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Simonin Y. Circulation of West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Europe: Overview and Challenges. Viruses 2024; 16:599. [PMID: 38675940 PMCID: PMC11055060 DOI: 10.3390/v16040599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) and Usutu Virus (USUV) are both neurotropic mosquito-borne viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family. These closely related viruses mainly follow an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes as vectors and birds as amplifying hosts, but humans and other mammals can also be infected through mosquito bites. WNV was first identified in Uganda in 1937 and has since spread globally, notably in Europe, causing periodic outbreaks associated with severe cases of neuroinvasive diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis. USUV was initially isolated in 1959 in Swaziland and has also spread to Europe, primarily affecting birds and having a limited impact on human health. There has been a recent expansion of these viruses' geographic range in Europe, facilitated by factors such as climate change, leading to increased human exposure. While sharing similar biological traits, ecology, and epidemiology, there are significant distinctions in their pathogenicity and their impact on both human and animal health. While WNV has been more extensively studied and is a significant public health concern in many regions, USUV has recently been gaining attention due to its emergence in Europe and the diversity of its circulating lineages. Understanding the pathophysiology, ecology, and transmission dynamics of these viruses is important to the implementation of effective surveillance and control measures. This perspective provides a brief overview of the current situation of these two viruses in Europe and outlines the significant challenges that need to be addressed in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France
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Crivei LA, Vata A, Teodor D, Porea D, Cozma AP, Anita A, Oslobanu LE, Morosan S, Savuta G. An Assessment of West Nile and Usutu Viruses' Seroprevalence in Hospitalized Patients: A Preliminary Study on Flavivirus Exposure in Eastern Romania. Pathogens 2024; 13:133. [PMID: 38392871 PMCID: PMC10892458 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
WNV and USUV are closely related epornitic flaviviruses transmitted by Culex mosquitoes which can cause febrile and neurodegenerative disease in humans. The impact of both viruses on public health has increased in the recent decades. AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of WNV and USUV in hospitalized patients from eastern Romania who did not show symptoms corresponding to the case definition. METHODS Human blood samples from the hospitalized patients were collected in 2015 and from April to September 2019 in Iasi County, Romania. The samples were screened by ELISA for anti-WNV IgG, IgM, and anti-USUV IgG antibodies. RESULTS A cumulative seroprevalence of 3.4% was recorded for anti-WNV IgG antibodies and 9.1% for anti-WNV IgM. No sample was positive for anti-USUV antibodies. CONCLUSION The cumulative seroprevalence observed provides support for the consideration of WNV as being endemic in the east of Romania. The absence of anti-USUV antibodies may be related to cross-reactivity and cohort size, thus, USUV should be considered in clinical practice and become an objective for active surveillance in Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Alexandra Crivei
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
| | - Andrei Vata
- “Sf. Parascheva” Infectious Diseases Hospital of Iasi, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.T.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Danut Teodor
- “Sf. Parascheva” Infectious Diseases Hospital of Iasi, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (A.V.); (D.T.)
| | - Daniela Porea
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
- Laboratories and Research Stations Department, Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, 820112 Tulcea, Romania
| | - Andreea Paula Cozma
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Adriana Anita
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Luanda Elena Oslobanu
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Serban Morosan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Université, UMS 28, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Gheorghe Savuta
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (D.P.); (A.A.); (L.E.O.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania; (A.P.C.); (S.M.)
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Constant O, Maarifi G, Barthelemy J, Martin MF, Tinto B, Savini G, Van de Perre P, Nisole S, Simonin Y, Salinas S. Differential effects of Usutu and West Nile viruses on neuroinflammation, immune cell recruitment and blood-brain barrier integrity. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2156815. [PMID: 36495563 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2156815] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Usutu (USUV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses are two closely related Flavivirus belonging to Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup. Evidence of increased circulation of these two arboviruses now exist in Europe. Neurological disorders are reported in humans mainly for WNV, despite the fact that the interaction and effects of viral infections on the neurovasculature are poorly described, notably for USUV. Using a human in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) and a mouse model, this study characterizes and compares the cerebral endothelial cell permissiveness, innate immunity and inflammatory responses and immune cell recruitment during infection by USUV and WNV. Both viruses are able to infect and cross the human BBB but with different consequences. We observed that WNV infects BBB cells resulting in significant endothelium impairment, potent neuroinflammation and immune cell recruitment, in agreement with previous studies. USUV, despite being able to infect BBB cells with higher replication rate than WNV, does not strongly affect endothelium integrity. Importantly, USUV also induces neuroinflammation, immune cell recruitment such as T lymphocytes, monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) and was able to infect dendritic cells (DCs) more efficiently compared to WNV, with greater propensity for BBB recruitment. DCs may have differential roles for neuroinvasion of the two related viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Constant
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Ghizlane Maarifi
- CNRS, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jonathan Barthelemy
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-France Martin
- CNRS, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bachirou Tinto
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise (IZS-Teramo), Teramo, Italy
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Nisole
- CNRS, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
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Angeloni G, Bertola M, Lazzaro E, Morini M, Masi G, Sinigaglia A, Trevisan M, Gossner CM, Haussig JM, Bakonyi T, Capelli G, Barzon L. Epidemiology, surveillance and diagnosis of Usutu virus infection in the EU/EEA, 2012 to 2021. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200929. [PMID: 37589592 PMCID: PMC10436690 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.33.2200929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundUsutu virus (USUV) is a flavivirus with an enzootic cycle between birds and mosquitoes; humans are incidental dead-end hosts. In Europe, the virus was first detected in Italy in 1996; since then, it has spread to many European countries.AimWe aimed to report on the epidemiology, surveillance, diagnosis and prevention of USUV infection in humans, mosquitoes and other animals in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) from 2012 to 2021.MethodsWe collected information through a literature review, an online survey and an expert meeting.ResultsEight countries reported USUV infection in humans (105 cases, including 12 [corrected] with neurological symptoms), 15 countries in birds and seven in mosquitoes. Infected animals were also found among pets, wild and zoo animals. Usutu virus was detected primarily in Culex pipiens but also in six other mosquito species. Detection of USUV infection in humans is notifiable only in Italy, where it is under surveillance since 2017 and now integrated with surveillance in animals in a One Health approach. Several countries include USUV infection in the differential diagnosis of viral encephalitis and arbovirus infections. Animal USUV infection is not notifiable in any EU/EEA country.ConclusionHuman USUV infections, mainly asymptomatic and, less frequently, with a febrile illness or a neuroinvasive disease, have been reported in several EU/EEA countries, where the virus is endemic. Climate and environmental changes are expected to affect the epidemiology of USUV. A One Health approach could improve the monitoring of its evolution in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Angeloni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share first authorship
| | - Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share first authorship
| | - Elena Lazzaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Matteo Morini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, Padua (Padua), Italy
| | - Alessandro Sinigaglia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, Padua (Padua), Italy
| | - Marta Trevisan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, Padua (Padua), Italy
| | - Céline M Gossner
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Joana M Haussig
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Tamas Bakonyi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, Legnaro (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share last authorship
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, Padua (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share last authorship
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Reemtsma H, Holicki CM, Fast C, Bergmann F, Groschup MH, Ziegler U. A Prior Usutu Virus Infection Can Protect Geese from Severe West Nile Disease. Pathogens 2023; 12:959. [PMID: 37513806 PMCID: PMC10386565 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070959] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are closely related pathogens circulating between mosquitoes and birds, but also infecting mammals as dead-end hosts. Both viruses share the same susceptible hosts, vectors, and even distribution areas in Central Europe. The aim of the study was, therefore, to understand their amplification potential and interference upon a successive infection. Two-week old geese were initially infected with an USUV isolate from Germany and with a German WNV isolate17 days later. The geese were susceptible to the USUV and the WNV infections, as evidenced by specific flavivirus antibodies in all of the birds. Furthermore, in half of the USUV-inoculated geese, USUV genomes were detected in the blood and swab samples 2-4 days post-infection. Additionally, most of the examined organs contained USUV genomes and showed signs of encephalitis and ganglioneuritis. Interestingly, upon a sequential infection with WNV, the genome copy numbers in all of the examined samples were significantly lower and less frequent than after a WNV mono-infection. Similarly, the histopathological lesions were less severe. Therefore, it can be concluded that a previous USUV infection can protect birds from clinical disease in a subsequent WNV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Reemtsma
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Cora M Holicki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bergmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Gothe LMR, Ganzenberg S, Ziegler U, Obiegala A, Lohmann KL, Sieg M, Vahlenkamp TW, Groschup MH, Hörügel U, Pfeffer M. Horses as Sentinels for the Circulation of Flaviviruses in Eastern-Central Germany. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051108. [PMID: 37243194 DOI: 10.3390/v15051108] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2018, autochthonous West Nile virus (WNV) infections have been regularly reported in eastern-central Germany. While clinically apparent infections in humans and horses are not frequent, seroprevalence studies in horses may allow the tracing of WNV and related flaviviruses transmission, such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Usutu virus (USUV), and consequently help to estimate the risk of human infections. Hence, the aim of our study was to follow the seropositive ratio against these three viruses in horses in Saxony, Saxony Anhalt, and Brandenburg and to describe their geographic distribution for the year 2021. In early 2022, i.e., before the virus transmission season, sera from 1232 unvaccinated horses were tested using a competitive pan-flavivirus ELISA (cELISA). In order to estimate the true seropositive ratio of infection with WNV, TBEV, and USUV for 2021, positive and equivocal results were confirmed by a virus neutralization test (VNT). In addition, possible risk factors for seropositivity using questionnaires were analyzed using logistic regression based on questionnaires similar to our previous study from 2020. In total, 125 horse sera reacted positive in the cELISA. Based on the VNT, 40 sera showed neutralizing antibodies against WNV, 69 against TBEV, and 5 against USUV. Three sera showed antibodies against more than one virus, and eight were negative based on the VNT. The overall seropositive ratio was 3.3% (95% CI: 2.38-4.40) for WNV, 5.6% (95% CI: 4.44-7.04) for TBEV, and 0.4% (95% CI: 0.14-0.98) for USUV infections. While age and number of horses on the holding were factors predicting TBEV seropositivity, no risk factors were discovered for WNV seropositivity. We conclude that horses are useful sentinels to determine the flavivirus circulation in eastern-central Germany, as long as they are not vaccinated against WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard M R Gothe
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ganzenberg
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina L Lohmann
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas W Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Uwe Hörügel
- Animal Diseases Fund Saxony, Horse Health Service, 01099 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Körsten C, Al-Hosary AA, Holicki CM, Schäfer M, Tews BA, Vasić A, Ziegler U, Groschup MH, Silaghi C. Simultaneous Coinfections with West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Culex pipiens and Aedes vexans Mosquitoes. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6305484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito-borne zoonotic flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are endemic in many European countries and emerged in Germany in recent years. Due to the increasing overlap of their distribution areas and their similar epidemiology, coinfections of WNV and USUV are possible. Indeed, coinfections in vertebrate hosts as a rare event have already been reported from some countries including Germany. However, it is largely unknown whether and to what extent coinfections could affect the vector competence of mosquitoes for WNV and USUV. For this purpose, the mosquito species Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, Culex pipiens biotype molestus, and Aedes vexans were orally infected in mono- and simultaneous coinfections with German strains of WNV and USUV. Mosquitoes were incubated for 14 days at 26°C, 85% relative humidity, and a 16 : 8 light-dark photocycle, before they were dissected and forced to salivate. The results showed a decrease in USUV susceptibility in Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, an increase in USUV susceptibility in Aedes vexans, and no obvious interaction between both viruses in Culex pipiens biotype molestus. Vector competence for WNV appeared to be unaffected by a simultaneous occurrence of USUV in all tested mosquito species. Coinfections with both viruses were only found in Culex mosquitoes, and cotransmission of WNV and USUV was observed in Culex pipiens biotype molestus. Overall, our results show that viral interactions between WNV and USUV vary between mosquito species, and that the interaction mainly occurs during infection and replication in the mosquito midgut. The results of this study confirm that to fully understand the interaction between WNV and USUV, studies with various mosquito species are necessary. In addition, we found that even mosquito species with a low susceptibility to both viruses, such as Ae. vexans, can play a role in their transmission in areas with cocirculation.
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Laabassi F, Dheilly N, Beck C, Amaral R, Gonzalez G, Gaudaire D, Madeline A, Lecouturier F, Lecollinet S, Zientara S, Hans A, Valle-Casuso JC. Serological evidence of circulation of West Nile virus in equids in Algerian eastern drylands and its epidemiological risk factors. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 94:101947. [PMID: 36638646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In order to determine the prevalence of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), Usutu virus (USUV), and West Nile virus (WNV) in eastern Algerian drylands, 340 sera from distinct equids have been collected from 2015 to 2017. Serological analysis for the presence of antibodies against EIAV and flaviviruses was performed using commercially available ELISAs. Sera detected positive, doubtful, or negative close to the doubtful threshold in flavivirus ELISA were tested by the virus neutralization test (VNT), using WNV and USUV strains. The prevalence of WNV antibodies with ELISA was 11.47% (39/340) against 13.53% (46/340) by WNV VNT. EIAV antibodies were not detected in any samples. WNV seroprevalence varies with species, breed and location of horses. Only, one equid was positive for both WNV and USUV neutralizing antibodies. This is the first screening on equids sera of EIAV and USUV in Algeria. This study indicate that WNV and possibly USUV have circulated/are circulating in the Algerian equine population, unlike EIAV does not seem to be present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farouk Laabassi
- PIAD Research Team, ESPA Laboratory, Department of Veterinary, Institute of Veterinary Sciences and Agronomics Sciences, University of Batna-1, 05000 Batna, Algeria.
| | - Nolwenn Dheilly
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Cécile Beck
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Rayane Amaral
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Gaëlle Gonzalez
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Delphine Gaudaire
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - Anthony Madeline
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - Fanny Lecouturier
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Stéphan Zientara
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Aymeric Hans
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - José-Carlos Valle-Casuso
- ANSES-Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, Goustranville, France.
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Identification of Usutu Virus Africa 3 Lineage in a Survey of Mosquitoes and Birds from Urban Areas of Western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6893677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus that has caused an increasing number of animal and human cases in Europe in recent years. Understanding the vector species and avian hosts involved in the USUV enzootic cycle in an area of active circulation is vital to anticipate potential outbreaks. Mosquitoes were captured in 2020, while wild birds were sampled in both 2020 and 2021 in Extremadura, southwestern Spain. The presence of USUV in the mosquito vectors was assessed by a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay and confirmed by sequencing amplicons from two generic RT-PCR sets for flaviviruses. Sequences were analysed phylogenetically. Bird sera were screened for flavivirus antibodies with a blocking ELISA kit and subsequently tested for virus-specific antibodies with a micro-virus-neutralization test. Overall, 6,004 mosquitoes belonging to 13 species were captured, including some well-known flavivirus vectors (Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, and Cx. univittatus). Of the 438 pools tested, USUV was detected in two pools of Cx. pipiens. Phylogenetic analysis using a fragment of the NS5 gene assigned the USUV detected the Africa 3 lineage. Out of 1,413 wild birds tested, USUV-specific antibodies were detected in 17 birds (1.2%, 10 males and 7 females) from eight species. The first detection of USUV Africa 3 lineage in mosquitoes from Spain, together with serologically positive resident wild birds in urban and rural areas, indicates active circulation and a possible risk of exposure for the human population, with necessity to establish specific surveillance plans.
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Cadar D, Simonin Y. Human Usutu Virus Infections in Europe: A New Risk on Horizon? Viruses 2022; 15:77. [PMID: 36680117 PMCID: PMC9866956 DOI: 10.3390/v15010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV), a neurotropic mosquito-borne flavivirus discovered in 1959 in South Africa, has spread over the last twenty years across the European continent. This virus follows an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. This caused epizootics with significant bird mortality in Europe in 2016 and 2018. It can also occasionally infect humans and other mammals, including horses and bats, which act as incidental or dead-end hosts. The zoonotic risk associated with this succession of avian epizootics in Europe deserves attention, even if, to date, human cases remain exceptional. Human infection is most often asymptomatic or responsible for mild clinical symptoms. However, human Usutu infections have also been associated with neurological disorders, such as encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. One of the major complexities of the study of USUV pathogenesis is the presence of a great diversity of lineages which could co-circulate spatiotemporally. In this review we discuss several aspects of the circulation of Usutu virus in humans in Europe, the neurological disorders associated, involved viral lineages, and the issues and questions raised by their circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France
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11
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Barzon L, Pacenti M, Montarsi F, Fornasiero D, Gobbo F, Quaranta E, Monne I, Fusaro A, Volpe A, Sinigaglia A, Riccetti S, Molin ED, Satto S, Lisi V, Gobbi F, Galante S, Feltrin G, Valeriano V, Favero L, Russo F, Mazzucato M, Bortolami A, Mulatti P, Terregino C, Capelli G. Rapid spread of a new West Nile virus lineage 1 associated with increased risk of neuroinvasive disease during a large outbreak in northern Italy, 2022: One Health analysis. J Travel Med 2022:taac125. [PMID: 36331269 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A new strain of WNV lineage 1 (WNV - 1) emerged in the Veneto Region, northern Italy, in 2021, eight years after the last outbreak of WNV - 1 in Italy. The virus, which co-circulates with WNV-2, has become endemic in the Region, where, in 2022, most human cases of neuroinvasive disease (WNND) reported in Europe have occurred. METHODS Comparative analysis of the epidemiology and clinical presentation of WNV-1 and WNV-2 infection in humans, as well as the temporal and geographic distribution of WNV-1 and WNV-2 among wild birds and Culex pipiens mosquitoes in Veneto, from May 16th to August 21st, 2022, to determine if the high number of WNND cases was associated with WNV-1. RESULTS As of August 21st, 2022, 222 human cases of WNV infection were confirmed by molecular testing, including 103 with fever (WNF) and 119 with WNND. WNV lineage was determined in 201 (90.5%) cases, comprising 138 WNV-1 and 63 WNV-2 infections. During the same period, 35 blood donors tested positive, including 30 in whom WNV lineage was determined (13 WNV-1 and 17 WNV-2). Comparative analysis of the distribution of WNV-1 and WNV-2 infections among WNND cases, WNF cases and WNV-positive blood donors showed that patients with WNND were more likely to have WNV-1 infection than blood donors (odds ratio 3.44; 95% CI 95% 1.54 to 8.24; p = 0.0043). As observed in humans, in wild birds WNV-1 had higher infectious rate (IR) and showed a more rapid expansion than WNV-2. At variance, the distribution of the two lineages was more even in mosquitoes, but with a trend of rapid increase of WNV-1 IR over WNV-2. CONCLUSIONS Comparative analysis of WNV-1 vs WNV-2 infection in humans, wild birds, and mosquitos showed a rapid expansion of WNV-1 and suggested that WNV-1 infected patients might have an increased risk to develop severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Monia Pacenti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Diletta Fornasiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Federica Gobbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Erika Quaranta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Isabella Monne
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Alice Fusaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Andrea Volpe
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sinigaglia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Dal Molin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Sorsha Satto
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Vittoria Lisi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Silvia Galante
- UOC Medicina Trasfusionale, ULSS 6 Sede di Camposampiero, Azienda ULSS6 Euganea, via Cosma, 1 - Camposampiero (PD), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Feltrin
- Regional Transplant Centre, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Valerio Valeriano
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione - AULSS 6 Euganea; Servizio di Igiene e Sanità Pubblica, UOSD Epidemiologia e Ambiente, Via Ospedale Civile, 22, 35100 - Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Favero
- Direzione Prevenzione, Sicurezza Alimentare, Veterinaria, Regione Veneto, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Novo - 30123 Venezia, Italy
| | - Francesca Russo
- Direzione Prevenzione, Sicurezza Alimentare, Veterinaria, Regione Veneto, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Novo - 30123 Venezia, Italy
| | - Matteo Mazzucato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Alessio Bortolami
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Paolo Mulatti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10 - Legnaro (PD), Italy
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12
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Barzon L, Montarsi F, Quaranta E, Monne I, Pacenti M, Michelutti A, Toniolo F, Danesi P, Marchetti G, Gobbo F, Sinigaglia A, Riccetti S, Dal Molin E, Favero L, Russo F, Capelli G. Early start of seasonal transmission and co-circulation of West Nile virus lineage 2 and a newly introduced lineage 1 strain, northern Italy, June 2022. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 35866436 PMCID: PMC9306260 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.29.2200548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In spring 2022, Europe faced an unprecedented heatwave, increasing the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks. As early as 7 June 2022, WNV was detected in Culex mosquitoes in northern Italy, and - in the following days - in two blood donors, a patient with encephalitis, wild birds and additional mosquito pools. Genome sequencing demonstrated co-circulation of WNV lineage 2 and a newly introduced WNV lineage 1, which was discovered in the region in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Barzon
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padua, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Erika Quaranta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Isabella Monne
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Monia Pacenti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Michelutti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Toniolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulio Marchetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Gobbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Laura Favero
- Direzione Prevenzione, Sicurezza Alimentare, Veterinaria, Regione del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Francesca Russo
- Direzione Prevenzione, Sicurezza Alimentare, Veterinaria, Regione del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
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