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Abdelbaset AE, Kwak ML, Nonaka N, Nakao R. Human-biting ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in North Africa: diversity, distribution, and trans-Mediterranean public health challenges. One Health 2023; 16:100547. [PMID: 37363219 PMCID: PMC10288109 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
North Africa is home to more than 200 million people living across five developing economies (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) and two Spanish exclaves (Ceuta and Melilla), many of whom are impacted by ticks and tick-borne zoonoses. Populations in Europe are also increasingly vulnerable to North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses due to a combination of climate change and the movement of ticks across the Mediterranean on migratory birds, human travellers, and trafficked wildlife. The human-biting ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North Africa are reviewed along with their distribution in the region. We also assess present and future challenges associated with ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North African and highlight opportunities for collaboration and coordination between governments in Europe and North Africa to address public health challenges posed by North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Eweda Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mackenzie L. Kwak
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
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2
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Hoffman T, Olsen B, Lundkvist Å. The Biological and Ecological Features of Northbound Migratory Birds, Ticks, and Tick-Borne Microorganisms in the African-Western Palearctic. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010158. [PMID: 36677450 PMCID: PMC9866947 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the species that act as hosts, vectors, and vehicles of vector-borne pathogens is vital for revealing the transmission cycles, dispersal mechanisms, and establishment of vector-borne pathogens in nature. Ticks are common vectors for pathogens causing human and animal diseases, and they transmit a greater variety of pathogenic agents than any other arthropod vector group. Ticks depend on the movements by their vertebrate hosts for their dispersal, and tick species with long feeding periods are more likely to be transported over long distances. Wild birds are commonly parasitized by ticks, and their migration patterns enable the long-distance range expansion of ticks. The African-Palearctic migration system is one of the world's largest migrations systems. African-Western Palearctic birds create natural links between the African, European, and Asian continents when they migrate biannually between breeding grounds in the Palearctic and wintering grounds in Africa and thereby connect different biomes. Climate is an important geographical determinant of ticks, and with global warming, the distribution range and abundance of ticks in the Western Palearctic may increase. The introduction of exotic ticks and their microorganisms into the Western Palearctic via avian vehicles might therefore pose a greater risk for the public and animal health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Hoffman
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Olsen
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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Tick-borne diseases in Egypt: A one health perspective. One Health 2022; 15:100443. [PMID: 36561707 PMCID: PMC9767813 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are important arthropod vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and animals. Owing to favourable climatic and environmental conditions, along with animal importation from neighbouring countries, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are widespread in Egyptian localities. Here, we review the current knowledge on the epidemiology of TBDs in Egypt in light of the One Health paradigm. Methods and results Five scientific databases, including "Web of Science", "Scopus", "PubMed", "Science Direct", and "Google Scholar", were searched for articles describing TBDs in Egypt. A total of 18 TBDs have been reported in humans and animals, including three protozoal diseases (babesiosis, theileriosis, and hepatozoonosis), 12 bacterial diseases (anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme borreliosis, bovine borreliosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, Mediterranean spotted fever, African tick-borne fever, lymphangitis-associated rickettsiosis, bartonellosis, tularaemia, Q fever, and aegyptianellosis), and three viral diseases (Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever, and Lumpy skin disease). Conclusions Despite the circulation of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens among livestock and tick vectors, human infections have been overlooked and are potentially limited to infer the actual communicable disease burden. Therefore, facility-based surveillance of TBDs, combined with capacity building for laboratory diagnostics in healthcare facilities, is urgently required to improve diagnosis and inform policy-making in disease prevention. Additionally, collaboration between expert researchers from various disciplines (physicians, biologists, acarologists, and veterinarians) is required to develop advanced research projects to control ticks and TBDs. Considering that domestic livestock is integral to many Egyptian households, comprehensive epidemiological studies on TBDs should assess all disease contributors, including vertebrate hosts (animals, humans, and rodents) and ticks in the same ecological region, for better assessment of disease burden. Additionally, upscaling of border inspections of imported animals is required to stop crossover movements of ticks and TBDs.
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Abdulhaq AA, Hershan AA, Karunamoorthi K, Al-Mekhlafi HM. Human Alkhumra hemorrhagic Fever: Emergence, history and epidemiological and clinical profiles. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:1900-1910. [PMID: 35280532 PMCID: PMC8913346 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever (AHF) is a severe, often fatal hemorrhagic disease in humans. It is caused by Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV), a newly described flavivirus first isolated in 1995 in Alkhumra district, south of Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. It is transmitted from infected livestock animals to humans by direct contact with infected animals or by tick bites. In the recent past, the incidence of AHF has increased, with a total of 604 confirmed cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia between 1995 and 2020. Yet, no specific treatment or control strategies have been developed and implemented against this infection. Hence, the likelihood of increased prevalence or the occurrence of outbreaks is high, particularly in the absence of appropriate prevention and control strategies. This narrative review presents an overview of the current knowledge and future concerns about AHF globally.
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Key Words
- AHF, Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever
- AHFV, Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus
- Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus
- CCHFV, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus
- CFV, chikungunya fever virus
- DENV, dengue fever virus
- Flaviviruses
- ICTV, International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses
- Infectious diseases
- KFDV, Kyasanur Forest disease virus
- OHFV, Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus
- RVFV, Rift Valley fever virus
- Saudi Arabia
- YFV, yellow fever virus
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Abdulhaq
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Deanship of Scientific Research, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Almonther A Hershan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Kaliyaperumal Karunamoorthi
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
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Viral RNA Metagenomics of Hyalomma Ticks Collected from Dromedary Camels in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071396. [PMID: 34372602 PMCID: PMC8310382 DOI: 10.3390/v13071396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne infections are a medical and economic threat to humans and livestock. Over the last three decades, several unprecedented viral outbreaks have been recorded in the Western part of the Arabian Peninsula. However, little is known about the circulation and diversity of arthropod-borne viruses in this region. To prepare for new outbreaks of vector-borne diseases, it is important to detect which viruses circulate in each vector population. In this study, we used a metagenomics approach to characterize the RNA virome of ticks infesting dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Makkah province, Saudi Arabia. Two hundred ticks of species Hyalomma dromedarii (n = 196) and Hyalomma impeltatum (n = 4) were collected from the Alkhurma district in Jeddah and Al-Taif city. Virome analysis showed the presence of several tick-specific viruses and tick-borne viruses associated with severe illness in humans. Some were identified for the first time in the Arabian Peninsula. The human disease-associated viruses detected included Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus and Tamdy virus (family Nairoviridae), Guertu virus (family Phenuiviridae), and a novel coltivirus that shares similarities with Tarumizu virus, Tai forest reovirus and Kundal virus (family Reoviridae). Furthermore, Alkhurma hemorrhagic virus (Flaviviridae) was detected in two tick pools by specific qPCR. In addition, tick-specific viruses in families Phenuiviridae (phleboviruses), Iflaviridae, Chuviridae, Totiviridae and Flaviviridae (Pestivirus) were detected. The presence of human pathogenetic viruses warrants further efforts in tick surveillance, xenosurveillence, vector control, and sero-epidemiological investigations in human and animal populations to predict, contain and mitigate future outbreaks in the region.
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Bhatia B, Haddock E, Shaia C, Rosenke R, Meade-White K, Griffin AJ, Marzi A, Feldmann H. Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever virus causes lethal disease in IFNAR -/- mice. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:1077-1087. [PMID: 34013842 PMCID: PMC8183530 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1932609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV), a tick-borne flavivirus closely related to Kyasanur Forest disease virus, is the causative agent of a severe, sometimes fatal haemorrhagic/encephalitic disease in humans. To date, there are no specific treatments or vaccines available to combat AHFV infections. A challenge for the development of countermeasures is the absence of a reliable AHFV animal disease model for efficacy testing. Here, we used mice lacking the type I interferon (IFN) receptor (IFNAR-/-). AHFV strains Zaki-2 and 2003 both caused uniform lethality in these mice after intraperitoneal injection, but strain 2003 seemed more virulent with a median lethal dose of 0.4 median tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50). Disease manifestation in this animal model was similar to case reports of severe human AHFV infections with early generalized signs leading to haemorrhagic and neurologic complications. AHFV infection resulted in early high viremia followed by high viral loads (<108 TCID50/g tissue) in all analyzed organs. Despite systemic viral replication, virus-induced pathology was mainly found in the spleen, lymph nodes, liver and heart. This uniformly lethal AHFV disease model will be instrumental for pathogenesis studies and countermeasure development against this neglected zoonotic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Bhatia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Elaine Haddock
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Rebecca Rosenke
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Amanda J Griffin
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Andrea Marzi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review article summarizes what has been published on Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV), a novel flavivirus that was discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1995. METHODS PubMed was used to search for studies published from January 1995 to June 2019 using the key words Alkhumra virus, Alkhurma virus, novel flavivirus, and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Additionally, records of the Saudi Ministry of Health were reviewed. RESULTS Thirty-two articles on AHFV were identified. Acute febrile flu-like illness, hepatitis, hemorrhagic manifestations, and, less commonly, encephalitis are the main clinical features. The virus seems to be transmitted from livestock animals to humans by direct contact with these animals or their raw meat, or perhaps by tick or mosquito bites. The ability of ticks and mosquitoes to serve as vectors for AHFV needs to be confirmed by biological studies. The exact role of animals such as sheep, goats, camels, and other mammals in the transmission and maintenance of the virus remains to be elucidated. Preventive measures require an interdisciplinary approach involving the human and veterinary health sectors, the municipality, the ministry of agriculture, the vector control sector, and academic and research institutes. CONCLUSIONS AHFV has been well characterized; nevertheless, some aspects remain to be elucidated.
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Kyasanur Forest Disease and Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever Virus-Two Neglected Zoonotic Pathogens. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091406. [PMID: 32932653 PMCID: PMC7564883 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) and Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) are tick-borne flaviviruses that cause life-threatening hemorrhagic fever in humans with case fatality rates of 3-5% for KFDV and 1-20% for AHFV, respectively. Both viruses are biosafety level 4 pathogens due to the severity of disease they cause and the lack of effective countermeasures. KFDV was discovered in India and is restricted to parts of the Indian subcontinent, whereas AHFV has been found in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In recent years, both viruses have spread beyond their original endemic zones and the potential of AHFV to spread through ticks on migratory birds is a public health concern. While there is a vaccine with limited efficacy for KFDV used in India, there is no vaccine for AHFV nor are there any therapeutic concepts to combat infections with these viruses. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about pathogenesis, vector distribution, virus spread, and infection control. We aim to bring attention to the potential public health threats posed by KFDV and AHFV and highlight the urgent need for the development of effective countermeasures.
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Kumosani TA, Al-Malki AL, Razvi SS, Balgoon MJ, Kaleem M, Huwait EA, Alghamdi MA, Yaghmoor SS, Abualnaja KO, Barbour EK, AL-Madani KA, AlToukhi MH, Kumosani AT, Moselhy SS. Hemorrhagic fever in Saudi Arabia: challenge to public health, effective management and future considerations. Afr Health Sci 2020; 20:1153-1163. [PMID: 33402960 PMCID: PMC7751520 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v20i3.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF. Materials The history of VHFs in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula has been documented since the 19th century, in which many outbreaks have been reported from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Despite presence of regional network of experts and technical organizations, which expedite support and respond during outbreaks, there are some more challenges that need to be addressed immediately. Gaps in funding, exhaustive and inclusive response plans and improved surveillance systems are some areas of concern in the region which can be dealt productively. This review primarily focusses on the hemorrhagic fevers that are caused by three most common viruses namely, the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift valley fever virus, and Dengue fever virus. Conclusion In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and response strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha A Kumosani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Production of Bioproducts for Industrial Applications Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman L Al-Malki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Bioactive Natural Products Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed S Razvi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Math and Science Department, Community College of Qatar
| | - Maha J Balgoon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Kaleem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Bioactive Natural Products Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Etimad A Huwait
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Production of Bioproducts for Industrial Applications Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam A Alghamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Soonham S Yaghmoor
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Production of Bioproducts for Industrial Applications Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid O Abualnaja
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Bioactive Natural Products Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elie K Barbour
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Director of R and D Departement, Opticon Hygiene Consulting, Oechsli7,8807 Freienbach, Switzerland
| | - Khalid A AL-Madani
- Consultant in Clinical Nutrition, Member of the Boardof ILSI Middel East, Member of the Board of Saudi Society for Food and Nutrition. Advance Clinics, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majdi H AlToukhi
- General Supervisor Health and Environmental Department and Consultant, Public Health and Infectious Diseases
| | - Afnan T Kumosani
- Department of pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Blood Bank Transfusion medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, National Guards, Jeddah, 21423
| | - Said S Moselhy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Alreshidi MM, Veettil VN, Noumi E, Campo RD, Snoussi M. Description of microbial diversity associated with ticks Hyalomma dromedarii (Acari: Ixodidae) isolated from camels in Hail region (Saudi Arabia) using massive sequencing of 16S rDNA. Bioinformation 2020; 16:602-610. [PMID: 33214748 PMCID: PMC7649017 DOI: 10.6026/97320630016602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are blood feeder able to transmit a wide diversity of microbes including pathogens. Therefore, it is of our interest to detect the diversity of microorganisms residing within
ticks using massive sequencing of 16S rDNA. In this study, 200 adult ticks were collected from healthy camels in two localities from Hail province (Saudi Arabia). The analysis showed
high microbial diversity dominated by the two domains (Archaea and Bacteria) associated with Hyalomma dromedarii from both regions. Proteobacteria (61.3%) and Firmicutes (31.2%)
dominated the ticks from the Al Khotha region. While, the microbiome of ticks from the Al Gayed region was dominated by Proteobacteria (81.2%) and Firmicutes (9.2%). Twenty-three
families were identified in the DNA-pool from the Al Gayed region, and was dominated by Pseudomonadaceae (45.37%), and Marinobacteraceae (14.39%) families. Francisellaceae (46%),
Staphylococcaceae (24.26%) dominated the microbiome of the ticks collected from Al Gayed region. Thus, the genera Pseudomonas, Francisella, Proteus, Marinobacter, Glutamicibacter,
Pedobacter, and Staphylococcus are largely distributed in the two identified microbiomes. This study concluded that ticks collected from the studied localities contained a wide range
of microbial communities. These data have a great veterinary and medical importance in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa M Alreshidi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Ha'il, P.O. 2440, University of Ha'il City 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vajid N Veettil
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Ha'il, P.O. 2440, University of Ha'il City 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emira Noumi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Ha'il, P.O. 2440, University of Ha'il City 2440, Saudi Arabia.,Laboratory of Bioressources: Integrative Biology and Recovery, High Institute of Biotechnology-University of Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
| | - Rosa Del Campo
- Servicio de Microbiologia, Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar, Km 9,1, 28034 - Madrid. Spain
| | - Mejdi Snoussi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Ha'il, P.O. 2440, University of Ha'il City 2440, Saudi Arabia.,Laboratory of Genetics, Biodiversity and Valorization of Bio-resources, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Avenue Tahar Haddad, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia
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11
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Elbir H, Almathen F, Elnahas A. Low genetic diversity among Francisella-like endosymbionts within different genotypes of Hyalomma dromedarii ticks infesting camels in Saudi Arabia. Vet World 2020; 13:1462-1472. [PMID: 32848325 PMCID: PMC7429393 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1462-1472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hyalomma dromedarii ticks are vectors of disease agents and hosts of Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs). Knowledge about intraspecific genetic variation among H. dromedarii and its Francisella species is limited. The aims of this study were to investigate whether certain H. dromedarii genotypes are specialized in carrying specific Francisella species genotypes and scrutinize the population structure of H. dromedarii ticks in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: We collected 151 H. dromedarii ticks from 33 camels from 13 locations in Saudi Arabia. The second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1(COI), and 16S rRNA genes were used for single- and multi-locus sequence typing and phylogenetic analyses. H. dromedarii-borne Francisella was screened using the tul4 gene and 16S rRNA Francisella-specific primers followed by amplicon Sanger sequencing. Results: Single-locus typing of ticks using ITS2, 16S rRNA, and COI genes yielded 1, 10, and 31 sequence types (ST), respectively, with pairwise sequence similarity of 100% for ITS2, 99.18-99.86% for COI, and 99.50-99.75% for 16S rRNA. COI sequence analysis indicated a lack of strict geographical structuration, as ST15 was found in both Saudi Arabia and Kenya. In contrast, multilocus sequence typing resolved 148 H. dromedarii ticks into 39 genotypes of ticks and three genotypes of FLEs. The ST2-FLE genotype was carried by the tick genotype ST35, while the ST1-FLE genotype and 41.89% of the ST3-FLE genotype were carried by the tick genotype ST32. Accordingly, there appeared to be no specialization of certain tick genotypes to harbor-specific FLE genotypes. Conclusion: For the 1st time, we have provided an overview of the population structure of H. dromedarii ticks and FLE strains. We found a low level of genetic diversity among FLEs and non-specialized circulation of FLEs among H. dromedarii ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Elbir
- Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, 400 Al-Hasa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Almathen
- Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, 400 Al-Hasa, 31982, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Veterinary Public Health and Animal Husbandry, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, 400 Al-Hasa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman Elnahas
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, 400 Al-Hasa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Lu G, Pan J, Zhang G. African swine fever virus in Asia: Its rapid spread and potential threat to unaffected countries. J Infect 2019; 80:350-371. [PMID: 31758954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialiang Pan
- General Station of Forest and Grassland Pest Management, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang 110034, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guihong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Hoffman T, Lindeborg M, Barboutis C, Erciyas-Yavuz K, Evander M, Fransson T, Figuerola J, Jaenson TGT, Kiat Y, Lindgren PE, Lundkvist Å, Mohamed N, Moutailler S, Nyström F, Olsen B, Salaneck E. Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever Virus RNA in Hyalomma rufipes Ticks Infesting Migratory Birds, Europe and Asia Minor. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:879-882. [PMID: 29664386 PMCID: PMC5938767 DOI: 10.3201/eid2405.171369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus RNA was detected in immature Hyalomma rufipes ticks infesting northward migratory birds caught in the North Mediterranean Basin. This finding suggests a role for birds in the ecology of the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus and a potential mechanism for dissemination to novel regions. Increased surveillance is warranted.
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Al-Tayib OA. An Overview of the Most Significant Zoonotic Viral Pathogens Transmitted from Animal to Human in Saudi Arabia. Pathogens 2019; 8:E25. [PMID: 30813309 PMCID: PMC6471281 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there has been an increasing socioeconomic impact of zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animals to humans worldwide. Recently, in the Arabian Peninsula, including in Saudi Arabia, epidemiological data indicated an actual increase in the number of emerging and/or reemerging cases of several viral zoonotic diseases. Data presented in this review are very relevant because Saudi Arabia is considered the largest country in the Peninsula. We believe that zoonotic pathogens in Saudi Arabia remain an important public health problem; however, more than 10 million Muslim pilgrims from around 184 Islamic countries arrive yearly at Makkah for the Hajj season and/or for the Umrah. Therefore, for health reasons, several countries recommend vaccinations for various zoonotic diseases among preventive protocols that should be complied with before traveling to Saudi Arabia. However, there is a shortage of epidemiological data focusing on the emerging and reemerging of zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animal to humans in different densely populated cities and/or localities in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, further efforts might be needed to control the increasing impacts of zoonotic viral disease. Also, there is a need for a high collaboration to enhance the detection and determination of the prevalence, diagnosis, control, and prevention as well as intervention and reduction in outbreaks of these diseases in Saudi Arabia, particularly those from other countries. Persons in the health field including physicians and veterinarians, pet owners, pet store owners, exporters, border guards, and people involved in businesses related to animal products have adopted various preventive strategies. Some of these measures might pave the way to highly successful prevention and control results on the different transmission routes of these viral zoonotic diseases from or to Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the prevention of these viral pathogens depends on socioeconomic impacts, available data, improved diagnosis, and highly effective therapeutics or prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Al-Tayib
- Abdullah Bagshan for Dental and Oral Rehabilitation (DOR), Dental College Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan.
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15
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Barzon L. Ongoing and emerging arbovirus threats in Europe. J Clin Virol 2018; 107:38-47. [PMID: 30176404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the last decades, arboviruses that are endemic in Europe have expanded their geographic range and caused an increasing number of human outbreaks. These viruses include West Nile virus, which is expanding its area of circulation in central and southern Europe; Usutu virus, with increasing evidence of a role in human disease; tick-borne encephalitis virus, which is being detected in northern areas and at higher altitudes as a consequence of climate warming; Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, which is endemic in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, but has been recently detected in Spain; other viruses, such as California encephalitis virus antigenic group, which circulate in northern and central Europe but whose relevance for human disease in largely unknown. In addition, the rise in global travel and trade has posed Europe to an increased risk of introduction and expansion of exotic arthropod vectors and autochthonous transmission of arboviruses, like dengue and chikungunya viruses, following new introductions from endemic areas. Implementation of integrated arbovirus surveillance programs has been crucial to adopt proper control measures. The identification of emerging outbreaks is however challenging and requires a high degree of awareness and laboratory capacity, especially for the most neglected but potentially threatening pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padova, Italy.
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16
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Palanisamy N, Akaberi D, Lennerstrand J, Lundkvist Å. Comparative genome analysis of Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus with Kyasanur forest disease and tick-borne encephalitis viruses by the in silico approach. Pathog Glob Health 2018; 112:210-226. [PMID: 29745301 PMCID: PMC6151960 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2018.1471187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV), a relatively new member of the Flaviviruses, was discovered in Saudi Arabia 23 years ago. AHFV is classified in the tick-borne encephalitis virus serocomplex, along with the Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Currently, very little is known about the pathologies of AHFV. In this study, using the available genome information of AHFV, KFDV and TBEV, we have predicted and compared the following aspects of these viruses: evolution, nucleotide and protein compositions, recombination, codon frequency, substitution rate, N- and O-glycosylation sites, signal peptide and cleavage site, transmembrane region, secondary structure of 5' and 3' UTRs and RNA-RNA interactions. Additionally, we have modeled the 3D protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase structures for AHFV, KFDV and TBEV. Recombination analysis showed no evidence of recombination in the AHFV genome with that of either KFDV or TBEV, although single break point analysis showed that nucleotide position 7399 (in the NS4B) is a breakpoint location. AHFV, KFDV and TBEV are very similar in terms of codon frequency, the number of transmembrane regions, properties of the polyprotein, RNA-RNA interaction sequences, NS3 protease and NS5 polymerase structures and 5' UTR structure. Using genome sequences, we showed the similarities between these closely- related viruses on several different areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navaneethan Palanisamy
- Molecular and Cellular Engineering Group, University of Freiburg, Institute of Biology II, Freiburg, Germany
- The Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (HBIGS), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dario Akaberi
- Section of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Lennerstrand
- Section of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus. Microbes Infect 2017; 19:305-310. [PMID: 28456648 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) was first isolated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the 1990s from the blood of a butcher. Subsequently, the virus was recognized in many patients in Saudi Arabia and rarely from Egypt and Djibouti. In this review, we summarize the current literature on AHFV globally with special focus on Saudi Arabia.
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Horton KC, Fahmy NT, Watany N, Zayed A, Mohamed A, Ahmed AA, Rollin PE, Dueger EL. Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Alkhurma (Alkhumra) Virus in Ticks in Djibouti. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:680-2. [PMID: 27508862 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Alkhumra virus, not previously reported in Djibouti, were detected among 141 (infection rate = 15.7 per 100, 95% CI: 13.4-18.1) tick pools from 81 (37%) cattle and 2 (infection rate = 0.2 per 100, 95% CI: 0.0-0.7) tick pools from 2 (1%) cattle, respectively, collected at an abattoir in 2010 and 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Horton
- 1 Global Disease Detection Program, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermeen T Fahmy
- 2 Vector Biology Research Program, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 , Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha Watany
- 2 Vector Biology Research Program, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 , Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alia Zayed
- 2 Vector Biology Research Program, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 , Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abro Mohamed
- 3 Department of Epidemiology and Information Services, Ministry of Health , Djibouti, Djibouti
| | - Ammar Abdo Ahmed
- 3 Department of Epidemiology and Information Services, Ministry of Health , Djibouti, Djibouti
| | - Pierre E Rollin
- 4 Viral Special Pathogens Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Erica L Dueger
- 1 Global Disease Detection Program, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Cairo, Egypt .,5 Global Disease Detection Branch, Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
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19
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Reluga TC, Shim E. Population viscosity suppresses disease emergence by preserving local herd immunity. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 281:20141901. [PMID: 25339728 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.1901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal reservoirs for infectious diseases pose ongoing risks to human populations. In this theory of zoonoses, the introduction event that starts an epidemic is assumed to be independent of all preceding events. However, introductions are often concentrated in communities that bridge the ecological interfaces between reservoirs and the general population. In this paper, we explore how the risks of disease emergence are altered by the aggregation of introduction events within bridge communities. In viscous bridge communities, repeated introductions can elevate the local prevalence of immunity. This local herd immunity can form a barrier reducing the opportunities for disease emergence. In some situations, reducing exposure rates counterintuitively increases the emergence hazards because of off-setting reductions in local immunity. Increases in population mixing can also increase emergence hazards, even when average contact rates are conserved. Our theory of bridge communities may help guide prevention and explain historical emergence events, where disruption of stable economic, political or demographic processes reduced population viscosity at ecological interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Reluga
- Department of Mathematics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Eunha Shim
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
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A sero-epidemiological study of arboviral fevers in Djibouti, Horn of Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3299. [PMID: 25502692 PMCID: PMC4263616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboviral infections have repeatedly been reported in the republic of Djibouti, consistent with the fact that essential vectors for arboviral diseases are endemic in the region. However, there is a limited recent information regarding arbovirus circulation, and the associated risk predictors to human exposure are largely unknown. We performed, from November 2010 to February 2011 in the Djibouti city general population, a cross-sectional ELISA and sero-neutralisation-based sero-epidemiological analysis nested in a household cohort, which investigated the arboviral infection prevalence and risk factors, stratified by their vectors of transmission. Antibodies to dengue virus (21.8%) were the most frequent. Determinants of infection identified by multivariate analysis pointed to sociological and environmental exposure to the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. The population was broadly naïve against Chikungunya (2.6%) with risk factors mostly shared with dengue. The detection of limited virus circulation was followed by a significant Chikungunya outbreak a few months after our study. Antibodies to West Nile virus were infrequent (0.6%), but the distribution of cases faithfully followed previous mapping of infected Culex mosquitoes. The seroprevalence of Rift valley fever virus was 2.2%, and non-arboviral transmission was suggested. Finally, the study indicated the circulation of Toscana-related viruses (3.7%), and a limited number of cases suggested infection by tick-borne encephalitis or Alkhumra related viruses, which deserve further investigations to identify the viruses and vectors implicated. Overall, most of the arboviral cases' predictors were statistically best described by the individuals' housing space and neighborhood environmental characteristics, which correlated with the ecological actors of their respective transmission vectors' survival in the local niche. This study has demonstrated autochthonous arboviral circulations in the republic of Djibouti, and provides an epidemiological inventory, with useful findings for risk mapping and future prevention and control programs. The arboviruses are a group of viruses transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks, or sandflies. These pathogens have complex life cycles and depend on both arthropods and vertebrate hosts for survival and transmission. Recent global increase in cases confirms that they are of great public health concern. In this study, conducted in the winter of 2010, the seroprevalence and determinants of infections were investigated in the republic of Djibouti, Horn of Africa. The highest seroprevalence values were observed for mosquito-borne diseases, in particular dengue (transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes); antibodies to dengue virus were found in a fifth of the sampled population. Most Djiboutians were initially unexposed to Chikungunya virus (also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes), but a few months later, many got infected, resulting in an outbreak. Of the few West Nile virus seropositive cases detected, the majority were in places where WNV had been previously identified in Culex mosquitoes. In addition, seropositive cases of Toscana-related viruses (transmitted by sandflies), and tick-borne encephalitis virus or Alkhumra-related viruses (transmitted by ticks) were also observed. In this study, the risk of arboviral infections was mostly associated with environmental and behavioural risk factors, with highest risk prevailing in the city centre (District 1). Overall, the results suggest a likely exposure to the local circulation of arboviruses, rather than infections acquired outside the study area. This knowledge, therefore, confirms the impact of arbovirus infections in Djibouti, and is essential for prevention and control programs.
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Madani TA, Azhar EI, Abuelzein ETME, Kao M, Al-Bar HMS, Farraj SA, Masri BE, Al-Kaiedi NA, Shakil S, Sohrab SS, SantaLucia J, Ksiazek TG. Complete genome sequencing and genetic characterization of Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus isolated from Najran, Saudi Arabia. Intervirology 2014; 57:300-10. [PMID: 25096447 DOI: 10.1159/000362334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) is a newly described flavivirus first isolated in 1994-1995 from the Alkhumra district south of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, the virus was also isolated from Makkah (2001-2003) and Najran (2008-2009), Saudi Arabia. METHODS The full-length genome of an AHFV strain isolated from patients in Najran (referred to as AHFV/997/NJ/09/SA) was PCR amplified and sequenced, and compared with the sequences of 18 other AHFV strains previously isolated from Jeddah and Makkah, dengue virus (DENV), Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), Langat virus, Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (OHFV), and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). RESULTS The RNA of the AHFV/997/NJ/09/SA strain was found to have 10,546 nucleotides encoding for a single 3,416-amino acid polyprotein, whereas the previously reported AHFV strains were composed of 10,685-10,749 nucleotides. The AHFV/997/NJ/09/SA strain showed about 99% homology with the previously reported AHFV strains. The KFDV, Langat virus, TBEV, and OHFV isolates formed a separate cluster with a variable homology. The most important variations were observed in the core protein and NS4a gene sequences of two AHFV isolates. CONCLUSION The variation in the number of nucleotides and phylogenetic analysis with the other AHFV isolates could have resulted from recombination of circulating virus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq A Madani
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Kyasanur Forest disease virus infection in mice is associated with higher morbidity and mortality than infection with the closely related Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100301. [PMID: 24950196 PMCID: PMC4065072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) and Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) are closely related members of the Flavivirus genus and are important causes of human disease in India and the Arabian Peninsula, respectively. Despite high genetic similarity, the viruses have distinctly different host ranges and ecologies. Human cases of KFDV or AHFV develop a spectrum of disease syndromes ranging from liver pathology to neurologic disease. Case reports suggest KFDV is more commonly associated with hepatic and gastrointestinal manifestations whereas AHFV is more commonly associated with neurologic disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Inoculation of three immunocompetent laboratory mouse strains revealed that KFDV was consistently more lethal than AHFV. In subsequent studies utilizing C57BL/6J mice, we demonstrated that KFDV infection was associated with higher viral loads and significantly higher mortality. KFDV-infected mice rapidly developed more severe disease than AHFV-infected mice, as evidenced by significant abnormalities on clinical chemistry panels and more severe pathology in the brain and gastrointestinal tract. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Infections of C57BL/6J mice with KFDV or AHFV resulted in clinical disease syndromes that closely approximate the diseases seen in human cases. Despite high genetic similarity, there were clear differences in survival, viral kinetics, clinical chemistry data and histology. These results suggest that distinct mouse models for AHFV and KFDV are necessary in order to gain a better understanding of the unique pathogenesis of each virus, as well as to provide platforms for testing promising vaccines and therapeutics.
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Sawatsky B, McAuley AJ, Holbrook MR, Bente DA. Comparative pathogenesis of Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever and Kyasanur forest disease viruses in a mouse model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2934. [PMID: 24922308 PMCID: PMC4055546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) and Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) are genetically closely-related, tick-borne flaviviruses that cause severe, often fatal disease in humans. Flaviviruses in the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex typically cause neurological disease in humans whereas patients infected with KFDV and AHFV predominately present with hemorrhagic fever. A small animal model for KFDV and AHFV to study the pathogenesis and evaluate countermeasures has been lacking mostly due to the need of a high biocontainment laboratory to work with the viruses. To evaluate the utility of an existing mouse model for tick-borne flavivirus pathogenesis, we performed serial sacrifice studies in BALB/c mice infected with either KFDV strain P9605 or AHFV strain Zaki-1. Strikingly, infection with KFDV was completely lethal in mice, while AHFV caused no clinical signs of disease and no animals succumbed to infection. KFDV and high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected in the brain at later time points, but no virus was found in visceral organs; conversely, AHFV Zaki-1 and elevated levels of cytokines were found in the visceral organs at earlier time points, but were not detected in the brain. While infection with either virus caused a generalized leukopenia, only AHFV Zaki-1 induced hematologic abnormalities in infected animals. Our data suggest that KFDV P9605 may have lost its ability to cause hemorrhagic disease as the result of multiple passages in suckling mouse brains. However, likely by virtue of fewer mouse passages, AHFV Zaki-1 has retained the ability to replicate in visceral organs, cause hematologic abnormalities, and induce pro-inflammatory cytokines without causing overt disease. Given these striking differences, the use of inbred mice and the virus passage history need to be carefully considered in the interpretation of animal studies using these viruses. Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) and Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) are tick-borne flaviviruses that cause severe hemorrhagic disease in humans. The pathogenesis of the disease is still not very well understood mostly due to the lack of suitable animal models. Despite sharing a high degree of genetic sequence similarity, KFDV replicates primarily in the brain and is uniformly lethal for BALB/c mice. In contrast, AHFV does not cause clinically overt signs in mice, replicates in the visceral organs, and induces pro-inflammatory cytokines and hematological changes. Given the striking differences in pathogenesis and tissue tropism, the use of inbred mice as well as the passage history of the virus needs to be carefully considered in the interpretation of animal studies using these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevan Sawatsky
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander J. McAuley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Holbrook
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, Untied States of America
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Integrated Research Facility, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dennis A. Bente
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Madani TA, Kao M, Abuelzein ETM, Azhar EI, Al-Bar HM, Abu-Araki H, Bokhary RY, Ksiazek TG. Propagation and titration of Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus in the brains of newborn Wistar rats. J Virol Methods 2014; 199:39-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Memish ZA, Fagbo SF, Osman Ali A, AlHakeem R, Elnagi FM, Bamgboye EA. Is the epidemiology of alkhurma hemorrhagic fever changing?: A three-year overview in Saudi Arabia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85564. [PMID: 24516520 PMCID: PMC3916301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology of Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever disease is yet to be fully understood since the virus was isolated in 1994 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SETTING Preventive Medicine department, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of all laboratory confirmed cases of Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever disease collected through active and passive surveillance from 1(st)-January 2009 to December, 31, 2011. RESULTS Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever (AHFV) disease increased from 59 cases in 2009 to 93 cases in 2011. Cases are being discovered outside of the region where it was initially diagnosed in Saudi Arabia. About a third of cases had no direct contact with animals or its products. Almost all cases had gastro-intestinal symptoms. Case fatality rate was less than 1%. CONCLUSIONS Findings in this study showed the mode of transmission of AHFV virus may not be limited to direct contact with animals or its products. Gastro-intestinal symptoms were not previously documented. Observed low case fatality rate contradicted earlier reports. Close monitoring of the epidemiology of AHFV is recommended to aid appropriate diagnosis. Housewives are advised to wear gloves when handling animals and animal products as a preventive measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad A. Memish
- Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsudeen F. Fagbo
- Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Osman Ali
- Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rafat AlHakeem
- Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Elijah A. Bamgboye
- Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Rollin PE, Memish ZA. Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever. Emerg Infect Dis 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416975-3.00005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Madani TA, Abuelzein ETME, Bell-Sakyi L, Azhar EI, Al-Bar HMS, Abu-Araki H, Hassan AM, Masri BE, Ksiazek TG. Susceptibility of tick cell lines to infection with Alkhumra haemorrhagic fever virus. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2013; 107:806-11. [PMID: 24097806 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trt087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Alkhumra haemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) has been isolated from ticks, epidemiological data suggest that it is transmitted from livestock to humans by direct contact with animals or by mosquito bites, but not by ticks. This study was carried out to assess the ability of the virus to replicate in tick cells in vitro. METHODS AHFV was inoculated into cell lines derived from the hard ticks Hyalomma anatolicum (HAE/CTVM9) and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (RAE/CTVM1) and the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata (OME/CTVM24). Inoculated cells were directly examined every week for 4 weeks by real-time reverse transcription PCR and by IFAT using polyclonal antibodies. RESULTS AHFV RNA was detected in all three inoculated tick cell lines throughout the 4-week observation period at levels up to almost twice that of the inoculum, but none of them exhibited a cytopathic effect. AHFV antigen could be detected in all three cell lines by IFAT. Titration of tick cell culture suspension in LLC-MK2 cells yielded AHFV titres of 10(6.6) 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/ml for OME/CTVM24 and 10(5.5) TCID50/ml for RAE/CTVM1 cells after 4 weeks of culturing; no viable virus was detected in HAE/CTVM9 cells. CONCLUSION This is the first description of propagation of AHFV in tick cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq A Madani
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Holbrook MR. Kyasanur forest disease. Antiviral Res 2012; 96:353-62. [PMID: 23110991 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In the spring of 1957, an outbreak of severe disease was documented in people living near the Kyasanur forest in Karnataka state, India, which also affected wild nonhuman primates. Collection of samples from dead animals and the use of classical virological techniques led to the isolation of a previously unrecognized virus, named Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), which was found to be related to the Russian spring-summer encephalitis (RSSE) complex of tick-borne viruses. Further evaluation found that KFD, which frequently took the form of a hemorrhagic syndrome, differed from most other RSSE virus infections, which were characterized by neurologic disease. Its association with illness in wild primates was also unique. Hemaphysalis spinigera was identified as the probable tick vector. Despite an estimated annual incidence in India of 400-500 cases, KFD is historically understudied. Most of what is known about the disease comes from studies in the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Virus Research Center in Pune, India and their collaborators at the Rockefeller Foundation. A report in ProMED in early 2012 indicated that the number of cases of KFD this year is possibly the largest since 2005, reminding us that there are significant gaps in our knowledge of the disease, including many aspects of its pathogenesis, the host response to infection and potential therapeutic options. A vaccine is currently in use in India, but efforts could be made to improve its long-term efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Holbrook
- NIAID Integrated Research Facility, 8200 Research Plaza, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, United States.
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Memish ZA, Fagbo SF, Assiri AM, Rollin P, Zaki AM, Charrel R, Mores C, MacNeil A. Alkhurma viral hemorrhagic fever virus: proposed guidelines for detection, prevention, and control in Saudi Arabia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1604. [PMID: 22860139 PMCID: PMC3409106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ziad A Memish
- Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Memish ZA, Albarrak A, Almazroa MA, Al-Omar I, Alhakeem R, Assiri A, Fagbo S, MacNeil A, Rollin PE, Abdullah N, Stephens G. Seroprevalence of Alkhurma and other hemorrhagic fever viruses, Saudi Arabia. Emerg Infect Dis 2012; 17:2316-8. [PMID: 22172587 PMCID: PMC3311215 DOI: 10.3201/eid1712.110658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2009 deployment of military units from several Saudi Arabian provinces to Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, enabled us to evaluate exposure to Alkhurma, Crimean-Congo, dengue, and Rift Valley hemorrhagic fever viruses. Seroprevalence to all viruses was low; however, Alkhurma virus seroprevalence was higher (1.3%) and less geographically restricted than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad A Memish
- Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Alzahrani AG, Al Shaiban HM, Al Mazroa MA, Al-Hayani O, MacNeil A, Rollin PE, Memish ZA. Alkhurma Virus, Subtype of Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus, was Described for the First Time in 1995 in Saudi Arabia Response to Dr. Madanis Letter. Intervirology 2012. [DOI: 10.1159/000337239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Liebert UG. Controversy on Virus Designation: Alkhumra Sive Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever Flavivirus. Intervirology 2012; 55:257-8. [DOI: 10.1159/000337237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Dodd KA, Bird BH, Khristova ML, Albariño CG, Carroll SA, Comer JA, Erickson BR, Rollin PE, Nichol ST. Ancient ancestry of KFDV and AHFV revealed by complete genome analyses of viruses isolated from ticks and mammalian hosts. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1352. [PMID: 21991403 PMCID: PMC3186760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) and Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV) cause significant human disease and mortality in Saudi Arabia and India, respectively. Despite their distinct geographic ranges, AHFV and KFDV share a remarkably high sequence identity. Given its emergence decades after KFDV, AHFV has since been considered a variant of KFDV and thought to have arisen from an introduction of KFDV to Saudi Arabia from India. To gain a better understanding of the evolutionary history of AHFV and KFDV, we analyzed the full length genomes of 16 AHFV and 3 KFDV isolates. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Viral genomes were sequenced and compared to two AHFV sequences available in GenBank. Sequence analyses revealed higher genetic diversity within AHFVs isolated from ticks than human AHFV isolates. A Bayesian coalescent phylogenetic analysis demonstrated an ancient divergence of AHFV and KFDV of approximately 700 years ago. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The high sequence diversity within tick populations and the presence of competent tick vectors in the surrounding regions, coupled with the recent identification of AHFV in Egypt, indicate possible viral range expansion or a larger geographic range than previously thought. The divergence of AHFV from KFDV nearly 700 years ago suggests other AHFV/KFDV-like viruses might exist in the regions between Saudi Arabia and India. Given the human morbidity and mortality associated with these viruses, these results emphasize the importance of more focused study of these significant public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Dodd
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Brian H. Bird
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Marina L. Khristova
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - César G. Albariño
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Serena A. Carroll
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James A. Comer
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Bobbie R. Erickson
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Pierre E. Rollin
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stuart T. Nichol
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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