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Dos Santos FAA, Barros SC, Fagulha T, Ramos F, Henriques AM, Duarte A, Magalhães A, Luís T, Duarte MD. First detection of Bagaza virus in Common magpies (Pica pica), Portugal 2023. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19452. [PMID: 39169115 PMCID: PMC11339381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Bagaza virus (BAGV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae, genus Orthoflavivirus, Ntaya serocomplex. Like other viruses of the Ntaya and Japanese encephalitis serocomplexes, it is maintained in nature in transmission cycles involving viremic wild bird reservoirs and Culex spp. mosquitoes. The susceptibility of red-legged partridge, ring-necked pheasant, Himalayan monal and common wood pigeon is well known. Determining whether other species are susceptible to BAGV infection is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of disease transmission and maintenance. In September 2023, seven Eurasian magpies were found dead in a rural area in the Mértola district (southern Portugal) where a BAGV-positive cachectic red-legged partridge had been found two weeks earlier. BAGV had also been detected in several red-legged partridges in the same area in September 2021. Three of the magpies were tested for Bagaza virus, Usutu virus, West Nile virus, Avian influenza virus and Avian paramyxovirus serotype 1, and were positive for BAGV only. Sequencing data confirmed the specificity of the molecular detection. Our results indicate that BAGV is circulating in southern Portugal and confirm that Eurasian magpie is potential susceptible to BAGV infection. The inclusion of the abundant Eurasian magpie in the list of BAGV hosts raises awareness of the potential role of this species as as an amplifying host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio A Abade Dos Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
- CECAV- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária- Faculdade de Medicina, Veterinária de Lisboa - Universidade Lusófona, Centro Universitário de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia C Barros
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Teresa Fagulha
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Ramos
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana M Henriques
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Duarte
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - André Magalhães
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Tiago Luís
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Margarida D Duarte
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Avenida da Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
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2
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Williams RAJ, Criollo Valencia HA, López Márquez I, González González F, Llorente F, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Busquets N, Mateo Barrientos M, Ortiz-Díez G, Ayllón Santiago T. West Nile Virus Seroprevalence in Wild Birds and Equines in Madrid Province, Spain. Vet Sci 2024; 11:259. [PMID: 38922006 PMCID: PMC11209238 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11060259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging flavivirus, primarily circulating among avian hosts and mosquito vectors, causing periodic outbreaks in humans and horses, often leading to neuroinvasive disease and mortality. Spain has reported several outbreaks, most notably in 2020 with seventy-seven human cases and eight fatalities. WNV has been serologically detected in horses in the Community of Madrid, but to our knowledge, it has never been reported from wild birds in this region. To estimate the seroprevalence of WNV in wild birds and horses in the Community of Madrid, 159 wild birds at a wildlife rescue center and 25 privately owned equines were sampled. Serum from thirteen birds (8.2%) and one equine (4.0%) tested positive with a WNV competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) designed for WNV antibody detection but sensitive to cross-reacting antibodies to other flaviviruses. Virus-neutralization test (VNT) confirmed WNV antibodies in four bird samples (2.5%), and antibodies to undetermined flavivirus in four additional samples. One equine sample (4.0%) tested positive for WNV by VNT, although this horse previously resided in a WN-endemic area. ELISA-positive birds included both migratory and resident species, juveniles and adults. Two seropositive juvenile birds suggest local flavivirus transmission within the Community of Madrid, while WNV seropositive adult birds may have been infected outside Madrid. The potential circulation of flaviviruses, including WNV, in birds in the Madrid Community raises concerns, although further surveillance of mosquitoes, wild birds, and horses in Madrid is necessary to establish the extent of transmission and the principal species involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. J. Williams
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Nováis, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Irene López Márquez
- Group for the Rehabilitation of Native Fauna and their Habitat—GREFA, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (I.L.M.); (F.G.G.)
| | - Fernando González González
- Group for the Rehabilitation of Native Fauna and their Habitat—GREFA, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (I.L.M.); (F.G.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Animal Health Research Center (CISA-INIA), CSIC, 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; (F.L.)
| | | | - Núria Busquets
- IRTA, Animal Health Program, Animal Health Research Center (CReSA), Campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Mixed Research Unit IRTA-UAB in Animal Health, Animal Health Research Center (CReSA), Campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo Barrientos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gustavo Ortiz-Díez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Tania Ayllón Santiago
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Nováis, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University, 28691 Madrid, Spain;
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3
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Tamba M, Bonilauri P, Galletti G, Casadei G, Santi A, Rossi A, Calzolari M. West Nile virus surveillance using sentinel birds: results of eleven years of testing in corvids in a region of northern Italy. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1407271. [PMID: 38818494 PMCID: PMC11138491 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1407271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The natural transmission cycle of West Nile virus (WNV) involves birds as primary hosts and mosquitoes as vectors, but this virus can spread to mammals, human beings included. Asymptomatic infected donors pose a risk to the safety of blood transfusions and organ transplants, as WNV can be transmitted through these medical procedures. Since 2009, the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy has been implementing an integrated surveillance system in order to detect WNV circulation in the environment at an early stage. Here we report the results of the two components of the surveillance system, the active testing of corvids and humans, and demonstrate that bird surveillance alone improves a surveillance system based solely on human case detection. As WNV risk reduction measures are applied on a provincial basis, we assessed the ability of this surveillance system component to detect virus circulation prior to the notification of the first human case for each province. Overall, 99 epidemic seasons were evaluated as a result of 11 years (2013-2023) of surveillance in the nine provinces of the region. In this period, 22,314 corvids were tested for WNV and 642 (2.9%) were found to be infected. WNV was generally first detected in birds in July, with sample prevalence peaks occurring between August and September. During the same period, 469 autochthonous human cases were notified, about 60% of which were reported in August. WNV was detected 79 times out of the 99 seasons considered. The virus was notified in birds 73 times (92.4%) and 60 times (75.9%) in humans. WNV was first or only notified in birds in 57 seasons (72.1%), while it was first or only notified in humans in 22 seasons (27.8%). Active surveillance in corvids generally allows the detection of WNV before the onset of human cases. Failure of virus detection occurred mainly in seasons where the number of birds tested was low. Our results show that active testing of a minimum of 3.8 corvids per 100 km2 provides a satisfactory timeliness in the virus detection, but for early detection of WNV it is crucial to test birds between mid-June and mid-August.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tamba
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
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Athanasakopoulou Z, Sofia M, Skampardonis V, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Tsolakos K, Spyrou V, Chatzopoulos DC, Satra M, Diamantopoulos V, Mpellou S, Galamatis D, G. Papatsiros V, Billinis C. Indication of West Nile Virus (WNV) Lineage 2 Overwintering among Wild Birds in the Regions of Peloponnese and Western Greece. Vet Sci 2023; 10:661. [PMID: 37999484 PMCID: PMC10674244 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus, has recently caused human outbreaks in Europe, including Greece. Its transmission cycle in nature includes wild birds as amplifying hosts and ornithophilic mosquito vectors. The aim of this study was to assess WNV circulation among wild birds from two regions of Greece, Peloponnese and Western Greece, during 2022. To this end, a total of 511 birds belonging to 37 different species were sampled and molecularly screened. WNV RNA was detected from February to November in a total of 71 wild birds of nine species originating from both investigated regions. The first eight positive samples were sequenced on a part of NS3 and, according to the phylogenetic analysis, they belonged to evolutionary lineage 2 and presented similarity to previous outbreak-causing Greek strains (Argolis 2017, Macedonia 2010 and 2012). It was more likely to identify a PCR positive bird as the population density and the distance from water sources decreased. The present report provides evidence of WNV occurrence in both Peloponnese and Western Greece during 2022 and underlines its possible overwintering, highlighting the need for avian species surveillance to be conducted annually and throughout the year. Magpies are proposed as sentinels for WNV monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Vassilis Skampardonis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Faculty of Forestry, Wood Science and Design, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | | | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Satra
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Spyridoula Mpellou
- Bioefarmoges Eleftheriou LP-Integrated Mosquito Control, 19007 Marathon, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Galamatis
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
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5
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García-Carrasco JM, Muñoz AR, Olivero J, Segura M, García-Bocanegra I, Real R. West Nile virus in the Iberian Peninsula: using equine cases to identify high-risk areas for humans. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200844. [PMID: 37796440 PMCID: PMC10557382 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.40.2200844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundWest Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus with an enzootic cycle between birds and mosquitoes; humans and horses are incidental dead-end hosts. In 2020, the largest outbreak of West Nile virus infection in the Iberian Peninsula occurred, with 141 clusters in horses and 77 human cases.AimWe analysed which drivers influence spillover from the cycle to humans and equines and identified areas at risk for WNV transmission.MethodsBased on data on WNV cases in horses and humans in 2020 in Portugal and Spain, we developed logistic regression models using environmental and anthropic variables to highlight risk areas. Models were adapted to a high-resolution risk map.ResultsCases of WNV in horses could be used as indicators of viral activity and thus predict cases in humans. The risk map of horses was able to define high-risk areas for previous cases in humans and equines in Portugal and Spain, as well as predict human and horse cases in the transmission seasons of 2021 and 2022. We found that the spatial patterns of the favourable areas for outbreaks correspond to the main hydrographic basins of the Iberian Peninsula, jointly affecting Portugal and Spain.ConclusionA risk map highlighting the risk areas for potential future cases could be cost-effective as a means of promoting preventive measures to decrease incidence of WNV infection in Europe, based on a One Health surveillance approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-María García-Carrasco
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio-Román Muñoz
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jesús Olivero
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Marina Segura
- International Vaccination Center of Malaga, Maritime Port of Malaga, Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare, Government of Spain, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Raimundo Real
- Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Lab, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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6
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Figuerola J, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Ruíz-López MJ, Llorente F, Ruiz S, Hoefer A, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Peñuela JJ, García-Ruiz O, Herrero L, Soriguer RC, Delgado RF, Sánchez-Seco MP, la Puente JMD, Vázquez A. A One Health view of the West Nile virus outbreak in Andalusia (Spain) in 2020. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:2570-2578. [PMID: 36214518 PMCID: PMC9621199 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2134055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Reports of West Nile virus (WNV) associated disease in humans were scarce in Spain until summer 2020, when 77 cases were reported, eight fatal. Most cases occurred next to the Guadalquivir River in the Sevillian villages of Puebla del Río and Coria del Río. Detection of WNV disease in humans was preceded by a large increase in the abundance of Culex perexiguus in the neighbourhood of the villages where most human cases occurred. The first WNV infected mosquitoes were captured approximately one month before the detection of the first human cases. Overall, 33 positive pools of Cx. perexiguus and one pool of Culex pipiens were found. Serology of wild birds confirmed WNV circulation inside the affected villages, that transmission to humans also occurred in urban settings and suggests that virus circulation was geographically more widespread than disease cases in humans or horses may indicate. A high prevalence of antibodies was detected in blackbirds (Turdus merula) suggesting that this species played an important role in the amplification of WNV in urban areas. Culex perexiguus was the main vector of WNV among birds in natural and agricultural areas, while its role in urban areas needs to be investigated in more detail. Culex pipiens may have played some role as bridge vector of WNV between birds and humans once the enzootic transmission cycle driven by Cx. perexiguus occurred inside the villages. Surveillance of virus in mosquitoes has the potential to detect WNV well in advance of the first human cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130, Valdeolmos, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - María José Ruíz-López
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- Servicio de Control de Mosquitos de la Diputación Provincial de Huelva, Ctra. Hospital Infanta Elena s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Andreas Hoefer
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain.,European Public Health Microbiology Training Programme (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | | | - Olaya García-Ruiz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Laura Herrero
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Ramón C Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Raúl Fernández Delgado
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Mari Paz Sánchez-Seco
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Ana Vázquez
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), Spain
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7
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Sofia M, Giannakopoulos A, Giantsis IA, Touloudi A, Birtsas P, Papageorgiou K, Athanasakopoulou Z, Chatzopoulos DC, Vrioni G, Galamatis D, Diamantopoulos V, Mpellou S, Petridou E, Kritas SK, Palli M, Georgakopoulos G, Spyrou V, Tsakris A, Chaskopoulou A, Billinis C. West Nile Virus Occurrence and Ecological Niche Modeling in Wild Bird Species and Mosquito Vectors: An Active Surveillance Program in the Peloponnese Region of Greece. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1328. [PMID: 35889046 PMCID: PMC9320058 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is maintained in nature in a bird-mosquito cycle and human infections follow a seasonal pattern, favored by climatic conditions. Peloponnese Region, located in Southern Greece, initiated an active WNV surveillance program to protect public health during 2019-2020. The project included monitoring of avian hosts and mosquito vectors, while sampling locations were prioritized after consideration of WNV circulation in birds, mosquitos and humans during previous seasons. Biological materials were collected from 493 wild birds of 25 species and 678 mosquito pools, which were molecularly screened for WNV presence. In this case, 14 environmental variables were associated with WNV detection in wild birds and mosquitos by using two separate MaxEnt models. Viral RNA was not detected in the target species during 2019, although in 2020, it was reported on 46 wild birds of ten species and 22 mosquito pools (Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus). Altitude and land uses were significant predictors for both models and in fact, suitable conditions for virus occurrence were identified in low altitude zones. Bird- and mosquito-based surveillance systems yielded similar results and allowed for targeted vector control applications in cases of increased virus activity. Human cases were not reported on Peloponnese in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.); (Z.A.)
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.); (Z.A.)
| | - Ioannis A. Giantsis
- European Biological Control Laboratory, USDA-ARS—U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonia Touloudi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.); (Z.A.)
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Faculty of Forestry, Wood Science and Design, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Kontantinos Papageorgiou
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (K.P.); (D.C.C.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.P.); (S.K.K.)
| | - Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.); (Z.A.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (K.P.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Dimitrios Galamatis
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA (ELGO DIMITRA), 54248 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | - Spyridoula Mpellou
- Bioefarmoges Eleftheriou LP-Integrated Mosquito Control, 19007 Marathon, Greece;
| | - Evanthia Petridou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.P.); (S.K.K.)
| | - Spyridon K. Kritas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.P.); (S.K.K.)
| | - Matina Palli
- Wildlife Protection & Rehabilitation Center, 24400 Gargalianoi, Greece; (M.P.); (G.G.)
| | | | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Athanassios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Alexandra Chaskopoulou
- European Biological Control Laboratory, USDA-ARS—U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.); (Z.A.)
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (K.P.); (D.C.C.)
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8
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Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Napp S, Llorente F, Solano-Manrique C, Molina-López R, Obón E, Solé A, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Fernández-Pinero J, Busquets N. West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Spreads Westwards in Europe and Overwinters in North-Eastern Spain (2017–2020). Viruses 2022; 14:v14030569. [PMID: 35336976 PMCID: PMC8951896 DOI: 10.3390/v14030569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus lineage 2 (WNV-L2) emerged in Europe in 2004; since then, it has spread across the continent, causing outbreaks in humans and animals. During 2017 and 2020, WNV-L2 was detected and isolated from four northern goshawks in two provinces of Catalonia (north-eastern Spain). In order to characterise the first Spanish WNV-L2 isolates and elucidate the potential overwintering of the virus in this Mediterranean region, complete genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses, and a study of phenotypic characterisation were performed. Our results showed that these Spanish isolates belonged to the central-southern WNV-L2 clade. In more detail, they were related to the Lombardy cluster that emerged in Italy in 2013 and has been able to spread westwards, causing outbreaks in France (2018) and Spain (2017 and 2020). Phenotypic characterisation performed in vitro showed that these isolates presented characteristics corresponding to strains of moderate to high virulence. All these findings evidence that these WNV-L2 strains have been able to circulate and overwinter in the region, and are pathogenic, at least in northern goshawks, which seem to be very susceptible to WNV infection and may be good indicators of WNV-L2 circulation. Due to the increasing number of human and animal cases in Europe in the last years, this zoonotic flavivirus should be kept under extensive surveillance, following a One-Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; (P.A.-S.); (F.L.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
| | - Sebastián Napp
- Unitat Mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; (P.A.-S.); (F.L.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
| | - Carlos Solano-Manrique
- Centre de Fauna de Vallcalent, Àrea de Gestió Ambiental Servei de Fauna i Flora, Forestal Catalana, 25199 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Rafael Molina-López
- Centre de Fauna de Torreferrussa, Àrea de Gestió Ambiental Servei de Fauna i Flora, Forestal Catalana, 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain; (R.M.-L.); (E.O.)
| | - Elena Obón
- Centre de Fauna de Torreferrussa, Àrea de Gestió Ambiental Servei de Fauna i Flora, Forestal Catalana, 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain; (R.M.-L.); (E.O.)
| | - Alba Solé
- Departament d’Acció Climàtica, Alimentació i Agenda Rural, 08007 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; (P.A.-S.); (F.L.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jovita Fernández-Pinero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; (P.A.-S.); (F.L.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
- Correspondence: (J.F.-P.); (N.B.)
| | - Núria Busquets
- Unitat Mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.F.-P.); (N.B.)
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9
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Kerkow A, Wieland R, Gethmann JM, Hölker F, Lentz HH. Linking a compartment model for West Nile virus with a flight simulator for vector mosquitoes. Ecol Modell 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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10
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Napp S, Llorente F, Beck C, Jose-Cunilleras E, Soler M, Pailler-García L, Amaral R, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Pifarré M, Molina-López R, Obón E, Nicolás O, Lecollinet S, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Busquets N. Widespread Circulation of Flaviviruses in Horses and Birds in Northeastern Spain (Catalonia) between 2010 and 2019. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122404. [PMID: 34960673 PMCID: PMC8708358 DOI: 10.3390/v13122404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) has consistently detected flaviviruses not identified as WNV. With the aim of characterizing the flaviviruses circulating in Catalonia, serum samples from birds and horses collected between 2010 and 2019 and positive by panflavivirus competition ELISA (cELISA) were analyzed by microneutralization test (MNT) against different flaviviruses. A third of the samples tested were inconclusive by MNT, highlighting the limitations of current diagnostic techniques. Our results evidenced the widespread circulation of flaviviruses, in particular WNV, but also Usutu virus (USUV), and suggest that chicken and horses could serve as sentinels for both viruses. In several regions, WNV and USUV overlapped, but no significant geographical aggregation was observed. Bagaza virus (BAGV) was not detected in birds, while positivity to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was sporadically detected in horses although no endemic foci were observed. So far, no human infections by WNV, USUV, or TBEV have been reported in Catalonia. However, these zoonotic flaviviruses need to be kept under surveillance, ideally within a One Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Napp
- IRTA, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA IRTA-UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (N.B.)
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; (F.L.); (P.A.-S.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
| | - Cécile Beck
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.B.); (R.A.); (S.L.)
| | - Eduard Jose-Cunilleras
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
- Servei Medicina Interna Equina, Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Mercè Soler
- Servei de Prevenció en Salut Animal, Departament d’Acció Climàtica, Alimentació i Agenda Rural (DACC), 08007 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Lola Pailler-García
- IRTA, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA IRTA-UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
| | - Rayane Amaral
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.B.); (R.A.); (S.L.)
| | - Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; (F.L.); (P.A.-S.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
| | - Maria Pifarré
- Centre de Fauna dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, Àrea de Gestió Ambiental Servei de Fauna i Flora, Forestal Catalana, 17486 Castelló d’Empúries, Spain;
| | - Rafael Molina-López
- Centre de Fauna de Torreferrussa, Àrea de Gestió Ambiental Servei de Fauna i Flora, Forestal Catalana, 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain; (R.M.-L.); (E.O.)
| | - Elena Obón
- Centre de Fauna de Torreferrussa, Àrea de Gestió Ambiental Servei de Fauna i Flora, Forestal Catalana, 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain; (R.M.-L.); (E.O.)
| | - Olga Nicolás
- Centre de Fauna de Vallcalent, Àrea de Gestió Ambiental Servei de Fauna i Flora, Forestal Catalana, 25199 Lleida, Spain;
- Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu, Àrea de Gestió Ambiental Servei de Fauna i Flora, Forestal Catalana, 25595 Llavorsí, Spain
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, ANSES Animal Health Laboratory, EURL for Equine Diseases, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France; (C.B.); (R.A.); (S.L.)
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain; (F.L.); (P.A.-S.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Busquets
- IRTA, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA IRTA-UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (N.B.)
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11
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Previous Usutu Virus Exposure Partially Protects Magpies ( Pica pica) against West Nile Virus Disease But Does Not Prevent Horizontal Transmission. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071409. [PMID: 34372622 PMCID: PMC8310384 DOI: 10.3390/v13071409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-borne flaviviruses USUV and WNV are known to co-circulate in large parts of Europe. Both are a public health concern, and USUV has been the cause of epizootics in both wild and domestic birds, and neurological cases in humans in Europe. Here, we explore the susceptibility of magpies to experimental USUV infection, and how previous exposure to USUV would affect infection with WNV. None of the magpies exposed to USUV showed clinical signs, viremia, or detectable neutralizing antibodies. After challenge with a neurovirulent WNV strain, neither viremia, viral titer of WNV in vascular feathers, nor neutralizing antibody titers of previously USUV-exposed magpies differed significantly with respect to magpies that had not previously been exposed to USUV. However, 75% (6/8) of the USUV-exposed birds survived, while only 22.2% (2/9) of those not previously exposed to USUV survived. WNV antigen labeling by immunohistochemistry in tissues was less evident and more restricted in magpies exposed to USUV prior to challenge with WNV. Our data indicate that previous exposure to USUV partially protects magpies against a lethal challenge with WNV, while it does not prevent viremia and direct transmission, although the mechanism is unclear. These results are relevant for flavivirus ecology and contention.
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Bakran-Lebl K, Camp JV, Kolodziejek J, Weidinger P, Hufnagl P, Cabal Rosel A, Zwickelstorfer A, Allerberger F, Nowotny N. Diversity of West Nile and Usutu virus strains in mosquitoes at an international airport in Austria. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2096-2109. [PMID: 34169666 PMCID: PMC9540796 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Increased globalization and international transportation have resulted in the inadvertent introduction of exotic mosquitoes and new mosquito‐borne diseases. International airports are among the possible points of entry for mosquitoes and their pathogens. We established a mosquito and mosquito‐borne diseases monitoring programme at the largest international airport in Austria and report the results for the first two years, 2018 and 2019. This included weekly monitoring and sampling of adult mosquitoes, and screening them for the presence of viral nucleic acids by standard molecular diagnostic techniques. Additionally, we surveyed the avian community at the airport, as birds are potentially amplifying hosts. In 2018, West Nile virus (WNV) was detected in 14 pools and Usutu virus (USUV) was detected in another 14 pools of mosquitoes (minimum infection rate [MIR] of 6.8 for each virus). Of these 28 pools, 26 consisted of female Culex pipiens/torrentium, and two contained male Culex sp. mosquitoes. Cx. pipiens/torrentium mosquitoes were the most frequently captured mosquito species at the airport. The detected WNV strains belonged to five sub‐clusters within the sub‐lineage 2d‐1, and all detected USUV strains were grouped to at least seven sub‐clusters among the cluster Europe 2; all strains were previously shown to be endemic in Austria. In 2019, all mosquito pools were negative for any viral nucleic acids tested. Our study suggests that airports may serve as foci of arbovirus activity, particularly during epidemic years, and should be considered when designing mosquito control and arbovirus monitoring programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeremy V Camp
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Weidinger
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hufnagl
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adriana Cabal Rosel
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Franz Allerberger
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- 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 Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Hernandez-Colina A, Gonzalez-Olvera M, Lomax E, Townsend F, Maddox A, Hesson JC, Sherlock K, Ward D, Eckley L, Vercoe M, Lopez J, Baylis M. Blood-feeding ecology of mosquitoes in two zoological gardens in the United Kingdom. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:249. [PMID: 34016159 PMCID: PMC8139098 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04735-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoological gardens contain unique configurations of exotic and endemic animals and plants that create a diverse range of developing sites and potential sources of blood meals for local mosquitoes. This may imply unusual interspecific pathogen transmission risks involving zoo vertebrates, like avian malaria to captive penguins. Understanding mosquito ecology and host feeding patterns is necessary to improve mosquito control and disease prevention measures in these environments. METHODS Mosquito sampling took place in Chester Zoo for 3 years (2017, 2018, and 2019) and for 1 year in Flamingo Land (2017) using different trapping methods. Blood-fed mosquitoes were identified and their blood meal was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and blasted for host species identification. RESULTS In total, 640 blood-fed mosquitoes were collected [Culex pipiens (n = 497), Culiseta annulata (n = 81), Anopheles maculipennis s.l. (n = 7), An. claviger (n = 1), and unidentifiable (n = 55)]. Successful identification of the host species was achieved from 159 blood-fed mosquitoes. Mosquitoes fed on birds (n = 74), non-human mammals (n = 20), and humans (n = 71). There were mixed blood meals from two hosts (n = 6). The proportions of blood-fed mosquitoes varied across sampling seasons and sites within the zoos. The use of resting traps and aspiration of vegetation were more efficient techniques for capturing blood-fed mosquitoes than traps for host-seeking or gravid mosquitoes. By relating the locations of zoo vertebrates to where fed mosquitoes were trapped, the minimum travelling distances were calculated (13.7 to 366.7 m). Temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, proximity to zoo vertebrate exhibits, and vegetation level were found to be significantly associated with the proportion of captured blood-fed mosquitoes by generalized linear modelling. CONCLUSIONS Mosquito feeding behaviour in zoos is mainly influenced by time, location (sampling area), temperature, and host availability, which highlights the value of mosquito monitoring in complex settings to plan control strategies and potentially reduce inherent disease transmission risks for humans and threatened zoo vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & 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.
| | - Merit Gonzalez-Olvera
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & 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
| | - Emily Lomax
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Freya Townsend
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Amber Maddox
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Jenny C Hesson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kenneth Sherlock
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Dawn Ward
- Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX, UK
| | - Lindsay Eckley
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Mark Vercoe
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, 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 & 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, Liverpool, UK
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14
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Ruiz-López MJ. Mosquito Behavior and Vertebrate Microbiota Interaction: Implications for Pathogen Transmission. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:573371. [PMID: 33362732 PMCID: PMC7755997 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.573371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiota is increasingly recognized for its ability to influence host health and individual fitness through multiple pathways, such as nutrient synthesis, immune system development, and even behavioral processes. Most of these studies though focus on the direct effects microbiota has on its host, but they do not consider possible interactions with other individuals. However, host microbiota can change not only host behavior but also the behavior of other individuals or species toward the host. For example, microbes can have an effect on animal chemistry, influencing animal behaviors mediated by chemical communication, such as mosquito attraction. We know that host skin microbes play a major role in odor production and thus can affect the behavior of mosquitoes leading to differences in attraction to their hosts. Ultimately, the vector feeding preference of mosquitoes conditions the risk of vertebrates of coming into contact with a vector-borne pathogen, affecting its transmission, and thus epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. In this mini review, I provide an overview of the current status of research on the interaction between mosquito behavior and host skin microbiota, both in humans and other vertebrates. I consider as well the factors that influence vertebrate skin microbiota composition, such as sex, genetic makeup, and infection status, and discuss the implications for pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Ruiz-López
- Departamento de Humedales, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain
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15
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Vidaña B, Busquets N, Napp S, Pérez-Ramírez E, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Johnson N. The Role of Birds of Prey in West Nile Virus Epidemiology. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030550. [PMID: 32967268 PMCID: PMC7564710 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reported human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Europe increased dramatically in 2018. Lineage 1 strains had been circulating in Euro-Mediterranean countries since the early 1990s. The subsequent introduction of WNV lineage 2 has been responsible for the remarkable upsurge of European WNV outbreaks since 2004, including the dramatic increase in human cases observed since 2018. The virus exists in a natural cycle between mosquitoes and wild birds, with humans and horses acting as dead-end hosts. As the key vertebrate hosts in the transmission cycle of WNV, avian species have been the focus of surveillance across many countries. Raptors appear particularly susceptible to WNV infection, resulting in higher prevalence, and in some cases exhibiting neurological signs that lead to the death of the animal. In addition, birds of prey are known to play an important role as WNV reservoir and potentially amplifying hosts of infection. Importantly, raptor higher susceptibility/prevalence may indicate infection through predation of infected prey. Consequently, they are considered important target species when designing cost-effective surveillance for monitoring both seasonal WNV circulation in endemic countries and its emergence into new areas, where migrating raptors may play a critical role in virus introduction. This review summarizes the different aspects of the current knowledge of WNV infection in birds of prey and evaluates their role in the evolution of the epizootic that is spreading throughout Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Vidaña
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Núria Busquets
- IRTA, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA IRTA-UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (N.B.); (S.N.)
| | - Sebastian Napp
- IRTA, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA IRTA-UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (N.B.); (S.N.)
| | - Elisa Pérez-Ramírez
- Animal Health Research Centre INIA-CISA C, 28130 Madrid, Spain; (E.P.-R.); (M.Á.J.-C.)
| | | | - Nicholas Johnson
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK;
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Multi-Approach Investigation Regarding the West Nile Virus Situation in Hungary, 2018. Viruses 2020; 12:v12010123. [PMID: 31968613 PMCID: PMC7019302 DOI: 10.3390/v12010123] [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: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The West Nile virus is endemic in multiple European countries and responsible for several epidemics throughout the European region. Its evolution into local or even widespread epidemics is driven by multiple factors from genetic diversification of the virus to environmental conditions. The year of 2018 was characterized by an extraordinary increase in human and animal cases in the Central-Eastern European region, including Hungary. In a collaborative effort, we summarized and analyzed the genetic and serologic data of WNV infections from multiple Hungarian public health institutions, universities, and private organizations. We compared human and veterinary serologic data, along with NS5 and NS3 gene sequence data through 2018. Wild birds were excellent indicator species for WNV circulation in each year. Our efforts resulted in documenting the presence of multiple phylogenetic subclades with Balkans and Western-European progenitor sequences of WNV circulating among human and animal populations in Hungary prior to and during the 2018 epidemic. Supported by our sequence and phylogenetic data, the epidemic of 2018 was not caused by recently introduced WNV strains. Unfortunately, Hungary has no country-wide integrated surveillance system which would enable the analysis of related conditions and provide a comprehensive epidemiological picture. The One Health approach, involving multiple institutions and experts, should be implemented in order to fully understand ecological background factors driving the evolution of future epidemics.
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17
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Akkina R, Garry R, Bréchot C, Ellerbrok H, Hasegawa H, Menéndez-Arias L, Mercer N, Neyts J, Romanowski V, Segalés J, Vahlne A. 2019 meeting of the global virus network. Antiviral Res 2019; 172:104645. [PMID: 31697957 PMCID: PMC7127664 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Global Virus Network (GVN) was established in 2011 to strengthen research and responses to emerging viral causes of human disease and to prepare against new viral pandemics. There are now 52 GVN Centers of Excellence and 9 Affiliate laboratories in 32 countries. The 11th International GVN meeting was held from June 9-11, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain and was jointly organized with the Spanish Society of Virology. A common theme throughout the meeting was globalization and climate change. This report highlights the recent accomplishments of GVN researchers in several important areas of medical virology, including severe virus epidemics, anticipation and preparedness for changing disease dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, zoonotic virus infections, ethical preparedness for epidemics and pandemics, one health and antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Akkina
- Colorado State University. Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, USA
| | | | | | - Heinz Ellerbrok
- Robert Koch Institute. Center for International Health Protection, Germany
| | - Hideki Hasegawa
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Department of Pathology, Japan
| | | | | | - Johan Neyts
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Victor Romanowski
- Universidad Nacional de La Plata. IBBM, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Argentina
| | - Joaquim Segalés
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), UAB, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anders Vahlne
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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