1
|
Krambrich J, Bole-Feysot E, Höller P, Lundkvist Å, Hesson JC. Vector competence of Swedish Culex pipiens mosquitoes for Usutu virus. One Health 2024; 18:100707. [PMID: 38500563 PMCID: PMC10945277 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100707] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus with increasing prevalence in Europe. Understanding the role of mosquito species in USUV transmission is crucial for predicting and controlling potential outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the vector competence of Swedish Culex pipiens for USUV. The mosquitoes were orally infected with an Italian strain of USUV (Bologna 2009) and infection rates (IR), dissemination rates (DR), and transmission rates (TR) were evaluated over 7 to 28 days post-infection. The study revealed that Swedish Cx. pipiens are susceptible to USUV infection, with a gradual decrease in IR over time. However, the percentage of mosquitoes with the ability to transmit the virus remained consistent across all time points, indicating a relatively short extrinsic incubation period. Overall, this research highlights the potential of Swedish Cx. pipiens as vectors for USUV and emphasizes the importance of surveillance and monitoring to prevent future outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Krambrich
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Bole-Feysot
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrick Höller
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny C. Hesson
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Biologisk Myggkontroll, Nedre Dalälvens Utvecklings AB, Gysinge, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bušić N, Klobučar A, Landeka N, Žitko T, Vignjević G, Turić N, Sudarić Bogojević M, Merdić E, Kučinić M, Bruvo Mađarić B. A DNA barcode reference library of Croatian mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): implications for identification and delimitation of species, with notes on the distribution of potential vector species. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:216. [PMID: 38734639 PMCID: PMC11088778 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes pose a risk to human health worldwide, and correct species identification and detection of cryptic species are the most important keys for surveillance and control of mosquito vectors. In addition to traditional identification based on morphology, DNA barcoding has recently been widely used as a complementary tool for reliable identification of mosquito species. The main objective of this study was to create a reference DNA barcode library for the Croatian mosquito fauna, which should contribute to more accurate and faster identification of species, including cryptic species, and recognition of relevant vector species. METHODS Sampling was carried out in three biogeographical regions of Croatia over six years (2017-2022). The mosquitoes were morphologically identified; molecular identification was based on the standard barcoding region of the mitochondrial COI gene and the nuclear ITS2 region, the latter to identify species within the Anopheles maculipennis complex. The BIN-RESL algorithm assigned the COI sequences to the corresponding BINs (Barcode Index Number clusters) in BOLD, i.e. to putative MOTUs (Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units). The bPTP and ASAP species delimitation methods were applied to the genus datasets in order to verify/confirm the assignment of specimens to specific MOTUs. RESULTS A total of 405 mosquito specimens belonging to six genera and 30 morphospecies were collected and processed. Species delimitation methods assigned the samples to 31 (BIN-RESL), 30 (bPTP) and 28 (ASAP) MOTUs, with most delimited MOTUs matching the morphological identification. Some species of the genera Culex, Aedes and Anopheles were assigned to the same MOTUs, especially species that are difficult to distinguish morphologically and/or represent species complexes. In total, COI barcode sequences for 34 mosquito species and ITS2 sequences for three species of the genus Anopheles were added to the mosquito sequence database for Croatia, including one individual from the Intrudens Group, which represents a new record for the Croatian mosquito fauna. CONCLUSION We present the results of the first comprehensive study combining morphological and molecular identification of most mosquito species present in Croatia, including several invasive and vector species. With the exception of some closely related species, this study confirmed that DNA barcoding based on COI provides a reliable basis for the identification of mosquito species in Croatia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Bušić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Ana Klobučar
- Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nediljko Landeka
- Teaching Institute for Public Health of the Istrian County, Pula, Croatia
| | - Toni Žitko
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, Split, Croatia
| | - Goran Vignjević
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Nataša Turić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Teaching Institute for Public Health of the Osijek-Baranja County, Osijek, Croatia
| | | | - Enrih Merdić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mladen Kučinić
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Žlabravec Z, Kvapil P, Slavec B, Zorman Rojs O, Švara T, Račnik J. Herpesvirus and Subsequent Usutu Virus Infection in a Great Grey Owl ( Strix nebulosa) at the Ljubljana Zoo, Slovenia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1200. [PMID: 38672348 PMCID: PMC11047632 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Herpesvirus (HV) has been known to cause disease in owls, with various clinical signs and outcomes for the last several decades. The HV DNA polymerase gene was detected in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs of a male great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) in a zoological collection in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In the following 4 months, despite continuous HV detection in swabs, no clinical signs with a clear link to HV disease were observed. Hepatoprotective and immunostimulant therapies applied during this period did not prevent HV shedding. Therefore, peroral antiviral therapy with acyclovir (150 mg/kg q24 h for seven days) was performed, and the owl tested negative at the next sampling and remained negative for the next 8 months. After that, the owl again tested positive for HV presence, and the same protocol with antiviral therapy was performed. After 3 weeks with a negative test for HV presence, without any clinical signs of illness, the owl suddenly died because of Usutu virus (USUV) infection. Among all the owls at the zoo, interestingly, only the HV-positive great grey owl died because of USUV infection. The USUV sequence detected and obtained in this study clusters together with other Europe 2 sequences detected in neighboring countries. Our study shows the potential of acyclovir therapy in the prevention of herpesvirus shedding and, moreover, lowering the possibility for spreading HV to other owls and birds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of HV presence and USUV infection in a great grey owl in Slovenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Žlabravec
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Pavel Kvapil
- Veterinary Department, Ljubljana Zoo, Večna Pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Olga Zorman Rojs
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Tanja Švara
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Jožko Račnik
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Giglia G, Gianfilippo A, Mandara MT, de Bruin E, Gröne A, van den Brand JMA. Usutu virus avian and human infection after more than 25 years of circulation. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:805-807. [PMID: 38329634 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Agliani Gianfilippo
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erwin de Bruin
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seechurn N, Herdman MT, Hernandez-Colina A, Vaux AGC, Johnston C, Berrell M, Lopez J, Eckley L, Gonzalez-Olvera M, Gillespie L, Kelly PP, Baylis M, Medlock JM. Field-based assessments of the seasonality of Culex pipiens sensu lato in England: an important enzootic vector of Usutu and West Nile viruses. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:61. [PMID: 38342888 PMCID: PMC10859028 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06143-6] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usutu virus (USUV), which is closely related to West Nile virus (WNV), sharing a similar ecology and transmission cycle, was first reported in the UK in the southeast of England in 2020. Both USUV and WNV are emerging zoonotic viruses hosted by wild birds. The 2020 finding of USUV in England raised awareness of this virus and highlighted the importance of understanding the seasonality of Culex pipiens sensu lato (Cx. pipiens s.l.), the main enzootic vector of these viruses. Zoos are prime locations for trapping mosquitoes because of their infrastructure, security, and range of vertebrate hosts and aquatic habitats. METHODS Three independent zoo-based case studies at four locations that cover the seasonality of Cx. pipiens s.l. in England were undertaken: (i) London Zoo (Zoological Society London [ZSL]) and surrounding areas, London; (ii) Chester Zoo (Cheshire); (ii) Twycross Zoo (Leicestershire); and (iv) Flamingo Land (zoo; North Yorkshire). Various adult mosquito traps were used to catch adult Cx. pipiens s.l. across seasons. RESULTS High yields of Cx. pipiens s.l./Culex torrentium were observed in Biogents-Mosquitaire and Center for Disease Control and Prevention Gravid traps in all studies where these traps were used. Mosquito counts varied between sites and between years. Observations of adult Cx. pipiens s.l./Cx. torrentium abundance and modelling studies demonstrated peak adult abundance between late July and early August, with active adult female Cx. pipiens s.l./Cx. torrentium populations between May and September. CONCLUSIONS The information collated in this study illustrates the value of multiple mosquito monitoring approaches in zoos to describe the seasonality of this UK vector across multiple sites in England and provides a framework that can be used for ongoing and future surveillance programmes and disease risk management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Seechurn
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - M Trent Herdman
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme Field Service, South East and London, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Alexander G C Vaux
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Colin Johnston
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Morgan Berrell
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Lindsay Eckley
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Merit Gonzalez-Olvera
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Lisa Gillespie
- Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX, UK
| | - Paul Pearce Kelly
- Zoological Society of London, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Viral agents (2nd section). Transfusion 2024; 64 Suppl 1:S19-S207. [PMID: 38394038 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cazzin S, Liechti N, Jandrasits D, Flacio E, Beuret C, Engler O, Guidi V. First Detection of West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Mosquitoes in Switzerland, 2022. Pathogens 2023; 12:1424. [PMID: 38133307 PMCID: PMC10748287 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121424] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most widespread flaviviruses in the world, and in recent years, it has been frequently present in many Mediterranean and Eastern European countries. A combination of different conditions, such as a favourable climate and higher seasonal average temperatures, probably allowed its introduction and spread to new territories. In Switzerland, autochthonous cases of WNV have never been reported, and the virus was not detected in mosquito vectors until 2022, despite an entomological surveillance in place in Canton Ticino, southern Switzerland, since 2010. In 2022, 12 sites were monitored from July to October, using BOX gravid mosquito traps coupled with honey-baited FTA cards. For the first time, we could detect the presence of WNV in FTA cards and mosquitoes in 8 out of the 12 sampling sites monitored, indicating an unexpectedly widespread circulation of the virus throughout the territory. Positive findings were recorded from the beginning of August until mid-October 2022, and whole genome sequencing analysis identified a lineage 2 virus closely related to strains circulating in Northern Italy. The entomological surveillance has proved useful in identifying viral circulation in advance of possible cases of WNV infection in humans or horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Cazzin
- Institute of Microbiology, Department for Environment Constructions and Design, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland; (D.J.); (E.F.); (V.G.)
| | - Nicole Liechti
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland; (N.L.); (C.B.); (O.E.)
| | - Damian Jandrasits
- Institute of Microbiology, Department for Environment Constructions and Design, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland; (D.J.); (E.F.); (V.G.)
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland; (N.L.); (C.B.); (O.E.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Flacio
- Institute of Microbiology, Department for Environment Constructions and Design, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland; (D.J.); (E.F.); (V.G.)
| | - Christian Beuret
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland; (N.L.); (C.B.); (O.E.)
| | - Olivier Engler
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland; (N.L.); (C.B.); (O.E.)
| | - Valeria Guidi
- Institute of Microbiology, Department for Environment Constructions and Design, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland; (D.J.); (E.F.); (V.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Magallanes S, Llorente F, Ruiz-López MJ, Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer R, Calderon J, Jímenez-Clavero MÁ, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Figuerola J. Long-term serological surveillance for West Nile and Usutu virus in horses in south-West Spain. One Health 2023; 17:100578. [PMID: 38024263 PMCID: PMC10665154 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen with increasing incidence in Europe, producing a recent outbreak in 2020 in Spain with 77 human cases and eight fatalities. However, the factors explaining the observed changes in the incidence of WNV in Europe are not completely understood. Longitudinal monitoring of WNV in wild animals across Europe is a useful approach to understand the eco-epidemiology of WNV in the wild and the risk of spillover into humans. However, such studies are very scarce up to now. Here, we analysed the occurrence of WNV and Usutu virus (USUV) antibodies in 2102 samples collected between 2005 and 2020 from a population of feral horses in Doñana National Park. The prevalence of WNV antibodies varied between years, with a mean seroprevalence of 8.1% (range 0%-25%) and seasonally. Climate conditions including mean minimum annual temperatures and mean rainy days per year were positively correlated with WNV seroprevalence, while the annual rainfall was negatively. We also detected the highest incidence of seroconversions in 2020 coinciding with the human outbreak in southern Spain. Usutu virus-specific antibodies were detected in the horse population since 2011. The WNV outbreak in humans was preceded by a long period of increasing circulation of WNV among horses with a very high exposure in the year of the outbreak. These results highlight the utility of One Health approaches to better understand the transmission dynamics of zoonotics pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Ruiz-López
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada E-18071, Spain
| | - Ramon Soriguer
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Juan Calderon
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jímenez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology (EBD-CSIC), Estación Biológica de Doñana, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Topp AK, Springer A, Mischke R, Rieder J, Feige K, Ganter M, Nagel-Kohl U, Nordhoff M, Boelke M, Becker S, Pachnicke S, Schunack B, Dobler G, Strube C. Seroprevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in wild and domestic animals in northern Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102220. [PMID: 37356181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102220] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a tick-transmitted flavivirus, which can infect humans and animals, sometimes even with a fatal outcome. Since many decades, TBEV is endemic in southern Germany, while only sporadic occurrence has been noted in northern parts of the country so far. Nevertheless, autochthonous human clinical cases are increasing in the federal state of Lower Saxony in north-western Germany, and several natural foci of TBEV transmission have recently been detected in this federal state. In order to shed more light on the current distribution of TBEV in Lower Saxony, the present study examined blood samples from wild and domestic animals for antibodies against TBEV. Overall, samples from 4,085 animals were tested by ELISA, including wild boar (N = 1,208), roe deer (N = 149), red deer (N = 61), fallow deer (N = 18), red foxes (N = 9), nutria (N = 9), raccoon dogs (N = 3), raccoons (N = 3), badgers (N = 1), European pine martens (N = 1), horses (N = 574), sheep (N = 266), goats (N = 67), dogs (N = 1,317) and cats (N = 399). Samples with an ELISA result of ≥60 Vienna units (VIEU)/ml were subjected to confirmatory serum neutralization tests (SNT). In total, 343 of 4,085 (8.4%) animals tested positive for anti-TBEV-IgG by ELISA, of which 60 samples were confirmed by SNT. Samples of 89 animals showed a cytotoxic effect in the SNT and were excluded from seroprevalence calculation, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 1.5% (60/3,996). Seroprevalence was higher among wild animals (wild boar: 2.9% [34/1,190], roe deer: 2.7% [4/149], red deer: 1.7% [1/60], fallow deer: 5.6% [1/18]) than among domestic animals (dogs: 1.1% [15/1,317], horses: 0.8% [4/505], sheep: 0.4% [1/266]). No anti-TBEV-antibodies were detected in the other wild animal species as well as goats and cats. A notable clustering of positive samples was observed in districts where TBEV transmission foci have been described. Further clusters in other districts suggest the existence of so far undetected transmission foci, underlining the fact that both wild and domestic animals are useful sentinels for monitoring the spread of TBEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katharina Topp
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Reinhard Mischke
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Johanna Rieder
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30173, Germany
| | - Uschi Nagel-Kohl
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Veterinary Institute Hannover, Hannover 30173, Germany
| | - Marcel Nordhoff
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Food and Veterinary Institute Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26133, Germany
| | - Matthias Boelke
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Stefanie Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Schunack
- Elanco Animal Health, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Monheim 40789, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich 80937, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schilling M, McCracken F, Folly AJ, Johnson N, Lawson B, Seilern-Moy K, Fowkes S, Cunningham A, Spiro S. Usutu virus detected in wild bird outside Greater London. Vet Rec 2023; 193:247-248. [PMID: 37737366 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Becki Lawson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY
| | | | - Sarah Fowkes
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY
| | - Andrew Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY
| | - Simon Spiro
- Wildlife Health Services, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Williams RAJ, Sánchez-Llatas CJ, Doménech A, Madrid R, Fandiño S, Cea-Callejo P, Gomez-Lucia E, Benítez L. Emerging and Novel Viruses in Passerine Birds. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2355. [PMID: 37764199 PMCID: PMC10536639 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092355] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in emerging viruses that can cause serious or lethal disease in humans and animals. The proliferation of cloacal virome studies, mainly focused on poultry and other domestic birds, reveals a wide variety of viruses, although their pathogenic significance is currently uncertain. Analysis of viruses detected in wild birds is complex and often biased towards waterfowl because of the obvious interest in avian influenza or other zoonotic viruses. Less is known about the viruses present in the order Passeriformes, which comprises approximately 60% of extant bird species. This review aims to compile the most significant contributions on the DNA/RNA viruses affecting passerines, from traditional and metagenomic studies. It highlights that most passerine species have never been sampled. Especially the RNA viruses from Flaviviridae, Orthomyxoviridae and Togaviridae are considered emerging because of increased incidence or avian mortality/morbidity, spread to new geographical areas or hosts and their zoonotic risk. Arguably poxvirus, and perhaps other virus groups, could also be considered "emerging viruses". However, many of these viruses have only recently been described in passerines using metagenomics and their role in the ecosystem is unknown. Finally, it is noteworthy that only one third of the viruses affecting passerines have been officially recognized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. J. Williams
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
| | - Christian J. Sánchez-Llatas
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
| | - Ana Doménech
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
- Deparment of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Madrid
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
| | - Sergio Fandiño
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
- Deparment of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Cea-Callejo
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
| | - Esperanza Gomez-Lucia
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
- Deparment of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Benítez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), C. de José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.S.-L.); (R.M.); (P.C.-C.); (L.B.)
- “Animal Viruses” Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.D.); (S.F.); (E.G.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Grassi L, Drigo M, Zelená H, Pasotto D, Cassini R, Mondin A, Franzo G, Tucciarone CM, Ossola M, Vidorin E, Menandro ML. Wild ungulates as sentinels of flaviviruses and tick-borne zoonotic pathogen circulation: an Italian perspective. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:155. [PMID: 37710273 PMCID: PMC10500747 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne zoonotic diseases are a concerning issue in Europe. Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) have been reported in several countries with a large impact on public health; other emerging pathogens, such as Rickettsiales, and mosquito-borne flaviviruses have been increasingly reported. All these pathogens are linked to wild ungulates playing roles as tick feeders, spreaders, and sentinels for pathogen circulation. This study evaluated the prevalence of TBEV, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Coxiella spp. by biomolecular screening of blood samples and ticks collected from wild ungulates. Ungulates were also screened by ELISA and virus neutralization tests for flaviviral antibody detection. RESULTS A total of 274 blood samples were collected from several wild ungulate species, as well as 406 Ixodes ricinus, which were feeding on them. Blood samples tested positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. (1.1%; 0-2.3%) and Rickettsia spp. (1.1%; 0-2.3%) and showed an overall flaviviral seroprevalence of 30.6% (22.1-39.2%): 26.1% (17.9-34.3%) for TBEV, 3.6% (0.1-7.1%) for Usutu virus and 0.9% (0-2.7%) for West Nile virus. Ticks were pooled when possible and yielded 331 tick samples that tested positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. (8.8%; 5.8-11.8%), Rickettsia spp. (26.6%; 21.8-31.2%) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (1.2%; 0-2.4%). TBEV and Coxiella spp. were not detected in either blood or tick samples. CONCLUSIONS This research highlighted a high prevalence of several tick-borne zoonotic pathogens and high seroprevalence for flaviviruses in both hilly and alpine areas. For the first time, an alpine chamois tested positive for anti-TBEV antibodies. Ungulate species are of particular interest due to their sentinel role in flavivirus circulation and their indirect role in tick-borne diseases and maintenance as Ixodes feeders and spreaders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grassi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Michele Drigo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Hana Zelená
- Department of Virology, Institute of Public Health, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Pasotto
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Alessandra Mondin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Claudia Maria Tucciarone
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Martina Ossola
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Elena Vidorin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Menandro
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pozzetto B, Grard G, Durand G, Paty MC, Gallian P, Lucas-Samuel S, Diéterlé S, Fromage M, Durand M, Lepelletier D, Chidiac C, Hoen B, Nicolas de Lamballerie X. Arboviral Risk Associated with Solid Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Grafts: The Prophylactic Answers Proposed by the French High Council of Public Health in a National Context. Viruses 2023; 15:1783. [PMID: 37766192 PMCID: PMC10536626 DOI: 10.3390/v15091783] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by arboviruses are on the increase worldwide. In addition to arthropod bites, most arboviruses can be transmitted via accessory routes. Products of human origin (labile blood products, solid organs, hematopoietic stem cells, tissues) present a risk of contamination for the recipient if the donation is made when the donor is viremic. Mainland France and its overseas territories are exposed to a complex array of imported and endemic arboviruses, which differ according to their respective location. This narrative review describes the risks of acquiring certain arboviral diseases from human products, mainly solid organs and hematopoietic stem cells, in the French context. The main risks considered in this study are infections by West Nile virus, dengue virus, and tick-borne encephalitis virus. The ancillary risks represented by Usutu virus infection, chikungunya, and Zika are also addressed more briefly. For each disease, the guidelines issued by the French High Council of Public Health, which is responsible for mitigating the risks associated with products of human origin and for supporting public health policy decisions, are briefly outlined. This review highlights the need for a "One Health" approach and to standardize recommendations at the international level in areas with the same viral epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pozzetto
- Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique, Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention, 75007 Paris, France; (M.D.); (D.L.); (C.C.); (B.H.)
- GIMAP Team, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Jean Monnet de Saint-Etienne, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
- Department of Infectious Agents and Hygiene, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Gilda Grard
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), 13005 Marseille, France; (G.G.); (G.D.); (X.N.d.L.)
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), Valérie-André, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Guillaume Durand
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), 13005 Marseille, France; (G.G.); (G.D.); (X.N.d.L.)
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), Valérie-André, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Marie-Claire Paty
- Santé Publique France, The French Public Health Agency, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France;
| | - Pierre Gallian
- Etablissement Français du Sang, 93218 Saint-Denis, France;
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), 13385 Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Muriel Fromage
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé (ANSM), 93200 Saint-Denis, France;
| | - Marc Durand
- Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique, Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention, 75007 Paris, France; (M.D.); (D.L.); (C.C.); (B.H.)
| | - Didier Lepelletier
- Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique, Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention, 75007 Paris, France; (M.D.); (D.L.); (C.C.); (B.H.)
| | - Christian Chidiac
- Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique, Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention, 75007 Paris, France; (M.D.); (D.L.); (C.C.); (B.H.)
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Hospital of Lyon, 69002 Lyon, France
| | - Bruno Hoen
- Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique, Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention, 75007 Paris, France; (M.D.); (D.L.); (C.C.); (B.H.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Nancy, 54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Xavier Nicolas de Lamballerie
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), 13005 Marseille, France; (G.G.); (G.D.); (X.N.d.L.)
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), Valérie-André, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), 13385 Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Manzi S, Nelli L, Fortuna C, Severini F, Toma L, Di Luca M, Michelutti A, Bertola M, Gradoni F, Toniolo F, Sgubin S, Lista F, Pazienza M, Montarsi F, Pombi M. A modified BG-Sentinel trap equipped with FTA card as a novel tool for mosquito-borne disease surveillance: a field test for flavivirus detection. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12840. [PMID: 37553350 PMCID: PMC10409816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39857-1] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection of pathogens in vectors is important in preventing the spread of arboviral diseases, providing a timely indicator of pathogen circulation before outbreaks occur. However, entomological surveillance may face logistical constraints, such as maintaining the cold chain, and resource limitations, such as the field and laboratory workload of mosquito processing. We propose an FTA card-based trapping system that aims to simplify both field and laboratory phases of arbovirus surveillance. We modified a BG-Sentinel trap to include a mosquito collection chamber and a sugar feeding source through an FTA card soaked in a long-lasting viscous solution of honey and hydroxy-cellulose hydrogel. The FTA card ensures environmental preservation of nucleic acids, allowing continuous collection and feeding activity of specimens for several days and reducing the effort required for viral detection. We tested the trap prototype during two field seasons (2019 and 2021) in North-eastern Italy and compared it to CDC-CO2 trapping applied in West Nile and Usutu virus regional surveillance. Collections by the BG-FTA approach detected high species diversity, including Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, Culex modestus, Anopheles maculipennis sensu lato and Ochlerotatus caspius. When used for two-days sampling, the BG-FTA trap performed equally to CDC also for the WNV-major vector Cx. pipiens. The FTA cards detected both WNV and USUV, confirming the reliability of this novel approach to detect viral circulation in infectious mosquitoes. We recommend this surveillance approach as a particularly useful alternative in multi-target surveillance, for sampling in remote areas and in contexts characterized by high mosquito densities and diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Manzi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Nelli
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Claudia Fortuna
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Severini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Toma
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Di Luca
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Michelutti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Federica Toniolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sofia Sgubin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Istituto di Scienze Biomediche Della Difesa, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Llorente F, Gutiérrez-López R, Pérez-Ramirez E, Sánchez-Seco MP, Herrero L, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Vázquez A. Experimental infections in red-legged partridges reveal differences in host competence between West Nile and Usutu virus strains from Southern Spain. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1163467. [PMID: 37396301 PMCID: PMC10308050 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1163467] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are emerging zoonotic arboviruses sharing the same life cycle with mosquitoes as vectors and wild birds as reservoir hosts. The main objective of this study was to characterize the pathogenicity and course of infection of two viral strains (WNV/08 and USUV/09) co-circulating in Southern Spain in a natural host, the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), and to compare the results with those obtained with the reference strain WNV/NY99. Methods WNV inoculated birds were monitored for clinical and analytical parameters (viral load, viremia, and antibodies) for 15 days post-inoculation. Results and discussion Partridges inoculated with WNV/NY99 and WNV/08 strains showed clinical signs such as weight loss, ruffled feathers, and lethargy, which were not observed in USUV/09-inoculated individuals. Although statistically significant differences in mortality were not observed, partridges inoculated with WNV strains developed significantly higher viremia and viral loads in blood than those inoculated with USUV. In addition, the viral genome was detected in organs and feathers of WNV-inoculated partridges, while it was almost undetectable in USUV-inoculated ones. These experimental results indicate that red-legged partridges are susceptible to the assayed Spanish WNV with pathogenicity similar to that observed for the prototype WNV/NY99 strain. By contrast, the USUV/09 strain was not pathogenic for this bird species and elicited extremely low viremia levels, demonstrating that red-legged partridges are not a competent host for the transmission of this USUV strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Pérez-Ramirez
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Paz Sánchez-Seco
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Herrero
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Vázquez
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gaibani P, Barp N, Massari M, Negri EA, Rossini G, Vocale C, Trenti C, Gallerani A, Cantergiani S, Romani F, Simion M, Mussini C, Lazzarotto T. Case report of Usutu virus infection in an immunocompromised patient in Italy, 2022. J Neurovirol 2023; 29:364-366. [PMID: 37227671 PMCID: PMC10211289 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-023-01148-w] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus emerged in Africa in 1950s and in Eruope in 1990s causing a massive number of birds' deaths. The role of USUV as human pathogen has been only recently hypothesized and cases of USUV infection in humans remain limited and often related to immunocompromised subjects. Herein, we report a case of USUV meningoencephalitis infection in an immunocompromised patient with no history of previous flavivirus infection. The infection due to USUV evolved rapidly since hospital admission thus resulting fatal in few days after symptoms onset and, although not proven, a suspected bacteria co-infection has been hypothesized. Based on these findings, we suggested that when USUV meningoencephalitis is suspected in countries endemic, careful attention should be applied to neurological syndromes during summer months especially among immunocompromised patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Gaibani
- Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Nicole Barp
- Operative Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Massari
- Operative Unit of Infectious Diseases, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Alberto Negri
- Operative Unit of High Intensity Care, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giada Rossini
- Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Vocale
- Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Trenti
- Operative Unit of High Intensity Care, Azienda USL-IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Altea Gallerani
- Operative Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Samuele Cantergiani
- Operative Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Romani
- Operative Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mattia Simion
- Operative Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Mussini
- Operative Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
van Bree JWM, Linthout C, van Dijk T, Abbo SR, Fros JJ, Koenraadt CJM, Pijlman GP, Wang H. Competition between two Usutu virus isolates in cell culture and in the common house mosquito Culex pipiens. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1195621. [PMID: 37293213 PMCID: PMC10244747 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1195621] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus of African origin. Over the past decades, USUV has spread through Europe causing mass die-offs among multiple bird species. The natural transmission cycle of USUV involves Culex spp. mosquitoes as vectors and birds as amplifying hosts. Next to birds and mosquitoes, USUV has also been isolated from multiple mammalian species, including humans, which are considered dead-end hosts. USUV isolates are phylogenetically classified into an African and European branch, subdivided into eight genetic lineages (Africa 1, 2, and 3 and Europe 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 lineages). Currently, multiple African and European lineages are co-circulating in Europe. Despite increased knowledge of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of the different lineages, the effects of co-infection and transmission efficacy of the co-circulating USUV strains remain unclear. In this study, we report a comparative study between two USUV isolates as follows: a Dutch isolate (USUV-NL, Africa lineage 3) and an Italian isolate (USUV-IT, Europe lineage 2). Upon co-infection, USUV-NL was consistently outcompeted by USUV-IT in mosquito, mammalian, and avian cell lines. In mosquito cells, the fitness advantage of USUV-IT was most prominently observed in comparison to the mammalian or avian cell lines. When Culex pipiens mosquitoes were orally infected with the different isolates, no overall differences in vector competence for USUV-IT and USUV-NL were observed. However, during the in vivo co-infection assay, it was observed that USUV-NL infectivity and transmission were negatively affected by USUV-IT but not vice versa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce W. M. van Bree
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Linthout
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Teije van Dijk
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Sandra R. Abbo
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jelke J. Fros
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Gorben P. Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Haidong Wang
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gothe LMR, Ganzenberg S, Ziegler U, Obiegala A, Lohmann KL, Sieg M, Vahlenkamp TW, Groschup MH, Hörügel U, Pfeffer M. Horses as Sentinels for the Circulation of Flaviviruses in Eastern-Central Germany. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051108. [PMID: 37243194 DOI: 10.3390/v15051108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2018, autochthonous West Nile virus (WNV) infections have been regularly reported in eastern-central Germany. While clinically apparent infections in humans and horses are not frequent, seroprevalence studies in horses may allow the tracing of WNV and related flaviviruses transmission, such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Usutu virus (USUV), and consequently help to estimate the risk of human infections. Hence, the aim of our study was to follow the seropositive ratio against these three viruses in horses in Saxony, Saxony Anhalt, and Brandenburg and to describe their geographic distribution for the year 2021. In early 2022, i.e., before the virus transmission season, sera from 1232 unvaccinated horses were tested using a competitive pan-flavivirus ELISA (cELISA). In order to estimate the true seropositive ratio of infection with WNV, TBEV, and USUV for 2021, positive and equivocal results were confirmed by a virus neutralization test (VNT). In addition, possible risk factors for seropositivity using questionnaires were analyzed using logistic regression based on questionnaires similar to our previous study from 2020. In total, 125 horse sera reacted positive in the cELISA. Based on the VNT, 40 sera showed neutralizing antibodies against WNV, 69 against TBEV, and 5 against USUV. Three sera showed antibodies against more than one virus, and eight were negative based on the VNT. The overall seropositive ratio was 3.3% (95% CI: 2.38-4.40) for WNV, 5.6% (95% CI: 4.44-7.04) for TBEV, and 0.4% (95% CI: 0.14-0.98) for USUV infections. While age and number of horses on the holding were factors predicting TBEV seropositivity, no risk factors were discovered for WNV seropositivity. We conclude that horses are useful sentinels to determine the flavivirus circulation in eastern-central Germany, as long as they are not vaccinated against WNV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard M R Gothe
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ganzenberg
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina L Lohmann
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas W Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Uwe Hörügel
- Animal Diseases Fund Saxony, Horse Health Service, 01099 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Agliani G, Giglia G, de Bruin E, van Mastrigt T, Blom R, Sikkema RS, Kik M, Koopmans MP, Gröne A, Van den Brand JM. The pathology of co-infection with Usutu virus and plasmodium spp. in naturally infected Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula). One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
|
21
|
Defaye B, Moutailler S, Vollot B, Galon C, Gonzalez G, Moraes RA, Leoncini AS, Rataud A, Le Guillou G, Pasqualini V, Quilichini Y. Detection of Pathogens and Ticks on Sedentary and Migratory Birds in Two Corsican Wetlands (France, Mediterranean Area). Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040869. [PMID: 37110292 PMCID: PMC10141976 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds are one of the most species-diverse vertebrate groups and are susceptible to numerous hematophagous ectoparasites. Migratory birds likely contribute to the circulation of these ectoparasites and their associated pathogens. One of the many migration paths crosses the Mediterranean islands including Corsica and its wetlands, which are migration stopovers. In our study, we collected blood samples and hematophagous ectoparasites in migratory and sedentary bird populations in two coastal lagoons: Biguglia and Gradugine. A total of 1377 birds were captured from which 762 blood samples, 37 louse flies, and 44 ticks were collected. All the louse flies were identified as Ornithomya biloba and all the ticks were from the Ixodes genus: Ixodes sp. (8.5%), I. accuminatus/ventalloi (2.9%), I. arboricola/lividus (14.3%), I. frontalis (5.7%) and I. ricinus (68.6%). Five pathogens were detected: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Erhlichia chaffeensis, and Rickettsia helvetica in ticks, and Trypanosoma sp. in louse flies. Ehrlichia chaffeensis and the West Nile virus were both detected in bird blood samples in Corsica. This is the first report of these tick, louse fly and pathogen species isolated on the bird population in Corsica. Our finding highlights the importance of bird populations in the presence of arthropod-borne pathogens in Corsican wetlands.
Collapse
|
22
|
Prioteasa FL, Dinu S, Tiron GV, Stancu IG, Fălcuță E, Ceianu CS, Cotar AI. First Detection and Molecular Characterization of Usutu Virus in Culex pipiens Mosquitoes Collected in Romania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030684. [PMID: 36985256 PMCID: PMC10054730 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emergent arbovirus in Europe causing mortality in bird populations. Similar to West Nile virus (WNV), USUV is maintained in sylvatic cycles between mosquito vectors and bird reservoirs. Spillover events may result in human neurological infection cases. Apart from indirect evidence provided by a recent serological study in wild birds, the circulation of USUV in Romania was not assessed. We aimed to detect and molecular characterize USUV circulating in mosquito vectors collected in South-Eastern Romania-a well-known WNV endemic region-during four transmission seasons. Mosquitoes were collected from Bucharest metropolitan area and Danube Delta, pooled, and screened by real-time RT-PCR for USUV. Partial genomic sequences were obtained and used for phylogeny. USUV was detected in Culex pipiens s.l. female mosquitoes collected in Bucharest, in 2019. The virus belonged to Europe 2 lineage, sub-lineage EU2-A. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity with isolates infecting mosquito vectors, birds, and humans in Europe starting with 2009, all sharing common origin in Northern Italy. To our knowledge, this is the first study characterizing a strain of USUV circulating in Romania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Liviu Prioteasa
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorin Dinu
- Molecular Epidemiology for Communicable Diseases Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Victorița Tiron
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Aleea Portocalelor, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Georgeta Stancu
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Aleea Portocalelor, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Fălcuță
- Medical Entomology Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornelia Svetlana Ceianu
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ani Ioana Cotar
- Vector-Borne Infections Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Splaiul Independenței, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gupta PC, Satapathy P, Gupta A, Asumah MN, Padhi BK. Usutu virus: a Flavivirus on the rise amid COVID-19 and monkeypox. Int J Surg 2023; 109:614-615. [PMID: 37093099 PMCID: PMC10389476 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
|
24
|
Agliani G, Giglia G, Marshall EM, Gröne A, Rockx BH, van den Brand JM. Pathological features of West Nile and Usutu virus natural infections in wild and domestic animals and in humans: A comparative review. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
|
25
|
Identification of Usutu Virus Africa 3 Lineage in a Survey of Mosquitoes and Birds from Urban Areas of Western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6893677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus that has caused an increasing number of animal and human cases in Europe in recent years. Understanding the vector species and avian hosts involved in the USUV enzootic cycle in an area of active circulation is vital to anticipate potential outbreaks. Mosquitoes were captured in 2020, while wild birds were sampled in both 2020 and 2021 in Extremadura, southwestern Spain. The presence of USUV in the mosquito vectors was assessed by a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay and confirmed by sequencing amplicons from two generic RT-PCR sets for flaviviruses. Sequences were analysed phylogenetically. Bird sera were screened for flavivirus antibodies with a blocking ELISA kit and subsequently tested for virus-specific antibodies with a micro-virus-neutralization test. Overall, 6,004 mosquitoes belonging to 13 species were captured, including some well-known flavivirus vectors (Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, and Cx. univittatus). Of the 438 pools tested, USUV was detected in two pools of Cx. pipiens. Phylogenetic analysis using a fragment of the NS5 gene assigned the USUV detected the Africa 3 lineage. Out of 1,413 wild birds tested, USUV-specific antibodies were detected in 17 birds (1.2%, 10 males and 7 females) from eight species. The first detection of USUV Africa 3 lineage in mosquitoes from Spain, together with serologically positive resident wild birds in urban and rural areas, indicates active circulation and a possible risk of exposure for the human population, with necessity to establish specific surveillance plans.
Collapse
|
26
|
M’ghirbi Y, Mousson L, Moutailler S, Lecollinet S, Amaral R, Beck C, Aounallah H, Amara M, Chabchoub A, Rhim A, Failloux AB, Bouattour A. West Nile, Sindbis and Usutu Viruses: Evidence of Circulation in Mosquitoes and Horses in Tunisia. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030360. [PMID: 36986282 PMCID: PMC10056592 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases have a significant impact on humans and animals and this impact is exacerbated by environmental changes. However, in Tunisia, surveillance of the West Nile virus (WNV) is based solely on the surveillance of human neuroinvasive infections and no study has reported mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs), nor has there been any thorough serological investigation of anti-MBV antibodies in horses. This study therefore sought to investigate the presence of MBVs in Tunisia. Among tested mosquito pools, infections by WNV, Usutu virus (USUV), and Sindbis virus (SINV) were identified in Cx. perexiguus. The serosurvey showed that 146 of 369 surveyed horses were positive for flavivirus antibodies using the cELISA test. The microsphere immunoassay (MIA) showed that 74 of 104 flavivirus cELISA-positive horses were positive for WNV, 8 were positive for USUV, 7 were positive for undetermined flaviviruses, and 2 were positive for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Virus neutralization tests and MIA results correlated well. This study is the first to report the detection of WNV, USUV and SINV in Cx. perexiguus in Tunisia. Besides, it has shown that there is a significant circulation of WNV and USUV among horses, which is likely to cause future sporadic outbreaks. An integrated arbovirus surveillance system that includes entomological surveillance as an early alert system is of major epidemiological importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youmna M’ghirbi
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Laurence Mousson
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Rayane Amaral
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cécile Beck
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Hajer Aounallah
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Amara
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Chabchoub
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- National School of Veterinary Medicine, Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, La Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Adel Rhim
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Ali Bouattour
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Trozzi G, Adjadj NR, Vervaeke M, Matthijs S, Sohier C, De Regge N. Comparison of Serological Methods for Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus-Specific Antibody Detection in Wild Boar and Sheep: Impact of the Screening Approach on the Estimated Seroprevalence. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020459. [PMID: 36851673 PMCID: PMC9958861 DOI: 10.3390/v15020459] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus transmitted by ticks. Serological screenings in animals are performed to estimate the prevalence and distribution of TBEV. Most screenings consist of a primary screening by ELISA, followed by confirmation of positive samples by plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs). In this study, 406 wild boar sera were tested with 2 regularly used commercial ELISAs for flavivirus screening in animals (Immunozym FSME (TBEV) IgG All Species (Progen) and ID Screen West Nile Competition (Innovative Diagnostics)) and PRNTs for TBEV and USUTU virus. The results showed that the Immunozym and IDScreen ELISAs had low relative sensitivities of 23% and 20%, respectively, compared to the PRNT results. The relative specificities were 88% and 84% due to cross reactions with USUTU virus-specific antibodies. The minimal TBEV prevalence in our sample set was 8.6% when determined by PRNT. When the screening approach of ELISA testing followed by PRNT confirmation was applied, a TBEV seroprevalence of only 2.0% and 1.7% was found. The suboptimal performance of the ELISAs was confirmed by testing sera collected from experimentally TBEV-infected sheep. While the PRNT detected TBEV specific antibodies in 94% of samples collected between 7 and 18 days post-infection, the ELISAs classified only 50% and 31% of the samples as positive. Both routinely used ELISAs for TBEV antibody screening in animal sera were shown to have a low sensitivity, potentially leading to an underestimation of the true prevalence, and furthermore cross-react with other flavivirus antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Trozzi
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Nadjah Radia Adjadj
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Severine Matthijs
- Viral Reemerging, Enzootic and Bee Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Sohier
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick De Regge
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Visser I, Koenraadt CJ, Koopmans MP, Rockx B. The significance of mosquito saliva in arbovirus transmission and pathogenesis in the vertebrate host. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
|
29
|
Golding M, Seechurn N, Baylis M, Johnson N. JMM Profile: Usutu virus. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 36753435 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging arbovirus belonging to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. It is maintained in an enzootic cycle, with mosquitos as the vector and birds as the main amplifying host. Humans, and other mammals such as horses, are dead-end hosts. The virus was originally detected in sub-Saharan Africa, but in the past two decades has spread across Europe. In certain bird species, such as the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula), USUV is extremely virulent and can be fatal. Human infection is rare and often asymptomatic, but multiple short-term neurological diseases have been reported, highlighting its public-health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Golding
- Vector-Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Nicola Seechurn
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Vector-Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rossi B, Barreca F, Benvenuto D, Braccialarghe N, Campogiani L, Lodi A, Aguglia C, Cavasio RA, Giacalone ML, Kontogiannis D, Moccione M, Malagnino V, Andreoni M, Sarmati L, Iannetta M. Human Arboviral Infections in Italy: Past, Current, and Future Challenges. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020368. [PMID: 36851582 PMCID: PMC9963149 DOI: 10.3390/v15020368] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses represent a public health concern in many European countries, including Italy, mostly because they can infect humans, causing potentially severe emergent or re-emergent diseases, with epidemic outbreaks and the introduction of endemic circulation of new species previously confined to tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this review, we summarize the Italian epidemiology of arboviral infection over the past 10 years, describing both endemic and imported arboviral infections, vector distribution, and the influence of climate change on vector ecology. Strengthening surveillance systems at a national and international level is highly recommended to be prepared to face potential threats due to arbovirus diffusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Rossi
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Barreca
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Benvenuto
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Neva Braccialarghe
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Campogiani
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lodi
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Aguglia
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Laura Giacalone
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitra Kontogiannis
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Moccione
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhou J, Xing Y, Zhou Z, Wang S. A comprehensive analysis of Usutu virus (USUV) genomes revealed lineage-specific codon usage patterns and host adaptations. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:967999. [PMID: 36713228 PMCID: PMC9878346 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.967999] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging arbovirus virus maintained in the environment of Afro-Eurasia via a bird-mosquito-bird enzootic cycle and sporadically infected other vertebrates. Despite primarily asymptomatic or mild symptoms, humans infected by USUV can develop severe neurological diseases such as meningoencephalitis. However, no detailed study has yet been conducted to investigate its evolution from the perspective of codon usage patterns. Codon usage choice of viruses reflects the genetic variations that enable them to reconcile their viability and fitness toward the external environment and new hosts. This study performed a comprehensive evolution and codon usage analysis of USUVs. Our reconstructed phylogenetic tree confirmed that the circulation viruses belong to eight distinct lineages, reaffirmed by principal component analysis based on codon usage patterns. We also found a relatively small codon usage bias and that natural selection, mutation pressure, dinucleotide abundance, and evolutionary processes collectively shaped the codon usage of the USUV, with natural selection predominating over the others. Additionally, a complex interaction of codon usage between the USUV and its host was observed. This process could have enabled USUV to adapt to various hosts and vectors, including humans. Therefore, the USUV may possess a potential risk of cross-species transmission and subsequent outbreaks. In this respect, further epidemiologic surveys, diversity monitoring, and pathogenetic research are warranted.
Collapse
|
32
|
Akinsulie OC, Adesola RO, Bakre A, Adebowale OO, Adeleke R, Ogunleye SC, Oladapo IP. Usutu virus: An emerging flavivirus with potential threat to public health in Africa: Nigeria as a case study. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1115501. [PMID: 36875996 PMCID: PMC9980716 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1115501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) of the flaviviridae family (genus Flavivirus) which belong to the Japanese encephalitis virus complex. Culex mosquitoes have been implicated in the transmission of this pathogen. The major susceptible hosts of USUV are migratory birds, thereby potentiating its ability to spread from one region to another globally. Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa with a significant percentage of the gross domestic product relying on the agricultural and animal production industry. This review explores the zoonotic potentials of the virus in Africa, especially Nigeria, with special focus on the devastating sequelae this might lead to in the future if necessary precautionary policies are not enacted and adopted to bolster the surveillance system for mosquito-borne viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adetolase Bakre
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Richard Adeleke
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Seto Charles Ogunleye
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Siljic M, Sehovic R, Jankovic M, Stamenkovic G, Loncar A, Todorovic M, Stanojevic M, Cirkovic V. Evolutionary dynamics of Usutu virus: Worldwide dispersal patterns and transmission dynamics in Europe. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1145981. [PMID: 37032910 PMCID: PMC10076808 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1145981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne Flavivirus, with birds as the main zoonotic reservoir. Humans are accidental hosts and mostly develop mild or even asymptomatic infections, although severe complications such as encephalitis can also arise. Detailed characterization of the pathogen's phylogenetics may offer valuable insights into the prediction and prevention of potential epidemics; however, lack of uniformity and the number of available USUV sequences worldwide hamper comprehensive investigation. Aim The study aimed to investigate USUV spatio-temporal dispersal inter- and intracontinentally and to estimate the dynamics of viral spread within Europe. Methods Phylogeographic and phylodynamic analyses were done using advanced phylogenetic methods implemented in Beast 1.10.4 and Beast 2.6.4 software packages. Results Herein, we report on a new USUV isolate from Culex pipiens collected in 2019 from Serbia. The results of this research revealed two newly described intercontinental migration events of USUV from Africa to Germany in the 1970s and from Africa to the Middle East (Israel) in the late 90s. Finally, phylodynamic analysis substantiated the ongoing active expansion of USUV in Europe. Conclusion The data would imply a high potential for further USUV expansion in Europe. Detailed phylogenetic characterization of the pathogen may offer valuable insights into prediction and prevention of potential epidemics; however, lack of uniformity and number of available USUV sequences worldwide hampers comprehensive investigation. This study draws attention to the need for upscaling USUV surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Siljic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rastko Sehovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Jankovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorana Stamenkovic
- Department for Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Loncar
- Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Todorovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Stanojevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Valentina Cirkovic
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Valentina Cirkovic
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cadar D, Simonin Y. Human Usutu Virus Infections in Europe: A New Risk on Horizon? Viruses 2022; 15:77. [PMID: 36680117 PMCID: PMC9866956 DOI: 10.3390/v15010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV), a neurotropic mosquito-borne flavivirus discovered in 1959 in South Africa, has spread over the last twenty years across the European continent. This virus follows an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. This caused epizootics with significant bird mortality in Europe in 2016 and 2018. It can also occasionally infect humans and other mammals, including horses and bats, which act as incidental or dead-end hosts. The zoonotic risk associated with this succession of avian epizootics in Europe deserves attention, even if, to date, human cases remain exceptional. Human infection is most often asymptomatic or responsible for mild clinical symptoms. However, human Usutu infections have also been associated with neurological disorders, such as encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. One of the major complexities of the study of USUV pathogenesis is the presence of a great diversity of lineages which could co-circulate spatiotemporally. In this review we discuss several aspects of the circulation of Usutu virus in humans in Europe, the neurological disorders associated, involved viral lineages, and the issues and questions raised by their circulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, 34000 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
North American House Sparrows Are Competent for Usutu Virus Transmission. mSphere 2022; 7:e0029522. [PMID: 36317895 PMCID: PMC9769741 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00295-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV, Flaviviridae) is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that has been implicated in neuroinvasive disease in humans and epizootic deaths in wild birds. USUV is maintained in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitoes, primarily Culex spp., and wild birds, predominantly passerine species. However, limited experimental data exist on the species competent for USUV transmission. Here, we demonstrate that house sparrows are susceptible to multiple USUV strains. Our study also revealed that Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes are susceptible to USUV, with a significantly higher infection rate for the Netherlands 2016 USUV strain compared to the Uganda 2012 USUV strain at 50% and 19%, respectively. To assess transmission between avian host and mosquito vector, we allowed mosquitoes to feed on either juvenile chickens or house sparrows inoculated with USUV. Both bird models transmitted USUV to C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Linear regression analyses indicated that C. quinquefasciatus infection rates were positively correlated with avian viremia levels, with 3 to 4 log10 PFU/mL representing the minimum avian viremia threshold for transmission to mosquitoes. Based on the viremia required for transmission, house sparrows were estimated to more readily transmit the Netherlands 2016 strain compared to the Uganda 2012 strain. These studies provide insights on a competent reservoir host of USUV. IMPORTANCE Usutu virus (USUV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus that can cause neuroinvasive disease, including meningitis and encephalitis, in humans and has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths in wild birds. The perpetuation of USUV in nature is dependent on transmission between Culex spp. mosquitoes and various avian species. To date, few experimental data exist for determining which bird species are important for the maintenance of USUV. Our studies showed that house sparrows can transmit infectious Usutu virus, indicating their role as a competent host species. By identifying reservoir species of USUV, we can predict areas of USUV emergence and mitigate its impacts on global human and wildlife health.
Collapse
|
36
|
Lupia T, Marletto FP, Scuvera IT, Bosio R, Rizzello B, Fornari V, Vivenza DML, Ghisetti V, Brusa MT, Corcione S, De Rosa FG. First Human Usutu Virus Reported in Asti (Piedmont, Italy, August 2022) and Early Follow-Up. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120443. [PMID: 36548698 PMCID: PMC9786015 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120443] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV) has recently attracted the attention of scientists because of its rapid spread across Europe and its growth over the previous seasons in Italy. Here, we describe the first case of USUV infection in Asti, Piedmont region, Italy. The patient remained asymptomatic in the acute phase and during the early follow-up, despite a mild increase in liver enzymes. The prompt diagnosis in this patient was due to positive qualitative PCR for WNV blood-donor screening with negative RT-PCR of WNV and positive USUV-RNA following the confirmation test. Blood-donor screening and transmission risk monitoring are pivotal in following the spread of this Flavivirus in non-endemic countries, due to the high percentage of asymptomatic carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0141-489974
| | | | | | - Roberta Bosio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Rizzello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Fornari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Ghisetti
- Microbiology Unit, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, 10100 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Corcione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ferrero DS, Albentosa-González L, Mas A, Verdaguer N. Structure and function of the NS5 methyltransferase domain from Usutu virus. Antiviral Res 2022; 208:105460. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
38
|
Wang L, Soto A, Remue L, Rosales Rosas AL, De Coninck L, Verwimp S, Bouckaert J, Vanwinkel M, Matthijnssens J, Delang L. First Report of Mutations Associated With Pyrethroid (L1014F) and Organophosphate (G119S) Resistance in Belgian Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:2072-2079. [PMID: 36130161 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of West Nile virus and Usutu virus in Europe poses a significant risk to public health. In the absence of efficient antiviral therapy or vaccine candidates, the only strategy to control these arboviruses is to target the Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito vector. However, the selection pressure caused by exposure to insecticides for vector control or agricultural pest control can lead to insecticide resistance, thereby reducing the efficacy of insecticide-based vector control interventions. In Culex mosquitoes, two of the most common amino acid substitutions associated with insecticide resistance are the kdr L1014F in voltage gated sodium channels and G119S in acetylcholinesterase. In this study, Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, Culex torrentium, and Culex modestus were sampled from 2019 to 2021 in three distinct environmental habitats (urban, peri-urban, and agricultural) in and around the city of Leuven, Belgium. Individual mosquitoes were screened for two mutations resulting in L1014F and G119S amino acid substitutions. Both mutations were observed in Cx. pipiens and Cx. modestus but not in Cx. torrentium mosquitoes across the four collection sites. Furthermore, multi-resistance or cross-resistance in Cx. pipiens could be a threat in these areas, as both mutations were observed at low frequencies. These results provide the first report of kdr L1014F and ace-1 G119S resistance mutations in Cx. pipiens and Cx. modestus mosquitoes from Belgium, highlighting the importance of mosquito surveillance to design effective arbovirus outbreak control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanjiao Wang
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alina Soto
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laure Remue
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Lucia Rosales Rosas
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lander De Coninck
- Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Verwimp
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johanna Bouckaert
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mathias Vanwinkel
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jelle Matthijnssens
- Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Delang
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Coroian M, Silaghi C, Tews BA, Baltag EȘ, Marinov M, Alexe V, Kalmár Z, Cintia H, Lupșe MS, Mihalca AD. Serological Survey of Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses in Wild Birds from Important Migratory Hotspots in Romania. Pathogens 2022; 11:1270. [PMID: 36365021 PMCID: PMC9699478 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the context of climate change, globalization, and enhanced human traveling, arboviruses continue to represent a threat to public health. West Nile and Usutu viruses are mosquito-borne viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family (Flavivirus genus) and members of the Japanese encephalitis virus serocomplex. Included in the Togaviridae family (Alphavirus genus), the Sindbis virus is also vectored by mosquitoes. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the presence of antibodies concerning the abovementioned viruses in migratory and resident birds in the South-Eastern region of Romania, as avian hosts represent the main reservoir for human infection. Blood samples were collected from wild birds between May 2018 and October 2019 in nine locations from three counties. All the samples were serologically tested by ELISA and a serum neutralization test. Overall, a seroprevalence of 8.72% was registered for the West Nile virus, 2.71% for the Usutu virus, and 0% for the Sindbis virus. To our best knowledge, this is the first large-scale comprehensive study to assess the West Nile virus seropositivity in wild birds and the first serological confirmation of the Usutu virus in wild birds in Romania. Moreover, this is the only follow-up study reviewing the current seroprevalence of the Sindbis virus in Romania since 1975.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mircea Coroian
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, D-17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Birke Andrea Tews
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, D-17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Emanuel Ștefan Baltag
- Marine Biological Stationof Agigea, University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” of Iași, 907018 Iași, Romania
| | - Mihai Marinov
- Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, 820112 Tulcea, Romania
| | - Vasile Alexe
- Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, 820112 Tulcea, Romania
| | - Zsuzsa Kalmár
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Epidemiology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Horváth Cintia
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Sorina Lupșe
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Khare B, Kuhn RJ. The Japanese Encephalitis Antigenic Complex Viruses: From Structure to Immunity. Viruses 2022; 14:2213. [PMID: 36298768 PMCID: PMC9607441 DOI: 10.3390/v14102213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades, several flaviviruses of concern that belong to different antigenic groups have expanded geographically. This has resulted in the presence of often more than one virus from a single antigenic group in some areas, while in Europe, Africa and Australia, additionally, multiple viruses belonging to the Japanese encephalitis (JE) serogroup co-circulate. Morphological heterogeneity of flaviviruses dictates antibody recognition and affects virus neutralization, which influences infection control. The latter is further impacted by sequential infections involving diverse flaviviruses co-circulating within a region and their cross-reactivity. The ensuing complex molecular virus-host interplay leads to either cross-protection or disease enhancement; however, the molecular determinants and mechanisms driving these outcomes are unclear. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of four JE serocomplex viruses, parameters affecting flaviviral heterogeneity and antibody recognition, host immune responses and the current knowledge of the cross-reactivity involving JE serocomplex flaviviruses that leads to differential clinical outcomes, which may inform future preventative and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baldeep Khare
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Richard J. Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Giglia G, Mencattelli G, Lepri E, Agliani G, Gobbi M, Gröne A, van den Brand JMA, Savini G, Mandara MT. West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus: A Post-Mortem Monitoring Study in Wild Birds from Rescue Centers, Central Italy. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091994. [PMID: 36146800 PMCID: PMC9503110 DOI: 10.3390/v14091994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that have been associated with neurological diseases in humans and wild birds. Wild bird rescue centers are potential significant hot spots for avian infection surveillance, as recognized in the Italian Integrate National Surveillance Plan for Arboviruses. Here we report the results of a post-mortem active monitoring study conducted from November 2017 to October 2020 on animals hosted in five wild bird rescue centers of Central Italy. Five hundred seventy-six (n = 576) wild birds were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the presence of WNV or USUV RNA fragments. No birds tested positive for USUV RNA (n = 0; 0.00%). Evidence of WNV RNA (Ct value = 34.36) was found in one bird (n = 1; 0.17%), an adult little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis subsp. ruficollis), that tested WNV positive in December 2019. This study highlights the strategic role of wildlife rescue centers in monitoring both the introduction and circulation of avian emerging zoonotic diseases. In addition, the presence of WNV during the cold season evidences the possible role of birds in overwintering mechanisms in the Italian territory and requires further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giglia
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Mencattelli
- OIE National Reference Center for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale, dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Center Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
| | - Elvio Lepri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gianfilippo Agliani
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Gobbi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Savini
- OIE National Reference Center for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale, dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wald ME, Claus C, Konrath A, Nieper H, Muluneh A, Schmidt V, Vahlenkamp TW, Sieg M. Ivermectin Inhibits the Replication of Usutu Virus In Vitro. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081641. [PMID: 36016263 PMCID: PMC9413757 DOI: 10.3390/v14081641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne arbovirus within the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. Similar to the closely related West Nile virus (WNV), USUV infections are capable of causing mass mortality in wild and captive birds, especially blackbirds. In the last few years, a massive spread of USUV was present in the avian population of Germany and other European countries. To date, no specific antiviral therapies are available. Nine different approved drugs were tested for their antiviral effects on the replication of USUV in vitro in a screening assay. Ivermectin was identified as a potent inhibitor of USUV replication in three cell types from different species, such as simian Vero CCL-81, human A549 and avian TME R. A 2- to 7-log10 reduction of the viral titer in the supernatant was detected at a non-cytotoxic concentration of 5 µM ivermectin dependent on the applied cell line. IC50 values of ivermectin against USUV lineage Africa 3 was found to be 0.55 µM in Vero CCL-81, 1.94 µM in A549 and 1.38 µM in TME-R cells. The antiviral efficacy was comparable between the USUV lineages Africa 2, Africa 3 and Europe 3. These findings show that ivermectin may be a candidate for further experimental and clinical studies addressing the treatment of USUV disease, especially in captive birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabeth Wald
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.E.W.); (T.W.V.)
| | - Claudia Claus
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Andrea Konrath
- Saxon State Laboratory of Health and Veterinary Affairs, 01099 Dresden, Germany; (A.K.); (H.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Hermann Nieper
- Saxon State Laboratory of Health and Veterinary Affairs, 01099 Dresden, Germany; (A.K.); (H.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Aemero Muluneh
- Saxon State Laboratory of Health and Veterinary Affairs, 01099 Dresden, Germany; (A.K.); (H.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Thomas Wilhelm Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.E.W.); (T.W.V.)
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Seroprevalence Rates against West Nile, Usutu, and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Viruses in Blood-Donors from North-Western Romania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138182. [PMID: 35805850 PMCID: PMC9266370 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are all arboviruses belonging to Flaviviridae family. All are characterized by vectorial transmission and sometimes associated with neuroinvasive infections. The circulation of these viruses is considered endemic in parts of Europe, with human cases reported in many countries. Among hosts, the viruses are vectored by hematophagous arthropods, such as mosquitoes (WNV, USUV) and ticks (TBEV). Considering the currently outdated knowledge regarding the epidemiology of these viruses in Romania, the aim of our study was to assess the seroprevalence rates of WNV, USUV, and TBEV among healthy blood donors in north-western Romania. Methods: Human blood samples from healthy donors were collected between November 2019 and February 2020 in six counties from the north-western region of Romania. The samples were serologically tested by ELISA and serum neutralization test. Results: Overall, we obtained a seroprevalence of 3.17% for WNV, 0.08% for TBEV, and 0% for USUV. Conclusion: Despite the low seroprevalence of WNV, USUV, and TBEV in our study, we highlight the need for continuous nationwide vector and disease surveillance and implementation of control measures. Further research is required for an optimal overview of the epidemiological status of the Romanian population regarding these flaviviruses together with countrywide awareness campaigns.
Collapse
|
44
|
Combining host and vector data informs emergence and potential impact of an Usutu virus outbreak in UK wild birds. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10298. [PMID: 35717348 PMCID: PMC9206397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13258-2] [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] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the first detection in the United Kingdom of Usutu virus (USUV) in wild birds in 2020, we undertook a multidisciplinary investigation that combined screening host and vector populations with interrogation of national citizen science monitoring datasets to assess the potential for population impacts on avian hosts. Pathological findings from six USUV-positive wild passerines were non-specific, highlighting the need for molecular and immunohistochemical examinations to confirm infection. Mosquito surveillance at the index site identified USUV RNA in Culex pipiens s.l. following the outbreak. Although the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) is most frequently impacted by USUV in Europe, national syndromic surveillance failed to detect any increase in occurrence of clinical signs consistent with USUV infection in this species. Furthermore, there was no increase in recoveries of dead blackbirds marked by the national ringing scheme. However, there was regional clustering of blackbird disease incident reports centred near the index site in 2020 and a contemporaneous marked reduction in the frequency with which blackbirds were recorded in gardens in this area, consistent with a hypothesis of disease-mediated population decline. Combining results from multidisciplinary schemes, as we have done, in real-time offers a model for the detection and impact assessment of future disease emergence events.
Collapse
|
45
|
Graninger M, Hubmer S, Riederer F, Kettner S, Hauk M, Auf T, Aberle JH, Stiasny K, Aberle SW, Camp JV. The first case of Usutu virus neuroinvasive disease in Austria, 2021. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac255. [PMID: 35873290 PMCID: PMC9297159 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac255] [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] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus closely related to West Nile virus (WNV) that is endemic in many European countries. We report the first case of USUV neuroinvasive disease in Austria and discuss challenges in differentiating USUV from WNV infections in areas where both viruses are endemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Hubmer
- Department of Neurology, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Riederer
- Department of Neurology, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Kettner
- Department for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Hauk
- Department for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tasnim Auf
- Department for Cardiology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith H. Aberle
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jeremy V. Camp
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Snoeck CJ, Sausy A, Losch S, Wildschutz F, Bourg M, Hübschen JM. Usutu Virus Africa 3 Lineage, Luxembourg, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1076-1079. [PMID: 35447065 PMCID: PMC9045450 DOI: 10.3201/eid2805.212012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected Usutu virus in a dead Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) in Luxembourg in September 2020. The strain clustered within the Africa 3.1 lineage identified in Western Europe since 2016. Our results suggest maintenance of the virus in Europe despite little reporting during 2019–2020, rather than a new introduction.
Collapse
|
47
|
Spread of West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in the German Bird Population, 2019–2020. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040807. [PMID: 35456857 PMCID: PMC9030481 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are important flaviviruses circulating in Germany. While USUV was first reported more than 10 years ago, WNV has only reached the country in 2018. Wild birds are important amplifying hosts for both viruses. Therefore, we have been monitoring the bird population in different regions of Germany by a previously established network for many years. This report summarizes the results of molecular and/or serological methods of 2345 blood samples from birds of 22 different orders and over 2900 bird carcasses from 2019 and 2020. USUV RNA circulation was found in different regions of Germany, with emphasis on USUV lineages Europe 3 and Africa 3. Increased evidence of USUV lineage Europe 2 was detected in eastern Germany. WNV RNA was found only in birds from the eastern part of the country. The seroprevalence for USUV was between 3.11% and 7.20% in all three regions investigated, whereas the WNV seroprevalence spanned from 14.77% to 16.15% in eastern Germany, with a noticeable tendency for a westward and southward expansion in both years. Thus, wild bird monitoring for WNV and USUV can serve as an early warning system for a human exposure risk.
Collapse
|
48
|
Circulation of zoonotic flaviviruses in wild passerine birds in Western Spain. Vet Microbiol 2022; 268:109399. [PMID: 35344925 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We explore the presence of zoonotic flaviviruses (West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV)) neutralizing antibodies in rarely studied passerine bird species. We report, for the first time in Europe, WNV-specific antibodies in red avadavat and cetti's warbler, and USUV in yellow-crowned bishop. The evidence of WNV and USUV circulating in resident and migratory species has implications for both animal and public health. Future outbreaks in avian reservoir hosts may occur and passerines should be considered as priority target species in flavivirus surveillance programmes.
Collapse
|
49
|
Musto C, Tamba M, Calzolari M, Torri D, Marzani K, Cerri J, Bonilauri P, Delogu M. Usutu virus in blackbirds (Turdus merula) with clinical signs, a case study from northern Italy. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AbstractUsutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Natural transmission cycle of USUV involves mosquitoes and birds, so humans and other mammals are considered incidental hosts. In this study, USUV infection was diagnosed in all wild blackbirds, collected from July to September 2018 in a wildlife recovery center in the province of Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy. All blackbirds showed neurological clinical signs, such as overturning, pedaling, and incoordination. Moreover, the subjects died shortly after arriving at the hospitalization center. Virological investigations were performed by real-time PCR on frozen samples of the spleen, kidney, myocardium, and brain for the detection of Usutu (USUV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses. The small and large intestine were used as a matrix for the detection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). All 56 subjects with neurological clinical signs were positive for USUV, only one subject (1.8%) tested positive for WNV, and no subject was positive for NDV. The most represented age class was class 1 J (58.9%), followed by class 3 (25.0%), and lastly from class 4 (16.1%). Most of the blackbirds before dying were in good (51.8%) and fair (39.3%) nutritional status, while only five subjects (8.9%) were cachectic. The USUV genomes detected in the blackbirds of this study fall within the sub-clade already called EU2 that has been detected since 2009 in the Emilia-Romagna region. Neurological clinical signs in USUV-affected blackbirds are still widely discussed and there are few works in the literature. Although our results require further studies, we believe them to be useful for understanding the clinical signs of Usutu virus in blackbirds, helping to increase the knowledge of this zoonotic agent in wild species and to understand its effect on the ecosystem. The goal of this study was to report—in the context of the regional passive surveillance program—the detection of USUV RNA in its most important amplifying host, the common blackbird, when showing clinical signs before death.
Collapse
|
50
|
West Nile and Usutu Virus Introduction via Migratory Birds: A Retrospective Analysis in Italy. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020416. [PMID: 35216009 PMCID: PMC8880244 DOI: 10.3390/v14020416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The actual contribution of migratory birds in spreading West Nile (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) across Europe and from Africa to old countries is still controversial. In this study, we reported the results of molecular and serological surveys on migrating birds sampled during peaks of spring and autumn migration at 11 Italian sites located along important flyways, from 2012 to 2014. A total of 1335 specimens made of individual or pooled sera, and organs from 275 dead birds were tested for WNV and USUV RNA by real time PCR (RT-PCR). Furthermore, sera were tested by serum neutralization assay for detecting WNV and USUV neutralizing antibodies. Molecular tests detected WNV lineage 2 RNA in a pool made of three Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) sera sampled in autumn, and lineage 1 in kidneys of six trans-Saharan birds sampled in spring. Neutralizing antibodies against WNV and USUV were found in 5.80% (n = 72; 17 bird species) and 0.32% (n = 4; 4 bird species) of the tested sera, respectively. Our results do not exclude the role of migratory birds as potential spreaders of WNV and USUV from Africa and Central Europe to Mediterranean areas and highlight the importance of a more extensive active surveillance of zoonotic viruses.
Collapse
|