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Olajiga OM, Jameson SB, Carter BH, Wesson DM, Mitzel D, Londono-Renteria B. Artificial Feeding Systems for Vector-Borne Disease Studies. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:188. [PMID: 38534457 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
This review examines the advancements and methodologies of artificial feeding systems for the study of vector-borne diseases, offering a critical assessment of their development, advantages, and limitations relative to traditional live host models. It underscores the ethical considerations and practical benefits of such systems, including minimizing the use of live animals and enhancing experimental consistency. Various artificial feeding techniques are detailed, including membrane feeding, capillary feeding, and the utilization of engineered biocompatible materials, with their respective applications, efficacy, and the challenges encountered with their use also being outlined. This review also forecasts the integration of cutting-edge technologies like biomimicry, microfluidics, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence to refine and expand the capabilities of artificial feeding systems. These innovations aim to more accurately simulate natural feeding conditions, thereby improving the reliability of studies on the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. This comprehensive review serves as a foundational reference for researchers in the field, proposing a forward-looking perspective on the potential of artificial feeding systems to revolutionize vector-borne disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka M Olajiga
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Samuel B Jameson
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Brendan H Carter
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Dawn M Wesson
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Dana Mitzel
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Berlin Londono-Renteria
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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2
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Maia C. Sand fly-borne diseases in Europe: epidemiological overview and potential triggers for their emergence and re-emergence. J Comp Pathol 2024; 209:6-12. [PMID: 38320331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are vectors of human and animal pathogens, including Leishmania species protozoan parasites and viruses of the genus Phlebovirus. In Europe, visceral zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum, a deadly disease when left untreated, is endemic in southern countries, and dogs are the main reservoir hosts for human infection. Most phleboviruses cause asymptomatic infections or flu-like syndromes in humans, but Toscana phlebovirus can cause meningitis and encephalitis. These diseases are likely to re-emerge, posing a growing threat to public and animal health. Potential triggers include the movement of humans and dogs, increasing numbers of immunosuppressive conditions, climate change and other human-mediated environmental changes. An overview of the main epidemiological characteristics of the pathogens transmitted by sand flies in Europe and the potential triggers involved in their emergence and re-emergence are reviewed here. There is a need to implement mandatory notification of human and canine leishmaniases and human phleboviruses and coordinated epidemiological surveillance programmes at a European level, and to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and citizens about sand fly-borne diseases, following a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1348-009, Lisboa, Portugal.
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3
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Laroche L, Ayhan N, Charrel R, Bañuls AL, Prudhomme J. Persistence of Toscana virus in sugar and blood meals of phlebotomine sand flies: epidemiological and experimental consequences. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5608. [PMID: 37019992 PMCID: PMC10076283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32431-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many virological studies have tested the persistence of enveloped RNA viruses in various environmental and laboratory conditions and shown their short-term persistence. In this article, we analyzed Toscana virus (TOSV) infectivity, a pathogenic sandfly-borne phlebovirus, in two different conditions: in the sugar meal and blood meal of sand flies. Our results showed that TOSV RNA was detectable up to 15 days in sugar solution at 26 °C and up to 6 h in blood at 37 °C. Moreover, TOSV remains infective for 7 days in sugar solution and for minimum 6 h in rabbit blood. TOSV has shown persistent infectivity/viability under different conditions, which may have important epidemiological consequences. These results strengthen new hypotheses about the TOSV natural cycle, such as the possibility of horizontal transmission between sand flies through infected sugar meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lison Laroche
- UMR MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier - IRD 224 - CNRS 5290, 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394, Montpellier, France.
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- UVE, Aix Marseille Université - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Rémi Charrel
- UVE, Aix Marseille Université - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - AP-HM Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier - IRD 224 - CNRS 5290, 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394, Montpellier, France
| | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier - IRD 224 - CNRS 5290, 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394, Montpellier, France
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
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4
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Heinig-Hartberger M, Hellhammer F, Zöller DDJA, Dornbusch S, Bergmann S, Vocadlova K, Junglen S, Stern M, Lee KZ, Becker SC. Culex Y Virus: A Native Virus of Culex Species Characterized In Vivo. Viruses 2023; 15:235. [PMID: 36680275 PMCID: PMC9863036 DOI: 10.3390/v15010235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are vectors of various pathogens that cause diseases in humans and animals. To prevent the outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases, it is essential to control vector populations, as treatment or vaccination for mosquito-borne diseases are often unavailable. Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) have previously been described as being potentially helpful against arboviral disease outbreaks. In this study, we present the first in vivo characterization of the ISV Culex Y virus (CYV). CYV was first isolated from free-living Culex pipiens mosquitoes in 2010; then, it was found in several mosquito cell lines in a further study in 2018. For mammalian cells, we were able to confirm that CYV does not replicate as it was previously described. Additionally, we found that CYV does not replicate in honey bees or locusts. However, we detected replication in the Culex pipiens biotype molestus, Aedes albopictus, and Drosophila melanogaster, thus indicating dipteran specificity. We detected significantly higher mortality in Culex pipiens biotype molestus males and Drosophila melanogaster, but not in Aedes albopictus and female Culex pipiens biotype molestus. CYV could not be transmitted transovarially to offspring, but we detected venereal transmission as well as CYV in mosquitos' saliva, indicating that an oral route of infection would also be possible. CYV's dipteran specificity, transmission routes, and killing effect with respect to Culex males may be used as powerful tools with which to destabilize arbovirus vector populations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Heinig-Hartberger
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Fanny Hellhammer
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - David D. J. A. Zöller
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Susann Dornbusch
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stella Bergmann
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Katerina Vocadlova
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sandra Junglen
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Stern
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kwang-Zin Lee
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie C. Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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Amira A, Bounamous A, Kouba Y, Kadjoudj N, Zeroual S, Boubendir A, Boularouk Y. Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae): Fauna and Ecology in the Northeast of Algeria. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:855-864. [PMID: 35323959 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) transmit several Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) species, which cause leishmaniasis, a significant public health concern in Algeria. We compared sand fly species abundance and composition among different biotopes (urban, peri-urban, rural areas), bioclimatic zones (humid, sub-humid, semi-arid), and elevation ranges. We also used the additive partitioning of beta diversity to test whether the variation in sand fly composition among biotopes, bioclimatic zones, and elevation ranges is due to species turnover or community subsetting. In total, 7,478 specimens were captured; of which, 7,162 (51.5% males vs. 48.5% females) belong to eight species: Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, 1911 (77.4% of the total captured specimens), Phlebotomus perfiliewi Parrot, 1930 (14.6%), Phlebotomus longicuspis Nitzulescu, 1911 (5.9%), Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli, 1786 (<1%), Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot, 1917 (<1%) and Phlebotomus chadlii Rioux, Juminer et Gibily 1966 (<1%), Sergentomyia minuta Adler et Theodor, 1927 (1%), and Sergentomyia fallax Parrot, 1921 (<1%). Sand fly total abundance showed negative correlations with altitude and was significantly higher in rural areas. Sandfly community composition was significantly different between rural and urban/peri-urban areas. The additive partitioning of beta diversity showed that 71.4% of the compositional dissimilarity among elevation ranges and bioclimates was due to sand fly species turnover, and 28.6% resulted from nestedness. However, the variation in sand fly composition among different biotopes was mainly due to community nestedness. Findings from this study help define the risk of Leishmania transmission and develop methods for vector control in Mila province and Algeria as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aicha Amira
- Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Sciences and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences and Life, A. BOUSSOUF University Center, Mila, Algeria
| | - Azzedine Bounamous
- Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Sciences and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences and Life, A. BOUSSOUF University Center, Mila, Algeria
| | - Yacine Kouba
- Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Larbi Ben M'hidi, Oum el Bouaghi, 04000, Algeria
| | - Nadia Kadjoudj
- Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Sciences and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences and Life, A. BOUSSOUF University Center, Mila, Algeria
| | - Samir Zeroual
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology and Valorization of Bio-resources, Department of Natural Sciences and Life, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences and Life, University Mohamed Khider, Biskra, Algeria
| | - Abdelhafid Boubendir
- Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Sciences and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences and Life, A. BOUSSOUF University Center, Mila, Algeria
| | - Yakoub Boularouk
- Institute of Sciences and Technology, Melilab Laboratory, A. BOUSSOUF University Center, Mila, Algeria
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6
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Dachraoui K, Chelbi I, Ben Said M, Ben Osman R, Cherni S, Charrel R, Zhioua E. Transmission Dynamics of Punique Virus in Tunisia. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050904. [PMID: 35632646 PMCID: PMC9147715 DOI: 10.3390/v14050904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel phlebovirus, Punique virus (PUNV), was discovered and isolated in 2008 from sandflies from Northern Tunisia. PUNV is now classified as a unique member of the Punique phlebovirus species within the Phlebovirus genus in the Phenuiviridae family (order bunyavirales). In this study, we aimed to investigate the transmission dynamics of PUNV in Tunisia. Sandflies were collected during two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010, by CDC light traps. In 2009, a total of 873 sandflies were collected and identified to the species level. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species. One pool of P. perniciosus females collected in autumn contained PUNV RNA, yielding an infection rate of 0.11%. The population densities of circulating sandfly species were assessed during May–November 2010 in Northern Tunisia by using sticky traps. Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus (71.74%) was the most abundant species, followed by Phlebotumus (Larroussius) longicuspis (17.47%), and Phlebotumus (Larroussius) perfiliewi (8.82%). The densities of dominant sandfly species were found to peak in early spring and again in the autumn. In 2010, species identification was not performed, and sandflies were only discriminated on the basis of sex and collection date. Out of 249 pools, three contained PUNV RNA. Each positive pool allowed virus isolation. The three pools of female sandflies containing PUNV RNA were collected in autumn with an infection rate of 0.05%. These findings provide further evidence that P. perniciosus is the main vector of PUNV in Tunisia, and this phlebovirus is endemic in Tunisia. Our findings provided strong evidence of intensive circulation of PUNV in sandflies and hosts through a viral infection buildup process between sandfly vectors and hosts starting at the beginning of the activity of sandflies in spring to reach a maximum during the second main peak in autumn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Dachraoui
- Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Unit of Vector Ecology, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.D.); (I.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Ifhem Chelbi
- Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Unit of Vector Ecology, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.D.); (I.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia;
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sid Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Raja Ben Osman
- National Drug Control Laboratory, Vaccine Control Unit, Tunis 1002, Tunisia;
| | - Saifedine Cherni
- Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Unit of Vector Ecology, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.D.); (I.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Rémi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix-Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Elyes Zhioua
- Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Unit of Vector Ecology, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.D.); (I.C.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Lelli D, Scanferla V, Moreno A, Sozzi E, Ravaioli V, Renzi M, Tosi G, Dottori M, Lavazza A, Calzolari M. Serological Evidence of Phleboviruses in Domestic Animals on the Pre-Apennine Hills (Northern Italy). Viruses 2021; 13:v13081577. [PMID: 34452442 PMCID: PMC8402779 DOI: 10.3390/v13081577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phleboviruses are arboviruses transmitted by sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Some sand fly-borne phleboviruses cause illnesses in humans, such as the summer fevers caused by the Sicilian and Naples viruses or meningitis caused by the Toscana virus. Indeed, traces of several phleboviral infections have been serologically detected in domestic animals, but their potential pathogenic role in vertebrates other than humans is still unclear, as is the role of vertebrates as potential reservoirs of these viruses. In this study, we report the results of a serological survey performed on domestic animals sampled in Northern Italy, against four phleboviruses isolated from sand flies in the same area. The sera of 23 dogs, 165 sheep and 23 goats were tested with a virus neutralization assay for Toscana virus, Fermo virus, Ponticelli I virus and Ponticelli III virus. Neutralizing antibodies against one or more phleboviruses were detected in four out of 23 dogs, 31 out of 165 sheep and 12 out of 23 goats. This study shows preliminary evidence for the distribution pattern of phleboviral infections in different animal species, highlighting the potential infection of the Toscana virus in dogs and the Fermo virus in goats.
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Oerther S, Jöst H, Heitmann A, Lühken R, Krüger A, Steinhausen I, Brinker C, Lorentz S, Marx M, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Naucke T, Becker N. Phlebotomine sand flies in Southwest Germany: an update with records in new locations. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:173. [PMID: 32312300 PMCID: PMC7171781 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases (VBD) are of growing global importance. Sand flies are potential vectors for phleboviruses (family Phenuiviridae) including Toscana virus (TOSV), Sicilian virus, Sandfly fever, Naples virus, and Leishmania parasites in Europe. To date, only two phlebotomine species have been recorded for Germany: Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus mascittii. This study updates the distribution and abundance of the two occurring species. Methods An entomological field study was carried out during 2015–2018 to assess the abundance of sand flies in Southwest Germany within the federal states Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW) and Rhineland-Palatinate (RLP). A total of 176 collection sites were examined using CDC light traps. Results A total of 149 individuals of P. mascittii were collected. During 2015–2018, P. mascittii was found at all sites known positive from previous studies and was detected at 15 additional sites previously unknown for the presence of sand flies. Although the environment has changed considerably in 30 years, no significant difference in sand fly dynamics and distribution was found. Phlebotomus perniciosus has only been trapped once since 2001. Conclusions This study showed that sand flies occur in different areas in Southern Germany where they had not been recorded previously. Therefore, it can be assumed that they are more widespread than expected. In addition, sand flies could be found over several years at the same trapping sites, indicating population stability. This supports the need for continued surveillance of possible vector populations and urgent clarification of the vector competence of P. mascittii.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Oerther
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Speyer, Germany.,Institute for Dipterology (IfD), Speyer, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Heitmann
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Krüger
- Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg-Branch Tropical Microbiology & Entomology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Michael Marx
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Naucke
- Parasitus Ex e.V., Niederkassel, Germany. .,Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Kissingen, Germany.
| | - Norbert Becker
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Speyer, Germany.,Institute for Dipterology (IfD), Speyer, Germany
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Ayhan N, Prudhomme J, Laroche L, Bañuls AL, Charrel RN. Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8010114. [PMID: 31947561 PMCID: PMC7022675 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.)perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
- Unité de Virologie EA7310 Bioscope, Université de Corse Pasquale Paoli (UCPP), 20250 Corte, France
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (J.P.); Tel.: +33-782-202794 (N.A.); +33-621-504351 (J.P.)
| | - Lison Laroche
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC (IRD—CNRS—Université de Montpellier), 911 avenue Agropolis, F34394 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (A.-L.B.)
| | - Remi N. Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ–IRD 190–Inserm 1207–IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13005 Marseille, France;
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