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Athukorala N, Wickramasinghe S, Yatawara L, Weerakoon K. A Systematic Review of Zoonotic Disease Prevalence in Sri Lanka (2000-2022). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:453-472. [PMID: 38775108 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0141] [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] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The burden of zoonotic diseases in developing countries is significantly underestimated, influenced by various factors such as misdiagnosis, underreporting, natural disasters, climate change, resource limitations, rapid unplanned urbanization, poverty, animal migration, travel, ecotourism, and the tropical environmental conditions prevalent in the region. Despite Sri Lanka's provision of a publicly funded free health care system, zoonoses still contribute significantly to the burden of communicable diseases in the country. This study serves as a timely and exhaustive systematic review of zoonoses reported over the past 22 years in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: This systematic review adhered to the guidelines provided by the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) statement. A systematic literature search was conducted between July and September 2022, utilizing the following databases and sources: Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Weekly Epidemiological Reports, and Rabies Statistical Bulletins published by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. Results: From the initial database search, 1,710 articles were identified. After excluding nonzoonotic diseases, duplicated reports, inaccessible articles, and those not meeting the inclusion criteria, 570 reports were evaluated for eligibility. Of these, 91 reports were selected for data extraction, comprising 58 original research articles, 10 case reports, 16 weekly epidemiological reports, and 7 rabies statistical bulletins. Over the study period (2000-2022), 14 parasitic, 7 bacterial, and 7 viral zoonoses have been reported in Sri Lanka. Notably, leptospirosis emerged as the most reported zoonotic disease in the country. Conclusions: In response to these findings, we strongly recommend the implementation of a tailored, country-specific prevention and control program. To achieve this goal effectively, we emphasize the importance of adopting a country-specific "One Health" approach as a comprehensive framework for managing and controlling zoonotic diseases in Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeesha Athukorala
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Susiji Wickramasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Lalani Yatawara
- Deparment of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Kosala Weerakoon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka
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2
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Antonov AS, Shpak IM, Ustinov DV, Izhberdeeva MP, Guseva AN, Galkina AY, Borodai NV, Udovichenko SK, Toporkov AV. Phylogenetic analysis and molecular genetic characteristics of West Nile virus lineage 2 isolates circulating in the Russian Federation. Virus Genes 2024; 60:370-376. [PMID: 38847934 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-024-02079-2] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Since its initial detection in Africa, the West Nile virus has disseminated widely across all continents, becoming endemic in numerous countries, including the Russian Federation. A substantial expansion of the West Nile virus range was observed in the European part of the Russian territory in 1999. In light of this epidemiological trend, research endeavours focusing on monitoring West Nile virus circulation activity in endemic regions of the country have gained paramount significance. A substantial dataset has been accrued from 2007 onwards regarding genomic variability and dissemination dynamics across the country throughout the entire monitoring period for the West Nile fever pathogen. The objective of this study was to characterise West Nile virus isolates that have been circulating in the Russian Federation and identify their molecular and genetic characteristics. A phylogenetic analysis of 55 complete genome sequences revealed that the West Nile virus population within the Russian Federation is genetically heterogeneous and is represented by four major clades. One of these clades is currently exhibiting extensive spread into new regions of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Antonov
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia.
| | - I M Shpak
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia
| | - D V Ustinov
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia
| | - M P Izhberdeeva
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia
| | - A N Guseva
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia
| | - A Y Galkina
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia
| | - N V Borodai
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia
| | - S K Udovichenko
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia
| | - A V Toporkov
- Federal Government Health Institution "Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute" of Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400066, Russia
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3
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Tang MC, Wong KH, Azman AS, Lani R. Applications and advancements in animal models for antiviral research on mosquito-borne arboviruses. Animal Model Exp Med 2024. [PMID: 38987937 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12471] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases caused by arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are a considerable challenge to public health globally. Mosquito-borne arboviruses, such as Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika viruses, cause a range of human illnesses and may be fatal. Currently, efforts to control these diseases still face challenges due to growing vector resistance towards insecticides, urbanization, and limited effective antiviral treatments and vaccines. Animal models are crucial in antiviral research on mosquito-borne arboviruses, playing a role in understanding disease mechanisms, vaccine development, and toxicity testing, but the application of animal models still faces the challenges of ethical considerations and animal-to-human translational success. Genetically engineered mouse models, hamster models and non-human primate (NHP) are currently used in arbovirus research, but new models such as tree shrews and novel humanized mice are emerging. In the context of Malaysian research, the use of long-tailed macaques as potential NHP models for arbovirus research is possible; however, it faces the ethical dilemma of using an endangered species for scientific purposes. Overall, animal models play a crucial role in advancing infectious disease research, but a balance between medical research and species conservation must be upheld.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Caifeng Tang
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ka Heng Wong
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Rafidah Lani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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4
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Li L, Li S, Ma H, Akhtar MF, Tan Y, Wang T, Liu W, Khan A, Khan MZ, Wang C. An Overview of Infectious and Non-Infectious Causes of Pregnancy Losses in Equine. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1961. [PMID: 38998073 PMCID: PMC11240482 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131961] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine breeding plays an essential role in the local economic development of many countries, and it has experienced rapid growth in China in recent years. However, the equine industry, particularly large-scale donkey farms, faces a significant challenge with pregnancy losses. Unfortunately, there is a lack of systematic research on abortion during equine breeding. Several causes, both infectious and non-infectious, of pregnancy losses have been documented in equines. The infectious causes are viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Non-infectious causes may include long transportation, ingestion of mycotoxins, hormonal disturbances, twinning, placentitis, umbilical length and torsion, etc. In current review, we discuss the transmission routes, diagnostic methods, and control measures for these infectious agents. Early detection of the cause and appropriate management are crucial in preventing pregnancy loss in equine practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential causes of abortion in equines, including infectious agents and non-infectious factors. It emphasizes the importance of continued research and effective control measures to address this significant challenge in the equine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Li
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Shuwen Li
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Haoran Ma
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Muhammad Faheem Akhtar
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Ying Tan
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Wenhua Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Adnan Khan
- Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 511464, China
| | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Changfa Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
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Perillo T, Capasso R, Pinto A. Neuroimaging of the Most Common Meningitis and Encephalitis of Adults: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1064. [PMID: 38893591 PMCID: PMC11171665 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111064] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Meningitis is the infection of the meninges, which are connective tissue membranes covering the brain, and it most commonly affects the leptomeninges. Clinically, meningitis may present with fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, headache, vomiting, and neurological deficits. Encephalitis is an infection of the brain, which usually presents with fever, altered mental status, neurological deficits, and seizure. Meningitis and encephalitis are serious conditions which could also coexist, with high morbidity and mortality, thus requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Imaging plays an important role in the clinical management of these conditions, especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is indicated to exclude mimics and evaluate the presence of complications. The aim of this review is to depict imaging findings of the most common meningitis and encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Perillo
- Department of Radiology, CTO Hospital, AORN dei Colli, 80141 Naples, Italy; (R.C.); (A.P.)
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Nurmukanova V, Matsvay A, Gordukova M, Shipulin G. Square the Circle: Diversity of Viral Pathogens Causing Neuro-Infectious Diseases. Viruses 2024; 16:787. [PMID: 38793668 PMCID: PMC11126052 DOI: 10.3390/v16050787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinfections rank among the top ten leading causes of child mortality globally, even in high-income countries. The crucial determinants for successful treatment lie in the timing and swiftness of diagnosis. Although viruses constitute the majority of infectious neuropathologies, diagnosing and treating viral neuroinfections remains challenging. Despite technological advancements, the etiology of the disease remains undetermined in over half of cases. The identification of the pathogen becomes more difficult when the infection is caused by atypical pathogens or multiple pathogens simultaneously. Furthermore, the modern surge in global passenger traffic has led to an increase in cases of infections caused by pathogens not endemic to local areas. This review aims to systematize and summarize information on neuroinvasive viral pathogens, encompassing their geographic distribution and transmission routes. Emphasis is placed on rare pathogens and cases involving atypical pathogens, aiming to offer a comprehensive and structured catalog of viral agents with neurovirulence potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Nurmukanova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alina Matsvay
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Gordukova
- G. Speransky Children’s Hospital No. 9, 123317 Moscow, Russia
| | - German Shipulin
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
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7
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Girl P, Euringer K, Coroian M, Mihalca AD, Borde JP, Dobler G. Comparison of Five Serological Methods for the Detection of West Nile Virus Antibodies. Viruses 2024; 16:788. [PMID: 38793670 PMCID: PMC11126072 DOI: 10.3390/v16050788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The West Nile Virus (WNV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus causing potentially severe infections in humans and animals involving the central nervous system (CNS). Due to its emerging tendency, WNV now occurs in many areas where other flaviviruses are co-occurring. Cross-reactive antibodies with flavivirus infections or vaccination (e.g., tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Usutu virus (USUV), yellow fever virus (YFV), dengue virus (DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)) therefore remain a major challenge in diagnosing flavivirus infections. Virus neutralization tests are considered as reference tests for the detection of specific flavivirus antibodies, but are elaborate, time-consuming and need biosafety level 3 facilities. A simple and straightforward assay for the differentiation and detection of specific WNV IgG antibodies for the routine laboratory is urgently needed. In this study, we compared two commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (anti-IgG WNV ELISA and anti-NS1-IgG WNV), a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence assay, and a newly developed in-house ELISA for the detection of WNV-NS1-IgG antibodies. All four tests were compared to an in-house NT to determine both the sensitivity and specificity of the four test systems. None of the assays could match the specificity of the NT, although the two NS1-IgG based ELISAs were very close to the specificity of the NT at 97.3% and 94.6%. The in-house WNV-NS1-IgG ELISA had the best performance regarding sensitivity and specificity. The specificities of the ELISA assays and the indirect immunofluorescence assays could not meet the necessary specificity and/or sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Girl
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (K.E.); (G.D.)
- Central Institute of the Bundeswehr Medical Service Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Euringer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (K.E.); (G.D.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Mircea Coroian
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Johannes P. Borde
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Praxis Prof. Borde and Kollegen, 77704 Oberkirch, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (K.E.); (G.D.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU Center of Medicine, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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8
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Naveed A, Eertink LG, Wang D, Li F. Lessons Learned from West Nile Virus Infection:Vaccinations in Equines and Their Implications for One Health Approaches. Viruses 2024; 16:781. [PMID: 38793662 PMCID: PMC11125849 DOI: 10.3390/v16050781] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans and equines are two dead-end hosts of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV) with similar susceptibility and pathogenesis. Since the introduction of WNV vaccines into equine populations of the United States of America (USA) in late 2002, there have been only sporadic cases of WNV infection in equines. These cases are generally attributed to unvaccinated and under-vaccinated equines. In contrast, due to the lack of a human WNV vaccine, WNV cases in humans have remained steadily high. An average of 115 deaths have been reported per year in the USA since the first reported case in 1999. Therefore, the characterization of protective immune responses to WNV and the identification of immune correlates of protection in vaccinated equines will provide new fundamental information about the successful development and evaluation of WNV vaccines in humans. This review discusses the comparative epidemiology, transmission, susceptibility to infection and disease, clinical manifestation and pathogenesis, and immune responses of WNV in humans and equines. Furthermore, prophylactic and therapeutic strategies that are currently available and under development are described. In addition, the successful vaccination of equines against WNV and the potential lessons for human vaccine development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Feng Li
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.N.); (L.G.E.); (D.W.)
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Rusenova N, Rusenov A, Monaco F. A Retrospective Study on the Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus Among Donkeys and Mules in Bulgaria. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:274-277. [PMID: 38294797 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0095] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: West Nile virus (WNV) infection, caused by a flavivirus, emerged in Europe and America in the past two decades. The etiological agent causes asymptomatic to life-threatening infection in humans and in some animal species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of WNV among donkeys and mules in Bulgaria. Methods: A total of 200 archived serum samples were tested by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive samples were additionally analyzed by virus neutralization assay. Results: Seroprevalence of 7% (14/200) was established among tested animals by ELISA. Two samples were subsequently verified for the presence of virus neutralizing antibodies; thus, the seroprevalence against WNV was determined to be 1% (2/200 [confidence interval = 0.12-3.61]). Positive results among mules included in the study were not found. Conclusion: The findings in the present research demonstrate that donkeys are exposed to WNV infection and seroconvert, which adds to the understanding of virus circulation among donkeys in settlements in north and south Bulgaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina Rusenova
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Anton Rusenov
- Department of Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Federica Monaco
- Department of Diagnostics and Surveillance of Exotic Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale," Teramo, Italy
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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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11
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Windah ALL, Tallei TE, AlShehail BM, Suoth EJ, Fatimawali, Alhashem YN, Halwani MA, AlShakhal MM, Aljeldah M, Alissa M, Alsuwat MA, Almanaa TN, Alshehri AA, Rabaan AA. Immunoinformatics-Driven Strategies for Advancing Epitope-Based Vaccine Design for West Nile Virus. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:906-917. [PMID: 38042341 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.11.025] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The West Nile virus (WNV) is the causative agent of West Nile disease (WND), which poses a potential risk of meningitis or encephalitis. The aim of the study was to design an epitope-based vaccine for WNV by utilizing computational analyses. The epitope-based vaccine design process encompassed WNV sequence collection, phylogenetic tree construction, and sequence alignment. Computational models identified B-cell and T-cell epitopes, followed by immunological property analysis. Epitopes were then modeled and docked with B-cell receptors, MHC I, and MHC II. Molecular dynamics simulations further explored dynamic interactions between epitopes and receptors. The findings indicated that the B-cell epitope QINHHWHKSGSSIG, along with three T-cell epitopes (FLVHREWFM for MHC I, NPFVSVATANAKVLI for MHC II, and NAYYVMTVGTKTFLV for MHC II), successfully passed the immunological evaluations. These four epitopes were further subjected to docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies. Although each demonstrated favorable affinities with their respective receptors, only NAYYVMTVGTKTFLV displayed a stable interaction with MHC II during MDS analysis, hence emerging as a potential candidate for a WNV epitope-based vaccine. This study demonstrates a comprehensive approach to epitope vaccine design, combining computational analyses, molecular modeling, and simulation techniques to identify potential vaccine candidates for WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axl Laurens Lukas Windah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Trina Ekawati Tallei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
| | - Bashayer M AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elly Juliana Suoth
- Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Mana-do 95115, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Fatimawali
- Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Mana-do 95115, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Yousef N Alhashem
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, Dammam 34222, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad A Halwani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University. Al Baha 4781, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mouayd M AlShakhal
- Internal Medicine Department, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Aljeldah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 39831, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alissa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshari A Alsuwat
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Al-Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghreed N Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad A Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
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12
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Cochet M, Piumi F, Gorna K, Berry N, Gonzalez G, Danckaert A, Aulner N, Blanchet O, Zientara S, Donadeu FX, Munier-Lehmann H, Richardson J, Benchoua A, Coulpier M. An equine iPSC-based phenotypic screening platform identifies pro- and anti-viral molecules against West Nile virus. Vet Res 2024; 55:32. [PMID: 38493182 PMCID: PMC10943879 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of West Nile virus (WNV) occur periodically, affecting both human and equine populations. There are no vaccines for humans, and those commercialised for horses do not have sufficient coverage. Specific antiviral treatments do not exist. Many drug discovery studies have been conducted, but since rodent or primate cell lines are normally used, results cannot always be transposed to horses. There is thus a need to develop relevant equine cellular models. Here, we used induced pluripotent stem cells to develop a new in vitro model of WNV-infected equine brain cells suitable for microplate assay, and assessed the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of forty-one chemical compounds. We found that one nucleoside analog, 2'C-methylcytidine, blocked WNV infection in equine brain cells, whereas other compounds were either toxic or ineffective, despite some displaying anti-viral activity in human cell lines. We also revealed an unexpected proviral effect of statins in WNV-infected equine brain cells. Our results thus identify a potential lead for future drug development and underscore the importance of using a tissue- and species-relevant cellular model for assessing the activity of antiviral compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Cochet
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Piumi
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Kamila Gorna
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Noémie Berry
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Gaëlle Gonzalez
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Danckaert
- UTechS Photonics Bioimaging/C2RT, Institut Pasteur Paris, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Aulner
- UTechS Photonics Bioimaging/C2RT, Institut Pasteur Paris, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Odile Blanchet
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques, BB-0033-00038, CHU Angers, 49933, Angers, France
| | - Stéphan Zientara
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Francesc Xavier Donadeu
- Division of Translational Bioscience, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Richardson
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Muriel Coulpier
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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13
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Miranda LS, Rudd SR, Mena O, Hudspeth PE, Barboza-Corona JE, Park HW, Bideshi DK. The Perpetual Vector Mosquito Threat and Its Eco-Friendly Nemeses. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:182. [PMID: 38534451 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the most notorious arthropod vectors of viral and parasitic diseases for which approximately half the world's population, ~4,000,000,000, is at risk. Integrated pest management programs (IPMPs) have achieved some success in mitigating the regional transmission and persistence of these diseases. However, as many vector-borne diseases remain pervasive, it is obvious that IPMP successes have not been absolute in eradicating the threat imposed by mosquitoes. Moreover, the expanding mosquito geographic ranges caused by factors related to climate change and globalization (travel, trade, and migration), and the evolution of resistance to synthetic pesticides, present ongoing challenges to reducing or eliminating the local and global burden of these diseases, especially in economically and medically disadvantaged societies. Abatement strategies include the control of vector populations with synthetic pesticides and eco-friendly technologies. These "green" technologies include SIT, IIT, RIDL, CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive, and biological control that specifically targets the aquatic larval stages of mosquitoes. Regarding the latter, the most effective continues to be the widespread use of Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). Here, we present a review of the health issues elicited by vector mosquitoes, control strategies, and lastly, focus on the biology of Ls and Bti, with an emphasis on the latter, to which no resistance has been observed in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Silva Miranda
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Sarah Renee Rudd
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies, and School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Oscar Mena
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Piper Eden Hudspeth
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - José E Barboza-Corona
- Departmento de Alimentos, Posgrado en Biociencias, Universidad de Guanajuato Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Irapuato 36500, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Hyun-Woo Park
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Dennis Ken Bideshi
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
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14
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Pavesi A, Tiecco G, Rossi L, Sforza A, Ciccarone A, Compostella F, Lovatti S, Tomasoni LR, Castelli F, Quiros-Roldan E. Inflammatory Response Associated with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease: A Systematic Review. Viruses 2024; 16:383. [PMID: 38543749 PMCID: PMC10976239 DOI: 10.3390/v16030383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV) infection is a seasonal arbovirosis with the potential to cause severe neurological disease. Outcomes of the infection from WNV depend on viral factors (e.g., lineage) and host-intrinsic factors (e.g., age, sex, immunocompromising conditions). Immunity is essential to control the infection but may also prove detrimental to the host. Indeed, the persistence of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines is associated with the development of blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. Due to the importance of the inflammatory processes in the development of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), we reviewed the available literature on the subject. METHODS According to the 2020 updated PRISMA guidelines, all peer-reviewed articles regarding the inflammatory response associated with WNND were included. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-six articles were included in the data analysis and sorted into three groups (in vitro on-cell cultures, in vivo in animals, and in humans). The main cytokines found to be increased during WNND were IL-6 and TNF-α. We highlighted the generally small quantity and heterogeneity of information about the inflammatory patterns associated with WNND. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to understand the pathogenesis of WNND and to investigate the extent and the way the host inflammatory response either helps in controlling the infection or in worsening the outcomes. This might prove useful both for the development of target therapies and for the development of molecular markers allowing early identification of patients displaying an inflammatory response that puts them at a higher risk of developing neuroinvasive disease and who might thus benefit from early antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pavesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Giorgio Tiecco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Anita Sforza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Andrea Ciccarone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Federico Compostella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Sofia Lovatti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Lina Rachele Tomasoni
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.P.); (G.T.); (L.R.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (S.L.); (F.C.)
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15
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Pacetti M, Pismataro MC, Felicetti T, Giammarino F, Bonomini A, Tiecco M, Bertagnin C, Barreca ML, Germani R, Cecchetti V, Vicenti I, Tabarrini O, Zazzi M, Loregian A, Massari S. Switching the three-component Biginelli-like reaction conditions for the regioselective synthesis of new 2-amino[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidines. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:767-783. [PMID: 38167738 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01861j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Among the eight different triazolopyrimidine isomers existing in nature, 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (TZP) is one of the most studied and used isomers in medicinal chemistry. For some years, our group has been involved in developing regioselective one-pot procedures for the synthesis of 2-amino-7-aryl-5-methyl- and 2-amino-5-aryl-7-methyl-TZPs of interest in the preparation of antiviral agents. In this work, taking advantage of a Biginelli-like multicomponent reaction (MCR), we report the identification of finely tunable conditions to regioselectively synthesize C-6 ester-substituted amino-TZP analogues, both in dihydro and oxidized forms. Indeed, the use of mild acidic conditions is strongly directed toward the regioselective synthesis of 5-aryl-7-methyl C-6-substituted TZP analogues, while the use of neutral ionic liquids shifted the regioselectivity towards 7-aryl-5-methyl derivatives. In addition, the novel synthesized scaffolds were functionalized at the C-2 position and evaluated for their antiviral activity against RNA viruses (influenza virus, flaviviruses, and SARS-CoV-2). Compounds 25 and 26 emerged as promising anti-flavivirus agents, showing activity in the low micromolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pacetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Federica Giammarino
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Tiecco
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP), School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Raimondo Germani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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16
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Sharma R, Salimi E, D’Assumpcao C, Valdez M, Chaudhry A, Heidari A, Kuran R, Bhandohal J. Catastrophic Case of West Nile Virus Rhombencephalitis in AIDS. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2024; 12:23247096241267132. [PMID: 39077811 PMCID: PMC11289818 DOI: 10.1177/23247096241267132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) belongs to the Flaviviridae family of viruses. It was first isolated and identified in 1937. Patients typically present with flu-like symptoms or are asymptomatic; however, neuroinvasive West Nile can lead to significant neurological impairment. Herein presented is a catastrophic case of WNV rhombencephalitis in a male patient newly diagnosed with AIDS. This report sheds light on the potential for severe neurological complications in co-infected patients and emphasizes the importance of early recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupam Sharma
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elika Salimi
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Carlos D’Assumpcao
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Valdez
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Akriti Chaudhry
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arash Heidari
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rasha Kuran
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Janpreet Bhandohal
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Bektore B, Dogan B, Ozkul A, Gozalan A. West Nile virus seropositivity in Alanya, a coastal city in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Ann Saudi Med 2024; 44:48-54. [PMID: 38311862 PMCID: PMC10839453 DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.2024.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV)-related illness is a global health problem. Understanding the seropositivity rates and identifying the risk factors related to WNV in various animal species including humans is crucial for the implementation of effective prevention strategies. OBJECTIVES Assess the rate of seropositivity and the risk factors associated with WNV seropositivity. DESIGN Descriptive, cross-sectional. SETTING Microbiology and virology departments in a veterinary college. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a sample of healthy human participants in Alanya, located close to regions where WNV activity has been detected, anti-WNV IgG antibody detection was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The positive results were confirmed by virus neutralization tests (VNTs). The sample was compared with a second group of age- and gender-matched healthy subjects selected from a previous cross-sectional study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Determination of the seropositivity and risk factors that were associated with WNV in healthy humans. SAMPLE SIZE 87 in current study; 356 in previous study. RESULTS The first group of 87, which had a high risk of encountering vector mosquitoes, had a positivity rate of 8% (7/87), whereas positivity in the second group was 4.5% (16/356; P=.181). In the entire sample, the anti-WNV IgG antibody was positive in 23 out of 443 (5.2%) samples by the ELISA test. Among these 23 samples, ten were confirmed as positive using VNTs. Therefore, the WNV IgG seropositivity was 2.3% (10/442). Confirmed IgG seropositivity rates were higher among male (3.8%) than female participants (0.9%; P=.054) and among adults aged ≥45 years (4%) than those aged 18-44 years (0.8%; P=.048). CONCLUSION This study highlights the presence of WNV infection in the research region. More comprehensive and multidisciplinary studies are required to increase our knowledge about this zoonotic infection including risk factors in line with the One Health approach. LIMITATIONS Small sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayhan Bektore
- From the Department of Medical Microbiology, Ministry of Health Alanya Alaadin Keykubat University, Alanya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Alanya, Turkey
| | - Bora Dogan
- From the Department of Medical Microbiology, Urla State Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Akyut Ozkul
- From the Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Gozalan
- From the Department of Medical Microbiology, Ministry of Health Alanya Alaadin Keykubat University, Alanya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Alanya, Turkey
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18
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Ben-Mostafa KK, Savini G, Di Gennaro A, Teodori L, Leone A, Monaco F, Alaoqib MMA, Rayes AA, Dayhum A, Eldaghayes I. Evidence of West Nile Virus Circulation in Horses and Dogs in Libya. Pathogens 2023; 13:41. [PMID: 38251348 PMCID: PMC10820222 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010041] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a globally significant mosquito-borne Flavivirus that causes West Nile disease (WND). In Libya, evidence of WNV circulation has been reported in humans but never in animals. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of WNV infection in horses and dogs in Libya. In total, 574 and 63 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy, unvaccinated horses and dogs, respectively, between 2016 and 2019. A commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) kit was initially used to test the collected samples for the presence of WNV Ig-G antibodies. Positive and doubtful sera were also tested using a more specific virus neutralisation assay to confirm whether the ELISA-positive results were due to WNV or other Flavivirus antibodies. The seroprevalence of WNV IgG antibodies according to ELISA was 13.2% out of 574 of total horses' samples and 30.2% out of 63 of total dogs' samples. The virus neutralisation test (VNT) confirmed that 10.8% (62/574) and 27% (17/63) were positive for WNV-neutralising titres ranging from 1:10 to 1:640. Univariable analysis using chi-square tests was conducted to measure the statistical significance of the association between the hypothesized risk factors including city, sex, breed, and age group and were then analyzed using the subsequent multivariable logistic regression model for horse samples. Age group was found to be the only significant risk factor in this study. The results of the present study provide new evidence about WNV circulation in Libya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kholoud Khalid Ben-Mostafa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli P.O. Box 13662, Libya
- National Center for Animal Health, Tripoli P.O. Box 83252, Libya
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Department of Virology and Tissue Culture, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G.Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annapia Di Gennaro
- Department of Virology and Tissue Culture, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G.Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Liana Teodori
- Department of Virology and Tissue Culture, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G.Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Leone
- Department of Virology and Tissue Culture, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G.Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Monaco
- Department of Virology and Tissue Culture, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G.Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Mohammed Masoud A. Alaoqib
- Department of Internal and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Albaida P.O. Box 919, Libya
| | - Abdunnabi A. Rayes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli P.O. Box 13932, Libya
| | - Abdunaser Dayhum
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli P.O. Box 13662, Libya
| | - Ibrahim Eldaghayes
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli P.O. Box 13662, Libya
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Emmerich P, Jakupi X, Sherifi K, Dreshaj S, Kalaveshi A, Hemmer C, Hajdari DP, von Possel R, Cadar D, Tomazatos A. Serologic and Genomic Investigation of West Nile Virus in Kosovo. Viruses 2023; 16:66. [PMID: 38257766 PMCID: PMC10818488 DOI: 10.3390/v16010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) is increasing across Europe, with cases emerging in previously unaffected countries. Kosovo is situated in a WNV-endemic region where the seroepidemiological data on WNV in humans remains absent. To address this issue, we have conducted a seroepidemiological investigation of 453 randomly selected sera from a hospital in Kosovo, revealing a 1.55% anti-WNV IgG seroprevalence. Comparative and phylogeographic analyses of the WNV genomes obtained by sequencing archived samples from patients with West Nile fever indicate at least two recent and distinct introductions of WNV lineage 2 into Kosovo from neighboring countries. These findings confirm the eco-epidemiological status of WNV in southeast Europe, where long- and short-range dispersion of lineage 2 strains contributes to a wider circulation via central Europe. Our results suggest an increasing risk for WNV spreading in Kosovo, underscoring the need for an integrated national surveillance program targeting vectors and avian populations for early epidemic detection, as well as the screening of blood donors to gauge the impact of virus circulation on the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Emmerich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (P.E.); (R.v.P.)
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Xhevat Jakupi
- National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (X.J.); (A.K.); (D.P.H.)
| | - Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo;
| | - Shemsedin Dreshaj
- University Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo;
| | - Ariana Kalaveshi
- National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (X.J.); (A.K.); (D.P.H.)
| | - Christoph Hemmer
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Donjeta Pllana Hajdari
- National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo; (X.J.); (A.K.); (D.P.H.)
| | - Ronald von Possel
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (P.E.); (R.v.P.)
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Dániel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (P.E.); (R.v.P.)
| | - Alexandru Tomazatos
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (P.E.); (R.v.P.)
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20
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Paquette SJ, Simon AY, XIII A, Kobinger GP, Shahhosseini N. Medically Significant Vector-Borne Viral Diseases in Iran. Microorganisms 2023; 11:3006. [PMID: 38138150 PMCID: PMC10745727 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11123006] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne viral diseases (VBVDs) continue to pose a considerable public health risk to animals and humans globally. Vectors have integral roles in autochthonous circulation and dissemination of VBVDs worldwide. The interplay of agricultural activities, population expansion, urbanization, host/pathogen evolution, and climate change, all contribute to the continual flux in shaping the epidemiology of VBVDs. In recent decades, VBVDs, once endemic to particular countries, have expanded into new regions such as Iran and its neighbors, increasing the risk of outbreaks and other public health concerns. Both Iran and its neighboring countries are known to host a number of VBVDs that are endemic to these countries or newly circulating. The proximity of Iran to countries hosting regional diseases, along with increased global socioeconomic activities, e.g., international trade and travel, potentially increases the risk for introduction of new VBVDs into Iran. In this review, we examined the epidemiology of numerous VBVDs circulating in Iran, such as Chikungunya virus, Dengue virus, Sindbis virus, West Nile virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Sandfly-borne phleboviruses, and Hantavirus, in relation to their vectors, specifically mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, and rodents. In addition, we discussed the interplay of factors, e.g., urbanization and climate change on VBVD dissemination patterns and the consequent public health risks in Iran, highlighting the importance of a One Health approach to further surveil and to evolve mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jo Paquette
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada;
| | - Ayo Yila Simon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Ara XIII
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.X.); (G.P.K.)
| | - Gary P. Kobinger
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.X.); (G.P.K.)
| | - Nariman Shahhosseini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada;
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21
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Klingelhöfer D, Braun M, Kramer IM, Reuss F, Müller R, Groneberg DA, Brüggmann D. A virus becomes a global concern: research activities on West-Nile virus. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2256424. [PMID: 37671854 PMCID: PMC10501173 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2256424] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently, West-Nile virus (WNV) is spreading worldwide to colder regions due to climate change. Human mortality and morbidity are prevalent and steadily increasing, associated with costs to public health systems. Therefore, the question of the impact of scientific engagement arises. What trends, barriers, and incentives for research related to global burdens are important in this context? To answer these questions, this study provides detailed insights into the publication patterns of WNV research and interprets them using several parameters, such as absolute and relative publication indices and socioeconomic and epidemiological characteristics. It is shown that national interests combined with regional outbreaks significantly influence publication intensity. Thus, a correlation between national publication volume and the number of WNV cases was observed. In contrast to most life science topics, the scientific interest in WNV significantly decreased after 2006. The USA, as the main actor in WNV research, is at the centre of international networking. Recently, European countries are also getting involved according to their new-emerging outbreaks. The results demonstrate national interest in research activities with a lack of globally focused approaches that are urgently needed to better understand and assess the distribution and characteristics of WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Klingelhöfer
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Markus Braun
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Isabelle M. Kramer
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Unit Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Friederike Reuss
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ruth Müller
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Unit Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David A. Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dörthe Brüggmann
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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22
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de Martinis C, Cardillo L, Pesce F, Viscardi M, Cozzolino L, Paradiso R, Cavallo S, De Ascentis M, Goffredo M, Monaco F, Savini G, D’Orilia F, Pinto R, Fusco G. Reoccurrence of West Nile virus lineage 1 after 2-year decline: first equine outbreak in Campania region. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1314738. [PMID: 38098986 PMCID: PMC10720362 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1314738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widespread arbovirus worldwide, responsible for severe neurological symptoms in humans as well as in horses and birds. The main reservoir and amplifier of the virus are birds, and migratory birds seem to have a key role in the introduction and spread of WNV during their migratory routes. WNV lineage 1 (L1) has been missing in Italy for almost 10 years, only to reappear in 2020 in two dead raptor birds in southern Italy. The present study reports the first equine outbreak in the Campania region. A 7-year-old horse died because of worsening neurological signs and underwent necropsy and biomolecular analyses. WNV-L1 was detected by real-time RT-PCR in the heart, brain, gut, liver, and spleen. Next Generation Sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain responsible for the outbreak showed a nucleotide identity of over 98% with the strain found in Accipiter gentilis 2 years earlier in the same area, belonging to the WNV-L1 Western-Mediterranean sub-cluster. These results underline that WNV-L1, after reintroduction in 2020, has probably silently circulated during a 2-year eclipse, with no positive sample revealed by both serological and biomolecular examinations in horses, birds, and mosquitoes. The climate changes that have occurred in the last decades are evolving the epidemiology of WNV, with introductions or re-introductions of the virus in areas that were previously considered low risk. Thereby, the virus may easily amplify and establish itself to reappear with sporadic evident cases in susceptible hosts after several months or even years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio de Martinis
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Lorena Cardillo
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Federica Pesce
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Loredana Cozzolino
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Rubina Paradiso
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Stefania Cavallo
- Department of Epidemiologic and Biostatistics Regional Observatory (OREB), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Matteo De Ascentis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Goffredo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Renato Pinto
- U.O.D. Prevenzione e sanità pubblica veterinaria, Regione Campania, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
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23
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Mingione M, Branda F, Maruotti A, Ciccozzi M, Mazzoli S. Monitoring the West Nile virus outbreaks in Italy using open access data. Sci Data 2023; 10:777. [PMID: 37935727 PMCID: PMC10630380 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02676-0] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper introduces a comprehensive dataset on West Nile virus outbreaks that have occurred in Italy from September 2012 to November 2022. We have digitized bulletins published by the Italian National Institute of Health to demonstrate the potential utilization of this data for the research community. Our aim is to establish a centralized open access repository that facilitates analysis and monitoring of the disease. We have collected and curated data on the type of infected host, along with additional information whenever available, including the type of infection, age, and geographic details at different levels of spatial aggregation. By combining our data with other sources of information such as weather data, it becomes possible to assess potential relationships between West Nile virus outbreaks and environmental factors. We strongly believe in supporting public oversight of government epidemic management, and we emphasize that open data play a crucial role in generating reliable results by enabling greater transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mingione
- Dept. of Political Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Applied Computing "M. Picone" (IAC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Branda
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonello Maruotti
- Dept. of Law, Economics, Politics, and Modern Languages, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Mazzoli
- STDs Centre, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
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24
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Ormundo LF, Barreto CT, Tsuruta LR. Development of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies for Emerging Arbovirus Infections. Viruses 2023; 15:2177. [PMID: 38005854 PMCID: PMC10675117 DOI: 10.3390/v15112177] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based passive immunotherapy has been used effectively in the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases. Outbreaks of emerging viral infections from arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) represent a global public health problem due to their rapid spread, urging measures and the treatment of infected individuals to combat them. Preparedness in advances in developing antivirals and relevant epidemiological studies protect us from damage and losses. Immunotherapy based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been shown to be very specific in combating infectious diseases and various other illnesses. Recent advances in mAb discovery techniques have allowed the development and approval of a wide number of therapeutic mAbs. This review focuses on the technological approaches available to select neutralizing mAbs for emerging arbovirus infections and the next-generation strategies to obtain highly effective and potent mAbs. The characteristics of mAbs developed as prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral agents for dengue, Zika, chikungunya, West Nile and tick-borne encephalitis virus are presented, as well as the protective effect demonstrated in animal model studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo F. Ormundo
- Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.F.O.); (C.T.B.)
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Carolina T. Barreto
- Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.F.O.); (C.T.B.)
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Lilian R. Tsuruta
- Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.F.O.); (C.T.B.)
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25
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Hiraldo JDG, Fuerte-Hortigón A, Domínguez-Mayoral A, De la Rosa Riestra S, Palacios-Baena ZR, Fernández FS, Ruiz RL, Pascual-Vaca D, de León CM, Hurtado RJ, Sanbonmatsu-Gámez S. Uncovering the neurological effects of West Nile virus during a record-breaking southern Spain outbreak in 2020-2021. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 383:578179. [PMID: 37657130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578179] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The 2020-21 West Nile Virus (WNV) outbreak in Andalusia, Spain, was the largest reported in the country, with eight cases of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) diagnosed in a tertiary hospital. Diagnosis of WNND is based on detecting WNV RNA, viral isolation, or demonstrating a specific immune response against the virus, with additional tests used to support the diagnosis. Treatment remains supportive, with variable outcomes. The potential efficacy of plasma exchange (PLEX) in select cases raises the possibility of an autoimmune component secondary to infectious pathology of the central nervous system. The influence of climate change on the expansion of WNV into new regions is a significant concern. It is crucial for physicians practicing in high-risk areas to be knowledgeable about the disease for early prevention and effective control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandra De la Rosa Riestra
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena/Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Spain
| | - Zaira R Palacios-Baena
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena/Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Spain
| | | | - Rocio López Ruiz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Diego Pascual-Vaca
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Jiménez Hurtado
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
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26
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Di Guardo G. Alien Crabs as Potential Hosts of Pathogens Impacting Marine Megafauna's Health and Conservation. Pathogens 2023; 12:1177. [PMID: 37764984 PMCID: PMC10534637 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change, with a special emphasis on global warming, is believed to be a key driver of the accelerated rate of alien species expansion into the Mediterranean Sea basin and, more generally, into all marine and oceanic ecosystems [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Guardo
- General Pathology and Veterinary Pathophysiology, Veterinary Medical Faculty, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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27
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Akinsulie OC, Adesola RO, Aliyu VA, Oladapo IP, Hamzat A. Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of Viral Encephalitides in West Africa. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:504-517. [PMID: 37736997 PMCID: PMC10514837 DOI: 10.3390/idr15050050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, often caused by an autoimmune reaction, or in most cases because of a direct viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Viral encephalitides (VE) presents a significant public health concern globally, especially in West Africa. There are more than five hundred known arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), with over a hundred of them identified to cause encephalitic diseases in humans and animals, giving rise to a tremendous burden of the diseases and socioeconomic strains in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Despite their importance, few effective preventive and control measures in the form of vaccines and therapies are available, and when they are, their use is limited. These limitations are largely hinged on the paucity of information about the molecular epidemiology and transmission patterns of VE in West Africa. Here, we reviewed the transmission dynamics, molecular epidemiology, and the ecological drivers of VE in West Africa. Collectively, timely and accurate interventions are essential for encephalitic viral disease control. Moreover, the integrated health system approach, combining surveillance, vaccination, vector control, and community engagement, could be effective in preventing viral encephalitis globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Abdulafees Hamzat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria
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28
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Nogueira CO, Rocha T, Messor DF, Souza INO, Clarke JR. Fundamental neurochemistry review: Glutamatergic dysfunction as a central mechanism underlying flavivirus-induced neurological damage. J Neurochem 2023; 166:915-927. [PMID: 37603368 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15935] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The Flaviviridae family comprises positive-sense single-strand RNA viruses mainly transmitted by arthropods. Many of these pathogens are especially deleterious to the nervous system, and a myriad of neurological symptoms have been associated with infections by Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in humans. Studies suggest that viral replication in neural cells and the massive release of pro-inflammatory mediators lead to morphological alterations of synaptic spine structure and changes in the balance of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters and receptors. Glutamate is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and studies propose that either enhanced release or impaired uptake of this amino acid contributes to brain damage in several conditions. Here, we review existing evidence suggesting that glutamatergic dysfunction-induced by flaviviruses is a central mechanism for neurological damage and clinical outcomes of infection. We also discuss current data suggesting that pharmacological approaches that counteract glutamatergic dysfunction show benefits in animal models of such viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara O Nogueira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tamires Rocha
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel F Messor
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isis N O Souza
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Julia R Clarke
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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29
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Samrat SK, Bashir Q, Huang Y, Trieshmann CW, Tharappel AM, Zhang R, Chen K, Geoge Zheng Y, Li Z, Li H. Broad-Spectrum Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the SAM-Binding Site of Flavivirus NS5 Methyltransferase. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1319-1333. [PMID: 37348028 PMCID: PMC10436986 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Flavivirus infections, such as those caused by dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and Zika virus (ZIKV), pose a rising threat to global health. There are no FDA-approved drugs for flaviviruses, although a small number of flaviviruses have vaccines. For flaviviruses or unknown viruses that may appear in the future, it is particularly desirable to identify broad-spectrum inhibitors. The NS5 protein is regarded as one of the most promising flavivirus drug targets because it is conserved across flaviviruses. In this study, we used FL-NAH, a fluorescent analog of the methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), to develop a fluorescence polarization (FP)-based high throughput screening (HTS) assay to specifically target methyltransferase (MTase), a vital enzyme for flaviviruses that methylates the N7 and 2'-O positions of the viral 5'-RNA cap. Pilot screening identified two candidate MTase inhibitors, NSC 111552 and 288387. The two compounds inhibited the FL-NAH binding to the DENV3 MTase with low micromolar IC50. Functional assays verified the inhibitory potency of these molecules for the flavivirus MTase activity. Binding studies indicated that these molecules are bound directly to the DENV3 MTase with similar low micromolar affinity. Furthermore, we showed that these compounds greatly reduced ZIKV replication in cell-based experiments at dosages that did not cause cytotoxicity. Finally, docking studies revealed that these molecules bind to the SAM-binding region on the DENV3 MTase, and further mutagenesis studies verified residues important for the binding of these compounds. Overall, these compounds are innovative and attractive candidates for the development of broad-spectrum inhibitors for the treatment of flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodh Kumar Samrat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Qamar Bashir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Yiding Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Carl William Trieshmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Anil Mathew Tharappel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Y. Geoge Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science & College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson AZ, 85721, USA
- The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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30
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Sewgobind S, McCracken F, Schilling M. JMM Profile: West Nile virus. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37459154 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001730] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family and is maintained in an enzootic cycle between avian hosts and mosquito vectors. Humans, horses and other mammals are susceptible to infection but are dead-end hosts due to a low viraemia. The disease can manifest itself in a variety of clinical signs and symptoms in people and horses from mild fever to severe encephalitis and morbidity. There are no vaccines licensed for human protection, but parts of Europe, North America, Africa and Australia have vaccines commercially available for horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Sewgobind
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Fiona McCracken
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Mirjam Schilling
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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31
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Habarugira G, Harrison JJ, Moran J, Suen WW, Colmant AMG, Hobson-Peters J, Isberg SR, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Hall RA. A chimeric vaccine protects farmed saltwater crocodiles from West Nile virus-induced skin lesions. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:93. [PMID: 37369653 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00688-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) causes skin lesions in farmed crocodiles leading to the depreciation of the value of their hides and significant economic losses. However, there is no commercially available vaccine designed for use in crocodilians against WNV. We tested chimeric virus vaccines composed of the non-structural genes of the insect-specific flavivirus Binjari virus (BinJV) and genes encoding the structural proteins of WNV. The BinJV/WNV chimera, is antigenically similar to wild-type WNV but replication-defective in vertebrates. Intramuscular injection of two doses of BinJV/WNV in hatchling saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) elicited a robust neutralising antibody response and conferred protection against viremia and skin lesions after challenge with WNV. In contrast, mock-vaccinated crocodiles became viraemic and 22.2% exhibited WNV-induced lesions. This suggests that the BinJV/WNV chimera is a safe and efficacious vaccine for preventing WNV-induced skin lesions in farmed crocodilians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervais Habarugira
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Jessica J Harrison
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Jasmin Moran
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, NT, Australia
| | - Willy W Suen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Geelong, VIC, 3219, Australia
| | - Agathe M G Colmant
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE) Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207, Marseille, France
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | - Roy A Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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Ulrich RG, Drewes S, Haring V, Panajotov J, Pfeffer M, Rubbenstroth D, Dreesman J, Beer M, Dobler G, Knauf S, Johne R, Böhmer MM. [Viral zoonoses in Germany: a One Health perspective]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03709-0. [PMID: 37261460 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03709-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing occurrence of monkeypox (mpox) diseases outside Africa have illustrated the vulnerability of populations to zoonotic pathogens. In addition, other viral zoonotic pathogens have gained importance in recent years.This review article addresses six notifiable viral zoonotic pathogens as examples to highlight the need for the One Health approach in order to understand the epidemiology of the diseases and to derive recommendations for action by the public health service. The importance of environmental factors, reservoirs, and vectors is emphasized, the diseases in livestock and wildlife are analyzed, and the occurrence and frequency of diseases in the population are described. The pathogens selected here differ in their reservoirs and the role of vectors for transmission, the impact of infections on farm animals, and the disease patterns observed in humans. In addition to zoonotic pathogens that have been known in Germany for a long time or were introduced recently, pathogens whose zoonotic potential has only lately been shown are also considered.For the pathogens discussed here, there are still large knowledge gaps regarding the transmission routes. Future One Health-based studies must contribute to the further elucidation of their transmission routes and the development of prevention measures. The holistic approach does not necessarily include a focus on viral pathogens/diseases, but also includes the question of the interaction of viral, bacterial, and other pathogens, including antibiotic resistance and host microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer G Ulrich
- Institut für neue und neuartige Tierseuchenerreger, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland.
| | - Stephan Drewes
- Institut für neue und neuartige Tierseuchenerreger, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Viola Haring
- Institut für neue und neuartige Tierseuchenerreger, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Jessica Panajotov
- Fachgruppe Viren in Lebensmitteln, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institut für Tierhygiene und Öffentliches Veterinärwesen, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Dennis Rubbenstroth
- Institut für Virusdiagnostik, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | | | - Martin Beer
- Institut für Virusdiagnostik, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Abteilung Virologie und Rickettsiologie, Institut für Mikrobiologie der Bundeswehr, München, Deutschland
| | - Sascha Knauf
- Institut für Internationale Tiergesundheit/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Reimar Johne
- Fachgruppe Viren in Lebensmitteln, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Merle M Böhmer
- Landesinstitut Gesundheit II - Task Force Infektiologie, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit (LGL), München, Deutschland
- Institut für Sozialmedizin und Gesundheitssystemforschung, Otto-von-Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Deutschland
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Vista FES, Tantengco OAG, Dispo MD, Opiso DMS, Badua CLDC, Gerardo JPZ, Perez JRM, Baldo KAT, Chao DY, Dalmacio LMM. Trends in ELISA-Based Flavivirus IgG Serosurveys: A Systematic Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8040224. [PMID: 37104349 PMCID: PMC10143827 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses include virus species that are major public health threats worldwide. To determine the immunity landscape of these viruses, seroprevalence studies are often performed using IgG ELISA, which is a simple and rapid alternative to the virus neutralization test. In this review, we aim to describe the trends in flavivirus IgG ELISA-based serosurveys. A systematic literature review using six databases was performed to collate cohort and cross-sectional studies performed on the general population. A total of 204 studies were included in this review. The results show that most studies were performed on dengue virus (DENV), whereas Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) was the least studied. For geographic distribution, serosurveys followed known disease prevalence. Temporally, the number of serosurveys increased after outbreaks and epidemics except for JEV, for which studies were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns. Commercial kits were more commonly used than in-house assays for DENV, West Nile Virus (WNV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). Overall, most studies employed an indirect ELISA format, and the choice of antigens varied per virus. This review shows that flavivirus epidemiology is related to the regional and temporal distribution of serosurveys. It also highlights that endemicity, cross-reactivities, and kit availabilities affect assay choice in serosurveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Ericka S Vista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G Tantengco
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
- Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
| | - Micah D Dispo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Danna Mae S Opiso
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Christian Luke D C Badua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - John Patrick Z Gerardo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Juan Raphael M Perez
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Karol Ann T Baldo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Day-Yu Chao
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Leslie Michelle M Dalmacio
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
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Jankovic M, Cirkovic V, Stamenkovic G, Loncar A, Todorovic M, Stanojevic M, Siljic M. Detection of the Xanthi Chryso-like Virus in New Geographical Area and a Novel Arthropod Carrier. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8040225. [PMID: 37104350 PMCID: PMC10144253 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040225] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report on a serendipitous finding of a chryso-like virus associated with Culex pipiens mosquitos in the course of study aimed to detect and characterize West Nile virus (WNV) circulating in mosquitos in Serbia, Southern Europe. Upon initial detection of unexpected product in a PCR protocol for partial WNV NS5 gene amplification, further confirmation and identification was obtained through additional PCR and Sanger sequencing experiments. Bioinformatic and phylogenetic analysis identified the obtained sequences as Xanthi chryso-like virus (XCLV). The finding is particular for the fact that it associates XCLV with a new potential vector species and documents a novel geographical area of its distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Jankovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Virology, University of Belgrade, 1 Dr Subotića Starijeg Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Valentina Cirkovic
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorana Stamenkovic
- Department for Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Loncar
- Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Todorovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Virology, University of Belgrade, 1 Dr Subotića Starijeg Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Stanojevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Virology, University of Belgrade, 1 Dr Subotića Starijeg Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Siljic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Virology, University of Belgrade, 1 Dr Subotića Starijeg Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Molini U, Franzo G, Bonfini B, de Villiers L, de Villiers M, Khaiseb S, Monaco F, Savini G, D’Alterio N. Low Seroprevalence of WNV in Namibian Dogs Suggests a Limited Effectiveness as Sentinels for Infection Monitoring. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8040203. [PMID: 37104329 PMCID: PMC10146826 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important zoonotic Flavivirus responsible for mild fever to severe neurological disease in humans and horses. Despite the occurrence of major previous outbreaks in Namibia and the likelihood of the current endemicity of the virus, only limited investigations and monitoring activities of WNV have been performed in the country. The use of animal sentinels is a valuable approach toward investigating the infection presence in an area and to predict the potential occurrence of human outbreaks. Serological investigations in dogs hold several advantages, considering their infection susceptibility, the ease of sample handling, and the evaluation of risk factors of pet owners that share the same habit with their pets. To evaluate the usefulness of such a sero-epidemiological investigation in Namibia, a broad serosurvey was performed in 2022 that included 426 archived domestic dog samples from eight Namibian regions. Although the ELISA prevalence, indicative of Flavivirus infection, was relatively high (16.43%; 95 CI: 13.10–20.39%), the virus neutralization test confirmed only a minority of cases, highlighting a prevalence of 2.82% (95 CI: 1.47–4.90%), significantly lower than in Namibian donkeys and reports from other countries. Variables that could explain the recorded differences remain to be explored, including animal exposure, variable vector presence, distribution, and feeding preferences. The study results suggest the limited usefulness of dogs as sentinels for WNV monitoring in Namibia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Molini
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Windhoek 13301, Namibia
- Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), 24 Goethe Street, Windhoek 18137, Namibia
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Bonfini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Lourens de Villiers
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Windhoek 13301, Namibia
| | - Mari de Villiers
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Windhoek 13301, Namibia
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), 24 Goethe Street, Windhoek 18137, Namibia
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola D’Alterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Dutta SK, Langenburg T. A Perspective on Current Flavivirus Vaccine Development: A Brief Review. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040860. [PMID: 37112840 PMCID: PMC10142581 DOI: 10.3390/v15040860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The flavivirus genus contains several clinically important pathogens that account for tremendous global suffering. Primarily transmitted by mosquitos or ticks, these viruses can cause severe and potentially fatal diseases ranging from hemorrhagic fevers to encephalitis. The extensive global burden is predominantly caused by six flaviviruses: dengue, Zika, West Nile, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Several vaccines have been developed, and many more are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, flavivirus vaccine development is still confronted with many shortcomings and challenges. With the use of the existing literature, we have studied these hurdles as well as the signs of progress made in flavivirus vaccinology in the context of future development strategies. Moreover, all current licensed and phase-trial flavivirus vaccines have been gathered and discussed based on their vaccine type. Furthermore, potentially relevant vaccine types without any candidates in clinical testing are explored in this review as well. Over the past decades, several modern vaccine types have expanded the field of vaccinology, potentially providing alternative solutions for flavivirus vaccines. These vaccine types offer different development strategies as opposed to traditional vaccines. The included vaccine types were live-attenuated, inactivated, subunit, VLPs, viral vector-based, epitope-based, DNA and mRNA vaccines. Each vaccine type offers different advantages, some more suitable for flaviviruses than others. Additional studies are needed to overcome the barriers currently faced by flavivirus vaccine development, but many potential solutions are currently being explored.
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Diagnostic value of urine qRT-PCR for the diagnosis of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2023. [PMID: 37390574 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.115920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Short and low-level viremia and virorachia, antibody cross-reactivity, IgM persistence, and inaccessibility of neutralization test, make laboratory diagnosis of West Nile virus (WNV) infection difficult. Recent investigations imply that WNV is excreted in urine longer and at higher concentrations compared to blood. The detection of WNV nucleic acid in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, and urine samples collected from 41 patients with suspected WNV neuroinvasive disease, was done by real-time RT-PCR assay. CSF and serum samples were also serologically tested using anti-WNV IgM/IgG ELISA kits. WNV infection was confirmed in 46.3% of patients by positive WNV RNA results in serum and/or CSF samples. The WNV RNA testing of urine allowed confirmation of 31.7% more cases. No association between WNV RNA urine positivity and age, gender, or the day of sample collection was found. The urine qRT-PCR can be a valuable diagnostic test for confirmation of probable cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease.
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38
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Tsoi MF, Fulton RM. West Nile Virus–Induced Drop in Egg Production in Commercial Pekin Duck Breeders. Avian Dis 2023; 67:114-118. [PMID: 37140120 DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d-22-00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A sudden drop in egg production in commercial poultry flocks can be economically devastating, and rapid identification of the cause often requires a combined effort between the producer, veterinarian, and pathologist. In September 2019, a 35-wk-old commercial Pekin breeder duck flock in Indiana suffered a drop in egg production from 1700 to 1000 eggs daily (41.2% drop). Again, in September 2021, three Pekin breeder duck flocks aged 32, 58, and 62 wk from the same company suffered a similar drop in egg production, with a mild increase in weekly mortality of 1.0% to 2.5%. In 2019 and in 2021, birds from affected flocks were submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Michigan State University for postmortem examination. Common gross examination findings included flaccid, shrunken, or atrophied ova (all hens), pododermatitis, airsacculitis, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, and pallor of the left ventricle. Histopathologic examination of cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem revealed mild lymphocytic perivascular cuffing, vasculitis, and gliosis, suggesting viral encephalitis. In the heart, there was mild multifocal cardiomyocyte necrosis, mineralization, and infiltration by lymphocytes and macrophages. PCR for Newcastle disease virus, avian influenza virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus (WNV) was performed. Brain and heart samples were positive for WNV by PCR, and WNV antigen was detected in the cerebellum by immunohistochemistry. This is the first report to associate WNV infection with a drop in egg production in waterfowl, which are known to be important reservoir species for WNV and, as such, are generally asymptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra F. Tsoi
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48910
| | - Richard M. Fulton
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48910
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Schvartz G, Karniely S, Azar R, Kabat A, Steinman A, Erster O. Detection and Analysis of West Nile Virus Structural Protein Genes in Animal or Bird Samples. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2585:127-143. [PMID: 36331771 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2760-0_13] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important zoonotic pathogen, which is detected mainly by identification of its RNA using PCR. Genetic differentiation between WNV lineages is usually performed by complete genome sequencing, which is not available in many research and diagnostic laboratories. In this chapter, we describe a protocol for detection and analysis of WNV samples by sequencing the entire region of their structural genes capsid (C), preM/membrane, and envelope. The primary step is the detection of WNV RNA by quantitative PCR of the NS2A gene or the C gene regions. Next, the entire region containing the structural protein genes is amplified by PCR. The primary PCR product is then amplified again in parallel reactions, and these secondary PCR products are sequenced. Finally, bioinformatic analysis enables detection of mutations and classification of the samples of interest. This protocol is designed to be used by any laboratory equipped for endpoint and quantitative PCR. The sequencing can be performed either in-house or outsourced to a third-party service provider. This protocol may therefore be useful for rapid and affordable classification of WNV samples, obviating the need for complete genome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gili Schvartz
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Israel Ministry of Agriculture, Bet Dagan, Israel
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sharon Karniely
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Israel Ministry of Agriculture, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Roberto Azar
- Central Virology Laboratory of Israel Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Areej Kabat
- Central Virology Laboratory of Israel Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Oran Erster
- Central Virology Laboratory of Israel Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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García-Carrasco JM, Muñoz AR, Olivero J, Segura M, Real R. An African West Nile virus risk map for travellers and clinicians. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 52:102529. [PMID: 36549415 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102529] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
International travellers are exposed to pathogens not commonly found in their countries of residence, including West Nile virus (WNV). Due to the difficulty of its diagnosis, little is known about its distribution in Africa. Understanding the geographic extent of risk of WNV infections is a necessity for both travellers and clinicians who advise and treat them, since there is no human vaccine. To date, there is no risk map for WNV infections in humans in Africa. Having a high-resolution risk map for the virus could be of relevance before the trip, to take preventive measures, and after the trip, for appropriate diagnosis of the disease. Virus detection in humans along the African continent were collected from official reports, and published scientific research for the period 1940 to 2020, and then geo-referenced in order to use biogeographical modelling for WNV. Models were based on fuzzy logic and machine learning algorithms and were designed to identify the environmental drivers that explain the distribution of human cases and to locate favourable areas for infections. We elaborated a high-resolution risk map for WNV infections that highlights favourable areas for infections in Africa. Although WNV infections are widely spread across Africa, the risk of the disease is not homogenously distributed. Popular tourist destinations such as Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa, are high-risk areas for WNV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-María García-Carrasco
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Antonio-Román Muñoz
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Jesús Olivero
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Marina Segura
- International Vaccination Center of Malaga, Maritime Port of Malaga, Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare, Government of Spain, Malaga, Spain.
| | - Raimundo Real
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
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Vector Competence of German Aedes punctor (Kirby, 1837) for West Nile Virus Lineages 1 and 2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122787. [PMID: 36560791 PMCID: PMC9787774 DOI: 10.3390/v14122787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes as a biological vector. Because of its biting behavior, the widespread snow-melt mosquito Aedes punctor could be a potential bridge vector for WNV to humans and nonhuman mammals. However, little is known on its role in transmission of WNV. The aim of this study was to determine the vector competence of German Ae. punctor for WNV lineages 1 and 2. Field-collected larvae and pupae were reared to adults and offered infectious blood containing either an Italian WNV lineage 1 or a German WNV lineage 2 strain via cotton stick feeding. Engorged females were incubated for 14/15 or 21 days at 18 °C. After incubation; surviving mosquitoes were dissected and forced to salivate. Mosquito bodies with abdomens, thoraces and heads, legs plus wings and saliva samples were investigated for WNV RNA by RT-qPCR. Altogether, 2/70 (2.86%) and 5/85 (5.88%) mosquito bodies were found infected with WNV lineage 1 or 2, respectively. In two mosquitoes, viral RNA was also detected in legs and wings. No saliva sample contained viral RNA. Based on these results, we conclude that Ae. punctor does not play an important role in WNV transmission in Germany.
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Re-Introduction of West Nile Virus Lineage 1 in Senegal from Europe and Subsequent Circulation in Human and Mosquito Populations between 2012 and 2021. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122720. [PMID: 36560724 PMCID: PMC9785585 DOI: 10.3390/v14122720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus of the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex and belongs to the family Flaviviridae of the genus flavivirus. The virus can cause infection in humans which in most cases is asymptomatic, however symptomatic cases exist and the disease can be severe causing encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. The virus is maintained in an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds, humans and other mammals such as horses can be accidental hosts. A mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system and the sentinel syndromic surveillance network (4S) have been in place since 1988 and 2015 respectively, to better understand the transmission dynamics of arboviruses including WNV in Senegal. Arthropod and human samples have been collected from the field and analysed at Institut Pasteur de Dakar using different methods including RT-PCR, ELISA, plaque reduction neutralization test and viral isolation. RT-PCR positive samples have been analysed by Next Generation Sequencing. From 2012 to 2021, 7912 samples have been analysed and WNV positive cases have been detected, 20 human cases (19 IgM and 1 RT-PCR positive cases) and 41 mosquito pools. Phylogenetic analyzes of the sequences of complete genomes obtained showed the circulation of lineage 1a, with all these recent strains from Senegal identical to each other and very close to strains isolated from horse in France in 2015, Italy and Spain. Our data showed lineage 1a endemicity in Senegal as previously described, with circulation of WNV in humans and mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analyzes carried out with the genome sequences obtained also revealed exchanges of WNV strains between Europe and Senegal which could be possible via migratory birds. The surveillance systems that have enabled the detection of WNV in humans and arthropods should be extended to animals in a one-health approach to better prepare for global health threats.
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Riccò M, Zaniboni A, Satta E, Ranzieri S, Cerviere MP, Marchesi F, Peruzzi S. West Nile Virus Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study on Italian Medical Professionals during Summer Season 2022. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120404. [PMID: 36548659 PMCID: PMC9786547 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) has progressively endemized in large areas of continental Europe, and particularly in Northern Italy, in the Po River Valley. During summer season 2022, Italy experienced an unprecedented surge in incidence cases of WNV infections, including its main complications (West Nile fever (WNF) and West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND)). As knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of medical professionals may be instrumental in guaranteeing a prompt diagnosis and an accurate management of incident cases, we performed a cross-sectional study specifically on a sample of Italian medical professionals (1 August 2022-10 September 2022; around 8800 potential recipients). From a total of 332 questionnaires (response rate of 3.8%), 254 participating medical professionals were eventually included in the analyses. Knowledge status of participants was unsatisfying, as most of them exhibited knowledge gaps on the actual epidemiology of WNV, with similar uncertainties on the clinical features of WNF and WNND. Moreover, most of participants substantially overlooked WNV as a human pathogen when compared to SARS-CoV-2, TB, and even HIV. Interestingly, only 65.4% of respondents were either favorable or highly favorable towards a hypothetical WNV vaccine. Overall, acknowledging a higher risk perception on WNV was associated with individual factors such as reporting a seniority ≥ 10 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.39, 95% Confidence interval [95%CI] 1.34 to 4.28), reporting a better knowledge score (aOR 2.92, 95%CI 1.60 to 5.30), having previously managed cases of WNV infections (aOR 3.65, 95%CI 1.14 to 14.20), being favorable towards a hypothetic vaccine (aOR 2.16, 95%CI 1.15 to 4.04), and perceiving WNV infections as potentially affecting daily activities (aOR 2.57, 95%CI 1.22 to 5.42). In summary, substantial knowledge gaps and the erratic risk perception collectively enlighten the importance and the urgency for appropriate information campaigns among medical professionals, and particularly among frontline personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplace/Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Department of Public Health, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-339-2994343 or +39-522-837587
| | | | - Elia Satta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42016 Guastalla, Italy
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Dengue, West Nile, and Zika Viruses: Potential Novel Antiviral Biologics Drugs Currently at Discovery and Preclinical Development Stages. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112535. [PMID: 36432726 PMCID: PMC9697021 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue, West Nile and Zika viruses are vector-borne flaviviruses responsible for numerous disease outbreaks in both Hemispheres. Despite relatively low mortality, infection may lead to potentially severe situations such as (depending on the virus): hypovolemic shock, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, congenital malformations (e.g., microcephaly) and, in some situations, death. Moreover, outbreaks also have major socioeconomic repercussions, especially in already vulnerable societies. Thus far, only generic symptoms relief is possible, as there are no specific treatments available yet. Dengvaxia was the world's first dengue vaccine. However, it is not fully effective. Prophylactic approaches against West Nile and Zika viruses are even more limited. Therefore, therapeutic strategies are required and will be discussed hereafter. We will first briefly present these viruses' epidemiology, life cycle and structure. Then, we introduce the clinical presentation, diagnosis approaches and available vaccines. Finally, we list and discuss promising compounds at discovery and preclinical development stages already deposited at the GlobalData database and divided into three main types, according to therapeutic molecule: antibody-based, peptide-based molecules and, other compounds. To conclude, we discuss and compare promising developments, useful for future therapies against these three flaviviruses of major concern to human health.
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Amdouni J, Conte A, Ippoliti C, Candeloro L, Tora S, Sghaier S, Hassine TB, Fakhfekh EA, Savini G, Hammami S. Culex pipiens distribution in Tunisia: Identification of suitable areas through Random Forest and MaxEnt approaches. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:2703-2715. [PMID: 36005907 PMCID: PMC9677390 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tunisia has experienced several West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks since 1997. Yet, there is limited information on the spatial distribution of the main WNV mosquito vector Culex pipiens suitability at the national level. OBJECTIVES In the present study, our aim was to predict and evaluate the potential and current distribution of Cx. pipiens in Tunisia. METHODS To this end, two species distribution models were used, i.e. MaxEnt and Random Forest. Occurrence records for Cx. pipiens were obtained from adult and larvae sampled in Tunisia from 2014 to 2017. Climatic and human factors were used as predictors to model the Cx. pipiens geographical distribution. Mean decrease accuracy and mean decrease Gini indices were calculated to evaluate the importance of the impact of different environmental and human variables on the probability distribution of Cx. pipiens. RESULTS Suitable habitats were mainly distributed next to oases, in the north and eastern part of the country. The most important predictor was the population density in both models. The study found out that the governorates of Monastir, Nabeul, Manouba, Ariana, Bizerte, Gabes, Medenine and Kairouan are at highest epidemic risk. CONCLUSIONS The potential distribution of Cx. pipiens coincides geographically with the observed distribution of the disease in humans in Tunisia. Our study has the potential for driving control effort in the fight against West Nile vector in Tunisia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihane Amdouni
- Université Tunis El Manar, Institut de la Recherche Vétérinaire de TunisieTunisTunisie
| | - Annamaria Conte
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise ‘G. Caporale’TeramoItaly
| | - Carla Ippoliti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise ‘G. Caporale’TeramoItaly
| | - Luca Candeloro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise ‘G. Caporale’TeramoItaly
| | - Susanna Tora
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise ‘G. Caporale’TeramoItaly
| | - Soufien Sghaier
- Université Tunis El Manar, Institut de la Recherche Vétérinaire de TunisieTunisTunisie
| | - Thameur Ben Hassine
- Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetUniv. ManoubaIRESATunisie
| | - Emna Ayari Fakhfekh
- Université Tunis El Manar, Institut de la Recherche Vétérinaire de TunisieTunisTunisie
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise ‘G. Caporale’TeramoItaly
| | - Salah Hammami
- Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetUniv. ManoubaIRESATunisie
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Using Rapid Analyte Measurement Platform (RAMP) as a Tool for an Early Warning System Assessing West Nile Virus Epidemiological Risk in Bucharest, Romania. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7110327. [DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widely spread arbovirus in the world. Early detection of this virus in mosquito populations is essential for implementing rapid vector control measures to prevent outbreaks. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) is a powerful tool for the detection of WNV in mosquito pools, but it is a time- and resource-consuming assay. We used a Rapid Analyte Measurement Platform (RAMP) assay in a vector surveillance program for rapid detection of WNV in mosquitoes collected in Bucharest city, Romania, in 2021. The positive mosquito pools were tested for confirmation with real-time RT-PCR. Three out of the 24 RAMP assay positive pools were not confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. We consider that RAMP assay can be used as a fast and reliable method for the screening of WNV presence in mosquito pools, but we recommend that samples with values ranging from 30 to 100 RAMP units should fall in a grey zone and should be considered for real-time RT-PCR confirmation.
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47
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Avila-Bonilla RG, Salas-Benito JS. Interactions of host miRNAs in the flavivirus 3´UTR genome: From bioinformatics predictions to practical approaches. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:976843. [PMID: 36310869 PMCID: PMC9606609 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.976843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Flavivirus of the Flaviviridae family includes important viruses, such as Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, Yellow fever, Saint Louis encephalitis, and Usutu viruses. They are transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks, and they can infect humans, causing fever, encephalitis, or haemorrhagic fever. The treatment resources for these diseases and the number of vaccines available are limited. It has been discovered that eukaryotic cells synthesize small RNA molecules that can bind specifically to sequences present in messenger RNAs to inhibit the translation process, thus regulating gene expression. These small RNAs have been named microRNAs, and they have an important impact on viral infections. In this review, we compiled the available information on miRNAs that can interact with the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of the flavivirus genome, a conserved region that is important for viral replication and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla, ; Juan Santiago Salas-Benito,
| | - Juan Santiago Salas-Benito
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Moleculart 3, Maestría en Ciencias en Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla, ; Juan Santiago Salas-Benito,
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Moreno-Reina C, Martínez-Moya M, Piñero-González de la Peña P, Caro-Domínguez P. Neuroinvasive disease due to West Nile virus: Clinical and imaging findings associated with a re-emerging pathogen. RADIOLOGIA 2022; 64:473-483. [PMID: 36243447 DOI: 10.1016/j.rxeng.2021.06.007] [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: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus than can infect human beings and cause severe neuroinvasive disease. Taking the outbreak that occurred in Spain in 2020 as a reference, this article reviews the clinical and imaging findings for neuroinvasive disease due to WNV. We collected demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging (CT and MRI) variables for 30 patients with WNV infection diagnosed at our center. The main clinical findings were fever, headache, and altered levels of consciousness. Neuroimaging studies, especially MRI, are very useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. The most common imaging findings were foci of increased signal intensity in the thalamus and brainstem in T2-weighted sequences; we illustrate these findings in cases from our hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Moreno-Reina
- Unidad de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - M Martínez-Moya
- Unidad de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - P Caro-Domínguez
- Unidad de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
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Involvement of host microRNAs in flavivirus-induced neuropathology: An update. J Biosci 2022. [PMID: 36222134 PMCID: PMC9425815 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00288-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are a spectrum of vector-borne RNA viruses that cause potentially severe diseases in humans including encephalitis, acute-flaccid paralysis, cognitive disorders and foetal abnormalities. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Dengue virus (DENV) are globally emerging pathogens that lead to epidemics and outbreaks with continued transmission to newer geographical areas over time. In the past decade, studies have focussed on understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of these viruses in a bid to alleviate their disease burden. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single-stranded RNAs that have emerged as master-regulators of cellular gene expression. The dynamics of miRNAs within a cell have the capacity to modulate hundreds of genes and, consequently, their physiological manifestation. Increasing evidence suggests their role in host response to disease and infection including cell survival, intracellular viral replication and immune activation. In this review, we aim to comprehensively update published evidence on the role of miRNAs in host cells infected with the common neurotropic flaviviruses, with an increased focus on neuropathogenic mechanisms. In addition, we briefly cover therapeutic advancements made in the context of miRNA-based antiviral strategies.
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50
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Van Herreweghe M, Breynaert A, De Bruyne T, Popescu CP, Florescu SA, Lustig Y, Schwartz E, Gobbi FG, Hermans N, Huits R. Can Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Serum Predict Disease Severity in West Nile Virus Infection? A Pilot Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090207. [PMID: 36136618 PMCID: PMC9505794 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) can cause asymptomatic infection in humans, result in self-limiting febrile illness, or lead to severe West Nile Neuroinvasive disease (WNND). We conducted a pilot study to compare selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in sera of viremic West Nile virus patients and asymptomatic infected blood donors to investigate their potential as predictors of disease severity. We found that total oxidant status was elevated in WNND and in uncomplicated WNV infections (median 9.05 (IQR 8.37 to 9.74) and 7.14 (7.03 to 7.25) µmol H2O2 equiv./L, respectively) compared to asymptomatic infections (0.11 (0.07 to 0.19) µmol H2O2 equiv./L) (p = 0.048). MDA levels showed a similar trend to TOS, but differences were not significant at α = 0.05. Total antioxidant status did not differ significantly between different disease severity groups. Oxidative stress appears to be associated with more severe disease in WNV-infected patients. Our preliminary findings warrant prospective studies to investigate the correlation of oxidative stress with clinical outcomes and severity of WNV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Van Herreweghe
- NatuRA Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Correspondence: (M.V.H.); (R.H.); Tel.: +31-6-1884-6086 (R.H.)
| | - Annelies Breynaert
- NatuRA Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tess De Bruyne
- NatuRA Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Corneliu Petru Popescu
- Department of Adult Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Carola Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dr Victor Babeș Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simin-Aysel Florescu
- Department of Adult Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Carola Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dr Victor Babeș Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Yaniv Lustig
- The Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel & Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 52621, Israel
| | - Eli Schwartz
- Center for Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer & Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 52621, Israel
| | - Federico Giovanni Gobbi
- IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, 37024 Verona, Italy
| | - Nina Hermans
- NatuRA Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ralph Huits
- NatuRA Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, 37024 Verona, Italy
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Department of Clinical Sciences, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Correspondence: (M.V.H.); (R.H.); Tel.: +31-6-1884-6086 (R.H.)
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