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Pushko P, Lukashevich IS, Johnson DM, Tretyakova I. Single-Dose Immunogenic DNA Vaccines Coding for Live-Attenuated Alpha- and Flaviviruses. Viruses 2024; 16:428. [PMID: 38543793 PMCID: PMC10974764 DOI: 10.3390/v16030428] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-dose, immunogenic DNA (iDNA) vaccines coding for whole live-attenuated viruses are reviewed. This platform, sometimes called immunization DNA, has been used for vaccine development for flavi- and alphaviruses. An iDNA vaccine uses plasmid DNA to launch live-attenuated virus vaccines in vitro or in vivo. When iDNA is injected into mammalian cells in vitro or in vivo, the RNA genome of an attenuated virus is transcribed, which starts replication of a defined, live-attenuated vaccine virus in cell culture or the cells of a vaccine recipient. In the latter case, an immune response to the live virus vaccine is elicited, which protects against the pathogenic virus. Unlike other nucleic acid vaccines, such as mRNA and standard DNA vaccines, iDNA vaccines elicit protection with a single dose, thus providing major improvement to epidemic preparedness. Still, iDNA vaccines retain the advantages of other nucleic acid vaccines. In summary, the iDNA platform combines the advantages of reverse genetics and DNA immunization with the high immunogenicity of live-attenuated vaccines, resulting in enhanced safety and immunogenicity. This vaccine platform has expanded the field of genetic DNA and RNA vaccines with a novel type of immunogenic DNA vaccines that encode entire live-attenuated viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Center for Predictive Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, 505 S Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Dylan M. Johnson
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 945501, USA;
| | - Irina Tretyakova
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
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Navien TN, Yeoh TS, Anna A, Tang TH, Citartan M. Aptamers isolated against mosquito-borne pathogens. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:131. [PMID: 34240263 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are a major threat to public health. The shortcomings of diagnostic tools, especially those that are antibody-based, have been blamed in part for the rising annual morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases. Antibodies harbor a number of disadvantages that can be clearly addressed by aptamers as the more promising molecular recognition elements. Aptamers are defined as single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides generated by SELEX that exhibit high binding affinity and specificity against a wide variety of target molecules based on their unique structural conformations. A number of aptamers were developed against mosquito-borne pathogens such as Dengue virus, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, Plasmodium parasite, Francisella tularensis, Japanese encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Rift Valley fever virus and Yellow fever virus. Intrigued by these achievements, we carry out a comprehensive overview of the aptamers developed against these mosquito-borne infectious agents. Characteristics of the aptamers and their roles in diagnostic, therapeutic as well as other applications are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tholasi Nadhan Navien
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Tzi Shien Yeoh
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Andrew Anna
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Thean-Hock Tang
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Marimuthu Citartan
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
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3
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Pereira-Silva JW, Ríos-Velásquez CM, Lima GRD, Marialva Dos Santos EF, Belchior HCM, Luz SLB, Naveca FG, Pessoa FAC. Distribution and diversity of mosquitoes and Oropouche-like virus infection rates in an Amazonian rural settlement. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246932. [PMID: 33592052 PMCID: PMC7886159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito diversity and disease transmission are influenced by landscape modifications, i.e., vectors and pathogens previously found only in forests are now found close to human environments due to anthropic changes. This study determined the diversity and distribution of mosquitoes in forest environments in order to analyze the potential vectors of Amazonian forest arboviruses. Mosquitoes were collected by 1) vertical stratification from forest canopy and ground areas using Hooper Pugedo (HP) light traps and human attraction and 2) horizontal stratification using HP light traps in peridomicile, forest edge, and forest environments near the Rio Pardo rural settlement, Amazonas, Brazil. A total of 3,750 mosquitoes were collected, representing 46 species. 3,139 individuals representing 46 species were sampled by vertical stratification. Both the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) and equitability (J’) were higher in the canopy than on the ground. 611 individuals representing 13 species were sampled by horizontal stratification. H’ decreased in the following order: forest edge > forest > peridomicile, and J’ was greater at the forest edge and smaller in the peridomicile environment. Moreover, H’ was higher for the human attraction collection method than the HP traps. A total of 671 pools were analyzed by RT-qPCR; three species were positive for Oropouche-like viruses (Ochlerotatus serratus, Psorophora cingulata, and Haemagogus tropicalis) and the minimum infection rate was 0.8%. The composition of mosquito species did not differ significantly between anthropic and forest environments in Rio Pardo. Some mosquito species, due to their abundance, dispersion in the three environments, and record of natural infection, were hypothesized to participate in the arbovirus transmission cycle in this Amazonian rural settlement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordam William Pereira-Silva
- Laboratório Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Condições de Vida e Situações de Saúde na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - Claudia María Ríos-Velásquez
- Laboratório Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Condições de Vida e Situações de Saúde na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia da Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - Gervilane Ribeiro de Lima
- Laboratório Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - Eric Fabrício Marialva Dos Santos
- Laboratório Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia da Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - Heliana Christy Matos Belchior
- Laboratório Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia da Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - Sergio Luiz Bessa Luz
- Laboratório Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Condições de Vida e Situações de Saúde na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia da Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - Felipe Gomes Naveca
- Laboratório Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia da Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
| | - Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa
- Laboratório Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Condições de Vida e Situações de Saúde na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia da Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
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Rodrigue Simonet PN, Alexandre Michel NN, Abel W, Albert E, Martin Hermann G, Franziska S. Diversity and Abundance of Potential Vectors of Rift Valley Fever Virus in the North Region of Cameroon. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11110814. [PMID: 33227891 PMCID: PMC7699143 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) transmitted by various genera of mosquitoes usually classified into primary vectors and secondary vectors. The former, belonging to the genus Aedes, are known for their ability to lay drought resistant eggs that can maintain the virus on dry soil for many years in geomorphic structures in the form of shallow depressions. After heavy rains, mosquitoes hatch from these eggs, some of which are infected and transmit the virus to neighboring animals. The secondary vectors, mainly mosquitoes of the genera Culex, Anopheles, and Mansonia, can colonize these sites, reproduce in abundance, and subsequently spread RVFV. Although the northern regions of Cameroon host more than half of the country’s cattle, sheep, and goat populations, there is a dearth of information on the occurrence and transmission of RVFV and its vectors. The very common transhumance of animals during periods of drought leads to contact between domestic and wild animals and creates opportunities for cross-transmission of the virus. It also increases the possibilities of exposure of herds to vectors, in particular at water points. In addition, rare heavy rainfall, flooding, and irrigation-based agricultural practices in these regions provide conditions for vector proliferation and increase the risk of the spread of vector-borne diseases, including RVF. Therefore, this study aimed to determine species diversity and spatial distribution of potential RVFV vectors in the North Region of Cameroon. The study revealed the presence of potential primary and secondary vectors of RVFV with an abundance and a diversity varying according to the ecological sites studied. This presence of potential vectors with their variable number per trap, per night, or per site may create areas of variable risk for disease transmission to susceptible hosts. Molecular analysis (PCR) tests for RVFV RNA research and viral isolation methods on these vectors to determine their role in the epidemiology and control of RVF cannot be overemphasized. Abstract Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a major viral zoonosis transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is endemic in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa and can affect humans, livestock, and wild ungulates. Knowledge of the biology of vectors of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is essential for the establishment of effective control measures of the disease. The objective of this study was to determine the species diversity and relative abundance of potential RVFV vectors in the North Region of Cameroon. Adult mosquitoes were trapped during the wet and dry seasons from December 2017 to January 2019 with “EVS Light” traps with CO2 baits placed at selected sites. The captured mosquitoes were identified using dichotomous keys according to standard procedures. The abundance was calculated with regard to site, zone, and collection season. A total of 27,851 mosquitoes belonging to four genera (Aedes, Anopheles, Mansonia, and Culex) and comprising 31 species were caught (including 22 secondary vectors (98.05%) and nine primary vectors (1.94%). The total number of mosquitoes varied significantly depending on the locality (p-value < 0.001). The average number of mosquitoes collected per trap night was significantly higher in irrigated areas (p-value < 0.001), compared to urban and non-irrigated areas. The study revealed the presence of potential primary and secondary vectors of RVFV with varying abundance and diversity according to locality and ecological site in the North Region of Cameroon. The results showed that the genus Mansonia with the species Ma. uniformis and Ma. africana formed the dominant taxon (52.33%), followed by the genera Culex (45.04%) and Anopheles (2.61%). The need for molecular analysis (PCR) tests for RVFV RNA research and viral isolation methods on these vectors to determine their role in the epidemiology and control of RVF cannot be overemphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poueme Namegni Rodrigue Simonet
- National Veterinary Laboratory Cameroon (LANAVET), Garoua BP 503, Cameroon;
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere BP 454, Cameroon;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Wade Abel
- National Veterinary Laboratory Cameroon (LANAVET), Garoua BP 503, Cameroon;
| | - Eisenbarth Albert
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany; (E.A.); (G.M.H.); (S.F.)
| | - Groschup Martin Hermann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany; (E.A.); (G.M.H.); (S.F.)
| | - Stoek Franziska
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany; (E.A.); (G.M.H.); (S.F.)
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5
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de Souza ALDS, Multini LC, Marrelli MT, Wilke ABB. Wing geometric morphometrics for identification of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) of neglected epidemiological importance. Acta Trop 2020; 211:105593. [PMID: 32569588 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Culicidae comprises more than 3500 species, some of which are responsible for the spread of various human diseases, causing millions of deaths worldwide. Correct identification of these species is essential for the development of surveillance and control strategies. The most common method of mosquito identification is based on specific traits of the external morphology of species. However, identification of mosquitoes by morphological characters can be inaccurate or even unfeasible if the specimen is damaged or there is a lack of distinguishing features, as in the case of cryptic species complexes. Wing geometric morphometrics is a reliable, affordable tool for the identification of mosquito species, including sibling species. More importantly, it can be used in addition to both traditional morphologic identification methods as well as genetic approaches. Here, wing geometric morphometrics was used to identify sixteen mosquito species from eight genera: Aedes, Coquillettidia, Culex, Limatus, Mansonia, Psorophora, Runchomyia, and Wyeomyia. The 390 specimens used here were collected in São Paulo, Brazil using CDC traps, aspiration, and Shannon traps. Allometry was assessed by multivariate regression of the Procrustes coordinates on centroid size followed by canonical variate analysis and a pairwise cross-validated reclassification test. A Neighbor-Joining tree based on Mahalanobis distances was constructed with 1,000 bootstrap replicates using MorphoJ 1.02 and Past 2.17c. The canonical variate analysis of genera resulted in distinct clusters for Culex, Limatus, and Psorophora and partial overlapping between Aedes, Coquilettidia, and Mansonia, and between Runchomyia and Wyeomyia. Pairwise cross-validated reclassification tests indicated that genera were identified with an accuracy of at least 99% and subgenera with a mean accuracy of 96% and that in 160 of the 240 possible comparisons species were identified with an accuracy of 100%. Our results show that the eight genera in the study were correctly distinguished by wing shape, as were subgenera and most species, demonstrating that wing geometric morphometrics can be used for the identification of the mosquito species studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Cristina Multini
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mauro Toledo Marrelli
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Barretto Bruno Wilke
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 Northwest 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Guzmán-Terán C, Calderón-Rangel A, Rodriguez-Morales A, Mattar S. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus: the problem is not over for tropical America. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:19. [PMID: 32429942 PMCID: PMC7236962 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-00360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The equine encephalitis viruses, Venezuelan (VEEV), East (EEEV) and West (WEEV), belong to the genus alphavirus, family Togaviridae and still represent a threat for human and animal public health in the Americas. In both, these infections are characterized by high viremia, rash, fever, encephalitis and death. VEEV encephalitis is similar, clinically, to other arboviral diseases, such as dengue, Zika or chikungunya. Most of the alphaviruses are transmitted between vertebrates and mosquitoes. They are able to replicate in a wide number of hosts, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibian and arthropods. The VEEV has enzootic and epizootic transmission cycles. At the enzootic one, enzootic strains (subtype I, serotypes D-F and serotypes II-VI) are continuously circulating between mosquitoes and wild rodents in tropical forests and mangroves of the Americas. The main reseroivrs are wild rodent species of the subfamily Sigmodontinae. However, bats can be also accidental reservoirs of VEEV. In this article, we reviewed the main features, epidemiology, clinical aspects and the current perspectives of the VEEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán-Terán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Programa Regencia en Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón-Rangel
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
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Guzmán C, Calderón A, Oviedo T, Mattar S, Castañeda J, Rodriguez V, Moraes Figueiredo LT. Molecular and cellular evidence of natural Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia. Vet World 2020; 13:495-501. [PMID: 32367955 PMCID: PMC7183472 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.495-501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that causes encephalitis with a high impact on public health in Latin America. However, only in Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico have found antibodies in VEEV in bats, using immunohistochemistry, the sensitivity and specificity are improved; thus, it is better for demonstrating natural infection in bats as potential hosts. This study aimed to determine the presence of VEEV in tissues of frugivorous bats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling was carried out in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre area of the Colombian Caribbean. Two hundred and eighty-six bats were captured using fog nets, and the specimens according to taxonomic keys were classified. According to the Ethics Committee of the University of Córdoba, the bats were treated with analgesics and anesthetics. Blood samples were taken and then euthanized to obtain tissues and organs which were preserved in liquid N2 at -196°C. A portion of each organ was fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the detection of antigens by immunohistochemistry. Several pathological anatomy analyses were performed to determine the histological characteristics of tissue lesions of frugivorous bats naturally infected with the VEEV. RESULTS Of the 286 bats captured, 23 species were identified. In samples of the brain, spleen, and lung of two frugivorous bats (2/286=0.70%) Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium, the presence of VEEV was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION A fragment of the nsP4 non-structural protein gene corresponding to the alphavirus was amplified. Two samples were positive (2/286=0.70%) in frugivorous bats; A. planirostris (code GenBank: MG820274) and S. lilium (code GenBank: MG820275). The present study showed the first molecular evidence and cellular evidence (histopathology and immunohistochemistry) of natural VEEV infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia; these bats could be a host of this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biological Research of the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Institute for Biological Research in the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Salim Mattar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Institute of Biological Research of the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
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Karungu S, Atoni E, Ogalo J, Mwaliko C, Agwanda B, Yuan Z, Hu X. Mosquitoes of Etiological Concern in Kenya and Possible Control Strategies. INSECTS 2019; 10:E173. [PMID: 31208124 PMCID: PMC6627689 DOI: 10.3390/insects10060173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Kenya is among the most affected tropical countries with pathogen transmitting Culicidae vectors. For decades, insect vectors have contributed to the emergence and distribution of viral and parasitic pathogens. Outbreaks and diseases have a great impact on a country's economy, as resources that would otherwise be used for developmental projects are redirected to curb hospitalization cases and manage outbreaks. Infected invasive mosquito species have been shown to increasingly cross both local and global boarders due to the presence of increased environmental changes, trade, and tourism. In Kenya, there have been several mosquito-borne disease outbreaks such as the recent outbreaks along the coast of Kenya, involving chikungunya and dengue. This certainly calls for the implementation of strategies aimed at strengthening integrated vector management programs. In this review, we look at mosquitoes of public health concern in Kenya, while highlighting the pathogens they have been linked with over the years and across various regions. In addition, the major strategies that have previously been used in mosquito control and what more could be done to reduce or combat the menace caused by these hematophagous vectors are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Karungu
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Evans Atoni
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Joseph Ogalo
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Caroline Mwaliko
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Bernard Agwanda
- Mammalogy Section, National Museum of Kenya, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - Zhiming Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Xiaomin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Guzmán C, Calderón A, Martinez C, Oviedo M, Mattar S. Eco-epidemiology of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus in bats of Córdoba and Sucre, Colombia. Acta Trop 2019; 191:178-184. [PMID: 30578748 PMCID: PMC7172953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Alphavirus infection associated encephalitis is an emerging infectious disease with a high impact on public health in Latin America. OBJECTIVE To study the eco-epidemiology of alphaviruses in bats of departments of Córdoba and Sucre, Colombia. METHODOLOGY A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling, in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre was carried out. Using mist nets capture of the specimens was carried out. The size of the sample was 286 bats, each specimen captured was taxonomically classified. The bats were immobilized with anesthetic and analgesic treatment according to the ethics committee of the University of Córdoba, morphometric measurements and blood samples were taken, later they were necropsied in the field to obtain a collection of tissues which were preserved in liquid N2 -190 °C. The averages of the climatic conditions of the sampling sites were extracted from the WorldClim database (http://www.worldclim.org/). The open source software QGIS (Quantum GIS Development Team.2015) was used to map and visualize bioclimatic regions of Córdoba. We used descriptive and retrospective information about the equine population and reports of foci of equine encephalitis. RESULTS In Córdoba and Sucre, 286 bats were captured and 23 species were classified, Artibeus and Phyllostomus discolor were the most frequent captured genus. The geographic ranges of the captured species were variable, some had a wide distribution and others were restricted to some areas. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus RNA was detected in Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium (2/286 = 0.70%) from Cordoba - Colombia. The univariate descriptive analysis showed no significant association for any of the analyzed variables climatic. CONCLUSIONS Frugivorous bats from the Caribbean area of Colombia may be involved in the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus enzootic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia; Doctorado en Medicina Tropical SUE-Caribe, Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia; Doctorado en Medicina Tropical SUE-Caribe, Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Catty Martinez
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia
| | - Misael Oviedo
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia.
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Ortega-Morales AI, Casas-Martínez M, Bond JG, Harbach RE. First Records of Psorophora cilipes and Culex theobaldi in Quintana Roo State, Mexico. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2018; 34:124-127. [PMID: 31442154 DOI: 10.2987/18-6743.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Collections of mosquitoes were conducted for the surveillance of species of medical importance in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, in June of 2017. Species collected included Psorophora (Psorophora) cilipes and Culex (Melanoconion) theobaldi, both new records for the state. Psorophora cilipes was previously recorded in Mexico State and Cx. theobaldi in Chiapas State. With the addition of these species, the mosquito fauna of Quintana Roo State now includes 81 species. Quintana Roo and Tamaulipas State with 82 species are the most mosquito-rich states in Mexico, based on currently available records. The specimens collected in this study were deposited in the Culicidae collection of the Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro Unidad Laguna.
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11
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Torres R, Samudio R, Carrera JP, Young J, Márquez R, Hurtado L, Weaver S, Chaves LF, Tesh R, Cáceres L. Enzootic mosquito vector species at equine encephalitis transmission foci in the República de Panamá. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185491. [PMID: 28937995 PMCID: PMC5609755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of mosquito vector species present at arboviral enzootic transmission foci is important to understand transmission eco-epidemiology and to propose and implement prevention and control strategies that reduce vector-borne equine encephalitis transmission. The goal of this study was to identify mosquito species potentially involved in the transmission of enzootic equine encephalitis, in relation to their abundance and diversity at three endemic regions in the República de Panamá. We sampled adult mosquitoes during the dry and rainy season of Panamá. We employed CDC light traps with octanol, EV traps with CO2 and Trinidad 17 traps baited with live hamsters. Traps were deployed in the peridomicile and extradomicile of houses from 18:00 to 6:00 h. We estimated the abundance and diversity of sampled species. We collected a total of 4868 mosquitoes, belonging to 45 species and 11 genera, over 216 sampling nights. Culex (Melanoconion) pedroi, a major Venezuelan equine encephalitis vector was relatively rare (< 2.0% of all sampled mosquitoes). We also found Cx. (Mel) adamesi, Cx. (Mel) crybda, Cx. (Mel) ocossa, Cx. (Mel) spissipes, Cx. (Mel) taeniopus, Cx. (Mel) vomerifer, Aedes scapularis, Ae. angustivittatus, Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Cx. nigripalpus, Cx. declarator, Mansonia titillans, M. pseudotitillans and Psorophora ferox all species known to be vectorially competent for the transmission of arboviruses. Abundance and diversity of mosquitoes in the sampled locations was high, when compared with similar surveys in temperate areas. Information from previous reports about vectorial competence / capacity of the sampled mosquito species suggest that sampled locations have all the elements to support enzootic outbreaks of Venezuelan and Eastern equine encephalitides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Torres
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Entomología Medica
| | - Rafael Samudio
- Mastozoological Society of Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Jean-Paul Carrera
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá República de Panamá, Departmento de Genomica y Proteomica
| | - Josue Young
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Entomología Medica
| | - Ricardo Márquez
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Entomología Medica
| | - Lisbeth Hurtado
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Análisis Epidemiológico y Bioestadísticas
| | - Scott Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Luis Fernando Chaves
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (PIET), Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Robert Tesh
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Lorenzo Cáceres
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Entomología Medica
- * E-mail:
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Marcondes CB, Contigiani M, Gleiser RM. Emergent and Reemergent Arboviruses in South America and the Caribbean: Why So Many and Why Now? JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:509-532. [PMID: 28399216 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Varios arbovirus han emergido y/o reemergido en el Nuevo Mundo en las últimas décadas. Los virus Zika y chikungunya, anteriormente restringidos a África y quizás Asia, invadieron el continente, causando gran preocupación; además siguen ocurriendo brotes causados por el virus dengue en casi todos los países, con millones de casos por año. El virus West Nile invadió rápidamente América del Norte, y ya se han encontrado casos en América Central y del Sur. Otros arbovirus, como Mayaro y el virus de la encefalitis equina del este han aumentado su actividad y se han encontrado en nuevas regiones. Se han documentado cambios en la patogenicidad de algunos virus que conducen a enfermedades inesperadas. Una fauna diversa de mosquitos, cambios climáticos y en la vegetación, aumento de los viajes, y urbanizaciones no planificadas que generan condiciones adecuadas para la proliferación de Aedes aegypti (L.), Culex quinquefasciatus Say y otros mosquitos vectores, se han combinado para influir fuertemente en los cambios en la distribución y la incidencia de varios arbovirus. Se enfatiza la necesidad de realizar estudios exhaustivos de la fauna de mosquitos y modificaciones de las condiciones ambientales, sobre todo en las zonas urbanas fuertemente influenciadas por factores sociales, políticos y económicos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Brisola Marcondes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Marta Contigiani
- Emeritus Professor, Instituto de Virologia "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Enfermera Gordillo Gomez s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Raquel Miranda Gleiser
- Centro de Relevamiento y Evaluación de Recursos Agrícolas y Naturales (CREAN) - Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
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13
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More S, Bicout D, Bøtner A, Butterworth A, Calistri P, De Koeijer A, Depner K, Edwards S, Garin-Bastuji B, Good M, Gortazar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda MA, Nielsen SS, Raj M, Sihvonen L, Spoolder H, Thulke HH, Velarde A, Willeberg P, Winckler C, Bau A, Beltran-Beck B, Carnesecchi E, Casier P, Czwienczek E, Dhollander S, Georgiadis M, Gogin A, Pasinato L, Richardson J, Riolo F, Rossi G, Watts M, Lima E, Stegeman JA. Vector-borne diseases. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04793. [PMID: 32625493 PMCID: PMC7009857 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
After a request from the European Commission, EFSA's Panel on Animal Health and Welfare summarised the main characteristics of 36 vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in https://efsa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/PublicGallery/index.html?appid=dfbeac92aea944599ed1eb754aa5e6d1. The risk of introduction in the EU through movement of livestock or pets was assessed for each of the 36 VBDs individually, using a semiquantitative Method to INTegrate all relevant RISK aspects (MINTRISK model), which was further modified to a European scale into the http://www3.lei.wur.nl/mintrisk/ModelMgt.aspx. Only eight of the 36 VBD-agents had an overall rate of introduction in the EU (being the combination of the rate of entry, vector transmission and establishment) which was estimated to be above 0.001 introductions per year. These were Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, bluetongue virus, West Nile virus, Schmallenberg virus, Hepatozoon canis, Leishmania infantum, Bunyamwera virus and Highlands J. virus. For these eight diseases, the annual extent of spread was assessed, assuming the implementation of available, authorised prevention and control measures in the EU. Further, the probability of overwintering was assessed, as well as the possible impact of the VBDs on public health, animal health and farm production. For the other 28 VBD-agents for which the rate of introduction was estimated to be very low, no further assessments were made. Due to the uncertainty related to some parameters used for the risk assessment or the instable or unpredictability disease situation in some of the source regions, it is recommended to update the assessment when new information becomes available. Since this risk assessment was carried out for large regions in the EU for many VBD-agents, it should be considered as a first screening. If a more detailed risk assessment for a specific VBD is wished for on a national or subnational level, the EFSA-VBD-RISK-model is freely available for this purpose.
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14
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Diseases of the Nervous System. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7322266 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Pushko P, Lukashevich IS, Weaver SC, Tretyakova I. DNA-launched live-attenuated vaccines for biodefense applications. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:1223-34. [PMID: 27055100 PMCID: PMC5033646 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2016.1175943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A novel vaccine platform uses DNA immunization to launch live-attenuated virus vaccines in vivo. This technology has been applied for vaccine development against positive-strand RNA viruses with global public health impact including alphaviruses and flaviviruses. The DNA-launched vaccine represents the recombinant plasmid that encodes the full-length genomic RNA of live-attenuated virus downstream from a eukaryotic promoter. When administered in vivo, the genomic RNA of live-attenuated virus is transcribed. The RNA initiates limited replication of a genetically defined, live-attenuated vaccine virus in the tissues of the vaccine recipient, thereby inducing a protective immune response. This platform combines the strengths of reverse genetics, DNA immunization and the advantages of live-attenuated vaccines, resulting in a reduced chance of genetic reversions, increased safety, and improved immunization. With this vaccine technology, the field of DNA vaccines is expanded from those that express subunit antigens to include a novel type of DNA vaccines that launch live-attenuated viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc. 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Center for Predictive Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, 505 S Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, GNL, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Irina Tretyakova
- Medigen, Inc. 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
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16
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Coffey LL, Failloux AB, Weaver SC. Chikungunya virus-vector interactions. Viruses 2014; 6:4628-63. [PMID: 25421891 PMCID: PMC4246241 DOI: 10.3390/v6114628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes chikungunya fever, a severe, debilitating disease that often produces chronic arthralgia. Since 2004, CHIKV has emerged in Africa, Indian Ocean islands, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, causing millions of human infections. Central to understanding CHIKV emergence is knowledge of the natural ecology of transmission and vector infection dynamics. This review presents current understanding of CHIKV infection dynamics in mosquito vectors and its relationship to human disease emergence. The following topics are reviewed: CHIKV infection and vector life history traits including transmission cycles, genetic origins, distribution, emergence and spread, dispersal, vector competence, vector immunity and microbial interactions, and co-infection by CHIKV and other arboviruses. The genetics of vector susceptibility and host range changes, population heterogeneity and selection for the fittest viral genomes, dual host cycling and its impact on CHIKV adaptation, viral bottlenecks and intrahost diversity, and adaptive constraints on CHIKV evolution are also discussed. The potential for CHIKV re-emergence and expansion into new areas and prospects for prevention via vector control are also briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lark L Coffey
- Center for Vectorborne Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Department of Virology, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France.
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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17
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Tsetsarkin KA, Chen R, Yun R, Rossi SL, Plante KS, Guerbois M, Forrester N, Perng GC, Sreekumar E, Leal G, Huang J, Mukhopadhyay S, Weaver SC. Multi-peaked adaptive landscape for chikungunya virus evolution predicts continued fitness optimization in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4084. [PMID: 24933611 PMCID: PMC7091890 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Host species-specific fitness landscapes largely determine the outcome of host switching during pathogen emergence. Using chikungunya virus (CHIKV) to study adaptation to a mosquito vector, we evaluated mutations associated with recently evolved sub-lineages. Multiple Aedes albopictus-adaptive fitness peaks became available after CHIKV acquired an initial adaptive (E1-A226V) substitution, permitting rapid lineage diversification observed in nature. All second-step mutations involved replacements by glutamine or glutamic acid of E2 glycoprotein amino acids in the acid-sensitive region, providing a framework to anticipate additional A. albopictus-adaptive mutations. The combination of second-step adaptive mutations into a single, ‘super-adaptive’ fitness peak also predicted the future emergence of CHIKV strains with even greater transmission efficiency in some current regions of endemic circulation, followed by their likely global spread. The ability of a pathogen to adapt to new hosts affects its ability to spread in new environments. Here, Tsetsarkin et al.analysed mutations that enabled the chikungunya virus to adapt to a mosquito vector and predict that specific mutations will result in greater transmission efficiency.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A Tsetsarkin
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | - Rubing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | - Ruimei Yun
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | - Mathilde Guerbois
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | - Naomi Forrester
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | - Guey Chuen Perng
- 1] Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322 USA [2] Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan [3] Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Easwaran Sreekumar
- Viral Disease Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695012, India
| | - Grace Leal
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
| | | | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Pathology, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0609 USA
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Go YY, Balasuriya UBR, Lee CK. Zoonotic encephalitides caused by arboviruses: transmission and epidemiology of alphaviruses and flaviviruses. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2013; 3:58-77. [PMID: 24427764 PMCID: PMC3890452 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2014.3.1.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we mainly focus on zoonotic encephalitides caused by arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) of the families Flaviviridae (genus Flavivirus) and Togaviridae (genus Alphavirus) that are important in both humans and domestic animals. Specifically, we will focus on alphaviruses (Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus) and flaviviruses (Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus). Most of these viruses were originally found in tropical regions such as Africa and South America or in some regions in Asia. However, they have dispersed widely and currently cause diseases around the world. Global warming, increasing urbanization and population size in tropical regions, faster transportation and rapid spread of arthropod vectors contribute in continuous spreading of arboviruses into new geographic areas causing reemerging or resurging diseases. Most of the reemerging arboviruses also have emerged as zoonotic disease agents and created major public health issues and disease epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Young Go
- Virus Research and Testing Group, Division of Drug Discovery Research, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Udeni B R Balasuriya
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. ; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Chong-Kyo Lee
- Virus Research and Testing Group, Division of Drug Discovery Research, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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Taylor KG, Paessler S. Pathogenesis of Venezuelan equine encephalitis. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:145-50. [PMID: 23968890 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Equine encephalids have high mortality rates and represent a significant zoonotic public health threat. Of these the most pathogenic viruses to equids are the alphaviruses in the family Togaviridae. The focus of this review Venezualen equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) has caused the most widespread and recent epidemic outbreaks of disease. Circulation in naturally occuring rodent-mosquito cycles, results in viral spread to both human and equine populations. However, equines develop a high titer viremia and can transmit the virus back to mosquito populations. As such, the early recognition and control of viral infection in equine populations is strongly associated with prevention of epidemic spread of the virus and limiting of disease incidence in human populations. This review will address identification and pathogenesis of VEEV in equids vaccination and treatment options, and current research for drug and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Taylor
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, United States.
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20
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Tabachnick WJ. Nature, nurture and evolution of intra-species variation in mosquito arbovirus transmission competence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:249-77. [PMID: 23343982 PMCID: PMC3564141 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10010249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes vary in their competence or ability to transmit arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). Many arboviruses cause disease in humans and animals. Identifying the environmental and genetic causes of variation in mosquito competence for arboviruses is one of the great challenges in public health. Progress identifying genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors influencing mosquito competence for arboviruses is reviewed. There is great complexity in the various traits that comprise mosquito competence. The complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors controlling these traits and the factors shaping variation in Nature are largely unknown. The norms of reaction of specific genes influencing competence, their distributions in natural populations and the effects of genetic polymorphism on phenotypic variation need to be determined. Mechanisms influencing competence are not likely due to natural selection because of the direct effects of the arbovirus on mosquito fitness. More likely the traits for mosquito competence for arboviruses are the effects of adaptations for other functions of these competence mechanisms. Determining these other functions is essential to understand the evolution and distributions of competence for arboviruses. This information is needed to assess risk from mosquito-borne disease, predict new mosquito-arbovirus systems, and provide novel strategies to mitigate mosquito-borne arbovirus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter J Tabachnick
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA.
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Tretyakova I, Lukashevich IS, Glass P, Wang E, Weaver S, Pushko P. Novel vaccine against Venezuelan equine encephalitis combines advantages of DNA immunization and a live attenuated vaccine. Vaccine 2012; 31:1019-25. [PMID: 23287629 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccines combine remarkable genetic and chemical stability with proven safety and efficacy in animal models, while remaining less immunogenic in humans. In contrast, live-attenuated vaccines have the advantage of inducing rapid, robust, long-term immunity after a single-dose vaccination. Here we describe novel iDNA vaccine technology that is based on an infectious DNA platform and combines advantages of DNA and live attenuated vaccines. We applied this technology for vaccination against infection with Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), an alphavirus from the Togaviridae family. The iDNA vaccine is based on transcription of the full-length genomic RNA of the TC-83 live-attenuated virus from plasmid DNA in vivo. The in vivo-generated viral RNA initiates limited replication of the vaccine virus, which in turn leads to efficient immunization. This technology allows the plasmid DNA to launch a live-attenuated vaccine in vitro or in vivo. Less than 10 ng of pTC83 iDNA encoding the full-length genomic RNA of the TC-83 vaccine strain initiated replication of the vaccine virus in vitro. In order to evaluate this approach in vivo, BALB/c mice were vaccinated with a single dose of pTC83 iDNA. After vaccination, all mice seroconverted with no adverse reactions. Four weeks after immunization, animals were challenged with the lethal epidemic strain of VEEV. All iDNA-vaccinated mice were protected from fatal disease, while all unvaccinated controls succumbed to infection and died. To our knowledge, this is the first example of launching a clinical live-attenuated vaccine from recombinant plasmid DNA in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine/prevention & control
- Female
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Survival Analysis
- Vaccination/methods
- Vaccines, Attenuated/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Attenuated/genetics
- Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Tretyakova
- Medigen, Inc., 4539 Metropolitan Court, Frederick, MD 21704, USA
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22
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Kenney JL, Adams AP, Gorchakov R, Leal G, Weaver SC. Genetic and anatomic determinants of enzootic Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection of Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1606. [PMID: 22509419 PMCID: PMC3317907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a re-emerging, mosquito-borne viral disease with the potential to cause fatal encephalitis in both humans and equids. Recently, detection of endemic VEE caused by enzootic strains has escalated in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador, emphasizing the importance of understanding the enzootic transmission cycle of the etiologic agent, VEE virus (VEEV). The majority of work examining the viral determinants of vector infection has been performed in the epizootic mosquito vector, Aedes (Ochlerotatus) taeniorhynchus. Based on the fundamental differences between the epizootic and enzootic cycles, we hypothesized that the virus-vector interaction of the enzootic cycle is fundamentally different from that of the epizootic model. We therefore examined the determinants for VEEV IE infection in the enzootic vector, Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus, and determined the number and susceptibility of midgut epithelial cells initially infected and their distribution compared to the epizootic virus-vector interaction. Using chimeric viruses, we demonstrated that the determinants of infection for the enzootic vector are different than those observed for the epizootic vector. Similarly, we showed that, unlike A. taeniorhynchus infection with subtype IC VEEV, C. taeniopus does not have a limited subpopulation of midgut cells susceptible to subtype IE VEEV. These findings support the hypothesis that the enzootic VEEV relationship with C. taeniopus differs from the epizootic virus-vector interaction in that the determinants appear to be found in both the nonstructural and structural regions, and initial midgut infection is not limited to a small population of susceptible cells. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is transmitted to humans and horses by mosquitoes in Mexico, Central and South America. These infections can lead to fatal encephalitis in humans as well as horses, donkeys and mules, and there are no licensed vaccines or treatments available for humans. VEEV circulates in two distinct transmission cycles (epizootic and enzootic), which are differentiated by the ecological niche that each virus inhabits. Epizootic strains, those that cause major outbreaks in humans and equids, have been studied extensively and have been used primarily to develop and test several vaccine candidates. In this study, we demonstrate some important differences in the roles of different viral genes between enzootic/endemic versus epizootic VEEV strains that affect mosquito infection as well as differences in the way that enzootic VEEV more efficiently infects the mosquito initially. Our findings have important implications for designing vaccines and for understanding the evolution of VEEV-mosquito interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Scott C. Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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23
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Deardorff ER, Estrada-Franco JG, Freier JE, Navarro-Lopez R, Travassos Da Rosa A, Tesh RB, Weaver SC. Candidate vectors and rodent hosts of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Chiapas, 2006-2007. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 85:1146-53. [PMID: 22144461 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.11-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzootic Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) has been known to occur in Mexico since the 1960s. The first natural equine epizootic was recognized in Chiapas in 1993 and since then, numerous studies have characterized the etiologic strains, including reverse genetic studies that incriminated a specific mutation that enhanced infection of epizootic mosquito vectors. The aim of this study was to determine the mosquito and rodent species involved in enzootic maintenance of subtype IE VEEV in coastal Chiapas. A longitudinal study was conducted over a year to discern which species and habitats could be associated with VEEV circulation. Antibody was rarely detected in mammals and virus was not isolated from mosquitoes. Additionally, Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus populations were found to be spatially related to high levels of human and bovine seroprevalence. These mosquito populations were concentrated in areas that appear to represent foci of stable, enzootic VEEV circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor R Deardorff
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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24
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Foo SS, Chen W, Herrero L, Bettadapura J, Narayan J, Dar L, Broor S, Mahalingam S. The genetics of alphaviruses. Future Virol 2011. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.11.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alphaviruses are emerging human pathogens that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. Their ability to infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts including humans, equines, birds and rodents has brought about a series of epidemic and epizootic outbreaks worldwide. Their potential to cause a pandemic has spurred the interest of researchers globally, leading to the rapid advancement on the characterization of genetic determinants of alphaviruses. In this review, the focal point is placed on the genetics of alphaviruses, whereby the genetic composition, clinical features, evolution and adaptation of alphaviruses, modulation of IFN response by alphavirus proteins and therapeutic aspects of alphaviruses will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suan Sin Foo
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), Biopolis, Singapore
- Emerging Viruses & Inflammation Research Group, Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), Biopolis, Singapore
- Emerging Viruses & Inflammation Research Group, Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Lara Herrero
- Emerging Viruses & Inflammation Research Group, Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Jayaram Bettadapura
- Emerging Viruses & Inflammation Research Group, Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | | | - Lalit Dar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shobha Broor
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses & Inflammation Research Group, Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
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25
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Aguilar PV, Estrada-Franco JG, Navarro-Lopez R, Ferro C, Haddow AD, Weaver SC. Endemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis in the Americas: hidden under the dengue umbrella. Future Virol 2011. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.11.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is an emerging infectious disease in Latin America. Outbreaks have been recorded for decades in countries with enzootic circulation, and the recent implementation of surveillance systems has allowed the detection of additional human cases in countries and areas with previously unknown VEE activity. Clinically, VEE is indistinguishable from dengue and other arboviral diseases and confirmatory diagnosis requires the use of specialized laboratory tests that are difficult to afford in resource-limited regions. Thus, the disease burden of endemic VEE in developing countries remains largely unknown, but recent surveillance suggests that it may represent up to 10% of the dengue burden in neotropical cities, or tens-of-thousands of cases per year throughout Latin America. The potential emergence of epizootic viruses from enzootic progenitors further highlights the need to strengthen surveillance activities, identify mosquito vectors and reservoirs and develop effective strategies to control the disease. In this article, we provide an overview of the current status of endemic VEE that results from spillover of the enzootic cycles, and we discuss public health measures for disease control as well as future avenues for VEE research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Aguilar
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jose G Estrada-Franco
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Roberto Navarro-Lopez
- Comision Mexico-Estados Unidos para la Prevencion de la Fiebre Aftosa & Otras Enfermedades Exoticas de los Animales, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Andrew D Haddow
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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26
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Aguilar PV, Estrada-Franco JG, Navarro-Lopez R, Ferro C, Haddow AD, Weaver SC. Endemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis in the Americas: hidden under the dengue umbrella. Future Virol 2011; 6:721-740. [PMID: 21765860 DOI: 10.2217/fvl.11.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is an emerging infectious disease in Latin America. Outbreaks have been recorded for decades in countries with enzootic circulation, and the recent implementation of surveillance systems has allowed the detection of additional human cases in countries and areas with previously unknown VEE activity. Clinically, VEE is indistinguishable from dengue and other arboviral diseases and confirmatory diagnosis requires the use of specialized laboratory tests that are difficult to afford in resource-limited regions. Thus, the disease burden of endemic VEE in developing countries remains largely unknown, but recent surveillance suggests that it may represent up to 10% of the dengue burden in neotropical cities, or tens-of-thousands of cases per year throughout Latin America. The potential emergence of epizootic viruses from enzootic progenitors further highlights the need to strengthen surveillance activities, identify mosquito vectors and reservoirs and develop effective strategies to control the disease. In this article, we provide an overview of the current status of endemic VEE that results from spillover of the enzootic cycles, and we discuss public health measures for disease control as well as future avenues for VEE research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Aguilar
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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