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Wehmeyer ML, Jaworski L, Jöst H, Șuleșco T, Rauhöft L, Afonso SMM, Neumann M, Kliemke K, Lange U, Kiel E, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Sauer FG, Lühken R. Host attraction and host feeding patterns indicate generalist feeding of Culex pipiens s.s. and Cx. torrentium. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:369. [PMID: 39215365 PMCID: PMC11363403 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito host feeding patterns are an important factor of the species-specific vector capacity determining pathogen transmission routes. Culex pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium are competent vectors of several arboviruses, such as West Nile virus and Usutu virus. However, studies on host feeding patterns rarely differentiate the morphologically indistinguishable females. METHODS We analyzed the host feeding attraction of Cx. pipiens and Cx. torrentium in host-choice studies for bird, mouse, and a human lure. In addition, we summarized published and unpublished data on host feeding patterns of field-collected specimens from Germany, Iran, and Moldova from 2012 to 2022, genetically identified as Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, Cx. pipiens hybrid biotype pipiens × molestus, and Cx. torrentium, and finally put the data in context with similar data found in a systematic literature search. RESULTS In the host-choice experiments, we did not find a significant attraction to bird, mouse, and human lure for Cx. pipiens pipiens and Cx. torrentium. Hosts of 992 field-collected specimens were identified for Germany, Iran, and Moldova, with the majority determined as Cx. pipiens pipiens, increasing the data available from studies known from the literature by two-thirds. All four Culex pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium taxa had fed with significant proportions on birds, humans, and nonhuman mammals. Merged with the data from the literature from 23 different studies showing a high prevalence of blood meals from birds, more than 50% of the blood meals of Cx. pipiens s.s. were identified as birds, while up to 39% were human and nonhuman mammalian hosts. Culex torrentium fed half on birds and half on mammals. However, there were considerable geographical differences in the host feeding patterns. CONCLUSIONS In the light of these results, the clear characterization of the Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium taxa as ornithophilic/-phagic or mammalophilic/-phagic needs to be reconsidered. Given their broad host ranges, all four Culex taxa could potentially serve as enzootic and bridge vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Jaworski
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Carl Von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tatiana Șuleșco
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leif Rauhöft
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Markus Neumann
- Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Sports Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Werderstraße 124, 19055, Schwerin, Germany
| | | | - Unchana Lange
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ellen Kiel
- Carl Von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 22609, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.
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Heitmann A, Wehmeyer ML, Lühken R, Kliemke K, Jöst H, Becker N, Helms M, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Jansen S. Evaluation of the vector competence for Batai virus of native Culex and exotic Aedes species in Central Europe. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:223. [PMID: 38750581 PMCID: PMC11094933 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Batai virus (BATV) is a zoonotic arbovirus of veterinary importance. A high seroprevalence in cows, sheep and goats and infection in different mosquito species has been observed in Central Europe. Therefore, we studied indigenous as well as exotic species of the genera Culex and Aedes for BATV vector competence at different fluctuating temperature profiles. METHODS Field caught Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, Culex torrentium, Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus japonicus from Germany and Aedes aegypti laboratory colony were infected with BATV strain 53.3 using artificial blood meals. Engorged mosquitoes were kept under four (Culex species) or three (Aedes species) fluctuating temperature profiles (18 ± 5 °C, 21 ± 5 °C, 24 ± 5 °C, 27 ± 5 °C) at a humidity of 70% and a dark/light rhythm of 12:12 for 14 days. Transmission was measured by testing the saliva obtained by forced salivation assay for viable BATV particles. Infection rates were analysed by testing whole mosquitoes for BATV RNA by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS No transmission was detected for Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus or Ae. japonicus japonicus. Infection was observed for Cx. p. pipiens, but only in the three conditions with the highest temperatures (21 ± 5 °C, 24 ± 5 °C, 27 ± 5 °C). In Cx. torrentium infection was measured at all tested temperatures with higher infection rates compared with Cx. p. pipiens. Transmission was only detected for Cx. torrentium exclusively at the highest temperature of 27 ± 5 °C. CONCLUSIONS Within the tested mosquito species, only Cx. torrentium seems to be able to transmit BATV if the climatic conditions are feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Heitmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- Institute for Dipterology (IfD), 67346, Speyer, Germany
- Center for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michelle Helms
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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Jawień P, Pfitzner WP, Schaffner F, Kiewra D. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Poland: An Update of Species Diversity and Current Challenges. INSECTS 2024; 15:353. [PMID: 38786909 PMCID: PMC11122502 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
This article presents the current state of knowledge of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) occurring in Poland. In comparison to the most recently published checklists (1999 and 2007), which listed 47 mosquito species, four species (Aedes japonicus, Anopheles daciae, Anopheles hyrcanus, and Anopheles petragnani) are added to the Polish fauna. Our new checklist of Polish mosquito fauna includes 51 species of mosquitoes from five genera: Aedes (30), Anopheles (8), Coquillettidia (1), Culiseta (7), and Culex (5). Aspects of the ecology and biology of the Polish mosquito fauna, with particular emphasis on newly recorded species, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Jawień
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland;
| | | | - Francis Schaffner
- Francis Schaffner Consultancy, Lörracherstrasse 50, 4125 Riehen, Switzerland;
| | - Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland;
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Gierek M, Ochała-Gierek G, Woźnica AJ, Zaleśny G, Jarosz A, Niemiec P. Winged Threat on the Offensive: A Literature Review Due to the First Identification of Aedes japonicus in Poland. Viruses 2024; 16:703. [PMID: 38793584 PMCID: PMC11125806 DOI: 10.3390/v16050703] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies preceded by the observation of an unknown mosquito species in Mikołów (Poland) confirmed that it belongs to a new invasive species in Polish fauna, Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901), a known vector for numerous infectious diseases. Ae. japonicus is expanding its geographical presence, raising concerns about potential disease transmission given its vector competence for chikungunya virus, dengue virus, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. This first genetically confirmed identification of Ae. japonicus in Poland initiates a comprehensive review of the literature on Ae. japonicus, its biology and ecology, and the viral infections transmitted by this species. This paper also presents the circumstances of the observation of Ae. japonicus in Poland and a methodology for identifying this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Gierek
- Center for Burns Treatment, 41-100 Siemianowice Śląskie, Poland;
| | | | - Andrzej Józef Woźnica
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 5B i 7A, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Zaleśny
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 5B i 7A, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Alicja Jarosz
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Paweł Niemiec
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
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Hernandez-Colina A, Seechurn N, Costa T, Lopez J, Baylis M, Hesson JC. Surveillance of Culex spp. vectors and zoonotic arboviruses at a zoo in the United Kingdom. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26477. [PMID: 38404807 PMCID: PMC10884501 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26477] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of several zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogens in Europe, including West Nile virus, Sindbis virus and Usutu virus, has emphasised the importance of consistent surveillance. Considerable fieldwork effort is usually needed to detect low-prevalence pathogens in mosquitoes and screening vertebrate hosts and reservoirs is rarely done simultaneously with mosquito sampling. Zoological gardens offer an opportunity for the surveillance of pathogens, mosquitoes, hosts, and reservoirs concurrently; thus, the aim of this study was undertaking integrated surveillance for mosquito-borne pathogens of wild birds and mosquitoes in Chester Zoo (Cheshire) in the United Kingdom. Mosquitoes were collected in September 2020 and tested for zoonotic bird-hosted arboviruses (i.e., West Nile virus, Usutu virus and Sindbis virus) using RT-qPCRs. Of the 3316 mosquitoes trapped, 98% were identified as Culex spp. The average minimum prevalence of the viruses found in the literature was used to calculate the sample size needed for detecting these viruses with 99% confidence. The testing of 2878 Culex females found no evidence of presence of the three viruses. Significant differences were found in mosquito abundance per sampling site and collection date; furthermore, important sources of immature and resting mosquitoes were found near aviaries. Eighteen wild birds belonging to 11 species were found dead in the zoo from May to December 2020 and were RT-qPCR tested for West Nile virus and Usutu virus; all samples resulted negative for viral infection. It is unlikely that these viruses were present in the zoo during the sampling period; however, since they circulate in Europe and Usutu virus has been isolated in the United Kingdom and may overwinter here, continued monitoring of mosquitoes and wild birds is recommended as virus introduction and dissemination are possible. This study highlights the importance of regular and integrated arboviral surveillance of zoonotic pathogens in zoos providing baseline information to that end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- 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
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - 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
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Taiana Costa
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- The Veterinary Pathology Group, Horner Court, 637 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BJ, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, 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
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Jenny C. Hesson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
- Biologisk Myggkontroll, Nedre Dalälvens Utvecklings AB, Gysinge, Sweden
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Radovanov J, Bijelović S, Kovačević G, Patić A, Pustahija T, Cvjetković IH. Mosquito and human surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases in the Serbian city of Novi Sad in 2022. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2023; 48:131-137. [PMID: 37843455 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-48.2.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Radovanov
- Centre for Hygiene and Human Ecology, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia,
| | - Sanja Bijelović
- Centre for Hygiene and Human Ecology, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gordana Kovačević
- Centre of Virology, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Patić
- Centre of Virology, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Pustahija
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
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Lühken R, Brattig N, Becker N. Introduction of invasive mosquito species into Europe and prospects for arbovirus transmission and vector control in an era of globalization. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:109. [PMID: 38037192 PMCID: PMC10687857 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01167-z] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito research in Europe has a long history, primarily focused on malaria vectors. In recent years, invasive mosquito species like the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the spread of arboviruses like dengue virus, chikungunya virus or bluetongue virus have led to an intensification of research and monitoring in Europe. The risk of further dissemination of exotic species and mosquito-borne pathogens is expected to increase with ongoing globalization, human mobility, transport geography, and climate warming. Researchers have conducted various studies to understand the ecology, biology, and effective control strategies of mosquitoes and associated pathogens. MAIN BODY Three invasive mosquito species are established in Europe: Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), Japanese bush mosquito (Ae. japonicus), and Korean bush mosquito (Aedes koreicus). Ae. albopictus is the most invasive species and has been established in Europe since 1990. Over the past two decades, there has been an increasing number of outbreaks of infections by mosquito-borne viruses in particular chikungunya virus, dengue virus or Zika virus in Europe primary driven by Ae. albopictus. At the same time, climate change with rising temperatures results in increasing threat of invasive mosquito-borne viruses, in particular Usutu virus and West Nile virus transmitted by native Culex mosquito species. Effective mosquito control programs require a high level of community participation, going along with comprehensive information campaigns, to ensure source reduction and successful control. Control strategies for container breeding mosquitoes like Ae. albopictus or Culex species involve community participation, door-to-door control activities in private areas. Further measures can involve integration of sterile insect techniques, applying indigenous copepods, Wolbachia sp. bacteria, or genetically modified mosquitoes, which is very unlike to be practiced as standard method in the near future. CONCLUSIONS Climate change and globalization resulting in the increased establishment of invasive mosquitoes in particular of the Asian tiger mosquito Ae. albopictus in Europe within the last 30 years and increasing outbreaks of infections by mosquito-borne viruses warrants intensification of research and monitoring. Further, effective future mosquito control programs require increase in intense community and private participation, applying physical, chemical, biological, and genetical control activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Norbert Brattig
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- Institute for Dipterology, 67346, Speyer, Germany
- Institute for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
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Garrigós M, Garrido M, Panisse G, Veiga J, Martínez-de la Puente J. Interactions between West Nile Virus and the Microbiota of Culex pipiens Vectors: A Literature Review. Pathogens 2023; 12:1287. [PMID: 38003752 PMCID: PMC10675824 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV) naturally circulates between mosquitoes and birds, potentially affecting humans and horses. Different species of mosquitoes play a role as vectors of WNV, with those of the Culex pipiens complex being particularly crucial for its circulation. Different biotic and abiotic factors determine the capacity of mosquitoes for pathogen transmission, with the mosquito gut microbiota being recognized as an important one. Here, we review the published studies on the interactions between the microbiota of the Culex pipiens complex and WNV infections in mosquitoes. Most articles published so far studied the interactions between bacteria of the genus Wolbachia and WNV infections, obtaining variable results regarding the directionality of this relationship. In contrast, only a few studies investigate the role of the whole microbiome or other bacterial taxa in WNV infections. These studies suggest that bacteria of the genera Serratia and Enterobacter may enhance WNV development. Thus, due to the relevance of WNV in human and animal health and the important role of mosquitoes of the Cx. pipiens complex in its transmission, more research is needed to unravel the role of mosquito microbiota and those factors affecting this microbiota on pathogen epidemiology. In this respect, we finally propose future lines of research lines on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garrigós
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.); (J.V.); (J.M.-d.l.P.)
| | - Mario Garrido
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.); (J.V.); (J.M.-d.l.P.)
| | - Guillermo Panisse
- CEPAVE—Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores CONICET-UNLP, La Plata 1900, Argentina;
| | - Jesús Veiga
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.); (J.V.); (J.M.-d.l.P.)
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.); (J.V.); (J.M.-d.l.P.)
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Kouroupis D, Charisi K, Pyrpasopoulou A. The Ongoing Epidemic of West Nile Virus in Greece: The Contribution of Biological Vectors and Reservoirs and the Importance of Climate and Socioeconomic Factors Revisited. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:453. [PMID: 37755914 PMCID: PMC10536956 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases have inflicted a significant health and socioeconomic burden upon the global population and governments worldwide. West Nile virus, a zoonotic, mosquito-borne flavivirus, was originally isolated in 1937 from a febrile patient in the West Nile Province of Uganda. It remained confined mainly to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe and Australia until 1999, circulating in an enzootic mosquito-bird transmission cycle. Since the beginning of the 21st century, a new, neurotropic, more virulent strain was isolated from human outbreaks initially occurring in North America and later expanding to South and South-eastern Europe. Since 2010, when the first epidemic was recorded in Greece, annual incidence has fluctuated significantly. A variety of environmental, biological and socioeconomic factors have been globally addressed as potential regulators of the anticipated intensity of the annual incidence rate; circulation within the zoonotic reservoirs, recruitment and adaptation of new potent arthropod vectors, average winter and summer temperatures, precipitation during the early summer months, and socioeconomic factors, such as the emergence and progression of urbanization and the development of densely populated areas in association with insufficient health policy measures. This paper presents a review of the biological and socioenvironmental factors influencing the dynamics of the epidemics of West Nile virus (WNV) cases in Greece, one of the highest-ranked European countries in terms of annual incidence. To date, WNV remains an unpredictable opponent as is also the case with other emerging infectious diseases, forcing the National Health systems to develop response strategies, control the number of infections, and shorten the duration of the epidemics, thus minimizing the impact on human and material resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kouroupis
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Konstantina Charisi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Athina Pyrpasopoulou
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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Soto A, De Coninck L, Devlies AS, Van De Wiele C, Rosales Rosas AL, Wang L, Matthijnssens J, Delang L. Belgian Culex pipiens pipiens are competent vectors for West Nile virus while Culex modestus are competent vectors for Usutu virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011649. [PMID: 37729233 PMCID: PMC10545110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are emerging arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) in Europe transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. In Belgium, it is currently unknown which Culex species are competent vectors for WNV or USUV and if these mosquitoes carry Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium that can block arbovirus transmission. The aims of our study were to measure the vector competence of Belgian Culex mosquitoes to WNV and USUV and determine if a naturally acquired Wolbachia infection can influence virus transmission. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Female Culex mosquitoes were captured from urban and peri-urban sites in Leuven, Belgium and offered an infectious bloodmeal containing WNV lineage 2, USUV European (EU) lineage 3, or USUV African (AF) lineage 3. Blood-fed females were incubated for 14 days at 25°C after which the body, head, and saliva were collected to measure infection, dissemination, and transmission rates as well as transmission efficiency. Mosquito species were identified by qRT-PCR or Sanger sequencing, the presence of infectious virus in mosquitoes was confirmed by plaque assays, and viral genome copies were quantified by qRT-PCR. Culex pipiens pipiens were able to transmit WNV (4.3% transmission efficiency, n = 2/47) but not USUV (EU lineage: n = 0/56; AF lineage: n = 0/37). In contrast, Culex modestus were able to transmit USUV (AF lineage: 20% transmission efficiency, n = 1/5) but not WNV (n = 0/6). We found that the presence or absence of Wolbachia was species-dependent and did not associate with virus transmission. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This is the first report that Belgian Culex mosquitoes can transmit both WNV and USUV, forewarning the risk of human transmission. More research is needed to understand the potential influence of Wolbachia on arbovirus transmission in Culex modestus mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Soto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lander De Coninck
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann-Sophie Devlies
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Van De Wiele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Lucia Rosales Rosas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lanjiao Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jelle Matthijnssens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Delang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Martínez D, Gómez M, De Las Salas JL, Hernández C, Flórez AZ, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Employing Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) for understanding the ecology and transmission dynamics of flaviviruses in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from eastern Colombia. Acta Trop 2023:106972. [PMID: 37331645 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Studies focused on identifying the viral species of Flavivirus in vectors are scarce in Latin America and particularly in Colombia. Therefore, the frequency of infection of the Flavivirus genus and its feeding preferences were identified in the mosquito species circulating in the municipality of Puerto Carreño-Vichada, located in the Eastern Plains of Colombia. This was done by sequencing the viral NS5 and vertebrate 12S rRNA genes, respectively, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). A total of 1,159 mosquitoes were captured, with the most abundant species being Aedes serratus at 73.6% (n=853). All the mosquitoes were processed in 230 pools (2-6 individuals) and 51 individuals, where 37.01% (n=104) were found to be infected with Flavivirus. In these samples, infection by arboviruses of epidemiological importance, such as dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), was ruled out by PCR. However, through sequencing, infection by different insect-specific viruses (ISFVs) and a medically important virus, West Nile virus (WNV), were identified in a mosquito of the Culex browni species. Additionally, the feeding patterns showed that most species present a generalist behavior. Given the above, conducting entomovirological surveillance studies is crucial, especially in areas of low anthropogenic intervention, due to the high probability that potentially pathogenic viruses could generate spillover events under deforestation scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marcela Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas (NÚCLEO) Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | | | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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12
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Sauer FG, Lange U, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Kiel E, Wiatrowska B, Myczko Ł, Lühken R. Overwintering Culex torrentium in abandoned animal burrows as a reservoir for arboviruses in Central Europe. One Health 2023; 16:100572. [PMID: 37363228 PMCID: PMC10288133 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Culex pipiens s.s./Culex torrentium belong to the most widespread mosquito taxa in Europe and are the main vectors of Sindbis, West Nile and Usutu virus. The adult overwintering females can act as reservoir for these arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), thus contributing to their local persistence when transmission cycles are interrupted during the winter. However, the main overwintering sites of Cx. torrentium are unknown. In a study from 2017, 3455 Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium specimens were collected from abandoned animal burrows in Poznan, Poland. These specimens were retrospectively identified to species-level with a PCR assay, which revealed Cx. torrentium as dominant species (> 60%). Motivated by these results, we conducted a field study from February to July 2022 to systematically analyse the overwintering site patterns of Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium. Mosquitoes were sampled using pipe traps in abandoned animal burrows (n = 20) and with aspirators in nearby anthropogenic overwintering sites (n = 23). All Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium were screened for Flaviviridae RNA. In total, 4710 mosquitoes of five different taxa were collected from anthropogenic sites. 3977 of them were identified as Cx. p. pipiens/Cx. torrentium (Cx. p. pipiens: 85%, Cx torrentium: 1%, pools with both species: 14%). In contrast, only Cx. p. pipiens/Cx. torrentium (1688 specimens) were collected from animal burrows dominated by Cx. torrentium (52%), followed by pools with both species (40%) and Cx. p pipiens (8%). A single pool of 10 Cx. torrentium specimens collected from an animal burrow was positive for Usutu virus. The detection of Usutu virus demonstrates that Cx. torrentium can act as winter reservoir for arboviruses. Abandoned animal burrows may by the primary overwintering site for the species and should be considered in future surveillance programmes, when sampling overwintering mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix G. Sauer
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Unchana Lange
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ellen Kiel
- Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Blanka Wiatrowska
- Department of Botany and Forest Habitats, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Myczko
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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13
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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.
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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
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14
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Jansen S, Heitmann A, Uusitalo R, Korhonen EM, Lühken R, Kliemke K, Lange U, Helms M, Kirjalainen L, Nykänen R, Gregow H, Pirinen P, Rossini G, Vapalahti O, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Huhtamo E. Vector Competence of Northern European Culex pipiens Biotype pipiens and Culex torrentium to West Nile Virus and Sindbis Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030592. [PMID: 36992301 PMCID: PMC10056470 DOI: 10.3390/v15030592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The West Nile Virus (WNV) and Sindbis virus (SINV) are avian-hosted mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses that co-circulate in some geographical areas and share vector species such as Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium. These are widespread in Europe, including northern parts and Finland, where SINV is endemic, but WNV is currently not. As WNV is spreading northwards in Europe, we wanted to assess the experimental vector competence of Finnish Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium mosquitoes to WNV and SINV in different temperature profiles. Both mosquito species were found susceptible to both viruses and got infected via infectious blood meal at a mean temperature of 18 °C. WNV-positive saliva was detected at a mean temperature of 24 °C, whereas SINV-positive saliva was detected already at a mean temperature of 18 °C. Cx. torrentium was found to be a more efficient vector for WNV and SINV over Cx. pipiens. Overall, the results were in line with the previous studies performed with more southern vector populations. The current climate does not seem optimal for WNV circulation in Finland, but temporary summertime transmission could occur in the future if all other essential factors are in place. More field data would be needed for monitoring and understanding the northward spreading of WNV in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Heitmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi M. Korhonen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Unchana Lange
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michelle Helms
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lauri Kirjalainen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Roope Nykänen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hilppa Gregow
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, 00101 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pentti Pirinen
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, 00101 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giada Rossini
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Virology and Immunology, Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUSLAB), 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eili Huhtamo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence:
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15
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Bialosuknia SM, Dupuis II AP, Zink SD, Koetzner CA, Maffei JG, Owen JC, Landwerlen H, Kramer LD, Ciota AT. Adaptive evolution of West Nile virus facilitated increased transmissibility and prevalence in New York State. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:988-999. [PMID: 35317702 PMCID: PMC8982463 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2056521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV; Flavivirus, Flaviviridae) was introduced to New York State (NYS) in 1999 and rapidly expanded its range through the continental United States (US). Apart from the displacement of the introductory NY99 genotype with the WN02 genotype, there has been little evidence of adaptive evolution of WNV in the US. WNV NY10, characterized by shared amino acid substitutions R1331K and I2513M, emerged in 2010 coincident with increased WNV cases in humans and prevalence in mosquitoes. Previous studies demonstrated an increase in frequency of NY10 strains in NYS and evidence of positive selection. Here, we present updated surveillance and sequencing data for WNV in NYS and investigate if NY10 genotype strains are associated with phenotypic change consistent with an adaptive advantage. Results confirm a significant increase in prevalence in mosquitoes though 2018, and updated sequencing demonstrates a continued dominance of NY10. We evaluated NY10 strains in Culex pipiens mosquitoes to assess vector competence and found that the NY10 genotype is associated with both increased infectivity and transmissibility. Experimental infection of American robins (Turdus migratorius) was additionally completed to assess viremia kinetics of NY10 relative to WN02. Modelling the increased infectivity and transmissibility of the NY10 strains together with strain-specific viremia demonstrates a mechanistic basis for selection that has likely contributed to the increased prevalence of WNV in NYS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Bialosuknia
- New York State Department of Health, The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, Slingerlands, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Alan P. Dupuis II
- New York State Department of Health, The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, Slingerlands, NY, USA
| | - Steven D. Zink
- New York State Department of Health, The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, Slingerlands, NY, USA
| | - Cheri A. Koetzner
- New York State Department of Health, The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, Slingerlands, NY, USA
| | - Joseph G. Maffei
- New York State Department of Health, The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, Slingerlands, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Owen
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hannah Landwerlen
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Laura D. Kramer
- New York State Department of Health, The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, Slingerlands, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Alexander T. Ciota
- New York State Department of Health, The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, Slingerlands, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, NY, USA
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16
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Vector Competence of Mosquitoes from Germany for Sindbis Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122644. [PMID: 36560650 PMCID: PMC9785343 DOI: 10.3390/v14122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are an emerging global health threat in the last few decades. One important arbovirus family is the Togaviridae, including the species Sindbis virus within the genus Alphavirus. Sindbis virus (SINV) is transmitted by mosquitoes, but available data about the role of different mosquito species as potent vectors for SINV are scarce. Therefore, we investigated seven mosquito species, collected from the field in Germany (Ae. koreicus, Ae. geniculatus, Ae. sticticus, Cx. torrentium, Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens) as well as lab strains (Ae. albopictus, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, Cx. quinquefasciatus), for their vector competence for SINV. Analysis was performed via salivation assay and saliva was titrated to calculate the amount of infectious virus particles per saliva sample. All Culex and Aedes species were able to transmit SINV. Transmission could be detected at all four investigated temperature profiles (of 18 ± 5 °C, 21 ± 5 °C, 24 ± 5 °C or 27 ± 5 °C), and no temperature dependency could be observed. The concentration of infectious virus particles per saliva sample was in the same range for all species, which may suggest that all investigated mosquito species are able to transmit SINV in Germany.
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17
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Sauer FG, Timmermann E, Lange U, Lühken R, Kiel E. Effects of Hibernation Site, Temperature, and Humidity on the Abundance and Survival of Overwintering Culex pipiens pipiens and Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:2013-2021. [PMID: 36130183 PMCID: PMC9667720 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the hibernation site preferences and the factors which influence winter survival in these hibernation sites may enhance understanding of mosquito population dynamics after winter and how arboviruses persist in temperate regions. Our study quantified the number of adult overwintering mosquitoes in cellars and aboveground constructions and analyzed survival rates in relation to the environmental conditions in these sites. During the winters 2016/2017 and 2018/2019, 149 different constructions in Northwest Germany were sampled for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were detected in 44% of the cellars and in 33% of the aboveground constructions. Culex p. pipiens Linnaeus was the most abundant species in cellars, whereas high numbers of Anopheles messeae Falleroni were collected from a single barn. Subsequently, an enclosure study was conducted during 2019/2020. Overwintering field-collected Cx. p. pipiens and An. messeae were divided into groups with or without fructose availability, and placed in cages with different man-made hibernations sites, where temperature and relative humidity were recorded hourly. For both species, increasing mean temperatures (5-16°C) but not mean relative humidity (58-94%) were correlated with winter mortality rates of the mosquitoes. The lipid measurements were greater and mortality rates were lower when both species were provided fructose. Larger specimens (determined by wing length) stored more lipids, and in Cx. p pipiens, but not in An. messeae, survival probability of large specimens was significantly greater than for small females. Mosquitoes showed a distinct pattern in the selection of overwintering sites, while temperature was an important driver for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E Timmermann
- Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - U Lange
- Arbovirus Ecology, Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - R Lühken
- Arbovirus Ecology, Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Kiel
- Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
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18
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Pallari CT, Christodoulou V, Koliou M, Kirschel ANG. First detection of WNV RNA presence in field-collected mosquitoes in Cyprus. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106470. [PMID: 35430264 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) infections have increased over recent years to the extent that WNV has become one of the most widespread arboviruses in the world, with potential consequences for both human and animal health. While much is known about WNV and the vectors that transmit it from their primary hosts across continental Europe, little is known about the epidemiology of the disease on the island of Cyprus. In this study, the aim was to investigate the prevalence of WNV infection in potential mosquito vectors for the first time in the Republic of Cyprus, using WNV surveillance of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were collected in 2019, during which an outbreak in humans had occurred, and sampled mosquitoes were then examined for WNV infection by testing them for the presence of WNV RNA. Of 126 mosquito pools tested, one pool, containing Culex pipiens mosquitoes sampled from the Nicosia district, was found to be positive for the presence of WNV RNA. The positive pool found in this study represents the first demonstration of WNV in mosquitoes in Cyprus and confirms that human cases in Cyprus are likely the result of transmission via local Culex mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chryso Th Pallari
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus
| | | | - Maria Koliou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Siakoleio Center of Clinical Medicine, 2029 Aglantzia PO Box 20537, 1678, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alexander N G Kirschel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus.
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Vector Competence of the Invasive Mosquito Species Aedes koreicus for Arboviruses and Interference with a Novel Insect Specific Virus. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122507. [PMID: 34960776 PMCID: PMC8704790 DOI: 10.3390/v13122507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The global spread of invasive mosquito species increases arbovirus infections. In addition to the invasive species Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus, Aedes koreicus has spread within Central Europe. Extensive information on its vector competence is missing. Ae. koreicus from Germany were investigated for their vector competence for chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Experiments were performed under different climate conditions (27 ± 5 °C; 24 ± 5 °C) for fourteen days. Ae. koreicus had the potential to transmit CHIKV and ZIKV but not WNV. Transmission was exclusively observed at the higher temperature, and transmission efficiency was rather low, at 4.6% (CHIKV) or 4.7% (ZIKV). Using a whole virome analysis, a novel mosquito-associated virus, designated Wiesbaden virus (WBDV), was identified in Ae. koreicus. Linking the WBDV infection status of single specimens to their transmission capability for the arboviruses revealed no influence on ZIKV transmission. In contrast, a coinfection of WBDV and CHIKV likely has a boost effect on CHIKV transmission. Due to its current distribution, the risk of arbovirus transmission by Ae. koreicus in Europe is rather low but might gain importance, especially in regions with higher temperatures. The impact of WBDV on arbovirus transmission should be analyzed in more detail.
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20
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First Evidence of West Nile Virus Overwintering in Mosquitoes in Germany. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122463. [PMID: 34960732 PMCID: PMC8703620 DOI: 10.3390/v13122463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes collected from mid-December 2020 to early March 2021 from hibernacula in northeastern Germany, a region of West Nile virus (WNV) activity since 2018, were examined for WNV-RNA. Among the 6101 mosquitoes tested in 722 pools of up to 12 specimens, one pool of 10 Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes collected in early March 2021 in the cellar of a medieval castle in Rosslau, federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, tested positive. Subsequent mosquito DNA analysis produced Culex pipiens biotype pipiens. The pool homogenate remaining after nucleic acid extraction failed to grow the virus on Vero and C6/36 cells. Sequencing of the viral NS2B-NS3 coding region, however, demonstrated high homology with virus strains previously collected in Germany, e.g., from humans, birds, and mosquitoes, which have been designated the East German WNV clade. The finding confirms the expectation that WNV can overwinter in mosquitoes in Germany, facilitating an early start to the natural transmission season in the subsequent year. On the other hand, the calculated low infection prevalence of 0.016–0.20%, depending on whether one or twelve of the mosquitoes in the positive pool was/were infected, indicates a slow epidemic progress and mirrors the still-hypoendemic situation in Germany. In any case, local overwintering of the virus in mosquitoes suggests its long-term persistence and an enduring public health issue.
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Fynmore N, Lühken R, Maisch H, Risch T, Merz S, Kliemke K, Ziegler U, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Becker N. Rapid assessment of West Nile virus circulation in a German zoo based on honey-baited FTA cards in combination with box gravid traps. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:449. [PMID: 34488835 PMCID: PMC8419893 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04951-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For over a decade, monitoring of West Nile virus (WNV) in Germany has consisted of a bird monitoring programme as well as a mosquito-based surveillance programme employing CO2-baited encephalitis vector surveillance (EVS) traps for mass trapping and screening of mosquitoes. In contrast to the EVS traps, the Reiter/Cummings type box gravid trap collects gravid female mosquitoes, which have already taken a blood meal, increasing the likelihood of being infected with pathogens. The traps can be equipped with a honey-baited Flinders Technology Associates® (FTA) card to encourage sugar feeding by the trapped mosquitoes. FTA cards contain nucleic acid preserving substances, which prevent the degradation of viral RNA in the expectorated mosquito saliva and allows for testing the card for flavivirus RNA. This study aimed to assess the suitability of the method for WNV surveillance in Germany as an alternative to previous methods, which are expensive, time-consuming, and predominantly target host-seeking populations less likely to be infected with WNV. Methods In the Thüringer Zoopark Erfurt, snowy owls (Nyctea scandiaca) and greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) died of WNV infections in July and August 2020. In response, five Reiter/Cummings type box gravid traps were positioned during the daytime on the 10th, 13th, and 16th of September in five different locations. The FTA cards and mosquitoes in the chamber were collected, kept in a cool chain, and further processed for virus detection using a modified generic flavivirus reverse transcription PCR. Results A total of 15 trappings during September collected a total of 259 female mosquitoes, 97% of which were Culex pipiens sensu lato, as well as 14 honey-baited FTA cards. Eight mosquitoes tested PCR-positive for WNV. Four FTA cards tested PCR-positive for mosquito-borne flaviviruses, two of which were confirmed as WNV, and the remaining two confirmed as Usutu virus. Conclusion The suitability of the FTA cards in preserving viral RNA in the field and rapid turnaround time from collection to result is combined with a simple, cost-effective, and highly specific trapping method to create an arbovirus surveillance system, which circumvents many of the difficulties of previous surveillance programmes that required the analysis of mosquitoes in the laboratory. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle Fynmore
- Institute of Dipterology (IfD), Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 3, 67346, Speyer, Germany.,The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Renke Lühken
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heike Maisch
- Thüringer Zoopark Erfurt, Am Zoopark 1, 99087, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Tina Risch
- Thüringer Zoopark Erfurt, Am Zoopark 1, 99087, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Sabine Merz
- Thüringer Zoopark Erfurt, Am Zoopark 1, 99087, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Konstantin Kliemke
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.,Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- Institute of Dipterology (IfD), Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 3, 67346, Speyer, Germany. .,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Moosa-Kazemi S, Sedaghat M, Asgarian T, Dehghani R, Mirolyaei A. Monitor mosquito activity using standard ovitraps in Kashan County, Central Iran (April to Late September 2019). INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/iahs.iahs_75_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Holicki CM, Scheuch DE, Ziegler U, Lettow J, Kampen H, Werner D, Groschup MH. German Culex pipiens biotype molestus and Culex torrentium are vector-competent for Usutu virus. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:625. [PMID: 33380339 PMCID: PMC7774236 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usutu virus (USUV) is a rapidly spreading zoonotic arbovirus (arthropod-borne virus) and a considerable threat to the global avifauna and in isolated cases to human health. It is maintained in an enzootic cycle involving ornithophilic mosquitoes as vectors and birds as reservoir hosts. Despite massive die-offs in wild bird populations and the detection of severe neurological symptoms in infected humans, little is known about which mosquito species are involved in the propagation of USUV. METHODS In the present study, the vector competence of a German (i.e. "Central European") and a Serbian (i.e. "Southern European") Culex pipiens biotype molestus laboratory colony was experimentally evaluated. For comparative purposes, Culex torrentium, a frequent species in Northern Europe, and Aedes aegypti, a primarily tropical species, were also tested. Adult female mosquitoes were exposed to bovine blood spiked with USUV Africa 2 and subsequently incubated at 25 °C. After 2 to 3 weeks saliva was collected from each individual mosquito to assess the ability of a mosquito species to transmit USUV. RESULTS Culex pipiens biotype molestus mosquitoes originating from Germany and the Republic of Serbia and Cx. torrentium mosquitoes from Germany proved competent for USUV, as indicated by harboring viable virus in their saliva 21 days post infection. By contrast, Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were relatively refractory to an USUV infection, exhibiting low infection rates and lacking virus in their saliva. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with the high prevalences and abundances of Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and Cx. torrentium in Central and Northern Europe, these two species have most likely played a historic role in the spread, maintenance, and introduction of USUV into Germany. Identification of the key USUV vectors enables the establishment and implementation of rigorous entomological surveillance programs and the development of effective, evidence-based vector control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora M Holicki
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Dorothee E Scheuch
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Julia Lettow
- Institute of Infectiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Helge Kampen
- Institute of Infectiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Biodiversity of Aquatic and Semiaquatic Landscape Features, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Bergman A, Dahl E, Lundkvist Å, Hesson JC. Sindbis Virus Infection in Non-Blood-Fed Hibernating Culex pipiens Mosquitoes in Sweden. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121441. [PMID: 33327649 PMCID: PMC7765111 DOI: 10.3390/v12121441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial, but unresolved question concerning mosquito-borne virus transmission is how these viruses can remain endemic in regions where the transmission is halted for long periods of time, due to mosquito inactivity in, e.g., winter. In northern Europe, Sindbis virus (SINV) (genus alphavirus, Togaviridae) is transmitted among birds by Culex mosquitoes during the summer, with occasional symptomatic infections occurring in humans. In winter 2018–19, we sampled hibernating Culex spp females in a SINV endemic region in Sweden and assessed them individually for SINV infection status, blood-feeding status, and species. The results showed that 35 out of the 767 collected mosquitoes were infected by SINV, i.e., an infection rate of 4.6%. The vast majority of the collected mosquitoes had not previously blood-fed (98.4%) and were of the species Cx. pipiens (99.5%). This is the first study of SINV overwintering, and it concludes that SINV can be commonly found in the hibernating Cx. pipiens population in an endemic region in Sweden, and that these mosquitoes become infected through other means besides blood-feeding. Further studies on mosquito ecology and viral interactions are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of the persistence of these viruses over winter.
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Martínez-Barciela Y, Martínez JMP, Torres MIS, Ortega ÁP, González JCO, González JG. First records of Anopheles (Anopheles) plumbeus Stephens, 1828 and Culex (Culex) torrentium Martini, 1925 (Diptera: Culicidae) in Galicia (NW Spain). JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2020; 45:306-311. [PMID: 33207068 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We present the first records of Anopheles (Anopheles) plumbeus Stephens, 1828 and Culex (Culex) torrentium Martini, 1925 in the autonomous region of Galicia (NW Spain), obtained through the Rede Galega de Vixilancia de Vectores (ReGaViVec). This entomological surveillance network, which was initiated in 2017 by the Xunta de Galicia in collaboration with the University of Vigo and the University of Santiago de Compostela, aims to detect the arrival of invasive vectors as well as to improve the knowledge about mosquito populations (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Galician territory. This study shows the first findings of these species in Galicia, which have been reported in six different locations throughout the region: five in the province of Pontevedra and one in the province of Lugo. The 51 captured specimens were collected at different stages of development between July and September, 2018 and 2019 by using specialized traps arranged in favorable regions for the settlement and development of culicids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Manuel Pereira Martínez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Isabel Silva Torres
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ánxela Pousa Ortega
- Couseling of Health, General Direction of Public Health (DXSP), Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Carlos Otero González
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Pathogenicity of West Nile Virus Lineage 1 to German Poultry. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030507. [PMID: 32899581 PMCID: PMC7563189 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that originates from Africa and at present causes neurological disease in birds, horses, and humans all around the globe. As West Nile fever is an important zoonosis, the role of free-ranging domestic poultry as a source of infection for humans should be evaluated. This study examined the pathogenicity of an Italian WNV lineage 1 strain for domestic poultry (chickens, ducks, and geese) held in Germany. All three species were subcutaneously injected with WNV, and the most susceptible species was also inoculated via mosquito bite. All species developed various degrees of viremia, viral shedding (oropharyngeal and cloacal), virus accumulation, and pathomorphological lesions. Geese were most susceptible, displaying the highest viremia levels. The tested waterfowl, geese, and especially ducks proved to be ideal sentinel species for WNV due to their high antibody levels and relatively low blood viral loads. None of the three poultry species can function as a reservoir/amplifying host for WNV, as their viremia levels most likely do not suffice to infect feeding mosquitoes. Due to the recent appearance of WNV in Germany, future pathogenicity studies should also include local virus strains.
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Feyer S, Bartenschlager F, Bertram CA, Ziegler U, Fast C, Klopfleisch R, Müller K. Clinical, pathological and virological aspects of fatal West Nile virus infections in ten free-ranging goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) in Germany. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:907-919. [PMID: 32743905 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic arbovirus, is a new epizootic disease in Germany and caused increasing avian and equine mortality since its first detection in 2018. The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is highly susceptible to fatal WNV disease and thus is considered as an indicator species for WNV emergence in European countries. Therefore, information regarding clinical presentation and pathological findings is important for identifying suspect cases and initiating further virological diagnostics. Between July and September 2019, ten free-ranging goshawks were admitted to the Small Animal Clinic of the Freie Universität Berlin with later confirmed WNV infection. Clinical, pathological and virological findings are summarized in this report. All birds were presented obtunded and in poor to cachectic body condition. Most of the birds were juveniles (8/10) and females (9/10). Neurologic abnormalities were observed in all birds and included stupor (3/10), seizures (3/10), head tremor (2/10), head tilt (2/10), ataxia (2/10) and monoplegia (2/10). Concurrent diseases like aerosacculitis/pneumonia (7/10), clinical infections with Eucoleus spp. and Trichomonas spp. (3/10), trauma-related injuries (3/10) and myiasis (2/10) were found. Blood analysis results were unspecific considering concurrent diseases. Median time of survival was two days. The most common pathological findings were meningoencephalitis (9/10), myocarditis (8/10), iridocyclitis (8/8) and myositis (7/10). WNV infection was diagnosed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by serology and immunohistochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Feyer
- Small Animal Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Bartenschlager
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christof A Bertram
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Müller
- Small Animal Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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A Comparison of Adult Mosquito Trapping Methods to Assess Potential West Nile Virus Mosquito Vectors in Greece during the Onset of the 2018 Transmission Season. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11060329. [PMID: 32471294 PMCID: PMC7348707 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) threatens the health of humans and equines worldwide. Culex (Cx.) pipiens complex mosquitoes are major vectors but numerous other species have been implicated. Due to variations in blood-feeding behaviour, Cx. pipiens biotypes and hybrids influence transmission, from enzootic cycles (between mosquitoes and birds), to spill-over transmission to humans and equines. In this study, mosquitoes were collected in May–June 2018 during the early period of the transmission season from two regional units of Greece, where WNV cases had been reported in the previous four years (Palaio Faliro and Argolida). A total of 1062 mosquitoes were collected with Biogents Sentinel 2 traps collecting both a greater number of all mosquito species and the Cx. pipiens complex than CDC miniature light traps or Heavy Duty EVS traps. Molecular identification confirmed additional species including Aedes albopictus. The proportion of Cx. pipiens biotypes in Palaio Faliro was 54.5% pipiens, 20.0% molestus and 25.5% hybrids. In Argolida, the collection comprised 68.1% pipiens biotype, 8.3% molestus biotype and 23.6% hybrids. Screening resulted in WNV detection in three females of the pipiens biotype and in one hybrid. As hybrids play a role in spill-over transmission, these findings highlight the importance of entomological surveillance programs incorporating molecular xenomonitoring as an early warning before human cases at the onset of the transmission season.
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Holicki CM, Ziegler U, Răileanu C, Kampen H, Werner D, Schulz J, Silaghi C, Groschup MH, Vasić A. West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Vector Competence of Indigenous Culex and Aedes Mosquitoes from Germany at Temperate Climate Conditions. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050561. [PMID: 32438619 PMCID: PMC7291008 DOI: 10.3390/v12050561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a widespread zoonotic arbovirus and a threat to public health in Germany since its first emergence in 2018. It has become of particular relevance in Germany in 2019 due to its rapid geographical spread and the detection of the first human clinical cases. The susceptibility of indigenous Culex pipiens (biotypes pipiens and molestus) for a German WNV lineage 2 strain was experimentally compared to that of Serbian Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and invasive German Aedes albopictus. All tested populations proved to be competent laboratory vectors of WNV. Culex pipiens biotype pipiens displayed the highest transmission efficiencies (40.0%–52.9%) at 25 °C. This biotype was also able to transmit WNV at 18 °C (transmission efficiencies of 4.4%–8.3%), proving that temperate climates in Central and Northern Europe may support WNV circulation. Furthermore, due to their feeding behaviors, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and Ae. albopictus can act as “bridge vectors”, leading to human WNV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora M. Holicki
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.M.H.); (U.Z.); (J.S.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.M.H.); (U.Z.); (J.S.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (H.K.); (C.S.)
| | - Helge Kampen
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (H.K.); (C.S.)
| | - Doreen Werner
- Biodiversity of Aquatic and Semiaquatic Landscape Features, Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, 15374 Muencheberg, Germany;
| | - Jana Schulz
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.M.H.); (U.Z.); (J.S.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (H.K.); (C.S.)
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.M.H.); (U.Z.); (J.S.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Ana Vasić
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (H.K.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Kampen H, Holicki CM, Ziegler U, Groschup MH, Tews BA, Werner D. West Nile Virus Mosquito Vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in Germany. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050493. [PMID: 32354202 PMCID: PMC7290393 DOI: 10.3390/v12050493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2018, West Nile virus (WNV) broke out for the first time in Germany, with continuation of the epidemic in 2019, involving birds, horses and humans. To identify vectors and characterize the virus, mosquitoes were collected in both years in zoological gardens and on a horse meadow immediately following the diagnosis of disease cases in birds and horses. Mosquitoes were identified and screened for WNV by qRT-PCR, with virus-positive samples being sequenced for the viral envelope protein gene. While no positive mosquitoes were found in 2018, seven mosquito pools tested positive for WNV in 2019 in the Tierpark (Wildlife Park) Berlin. The pools consisted of Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens (n = 5), and a mixture of Cx. p. biotype pipiens and Cx. p. biotype molestus (n = 2), or hybrids of these, and were collected between 13 August and 24 September 2019. The virus strain turned out to be nearly identical to two WNV strains isolated from birds diseased in 2018 in eastern Germany. The findings represent the first demonstration of WNV in mosquitoes in Germany and include the possibility of local overwintering of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Infectology, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Cora M. Holicki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Birke Andrea Tews
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Infectology, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, 15374 Muencheberg, Germany
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West Nile Virus Epidemic in Germany Triggered by Epizootic Emergence, 2019. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040448. [PMID: 32326472 PMCID: PMC7232143 DOI: 10.3390/v12040448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
One year after the first autochthonous transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) to birds and horses in Germany, an epizootic emergence of WNV was again observed in 2019. The number of infected birds and horses was considerably higher compared to 2018 (12 birds, two horses), resulting in the observation of the first WNV epidemy in Germany: 76 cases in birds, 36 in horses and five confirmed mosquito-borne, autochthonous human cases. We demonstrated that Germany experienced several WNV introduction events and that strains of a distinct group (Eastern German WNV clade), which was introduced to Germany as a single introduction event, dominated mosquito, birds, horse and human-related virus variants in 2018 and 2019. Virus strains in this clade are characterized by a specific-Lys2114Arg mutation, which might lead to an increase in viral fitness. Extraordinary high temperatures in 2018/2019 allowed a low extrinsic incubation period (EIP), which drove the epizootic emergence and, in the end, most likely triggered the 2019 epidemic. Spatiotemporal EIP values correlated with the geographical WNV incidence. This study highlights the risk of a further spread in Germany in the next years with additional human WNV infections. Thus, surveillance of birds is essential to provide an early epidemic warning and thus, initiate targeted control measures.
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Wöhnke E, Vasic A, Raileanu C, Holicki CM, Tews BA, Silaghi C. Comparison of vector competence of Aedes vexans Green River and Culex pipiens biotype pipiens for West Nile virus lineages 1 and 2. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:416-424. [PMID: 32162489 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic arbovirus, has recently established an autochthonous transmission cycle in Germany. In dead-end hosts like humans and horses the WNV infection may cause severe symptoms in the central nervous system. In nature, WNV is maintained in an enzootic transmission cycle between birds and ornithophilic mosquitoes. Bridge vector species, such as members of the Culex pipiens complex and Aedes spp., also widely distributed in Germany, might transmit WNV to other vertebrate host species. This study determined and compared the vector competence of field-collected northern-German Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and laboratory-reared Ae. vexans Green River (GR) for WNV lineage 1 (strain: Magpie/Italy/203204) and WNV lineage 2 (strain: "Austria") under temperatures typical for northern Germany in spring/summer and autumn. For assessment of vector competence, 7- to 14-day-old female mosquitoes were offered a WNV containing blood meal via Hemotek membrane feeding system or cotton-stick feeding. After incubation at 18°C respectively 24°C for 14 days engorged female mosquitoes were salivated and dissected for determination of infection, dissemination and transmission rates by reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Both Ae. vexans GR and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens were infected with both tested WNV strains and tested 14 days post-inoculation. Disseminated infections were detected only in Ae. vexans GR incubated at 18°C and in Cx. pipiens pipiens incubated at 24°C after infection with WNV lineage 1. Transmission of WNV lineage 1 was detected in Cx. pipiens pipiens incubated at 24°C. These results indicate that Cx. pipiens pipiens from Northern Germany may be involved in the transmission of WNV, also to dead-end hosts like humans and horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Wöhnke
- Laboratory of Vector Capacity, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ana Vasic
- Laboratory of Vector Capacity, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Cristian Raileanu
- Laboratory of Vector Capacity, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Cora Marielle Holicki
- Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Birke Andrea Tews
- Laboratory for Molecular Vector-Pathogen-Interaction, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Laboratory of Vector Capacity, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany.,University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Camp JV, Nowotny N. The knowns and unknowns of West Nile virus in Europe: what did we learn from the 2018 outbreak? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:145-154. [PMID: 31914833 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1713751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne human and animal pathogen with nearly worldwide distribution. In Europe, the virus is endemic with seasonal regional outbreaks that have increased in frequency over the last 10 years. A massive outbreak occurred across southern and central Europe in 2018 with the number of confirmed human cases increasing up to 7.2-fold from the previous year, and expanding to include previously virus-free regions.Areas covered: This review focuses on potential causes that may explain the 2018 European WNV outbreak. We discuss the role genetic, ecological, and environmental aspects may have played in the increased activity during the 2018 transmission season, summarizing the latest epidemiological and virological publications.Expert opinion: Optimal environmental conditions, specifically increased temperature, were most likely responsible for the observed outbreak. Other factors cannot be ruled out due to limited available information, including factors that may influence host/vector abundance and contact. Europe will likely experience even larger-scale outbreaks in the coming years. Increased surveillance efforts should be implemented with a focus on early-warning detection methods, and large-scale host and vector surveys should continue to fill gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Michel F, Sieg M, Fischer D, Keller M, Eiden M, Reuschel M, Schmidt V, Schwehn R, Rinder M, Urbaniak S, Müller K, Schmoock M, Lühken R, Wysocki P, Fast C, Lierz M, Korbel R, Vahlenkamp TW, Groschup MH, Ziegler U. Evidence for West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Infections in Wild and Resident Birds in Germany, 2017 and 2018. Viruses 2019; 11:v11070674. [PMID: 31340516 PMCID: PMC6669720 DOI: 10.3390/v11070674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds play an important role as reservoir hosts and vectors for zoonotic arboviruses and foster their spread. Usutu virus (USUV) has been circulating endemically in Germany since 2011, while West Nile virus (WNV) was first diagnosed in several bird species and horses in 2018. In 2017 and 2018, we screened 1709 live wild and zoo birds with real-time polymerase chain reaction and serological assays. Moreover, organ samples from bird carcasses submitted in 2017 were investigated. Overall, 57 blood samples of the live birds (2017 and 2018), and 100 organ samples of dead birds (2017) were positive for USUV-RNA, while no WNV-RNA-positive sample was found. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of USUV lineage Europe 2 in Germany and the spread of USUV lineages Europe 3 and Africa 3 towards Northern Germany. USUV antibody prevalence rates were high in Eastern Germany in both years. On the contrary, in Northern Germany, high seroprevalence rates were first detected in 2018, with the first emergence of USUV in this region. Interestingly, high WNV-specific neutralizing antibody titers were observed in resident and short-distance migratory birds in Eastern Germany in 2018, indicating the first signs of a local WNV circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Michel
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominik Fischer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 91, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reuschel
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 17, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rebekka Schwehn
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
- Seehundstation Nationalpark-Haus Norden-Norddeich, Dörper Weg 24, D-26506 Norden, Germany
| | - Monika Rinder
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Sonnenstraße 18, D-85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Sylvia Urbaniak
- Birds of Prey Rehab Center Rhineland (Greifvogelhilfe Rheinland)/Tierarztpraxis Sudhoff, Hehnerholt 105, D-41069 Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Kerstin Müller
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19 b, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Schmoock
- Wildpark Schwarze Berge GmbH & Co. KG, Am Wildpark 1, D-21224 Rosengarten, Germany
- Tiermedizin am Rothenbaum, Rothenbaumchaussee 195, D-20149 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhardt-Nocht Straße 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Wysocki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Michael Lierz
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 91, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Korbel
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Sonnenstraße 18, D-85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Thomas W Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology (Faculty of veterinary medicine), Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler Insitut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Savic V, Petrovic T, Toplak I, Barbic L, Petric D, Tabain I, Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic I, Bogdanic M, Klobucar A, Mrzljak A, Stevanovic V, Dinjar-Kujundzic P, Radmanic L, Monaco F, Listes E, Savini G. Emerging Trends in the Epidemiology of West Nile and Usutu Virus Infections in Southern Europe. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:437. [PMID: 31867347 PMCID: PMC6908483 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology of West Nile (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Since 1999, there have been regular reports of WNV outbreaks and the virus has expanded its area of circulation in many Southern European countries. After emerging in Italy in 1996, USUV has spread to other countries causing mortality in several bird species. In 2009, USUV seroconversion in horses was reported in Italy. Co-circulation of both viruses was detected in humans, horses and birds. The main vector of WNV and USUV in Europe is Culex pipiens, however, both viruses were found in native Culex mosquito species (Cx. modestus, Cx. perexiguus). Experimental competence to transmit the WNV was also proven for native and invasive mosquitoes of Aedes and Culex genera (Ae. albopictus, Ae. detritus, Cx. torrentium). Recently, Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus naturally-infected with USUV were reported. While neuroinvasive human WNV infections are well-documented, USUV infections are sporadically detected. However, there is increasing evidence of a role of USUV in human disease. Seroepidemiological studies showed that USUV circulation is more common than WNV in some endemic regions. Recent data showed that WNV strains detected in humans, horses, birds, and mosquitoes mainly belong to lineage 2. In addition to European USUV lineages, some reports indicate the presence of African USUV lineages as well. The trends in WNV/USUV range and vector expansion are likely to continue in future years. This mini-review provides an update on the epidemiology of WNV and USUV infections in Southern Europe within a multidisciplinary "One Health" context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- *Correspondence: Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Poultry Center, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tamas Petrovic
- Department for Virology, Scientific Veterinary Institute, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivan Toplak
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases With Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dusan Petric
- Laboratory for Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Irena Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic
- Center for Microbiology, Institute of Public Health Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Klobucar
- Division of Disinfection, Disinfestation and Pest Control, Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases With Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Luka Radmanic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases With Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Federica Monaco
- OIE Reference Center for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Eddy Listes
- Laboratory for Diagnostics, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Regional Institute Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Giovanni Savini
- OIE Reference Center for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
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