slovenia. No human disease cases were detected in Slovenia until 2013, when the first case of WNV infection was confirmed in a retrospective study in a 79-year old man with meningitis. In 2018, three patients with WNND were confirmed by laboratory tests, with detection of IgM antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of the patients. In one of the patients, WNV RNA was detected in the urine sample. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, a mosquito study was performed in Slovenia. Mosquitoes were sampled on 14 control locations and 35 additional locations in 2019. No WNV was detected in mosquitoes in 2017 and 2019, but we confirmed the virus in a pool of Culex sp. mosquitoes in 2018. The virus was successfully isolated, and complete genome sequence was acquired. The whole genome of the WNV was also sequenced from the patient's urine sample. The whole genome sequences of the WNV virus detected in Slovenian patient and mosquito indicate the virus most likely spread from the north, because of the geographic proximity and because the sequences cluster with the Austrian and Hungarian sequences. A sentinel study was performed on dog sera samples, and we were able to confirm IgG antibodies in 1.8% and 4.3% of the samples in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Though Slovenia is not a highly endemic country for WNV, we have established that the virus circulates in Slovenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Knap
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (S.Z.); (K.S.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Miša Korva
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (S.Z.); (K.S.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Vladimir Ivović
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (V.I.); (K.K.)
| | - Katja Kalan
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (V.I.); (K.K.)
| | - Mateja Jelovšek
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (S.Z.); (K.S.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Martin Sagadin
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (S.Z.); (K.S.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Samo Zakotnik
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (S.Z.); (K.S.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Katja Strašek Smrdel
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (S.Z.); (K.S.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Jan Slunečko
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (S.Z.); (K.S.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.K.); (M.J.); (M.S.); (S.Z.); (K.S.S.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +38-61-543-7450
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Serum neutralising antibody titres against a lineage 2 neuroinvasive West Nile Virus strain in response to vaccination with an inactivated lineage 1 vaccine in a European endemic area. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2020; 227:110087. [PMID: 32629300 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2020.110087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade in Hungary and the neighbouring countries, West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) has been caused in dramatically increasing numbers by lineage 2 West Nile Virus (WNV) strains both in horses and in humans. The disease in this geographical region is seasonal, so vaccination of horses should be carefully scheduled to maintain the highest antibody titres during outbreak periods. The objective of this study was to characterise the serum neutralising (SN) antibody titres against a lineage 2 WNV strain in response to vaccination with an inactivated lineage 1 vaccine (Equip® WNV). Thirty-two seronegative horses were enrolled in the study, 22 horses were allocated to the vaccinated group and 10 retained as unvaccinated controls. Horses were vaccinated according to the product's vaccination guidelines. A primary vaccination of two doses administered 28 days apart was initiated approximately 5 months before the WNV outbreak season, followed by a booster vaccination one year later. Blood samples were collected during a 2-year period to monitor production of SN antibodies against lineage 1 and the enzootic lineage 2 WNV strain. Mean antibody titres against lineage 1 WNV were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the vaccinated group compared to the control group at all-time points after the primary dose of vaccination. Similarly, mean antibody titres against lineage 2 WNV were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the vaccinated group compared to the control group at all time-points except at 6 months after the primary vaccination. SN antibody titres were significantly higher against lineage 1 than lineage 2 at all-time points. According to the results, vaccination with an inactivated lineage 1 vaccine induces antibodies against both WNV lineages 1 and 2 strains up to 2 years after booster vaccination, but in those geographical regions where lineage 2 strains are responsible for seasonal outbreaks, a booster vaccination should be considered earlier than 12 months after primary vaccination.
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34
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Lustig Y, Gosinov R, Zuckerman N, Glazer Y, Orshan L, Sofer D, Schwartz E, Schvartz G, Farnoushi Y, Lublin A, Erster O, Shalom U, Yeger T, Mor O, Anis E, Mendelson E. Epidemiologic and phylogenetic analysis of the 2018 West Nile virus (WNV) outbreak in Israel demonstrates human infection of WNV lineage I. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30621816 PMCID: PMC6325669 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.1.1800662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
As at 12 November 2018, an outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) was responsible for 139 WNV infection cases in Israel. Here, we characterise the epidemiology of the outbreak and demonstrate that only WNV lineage I was circulating in mosquitoes and responsible for WNV infection in humans. This suggests that the concurrence of the outbreak in Israel with WNV outbreaks in several European countries is not due to a common, more virulent WNV genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ruslan Gosinov
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Neta Zuckerman
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Yael Glazer
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Danit Sofer
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eli Schwartz
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Tropical and Travel Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Oran Erster
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan, Israel
| | - Uri Shalom
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Yeger
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orna Mor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Emilia Anis
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University and Hadassah, Israel.,Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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35
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Riccardo F, Bolici F, Fafangel M, Jovanovic V, Socan M, Klepac P, Plavsa D, Vasic M, Bella A, Diana G, Rosi L, Pezzotti P, Andrianou XD, Di Luca M, Venturi G, Maraglino F, Pervanidou D, Cenciarelli O, Baka A, Young J, Bakonyi T, Rezza G, Suk JE. West Nile virus in Europe: after action reviews of preparedness and response to the 2018 transmission season in Italy, Slovenia, Serbia and Greece. Global Health 2020; 16:47. [PMID: 32423479 PMCID: PMC7236470 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00568-1] [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: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background After Action Reviews (AAR) with a One Health perspective were performed in Slovenia, Italy, Serbia and Greece following a severe West Nile virus (WNV) transmission season in 2018. A protocol combining traditional techniques and organizational process analysis was developed and then implemented in each country. Results In 2018, response to the unusually intense transmission season of WNV in Slovenia, Italy, Serbia and Greece took place through routine response mechanisms. None of the four countries declared a national or subnational emergency. We found a very strong consensus on the strengths identified in responding to this event. All countries indicated the availability of One Health Plans for surveillance and response; very high laboratory diagnostic capacity in the human, veterinary and entomology sectors and strong inter-sectoral collaboration with strong commitment of engaged institutions as critical in the management of the event. Finally, countries implementing One Health surveillance for WNV (in terms of early warning and early activation of prevention measures) consistently reported a positive impact on their activities, in particular when combining mosquito and bird surveillance with surveillance of cases in humans and equids. Recurring priority areas for improvement included: increasing knowledge on vector-control measures, ensuring the sustainability of vector monitoring and surveillance, and improving capacity to manage media pressure. Conclusions The AARs presented here demonstrate the benefit of cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary approaches to preparedness for West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe. In the coming years, priorities include fostering and strengthening arrangements that: enable coordinated One Health surveillance and response during WNV transmission seasons; ensure adequate laboratory capacities; strengthen risk communication; and fund longer-term research to address the knowledge gaps identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Riccardo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Bolici
- OrgLab, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Mario Fafangel
- Nacionalni inštitut za javno zdravje, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Verica Jovanovic
- Institut za Javno Zdravlje Srbije "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Socan
- Nacionalni inštitut za javno zdravje, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Klepac
- Nacionalni inštitut za javno zdravje, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dragana Plavsa
- Institut za Javno Zdravlje Srbije "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Vasic
- Institut za Javno Zdravlje Srbije "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Antonino Bella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Diana
- OrgLab, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Luca Rosi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pezzotti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Xanthi D Andrianou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulietta Venturi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Orlando Cenciarelli
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agoritsa Baka
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Young
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tamas Bakonyi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Jonathan E Suk
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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36
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Pacenti M, Sinigaglia A, Franchin E, Pagni S, Lavezzo E, Montarsi F, Capelli G, Barzon L. Human West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Infection: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Virological Findings. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040458. [PMID: 32325716 PMCID: PMC7232435 DOI: 10.3390/v12040458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 is expanding and causing large outbreaks in Europe. In this study, we analyzed the epidemiological, clinical, and virological features of WNV lineage 2 infection during the large outbreak that occurred in northern Italy in 2018. The study population included 86 patients with neuroinvasive disease (WNND), 307 with fever (WNF), and 34 blood donors. Phylogenetic analysis of WNV full genome sequences from patients’ samples showed that the virus belonged to the widespread central/southern European clade of WNV lineage 2 and was circulating in the area at least since 2014. The incidence of WNND and WNF progressively increased with age and was higher in males than in females. Among WNND patients, the case fatality rate was 22%. About 70% of blood donors reported symptoms during follow-up. Within the first week after symptom onset, WNV RNA was detectable in the blood or urine of 80% of patients, while 20% and 40% of WNND and WNF patients, respectively, were WNV IgM-seronegative. In CSF samples of WNND patients, WNV RNA was typically detectable when WNV IgM antibodies were absent. Blunted or no WNV IgM response and high WNV IgG levels were observed in seven patients with previous flavivirus immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monia Pacenti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, I-35128 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.F.); (S.P.)
| | - Alessandro Sinigaglia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, I-35121 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (E.L.)
| | - Elisa Franchin
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, I-35128 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.F.); (S.P.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, I-35121 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (E.L.)
| | - Silvana Pagni
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, I-35128 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.F.); (S.P.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, I-35121 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (E.L.)
| | - Enrico Lavezzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, I-35121 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (E.L.)
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, I-35020 Legnaro PD, Italy; (F.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, I-35020 Legnaro PD, Italy; (F.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, I-35128 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.F.); (S.P.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, I-35121 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (E.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8218946
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Depner K, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Rojas JLG, Schmidt CG, Michel V, Chueca MÁM, Roberts HC, Sihvonen LH, Stahl K, Calvo AV, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Bett B, Cetre-Sossah C, Chevalier V, Devos C, Gubbins S, Monaco F, Sotiria-Eleni A, Broglia A, Abrahantes JC, Dhollander S, Stede YVD, Zancanaro G. Rift Valley Fever - epidemiological update and risk of introduction into Europe. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06041. [PMID: 33020705 PMCID: PMC7527653 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by a broad spectrum of mosquito species, especially Aedes and Culex genus, to animals (domestic and wild ruminants and camels) and humans. Rift Valley fever is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula, with periodic epidemics characterised by 5-15 years of inter-epizootic periods. In the last two decades, RVF was notified in new African regions (e.g. Sahel), RVF epidemics occurred more frequently and low-level enzootic virus circulation has been demonstrated in livestock in various areas. Recent outbreaks in a French overseas department and some seropositive cases detected in Turkey, Tunisia and Libya raised the attention of the EU for a possible incursion into neighbouring countries. The movement of live animals is the most important pathway for RVF spread from the African endemic areas to North Africa and the Middle East. The movement of infected animals and infected vectors when shipped by flights, containers or road transport is considered as other plausible pathways of introduction into Europe. The overall risk of introduction of RVF into EU through the movement of infected animals is very low in all the EU regions and in all MSs (less than one epidemic every 500 years), given the strict EU animal import policy. The same level of risk of introduction in all the EU regions was estimated also considering the movement of infected vectors, with the highest level for Belgium, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands (one epidemic every 228-700 years), mainly linked to the number of connections by air and sea transports with African RVF infected countries. Although the EU territory does not seem to be directly exposed to an imminent risk of RVFV introduction, the risk of further spread into countries neighbouring the EU and the risks of possible introduction of infected vectors, suggest that EU authorities need to strengthen their surveillance and response capacities, as well as the collaboration with North African and Middle Eastern countries.
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38
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Sinigaglia A, Peta E, Riccetti S, Barzon L. New avenues for therapeutic discovery against West Nile virus. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:333-348. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1714586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elektra Peta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Papa A, Gewehr S, Tsioka K, Kalaitzopoulou S, Pappa S, Mourelatos S. Detection of flaviviruses and alphaviruses in mosquitoes in Central Macedonia, Greece, 2018. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105278. [PMID: 31756306 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Culex mosquitoes are vectors of several flaviviruses and alphaviruses posing a potential risk to public and veterinary health. In order to gain an insight into the flaviviruses and alphaviruses circulating in the five regional units of Central Macedonia in northern Greece, 17,470 female Culex spp. mosquitoes collected during 2018 were tested for these viruses. Among 229 mosquito pools, West Nile virus (WNV) was detected in 10 (4.4%) pools, while insect-specific flavi- and alphaviruses were detected in 2 (0.9%) and 8 (3.5%) pools, respectively. WNV minimum infection rate (MIR) was 0.57. The highest MIR was identified in Thessaloniki regional unit, where several human cases of WNV infection occurred in 2018. All ten WNV sequences cluster into the Central European subclade of lineage 2. It is of note that the first WNV-positive mosquito pool was detected two weeks prior the report of the first human case in the area, suggesting that testing of mosquitoes could serve as early warning system.
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Camp JV, Nowotny N. The knowns and unknowns of West Nile virus in Europe: what did we learn from the 2018 outbreak? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:145-154. [PMID: 31914833 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1713751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne human and animal pathogen with nearly worldwide distribution. In Europe, the virus is endemic with seasonal regional outbreaks that have increased in frequency over the last 10 years. A massive outbreak occurred across southern and central Europe in 2018 with the number of confirmed human cases increasing up to 7.2-fold from the previous year, and expanding to include previously virus-free regions.Areas covered: This review focuses on potential causes that may explain the 2018 European WNV outbreak. We discuss the role genetic, ecological, and environmental aspects may have played in the increased activity during the 2018 transmission season, summarizing the latest epidemiological and virological publications.Expert opinion: Optimal environmental conditions, specifically increased temperature, were most likely responsible for the observed outbreak. Other factors cannot be ruled out due to limited available information, including factors that may influence host/vector abundance and contact. Europe will likely experience even larger-scale outbreaks in the coming years. Increased surveillance efforts should be implemented with a focus on early-warning detection methods, and large-scale host and vector surveys should continue to fill gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Domanović D, Gossner CM, Lieshout-Krikke R, Mayr W, Baroti-Toth K, Dobrota AM, Escoval MA, Henseler O, Jungbauer C, Liumbruno G, Oyonarte S, Politis C, Sandid I, Vidović MS, Young JJ, Ushiro-Lumb I, Nowotny N. West Nile and Usutu Virus Infections and Challenges to Blood Safety in the European Union. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1050-1057. [PMID: 31107223 PMCID: PMC6537739 DOI: 10.3201/eid2506.181755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) circulate in several European Union (EU) countries. The risk of transfusion-transmitted West Nile virus (TT-WNV) has been recognized, and preventive blood safety measures have been implemented. We summarized the applied interventions in the EU countries and assessed the safety of the blood supply by compiling data on WNV positivity among blood donors and on reported TT-WNV cases. The paucity of reported TT-WNV infections and the screening results suggest that blood safety interventions are effective. However, limited circulation of WNV in the EU and presumed underrecognition or underreporting of TT-WNV cases contribute to the present situation. Because of cross-reactivity between genetically related flaviviruses in the automated nucleic acid test systems, USUV-positive blood donations are found during routine WNV screening. The clinical relevance of USUV infection in humans and the risk of USUV to blood safety are unknown.
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Abstract
This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2018 in 36 European countries (28 Member States (MS) and 8 non‐MS). The first and second most commonly reported zoonoses in humans were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. The European Union (EU) trend for confirmed human cases of these two diseases was stable during 2014–2018. The proportion of human salmonellosis cases due to Salmonella Enteritidis was at the same level in 2018 as in 2017. Of the 27 reporting MS, 16 met all Salmonella reduction targets for poultry, whereas 11 MS failed meeting at least one. The EU flock prevalence of target Salmonella serovars in breeding hens, laying hens, broilers and fattening turkeys decreased during recent years but stalled in breeding turkeys. Salmonella results from Competent Authorities for pig carcasses and for poultry tested through National Control Programmes were more frequently positive compared with food business operators. Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in humans were the third most commonly reported zoonosis in the EU and increased from 2014 to 2018. Yersiniosis was the fourth most frequently reported zoonosis in humans in 2018 with a stable trend in 2014–2018. The number of reported confirmed listeriosis cases further increased in 2018, despite Listeria rarely exceeding the EU food safety limit tested in ready‐to‐eat food. In total, 5,146 food‐ and waterborne outbreaks were reported. Salmonella was the most commonly detected agent with S. Enteritidis causing one in five outbreaks. Salmonella in eggs and egg products was the highest risk agent/food pair. A large increase of human West Nile virus infections was reported in 2018. The report further updates on bovine tuberculosis, Brucella, Trichinella, Echinococcus, Toxoplasma, rabies, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) and tularaemia.
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Nagy O, Nagy A, Tóth S, Pályi B, Vargáné Koroknai A, Takács M. Imported Zika virus infections in Hungary between 2016 and 2018. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2019; 66:423-442. [PMID: 31658836 DOI: 10.1556/030.66.2019.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus with significant public health concern due to its association with neurological symptoms and intrauterine malformations. Although it is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, sexual transmission raises the possibility of autochthonous spreading elsewhere. We describe the first laboratory diagnosed imported Zika-infections of Hungary, to highlight the challenges of microbiological identification of the pathogen, caused by serological cross-reactivity and short viremia. Serological examination was carried out using indirect immunofluorescent assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plaque-reduction neutralization test was used for verification purposes. A wide range of clinical specimens: serum, whole-blood, urine, saliva, and semen were analyzed by molecular methods, and sequencing was applied in case of PCR positive results to identify the virus strain. Zika-infected patients with previous vaccination against flaviviruses or possible flavivirus infection in the past showed high serological cross-reactivity, and even cross-neutralizing antibodies were observed. Zika virus RNA could be detected in urine specimen in case of two patients, and in EDTA-anticoagulated whole-blood sample of one patient. The detected strains belong to the Asian lineage of the virus. We presume that serological investigation of imported Zika virus could be altered by infections, vaccination of endemic flaviviruses in Hungary and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Nagy
- 1 Department of Virology, National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
- 2 Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Nagy
- 1 Department of Virology, National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Tóth
- 3 Central Hospital of Southern Pest – National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Pályi
- 1 Department of Virology, National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Mária Takács
- 1 Department of Virology, National Public Health Center, Budapest, Hungary
- 2 Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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44
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Chaintoutis SC, Papa A, Pervanidou D, Dovas CI. Evolutionary dynamics of lineage 2 West Nile virus in Europe, 2004–2018: Phylogeny, selection pressure and phylogeography. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 141:106617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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45
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Aberle SW, Kolodziejek J, Jungbauer C, Stiasny K, Aberle JH, Zoufaly A, Hourfar MK, Weidner L, Nowotny N. Increase in human West Nile and Usutu virus infections, Austria, 2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 30376913 PMCID: PMC6208007 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.43.1800545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Between 28 June and 17 September 2018, 27 cases of human West Nile virus infections were recorded in Austria; four cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease, 11 cases of West Nile fever, six infections detected by blood donation screening and six imported cases. In addition, 18 cases of human Usutu virus infections (all blood donors) were recorded. This is the highest number of annual infections recorded in Austria since the introduction of both viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan W Aberle
- These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship.,Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship
| | - Christof Jungbauer
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Vienna, Austria.,These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith H Aberle
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Zoufaly
- Department of Medicine IV, Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kai Hourfar
- German Red Cross, Blood Donor Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohaematology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Weidner
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,These authors contributed equally to this article and share first authorship
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46
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Michel F, Sieg M, Fischer D, Keller M, Eiden M, Reuschel M, Schmidt V, Schwehn R, Rinder M, Urbaniak S, Müller K, Schmoock M, Lühken R, Wysocki P, Fast C, Lierz M, Korbel R, Vahlenkamp TW, Groschup MH, Ziegler U. Evidence for West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Infections in Wild and Resident Birds in Germany, 2017 and 2018. Viruses 2019; 11:v11070674. [PMID: 31340516 PMCID: PMC6669720 DOI: 10.3390/v11070674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds play an important role as reservoir hosts and vectors for zoonotic arboviruses and foster their spread. Usutu virus (USUV) has been circulating endemically in Germany since 2011, while West Nile virus (WNV) was first diagnosed in several bird species and horses in 2018. In 2017 and 2018, we screened 1709 live wild and zoo birds with real-time polymerase chain reaction and serological assays. Moreover, organ samples from bird carcasses submitted in 2017 were investigated. Overall, 57 blood samples of the live birds (2017 and 2018), and 100 organ samples of dead birds (2017) were positive for USUV-RNA, while no WNV-RNA-positive sample was found. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of USUV lineage Europe 2 in Germany and the spread of USUV lineages Europe 3 and Africa 3 towards Northern Germany. USUV antibody prevalence rates were high in Eastern Germany in both years. On the contrary, in Northern Germany, high seroprevalence rates were first detected in 2018, with the first emergence of USUV in this region. Interestingly, high WNV-specific neutralizing antibody titers were observed in resident and short-distance migratory birds in Eastern Germany in 2018, indicating the first signs of a local WNV circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Michel
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominik Fischer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 91, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reuschel
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 17, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rebekka Schwehn
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
- Seehundstation Nationalpark-Haus Norden-Norddeich, Dörper Weg 24, D-26506 Norden, Germany
| | - Monika Rinder
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Sonnenstraße 18, D-85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Sylvia Urbaniak
- Birds of Prey Rehab Center Rhineland (Greifvogelhilfe Rheinland)/Tierarztpraxis Sudhoff, Hehnerholt 105, D-41069 Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Kerstin Müller
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19 b, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Schmoock
- Wildpark Schwarze Berge GmbH & Co. KG, Am Wildpark 1, D-21224 Rosengarten, Germany
- Tiermedizin am Rothenbaum, Rothenbaumchaussee 195, D-20149 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhardt-Nocht Straße 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Wysocki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Michael Lierz
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 91, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Korbel
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Sonnenstraße 18, D-85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Thomas W Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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47
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Lillepold K, Rocklöv J, Liu-Helmersson J, Sewe M, Semenza JC. More arboviral disease outbreaks in continental Europe due to the warming climate? J Travel Med 2019; 26:5372542. [PMID: 30850834 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Lillepold
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Joacim Rocklöv
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jing Liu-Helmersson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maquins Sewe
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jan C Semenza
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm Sweden
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48
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Rockstroh A, Moges B, Berneck BS, Sattler T, Revilla-Fernández S, Schmoll F, Pacenti M, Sinigaglia A, Barzon L, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Nowotny N, Ulbert S. Specific detection and differentiation of tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus induced IgG antibodies in humans and horses. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1701-1708. [PMID: 30985075 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are important arthropod-borne zoonotic flaviviruses. Due to the emergence of WNV in TBEV-endemic regions co-circulation of both viruses is increasing. Flaviviruses are structurally highly similar, which leads to cross-reacting antibodies upon infection. Currently available serological assays for TBEV and WNV infections are therefore compromised by false-positive results, especially in IgG measurements. In order to discriminate both infections novel diagnostic methods are needed. We describe an ELISA to measure IgG antibodies specific for TBEV and WNV, applicable to human and horse sera. Mutant envelope proteins were generated, that lack conserved parts of the fusion loop domain, a predominant target for cross-reacting antibodies. These were incubated with equine and human sera with known TBEV, WNV or other flavivirus infections. For WNV IgG, specificities and sensitivities were 100% and 87.9%, respectively, for horse sera, and 94.4% and 92.5%, respectively, for human sera. TBEV IgG was detected with specificities and sensitivities of 95% and 96.7%, respectively, in horses, and 98.9% and 100%, respectively, in humans. Specificities increased to 100% by comparing individual samples on both antigens. The antigens could form the basis for serological TBEV- and WNV-assays with improved specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rockstroh
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beyene Moges
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beatrice S Berneck
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tatjana Sattler
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling, Austrian Agency of Health and Food Safety, Mödling, Austria.,Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sandra Revilla-Fernández
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling, Austrian Agency of Health and Food Safety, Mödling, Austria
| | - Friedrich Schmoll
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling, Austrian Agency of Health and Food Safety, Mödling, Austria
| | - Monia Pacenti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Barzon
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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Ruiz-Arrondo I, McMahon BJ, Hernández-Triana LM, Santibañez P, Portillo A, Oteo JA. Surveillance of Mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) in a Northern Central Region of Spain: Implications for the Medical Community. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:86. [PMID: 31065550 PMCID: PMC6489427 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are important to public and animal health due to their capacity to transmit diseases. Since the Zika virus was declared a pandemic by the WHO in 2016, and it has been recorded in different regions of Mediterranean Area (included Spain), the Government of La Rioja (Northern Spain) through the Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, implemented an entomological surveillance programme of mosquitoes in La Rioja and in a close area of Navarra. This surveillance extended to some of the pathogens that they can transmit. Here we describe the framework of the initial surveillance programme for the detection of mosquitoes and associated human pathogens. We outline the benefits and the limitation of the programme to date, and explore how greater benefits can be achieved, for example using a One Health approach. Entomological surveillance has been carried out with BG-Sentinel traps, human bait technique and other methods such as collecting adults in resting places or immature stages by dipping in several wetlands. Since Aedes albopictus, vector of arbovirus such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika, has not been detected yet in the region, the entomological programme included the surveillance of this exotic species using ovitraps in the most important cities. Morphological identification was supported using the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I and the internal transcribed spacer 2 genes analysis. In 2016 and 2017, more than 6,000 mosquitoes were collected. The mosquito's community included 21 species associated with six genera: Anopheles (n = 4), Aedes (n = 5), Culex (n = 6), Culiseta (n = 4), Uranotaenia (n = 1) and Coquillettidia (n = 1). Eleven species represent new records for La Rioja and Navarra regions. Several species were collected biting humans and a great proportion of the sampled mosquito population are competent vectors of several pathogens, such as West Nile virus. Sequences closely related to mosquito–only flavivirus have been detected in 0.34% of analysed pools. At the same time, the epidemiological surveillance emphasis is placed in the early detection of mosquito-borne diseases in primary health and emergency services. The surveillance programme represents a relevant and necessary assessment of the risk of pathogen transmission in a region, and it allows for the establishment of the appropriate preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Barry J McMahon
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luis M Hernández-Triana
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Santibañez
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - José Antonio Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
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50
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Martinovic V, Kisic-Tepavcevic D, Kacar A, Mesaros S, Pekmezovic T, Drulovic J. Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in a patient infected with West Nile virus. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 32:19-22. [PMID: 31005826 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Until now, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) was reported in association with various viral infections. We describe the case in which a diagnosis of LETM was established as a clinical manifestation of West Nile virus (WNV) infection. We report a 39-year old man with WNV infection and LETM. In neurological examination, there was a left periscapular hypotrophy, moderate weakness of left arm, decreased left brachioradialis reflex, tandem instability and gait ataxia. Cervical spine MRI showed enhancing intramedullary lesion extending from C3-C7 level. According to the neurological, EMG and MRI findings, a diagnosis of LETM, with affection of anterior horn cells of the cervical spinal cord, induced by WNV infection was established. The patient was treated with antibiotics, acyclovir and high dose-steroids, methylprednisolone (MP) 1 g/daily in intravenous infusion, for 5 consecutive days, followed by tapering doses of prednisone during the next four months. Six weeks after onset of symptoms, previously described lesion on cervical spine MRI resolved, and the patient gradually clinically improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Martinovic
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotica 6, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Darija Kisic-Tepavcevic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Kacar
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotica 6, Belgrade 11000, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Sarlota Mesaros
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotica 6, Belgrade 11000, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Pekmezovic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Jelena Drulovic
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotica 6, Belgrade 11000, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia.
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