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Giglia G, Gianfilippo A, Mandara MT, de Bruin E, Gröne A, van den Brand JMA. Usutu virus avian and human infection after more than 25 years of circulation. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:805-807. [PMID: 38329634 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Agliani Gianfilippo
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erwin de Bruin
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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2
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Mollerup IM, Bjørneset J, Krock B, Jensen TH, Galatius A, Dietz R, Teilmann J, van den Brand JMA, Osterhaus A, Kokotovic B, Lundholm N, Olsen MT. Did algal toxin and Klebsiella infections cause the unexplained 2007 mass mortality event in Danish and Swedish marine mammals? Sci Total Environ 2024; 914:169817. [PMID: 38184244 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
An unusual mass mortality event (MME) of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) occurred in Denmark and Sweden in June 2007. Prior to this incident, the region had experienced two MMEs in harbour seals caused by Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) in 1988 and 2002. Although epidemiology and symptoms of the 2007 MME resembled PDV, none of the animals examined for PDV tested positive. Thus, it has been speculated that another - yet unknown - pathogen caused the June 2007 MME. To shed new light on the likely cause of death, we combine previously unpublished veterinary examinations of harbour seals with novel analyses of algal toxins and algal monitoring data. All harbour seals subject to pathological examination showed pneumonia, but were negative for PDV, influenza and coronavirus. Histological analyses revealed septicaemia in multiple animals, and six animals tested positive for Klebsiella pneumonia. Furthermore, we detected the algal Dinophysis toxin DTX-1b (1-115 ng g-1) in five seals subject to toxicology, representing the first time DTX-1b has been detected in marine vertebrates. However, no animals tested positive for both Klebsiella and toxins. Thus, while our relatively small sample size prevent firm conclusions on causative agents, we speculate that the unexplained MME may have been caused by a chance incidence of multiple pathogens acting in parallel in June 2007, including Dinophysis toxin and Klebsiella. Our study illustrates the complexity of wildlife MMEs and highlights the need for thorough sampling during and after MMEs, as well as additional research on and monitoring of DTX-1b and other algal toxins in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida-Marie Mollerup
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark; Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Juni Bjørneset
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark; Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Bernd Krock
- Alfred Wegener Institut-Helmholtz Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Trine Hammer Jensen
- Aalborg Zoo/Section of Biology and Environmental Science, University of Aalborg, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Anders Galatius
- Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Albert Osterhaus
- Research Center Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Branko Kokotovic
- Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Seruminstitut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Nina Lundholm
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Morten Tange Olsen
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark; Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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3
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Chestakova IV, van der Linden A, Bellido Martin B, Caliendo V, Vuong O, Thewessen S, Hartung T, Bestebroer T, Dekker J, Jonge Poerink B, Gröne A, Koopmans M, Fouchier R, van den Brand JMA, Sikkema RS. High number of HPAI H5 virus infections and antibodies in wild carnivores in the Netherlands, 2020-2022. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2270068. [PMID: 37842795 PMCID: PMC10732216 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2270068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
In October 2020, a new lineage of a clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI virus of the H5 subtype emerged in Europe, resulting in the largest global outbreak of HPAI to date, with unprecedented mortality in wild birds and poultry. The virus appears to have become enzootic in birds, continuously yielding novel HPAI virus variants. The recently increased abundance of infected birds worldwide increases the probability of bird-mammal contact, particularly in wild carnivores. Here, we performed molecular and serological screening of over 500 dead wild carnivores and sequencing of RNA positive materials. We show virological evidence for HPAI H5 virus infection in 0.8%, 1.4%, and 9.9% of animals tested in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively, with the highest proportion of positives in foxes, polecats and stone martens. We obtained near full genomes of 7 viruses and detected PB2 amino acid substitutions known to play a role in mammalian adaptation in three sequences. Infections were also found in without neurological signs or mortality. Serological evidence for infection was detected in 20% of the study population. These findings suggests that a high proportion of wild carnivores is infected but undetected in current surveillance programmes. We recommend increased surveillance in susceptible mammals, irrespective of neurological signs or encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Valentina Caliendo
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Oanh Vuong
- Department of Viroscience, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Thewessen
- Department of Viroscience, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tijmen Hartung
- Department of Viroscience, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasja Dekker
- Jasja Dekker Dierecologie B.V., Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andrea Gröne
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reina S. Sikkema
- Department of Viroscience, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Laksono BM, Roelofs D, Comvalius AD, Schmitz KS, Rijsbergen LC, Geers D, Nambulli S, van Run P, Duprex WP, van den Brand JMA, de Vries RD, de Swart RL. Infection of ferrets with wild type-based recombinant canine distemper virus overwhelms the immune system and causes fatal systemic disease. mSphere 2023; 8:e0008223. [PMID: 37377421 PMCID: PMC10449521 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00082-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes systemic infection resulting in severe and often fatal disease in a large spectrum of animal host species. The virus is closely related to measles virus and targets myeloid, lymphoid, and epithelial cells, but CDV is more virulent and the infection spreads more rapidly within the infected host. Here, we aimed to study the pathogenesis of wild-type CDV infection by experimentally inoculating ferrets with recombinant CDV (rCDV) based on an isolate directly obtained from a naturally infected raccoon. The recombinant virus was engineered to express a fluorescent reporter protein, facilitating assessment of viral tropism and virulence. In ferrets, this wild type-based rCDV infected myeloid, lymphoid, and epithelial cells, and the infection resulted in systemic dissemination to multiple tissues and organs, especially those of the lymphatic system. High infection percentages in immune cells resulted in depletion of these cells both from circulation and from lymphoid tissues. The majority of CDV-infected ferrets reached their humane endpoints within 20 d and had to be euthanized. In that period, the virus also reached the central nervous system in several ferrets, but we did not observe the development of neurological complications during the study period of 23 d. Two out of 14 ferrets survived CDV infection and developed neutralizing antibodies. We show for the first time the pathogenesis of a non-adapted wild type-based rCDV in ferrets. IMPORTANCE Infection of ferrets with recombinant canine distemper virus (rCDV) expressing a fluorescent reporter protein has been used as proxy to understand measles pathogenesis and immune suppression in humans. CDV and measles virus use the same cellular receptors, but CDV is more virulent, and infection is often associated with neurological complications. rCDV strains in current use have complicated passage histories, which may have affected their pathogenesis. Here, we studied the pathogenesis of the first wild type-based rCDV in ferrets. We used macroscopic fluorescence to identify infected cells and tissues; multicolor flow cytometry to determine viral tropism in immune cells; and histopathology and immunohistochemistry to characterize infected cells and lesions in tissues. We conclude that CDV often overwhelmed the immune system, resulting in viral dissemination to multiple tissues in the absence of a detectable neutralizing antibody response. This virus is a promising tool to study the pathogenesis of morbillivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dagmar Roelofs
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Daryl Geers
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sham Nambulli
- Centre for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter van Run
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W. Paul Duprex
- Centre for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rory D. de Vries
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rik L. de Swart
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
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Roelofs D, Schmitz KS, van Amerongen G, Rijsbergen LC, Laksono BM, Comvalius AD, Nambulli S, Rennick LJ, van Run P, Duprex WP, van den Brand JMA, de Swart RL, de Vries RD. Inoculation of raccoons with a wild-type-based recombinant canine distemper virus results in viremia, lymphopenia, fever, and widespread histological lesions. mSphere 2023; 8:e0014423. [PMID: 37314205 PMCID: PMC10449507 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00144-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Raccoons are naturally susceptible to canine distemper virus (CDV) infection and can be a potential source of spill-over events. CDV is a highly contagious morbillivirus that infects multiple species of carnivores and omnivores, resulting in severe and often fatal disease. Here, we used a recombinant CDV (rCDV) based on a full-genome sequence detected in a naturally infected raccoon to perform pathogenesis studies in raccoons. Five raccoons were inoculated intratracheally with a recombinant virus engineered to express a fluorescent reporter protein, and extensive virological, serological, histological, and immunohistochemical assessments were performed at different time points post inoculation. rCDV-infected white blood cells were detected as early as 4 days post inoculation (dpi). Raccoon necropsies at 6 and 8 dpi revealed replication in the lymphoid tissues, preceding spread into peripheral tissues observed during necropsies at 21 dpi. Whereas lymphocytes, and to a lesser extent myeloid cells, were the main target cells of CDV at early time points, CDV additionally targeted epithelia at 21 dpi. At this later time point, CDV-infected cells were observed throughout the host. We observed lymphopenia and lymphocyte depletion from lymphoid tissues after CDV infection, in the absence of detectable CDV neutralizing antibodies and an impaired ability to clear CDV, indicating that the animals were severely immunosuppressed. The use of a wild-type-based recombinant virus in a natural host species infection study allowed systematic and sensitive assessment of antigen detection by immunohistochemistry, enabling further comparative pathology studies of CDV infection in different species. IMPORTANCE Expansion of the human interface supports increased interactions between humans and peridomestic species like raccoons. Raccoons are highly susceptible to canine distemper virus (CDV) and are considered an important target species. Spill-over events are increasingly likely, potentially resulting in fatal CDV infections in domestic and free ranging carnivores. CDV also poses a threat for (non-human) primates, as massive outbreaks in macaque colonies were reported. CDV pathogenesis was studied by experimental inoculation of several species, but pathogenesis in raccoons was not properly studied. Recently, we generated a recombinant virus based on a full-genome sequence detected in a naturally infected raccoon. Here, we studied CDV pathogenesis in its natural host species and show that distemper completely overwhelms the immune system and spreads to virtually all tissues, including the central nervous system. Despite this, raccoons survived up to 21 d post inoculation with long-term shedding, supporting an important role of raccoons as host species for CDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Roelofs
- Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sham Nambulli
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda J. Rennick
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter van Run
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - W. Paul Duprex
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Rik L. de Swart
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Duijvestijn MBHM, Schuurman NNMP, Vernooij JCM, van Leeuwen MAJM, Bosch BJ, van den Brand JMA, Wagenaar JA, van Kuppeveld FJM, Egberink HF, Verhagen JH. Serological Survey of Retrovirus and Coronavirus Infections, including SARS-CoV-2, in Rural Stray Cats in The Netherlands, 2020-2022. Viruses 2023; 15:1531. [PMID: 37515217 PMCID: PMC10385588 DOI: 10.3390/v15071531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Stray cats can host (zoonotic) viral pathogens and act as a source of infection for domestic cats or humans. In this cross-sectional (sero)prevalence study, sera from 580 stray cats living in 56 different cat groups in rural areas in The Netherlands were collected from October 2020 to July 2022. These were used to investigate the prevalence of the cat-specific feline leukemia virus (FeLV, n = 580), the seroprevalence of the cat-specific feline viruses feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV, n = 580) and feline coronavirus (FCoV, n = 407), and the zoonotic virus severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2, n = 407) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). ELISA-positive results were confirmed using Western blot (FIV) or pseudovirus neutralization test (SARS-CoV-2). The FIV seroprevalence was 5.0% (95% CI (Confidence Interval) 3.4-7.1) and ranged from 0-19.0% among groups. FIV-specific antibodies were more often detected in male cats, cats ≥ 3 years and cats with reported health problems. No FeLV-positive cats were found (95% CI 0.0-0.6). The FCoV seroprevalence was 33.7% (95% CI 29.1-38.5) and ranged from 4.7-85.7% among groups. FCoV-specific antibodies were more often detected in cats ≥ 3 years, cats with reported health problems and cats living in industrial areas or countryside residences compared to cats living at holiday parks or campsites. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the subunit 1 (S1) and receptor binding domain (RBD) protein were detected in 2.7% (95% CI 1.4-4.8) of stray cats, but sera were negative in the pseudovirus neutralization test and therefore were considered SARS-CoV-2 suspected. Our findings suggest that rural stray cats in The Netherlands can be a source of FIV and FCoV, indicating a potential risk for transmission to other cats, while the risk for FeLV is low. However, suspected SARS-CoV-2 infections in these cats were uncommon. We found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 cat-to-cat spread in the studied stray cat groups and consider the likelihood of spillover to humans as low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam B H M Duijvestijn
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy N M P Schuurman
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C M Vernooij
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J M van Kuppeveld
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Herman F Egberink
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josanne H Verhagen
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gerhards NM, Gonzales JL, Vreman S, Ravesloot L, van den Brand JMA, Doekes HP, Egberink HF, Stegeman A, Oreshkova N, van der Poel WHM, de Jong MCM. Efficient Direct and Limited Environmental Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.22 in Domestic Cats. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0255322. [PMID: 37222603 PMCID: PMC10269887 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02553-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The susceptibility of domestic cats to infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated by several experimental studies and field observations. We performed an extensive study to further characterize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between cats, through both direct and indirect contact. To that end, we estimated the transmission rate parameter and the decay parameter for infectivity in the environment. Using four groups of pair-transmission experiment, all donor (inoculated) cats became infected, shed virus, and seroconverted, while three out of four direct contact cats got infected, shed virus, and two of those seroconverted. One out of eight cats exposed to a SARS-CoV-2-contaminated environment became infected but did not seroconvert. Statistical analysis of the transmission data gives a reproduction number R0 of 2.18 (95% CI = 0.92 to 4.08), a transmission rate parameter β of 0.23 day-1 (95% CI = 0.06 to 0.54), and a virus decay rate parameter μ of 2.73 day-1 (95% CI = 0.77 to 15.82). These data indicate that transmission between cats is efficient and can be sustained (R0 > 1), however, the infectiousness of a contaminated environment decays rapidly (mean duration of infectiousness 1/2.73 days). Despite this, infections of cats via exposure to a SARS-CoV-2-contaminated environment cannot be discounted if cats are exposed shortly after contamination. IMPORTANCE This article provides additional insight into the risk of infection that could arise from cats infected with SARS-CoV-2 by using epidemiological models to determine transmission parameters. Considering that transmission parameters are not always provided in the literature describing transmission experiments in animals, we demonstrate that mathematical analysis of experimental data is crucial to estimate the likelihood of transmission. This article is also relevant to animal health professionals and authorities involved in risk assessments for zoonotic spill-overs of SARS-CoV-2. Last but not least, the mathematical models to calculate transmission parameters are applicable to analyze the experimental transmission of other pathogens between animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora M. Gerhards
- Department of Bioinformatics, Epidemiology and Animal Models, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Jose L. Gonzales
- Department of Bioinformatics, Epidemiology and Animal Models, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Vreman
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interactions and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Lars Ravesloot
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interactions and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | | | - Harmen P. Doekes
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Herman F. Egberink
- Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Section Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Veterinary Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nadia Oreshkova
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Wim H. M. van der Poel
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Mart C. M. de Jong
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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8
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Vreman S, van der Heijden EMDL, Ravesloot L, Ludwig IS, van den Brand JMA, Harders F, Kampfraath AA, Egberink HF, Gonzales JL, Oreshkova N, Broere F, van der Poel WHM, Gerhards NM. Immune Responses and Pathogenesis following Experimental SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Domestic Cats. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051052. [PMID: 37243138 DOI: 10.3390/v15051052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Several reports demonstrated the susceptibility of domestic cats to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we describe a thorough investigation of the immune responses in cats after experimental SARS-CoV-2 inoculation, along with the characterization of infection kinetics and pathological lesions. Specific pathogen-free domestic cats (n = 12) were intranasally inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 and subsequently sacrificed on DPI (days post-inoculation) 2, 4, 7 and 14. None of the infected cats developed clinical signs. Only mild histopathologic lung changes associated with virus antigen expression were observed mainly on DPI 4 and 7. Viral RNA was present until DPI 7, predominantly in nasal and throat swabs. The infectious virus could be isolated from the nose, trachea and lungs until DPI 7. In the swab samples, no biologically relevant SARS-CoV-2 mutations were observed over time. From DPI 7 onwards, all cats developed a humoral immune response. The cellular immune responses were limited to DPI 7. Cats showed an increase in CD8+ cells, and the subsequent RNA sequence analysis of CD4+ and CD8+ subsets revealed a prominent upregulation of antiviral and inflammatory genes on DPI 2. In conclusion, infected domestic cats developed a strong antiviral response and cleared the virus within the first week after infection without overt clinical signs and relevant virus mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Vreman
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M D L van der Heijden
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Ravesloot
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Irene S Ludwig
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Harders
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Andries A Kampfraath
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Herman F Egberink
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jose L Gonzales
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia Oreshkova
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Broere
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim H M van der Poel
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Nora M Gerhards
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
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9
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Giglia G, Mencattelli G, Lepri E, Agliani G, Gobbi M, Gröne A, van den Brand JMA, Savini G, Mandara MT. West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus: A Post-Mortem Monitoring Study in Wild Birds from Rescue Centers, Central Italy. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091994. [PMID: 36146800 PMCID: PMC9503110 DOI: 10.3390/v14091994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that have been associated with neurological diseases in humans and wild birds. Wild bird rescue centers are potential significant hot spots for avian infection surveillance, as recognized in the Italian Integrate National Surveillance Plan for Arboviruses. Here we report the results of a post-mortem active monitoring study conducted from November 2017 to October 2020 on animals hosted in five wild bird rescue centers of Central Italy. Five hundred seventy-six (n = 576) wild birds were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the presence of WNV or USUV RNA fragments. No birds tested positive for USUV RNA (n = 0; 0.00%). Evidence of WNV RNA (Ct value = 34.36) was found in one bird (n = 1; 0.17%), an adult little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis subsp. ruficollis), that tested WNV positive in December 2019. This study highlights the strategic role of wildlife rescue centers in monitoring both the introduction and circulation of avian emerging zoonotic diseases. In addition, the presence of WNV during the cold season evidences the possible role of birds in overwintering mechanisms in the Italian territory and requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giglia
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Mencattelli
- OIE National Reference Center for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale, dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Center Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
| | - Elvio Lepri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gianfilippo Agliani
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Gobbi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Savini
- OIE National Reference Center for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale, dell’Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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10
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Sikkema RS, Begeman L, Janssen R, Wolters WJ, Geurtsvankessel C, de Bruin E, Hakze‐van der Honing RW, Eblé P, van der Poel WHM, van den Brand JMA, Slaterus R, La Haye M, Koopmans MP, Velkers F, Kuiken T. Risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between free-ranging animals and captive mink in the Netherlands. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3339-3349. [PMID: 35988158 PMCID: PMC9538022 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the Netherlands, 69 of the 126 (55%) mink farms in total became infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020. Despite strict biosecurity measures and extensive epidemiological investigations, the main transmission route remained unclear. A better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between mink farms is of relevance for countries where mink farming is still common practice and can be used as a case study to improve future emerging disease preparedness. We assessed whether SARS-CoV-2 spilled over from mink to free-ranging animals, and whether free-ranging animals may have played a role in farm-to-farm transmission in the Netherlands. The study encompassed farm visits, farm questionnaires, expert workshops and SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibody testing of samples from target animal species (bats, birds and free-ranging carnivores). In this study, we show that the open housing system of mink allowed access to birds, bats and most free-ranging carnivores, and that direct and indirect contact with mink was likely after entry, especially for free-ranging carnivores and birds. This allowed SARS-CoV-2 exposure to animals entering the mink farm, and subsequent infection or mechanical carriage by the target animal species. Moreover, mink can escape farms in some cases, and two SARS-CoV-2-positive mink were found outside farm premises. No other SARS-CoV-2-RNA-positive free-ranging animals were detected, suggesting there was no abundant circulation in the species tested during the study period. To investigate previous SARS-CoV-2 infections, SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection using lung extracts of carcasses was set up and validated. One tested beech marten did have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, but the closest SARS-CoV-2-infected mink farm was outside of its home range, making infection at a mink farm unlikely. Knowing that virus exchange between different species and the formation of animal reservoirs affects SARS-CoV-2 evolution, continued vigilance and monitoring of mink farms and surrounding wildlife remains vital.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wendy J. Wolters
- Division Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Erwin de Bruin
- Viroscience, ErasmusMCRotterdamThe Netherlands,Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Phaedra Eblé
- Wageningen Bioveterinary ResearchLelystadThe Netherlands
| | | | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands,Dutch Wildlife Health CentreUtrecht UniversityThe Netherlands
| | - Roy Slaterus
- Sovon, Dutch Centre for Field OrnithologyNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Francisca Velkers
- Division Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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11
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Giglia G, Agliani G, Lepri E, Baldoni E, Gobbi M, Ceccherelli R, Gröne A, van den Brand JMA, Mandara MT. Neuronal satellitosis is a common finding in the avian brain. Avian Pathol 2022; 51:381-387. [PMID: 35503252 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2022.2073193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPerineuronal or neuronal satellitosis is the term describing the presence of glial cells in the satellite space surrounding the neuronal perikaryon. Confusingly, this finding has been described both as a physiologic and pathologic condition in humans and animals. In animals, neuronal satellitosis has been described in mammals, as well as in avian species. For the latter, authors wondered whether this finding can be expressed in the normal telencephalon of different avian orders and families and whether this pattern in different species shows a specific brain-region association. For these aims, this study explored the presence of neuronal satellitosis in the major areas of the healthy telencephalon in wild avian species of different orders and families, evaluating its grade in different brain regions. Neuronal satellitosis was seen in the Hyperpallium and Mesopallium as areas with the highest grade. Passeriformes showed the highest grade of neuronal satellitosis compared to Diurnal, Nocturnal raptors, and Charadriiformes. To clarify the exact role of neuronal satellitosis in animals without neurological disease further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.,Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gianfilippo Agliani
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elvio Lepri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Erika Baldoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.,Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Renato Ceccherelli
- Centro Recupero Uccelli Marini e Acquatici (CRUMA), Via delle Sorgenti, 430, 57121 Livorno, Italy
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Teresa Mandara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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12
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Te N, Ciurkiewicz M, van den Brand JMA, Rodon J, Haverkamp AK, Vergara-Alert J, Bensaid A, Haagmans BL, Baumgartner W, Segalés J. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in camelids. Vet Pathol 2022; 59:546-555. [PMID: 35001773 DOI: 10.1177/03009858211069120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the cause of a severe respiratory disease with a high case fatality rate in humans. Since its emergence in mid-2012, 2578 laboratory-confirmed cases in 27 countries have been reported by the World Health Organization, leading to 888 known deaths due to the disease and related complications. Dromedary camels are considered the major reservoir host for this virus leading to zoonotic infection in humans. Dromedary camels, llamas, and alpacas are susceptible to MERS-CoV, developing a mild-to-moderate upper respiratory tract infection characterized by epithelial hyperplasia as well as infiltration of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and some macrophages within epithelium, lamina propria, in association with abundant viral antigen. The very mild lesions in the lower respiratory tract of these camelids correlate with absence of overt illness following MERS-CoV infection. Unfortunately, there is no approved antiviral treatment or vaccine for MERS-CoV infection in humans. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop intervention strategies in camelids, such as vaccination, to minimize virus spillover to humans. Therefore, the development of camelid models of MERS-CoV infection is key not only to assess vaccine prototypes but also to understand the biologic mechanisms by which the infection can be naturally controlled in these reservoir species. This review summarizes information on virus-induced pathological changes, pathogenesis, viral epidemiology, and control strategies in camelids, as the intermediate hosts and primary source of MERS-CoV infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigeer Te
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | | | | | - Jordi Rodon
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | | | - Júlia Vergara-Alert
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Albert Bensaid
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Bart L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Joaquim Segalés
- UAB, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Mykytyn AZ, Lamers MM, Okba NMA, Breugem TI, Schipper D, van den Doel PB, van Run P, van Amerongen G, de Waal L, Koopmans MPG, Stittelaar KJ, van den Brand JMA, Haagmans BL. Susceptibility of rabbits to SARS-CoV-2. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:1-7. [PMID: 33356979 PMCID: PMC7832544 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1868951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) between livestock and humans is a potential public health concern. We demonstrate the susceptibility of rabbits to SARS-CoV-2, which excrete infectious virus from the nose and throat upon experimental inoculation. Therefore, investigations on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed rabbits should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Z. Mykytyn
- Viroscience department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mart M. Lamers
- Viroscience department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nisreen M. A. Okba
- Viroscience department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tim I. Breugem
- Viroscience department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Debby Schipper
- Viroscience department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter van Run
- Viroscience department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Leon de Waal
- Viroclinics Biosciences B.V., Viroclinics Xplore, Schaijk, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart L. Haagmans
- Viroscience department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Giglia G, Agliani G, Munnink BBO, Sikkema RS, Mandara MT, Lepri E, Kik M, Ijzer J, Rijks JM, Fast C, Koopmans MPG, Verheije MH, Gröne A, Reusken CBEM, van den Brand JMA. Pathology and Pathogenesis of Eurasian Blackbirds ( Turdus merula) Naturally Infected with Usutu Virus. Viruses 2021; 13:1481. [PMID: 34452347 PMCID: PMC8402641 DOI: 10.3390/v13081481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus. Despite its continuous circulation in Europe, knowledge on the pathology, cellular and tissue tropism and pathogenetic potential of different circulating viral lineages is still fragmentary. Here, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations are performed in association with the study of cell and tissue tropism and comparison of lesion severity of two circulating virus lineages (Europe 3; Africa 3) in 160 Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) in the Netherlands. Results confirm hepatosplenomegaly, coagulative necrosis and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation as major patterns of lesions and, for the first time, vasculitis as a novel virus-associated lesion. A USUV and Plasmodium spp. co-infection was commonly identified. The virus was associated with lesions by immunohistochemistry and was reported most commonly in endothelial cells and blood circulating and tissue mononucleated cells, suggesting them as a major route of entry and spread. A tropism for mononuclear phagocytes cells was further supported by viral labeling in multinucleated giant cells. The involvement of ganglionic neurons and epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract suggests a possible role of oral transmission, while the involvement of feather follicle shafts and bulbs suggests their use as a diagnostic sample for live bird testing. Finally, results suggest similar pathogenicity for the two circulating lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giglia
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Gianfilippo Agliani
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Bas B. Oude Munnink
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Reina S. Sikkema
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Maria Teresa Mandara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Elvio Lepri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Marja Kik
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Jooske Ijzer
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Jolianne M. Rijks
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Christine Fast
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, D-17493 Isle of Riems, Germany;
| | - Marion P. G. Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Monique H. Verheije
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Chantal B. E. M. Reusken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
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15
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Okba NMA, Widjaja I, van Dieren B, Aebischer A, van Amerongen G, de Waal L, Stittelaar KJ, Schipper D, Martina B, van den Brand JMA, Beer M, Bosch BJ, Haagmans BL. Particulate multivalent presentation of the receptor binding domain induces protective immune responses against MERS-CoV. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:1080-1091. [PMID: 32471334 PMCID: PMC7448924 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1760735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a WHO priority pathogen for which vaccines are urgently needed. Using an immune-focusing approach, we created self-assembling particles multivalently displaying critical regions of the MERS-CoV spike protein ─fusion peptide, heptad repeat 2, and receptor binding domain (RBD) ─ and tested their immunogenicity and protective capacity in rabbits. Using a "plug-and-display" SpyTag/SpyCatcher system, we coupled RBD to lumazine synthase (LS) particles producing multimeric RBD-presenting particles (RBD-LS). RBD-LS vaccination induced antibody responses of high magnitude and quality (avidity, MERS-CoV neutralizing capacity, and mucosal immunity) with cross-clade neutralization. The antibody responses were associated with blocking viral replication and upper and lower respiratory tract protection against MERS-CoV infection in rabbits. This arrayed multivalent presentation of the viral RBD using the antigen-SpyTag/LS-SpyCatcher is a promising MERS-CoV vaccine candidate and this platform may be applied for the rapid development of vaccines against other emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen M. A. Okba
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ivy Widjaja
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda van Dieren
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Aebischer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Leon de Waal
- Viroclinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Debby Schipper
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Byron Martina
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart L. Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Richard M, van den Brand JMA, Bestebroer TM, Lexmond P, de Meulder D, Fouchier RAM, Lowen AC, Herfst S. Influenza A viruses are transmitted via the air from the nasal respiratory epithelium of ferrets. Nat Commun 2020; 11:766. [PMID: 32034144 PMCID: PMC7005743 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human influenza A viruses are known to be transmitted via the air from person to person. It is unknown from which anatomical site of the respiratory tract influenza A virus transmission occurs. Here, pairs of genetically tagged and untagged influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and A/H5N1 viruses that are transmissible via the air are used to co-infect donor ferrets via the intranasal and intratracheal routes to cause an upper and lower respiratory tract infection, respectively. In all transmission cases, we observe that the viruses in the recipient ferrets are of the same genotype as the viruses inoculated intranasally, demonstrating that they are expelled from the upper respiratory tract of ferrets rather than from trachea or the lower airways. Moreover, influenza A viruses that are transmissible via the air preferentially infect ferret and human nasal respiratory epithelium. These results indicate that virus replication in the upper respiratory tract, the nasal respiratory epithelium in particular, of donors is a driver for transmission of influenza A viruses via the air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis (CRIP) Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis (CRIP) Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Theo M Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis (CRIP) Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal Lexmond
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis (CRIP) Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis de Meulder
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis (CRIP) Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis (CRIP) Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anice C Lowen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Emory-UGA Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis (CRIP) Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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17
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Begeman L, Kooi EA, van Weezep E, van de Bildt MWG, Reusken CBEM, Lina PHC, Koopmans MPG, van den Brand JMA, Kuiken T. Faeces as a novel material to estimate lyssavirus prevalence in bat populations. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 67:198-202. [PMID: 31814288 PMCID: PMC7027462 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rabies is caused by infection with a lyssavirus. Bat rabies is of concern for both public health and bat conservation. The current method for lyssavirus prevalence studies in bat populations is by oral swabbing, which is invasive for the bats, dangerous for handlers, time-consuming and expensive. In many situations, such sampling is not feasible, and hence, our understanding of epidemiology of bat rabies is limited. Faeces are usually easy to collect from bat colonies without disturbing the bats and thus could be a practical and feasible material for lyssavirus prevalence studies. To further explore this idea, we performed virological analysis on faecal pellets and oral swabs of seven serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) that were positive for European bat 1 lyssavirus in the brain. We also performed immunohistochemical and virological analyses on digestive tract samples of these bats to determine potential sources of lyssavirus in the faeces. We found that lyssavirus detection by RT-qPCR was nearly as sensitive in faecal pellets (6/7 bats positive, 86%) as in oral swabs (7/7 bats positive, 100%). The likely source of lyssavirus in the faeces was virus excreted into the oral cavity from the salivary glands (5/6 bats positive by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR) or tongue (3/4 bats positive by immunohistochemistry) and swallowed with saliva. Virus could not be isolated from any of the seven faecal pellets, suggesting the lyssavirus detected in faeces is not infectious. Lyssavirus detection in the majority of faecal pellets of infected bats shows that this novel material should be further explored for lyssavirus prevalence studies in bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lineke Begeman
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Engbert A Kooi
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, National Authority for Containment, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik van Weezep
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Marco W G van de Bildt
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal B E M Reusken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Infectious Disease Control-RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marion P G Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Widagdo W, Okba NMA, Richard M, de Meulder D, Bestebroer TM, Lexmond P, Farag EABA, Al-Hajri M, Stittelaar KJ, de Waal L, van Amerongen G, van den Brand JMA, Haagmans BL, Herfst S. Lack of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Transmission in Rabbits. Viruses 2019; 11:v11040381. [PMID: 31022948 PMCID: PMC6520746 DOI: 10.3390/v11040381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) transmission from dromedaries to humans has resulted in major outbreaks in the Middle East. Although some other livestock animal species have been shown to be susceptible to MERS-CoV, it is not fully understood why the spread of the virus in these animal species has not been observed in the field. In this study, we used rabbits to further characterize the transmission potential of MERS-CoV. In line with the presence of MERS-CoV receptor in the rabbit nasal epithelium, high levels of viral RNA were shed from the nose following virus inoculation. However, unlike MERS-CoV-infected dromedaries, these rabbits did not develop clinical manifestations including nasal discharge and did shed only limited amounts of infectious virus from the nose. Consistently, no transmission by contact or airborne routes was observed in rabbits. Our data indicate that despite relatively high viral RNA levels produced, low levels of infectious virus are excreted in the upper respiratory tract of rabbits as compared to dromedary camels, thus resulting in a lack of viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Widagdo
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Nisreen M A Okba
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Dennis de Meulder
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Theo M Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Pascal Lexmond
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - Leon de Waal
- Viroclinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam 3029 AK, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Bart L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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Meyer Sauteur PM, de Groot RCA, Estevão SC, Hoogenboezem T, de Bruijn ACJM, Sluijter M, de Bruijn MJW, De Kleer IM, van Haperen R, van den Brand JMA, Bogaert D, Fraaij PLA, Vink C, Hendriks RW, Samsom JN, Unger WWJ, van Rossum AMC. The Role of B Cells in Carriage and Clearance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae From the Respiratory Tract of Mice. J Infect Dis 2019; 217:298-309. [PMID: 29099932 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Carriage of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) in the nasopharynx is considered a prerequisite for pulmonary infection. It is interesting to note that Mp carriage is also detected after infection. Although B cells are known to be involved in pulmonary Mp clearance, their role in Mp carriage is unknown. Methods In this study, we show in a mouse model that Mp persists in the nose after pulmonary infection, similar to humans. Results Infection of mice enhanced Mp-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. However, nasal washes only contained elevated Mp-specific IgA. These differences in Ig compartmentalization correlated with differences in Mp-specific B cell responses between nose- and lung-draining lymphoid tissues. Moreover, transferred Mp-specific serum Igs had no effect on nasal carriage in B cell-deficient μMT mice, whereas this enabled μMT mice to clear pulmonary Mp infection. Conclusions We report the first evidence that humoral immunity is limited in clearing Mp from the upper respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Meyer Sauteur
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruben C A de Groot
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia C Estevão
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Hoogenboezem
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adrianus C J M de Bruijn
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Sluijter
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ismé M De Kleer
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rien van Haperen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Debby Bogaert
- Department of Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter L A Fraaij
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Vink
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Erasmus University College, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke N Samsom
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy W J Unger
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie M C van Rossum
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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van den Brand JMA, Verhagen JH, Veldhuis Kroeze EJB, van de Bildt MWG, Bodewes R, Herfst S, Richard M, Lexmond P, Bestebroer TM, Fouchier RAM, Kuiken T. Wild ducks excrete highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 (2014-2015) without clinical or pathological evidence of disease. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:67. [PMID: 29670093 PMCID: PMC5906613 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is essentially a poultry disease. Wild birds have traditionally not been involved in its spread, but the epidemiology of HPAI has changed in recent years. After its emergence in southeastern Asia in 1996, H5 HPAI virus of the Goose/Guangdong lineage has evolved into several sub-lineages, some of which have spread over thousands of kilometers via long-distance migration of wild waterbirds. In order to determine whether the virus is adapting to wild waterbirds, we experimentally inoculated the HPAI H5N8 virus clade 2.3.4.4 group A from 2014 into four key waterbird species—Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope), common teal (Anas crecca), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and common pochard (Aythya ferina)—and compared virus excretion and disease severity with historical data of the HPAI H5N1 virus infection from 2005 in the same four species. Our results showed that excretion was highest in Eurasian wigeons for the 2014 virus, whereas excretion was highest in common pochards and mallards for the 2005 virus. The 2014 virus infection was subclinical in all four waterbird species, while the 2005 virus caused clinical disease and pathological changes in over 50% of the common pochards. In chickens, the 2014 virus infection caused systemic disease and high mortality, similar to the 2005 virus. In conclusion, the evidence was strongest for Eurasian wigeons as long-distance vectors for HPAI H5N8 virus from 2014. The implications of the switch in species-specific virus excretion and decreased disease severity may be that the HPAI H5 virus more easily spreads in the wild-waterbird population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M A van den Brand
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Postbus 80163, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josanne H Verhagen
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
| | | | - Marco W G van de Bildt
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier Bodewes
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Postbus 80163, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Lexmond
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo M Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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21
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de Graaf M, Bodewes R, van Elk CE, van de Bildt M, Getu S, Aron GI, Verjans GMGM, Osterhaus ADME, van den Brand JMA, Kuiken T, Koopmans MPG. Norovirus Infection in Harbor Porpoises. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:87-91. [PMID: 27983498 PMCID: PMC5176230 DOI: 10.3201/eid2301.161081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A norovirus was detected in harbor porpoises, a previously unknown host for norovirus. This norovirus had low similarity to any known norovirus. Viral RNA was detected primarily in intestinal tissue, and specific serum antibodies were detected in 8 (24%) of 34 harbor porpoises from the North Sea.
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22
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Poen MJ, Bestebroer TM, Vuong O, Scheuer RD, van der Jeugd HP, Kleyheeg E, Eggink D, Lexmond P, van den Brand JMA, Begeman L, van der Vliet S, Müskens GJDM, Majoor FA, Koopmans MPG, Kuiken T, Fouchier RAM. Local amplification of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 viruses in wild birds in the Netherlands, 2016 to 2017. Euro Surveill 2018; 23:17-00449. [PMID: 29382414 PMCID: PMC5801337 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.4.17-00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of subtype H5N8 were re-introduced into the Netherlands by late 2016, after detections in south-east Asia and Russia. This second H5N8 wave resulted in a large number of outbreaks in poultry farms and the deaths of large numbers of wild birds in multiple European countries. Methods: Here we report on the detection of HPAI H5N8 virus in 57 wild birds of 12 species sampled during active (32/5,167) and passive (25/36) surveillance activities, i.e. in healthy and dead animals respectively, in the Netherlands between 8 November 2016 and 31 March 2017. Moreover, we further investigate the experimental approach of wild bird serology as a contributing tool in HPAI outbreak investigations. Results: In contrast to the first H5N8 wave, local virus amplification with associated wild bird mortality has occurred in the Netherlands in 2016/17, with evidence for occasional gene exchange with low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses. Discussion: These apparent differences between outbreaks and the continuing detections of HPAI viruses in Europe are a cause of concern. With the current circulation of zoonotic HPAI and LPAI virus strains in Asia, increased understanding of the drivers responsible for the global spread of Asian poultry viruses via wild birds is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein J Poen
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Oanh Vuong
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel D Scheuer
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk P van der Jeugd
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Department of Animal Ecology, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Vogeltrekstation - Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Kleyheeg
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Department of Animal Ecology, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Vogeltrekstation - Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk Eggink
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal Lexmond
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lineke Begeman
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gerhard J D M Müskens
- Alterra, Center for Ecosystem Studies, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank A Majoor
- Sovon, Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Thijs Kuiken
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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23
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Richard M, Herfst S, van den Brand JMA, de Meulder D, Lexmond P, Bestebroer TM, Fouchier RAM. Mutations Driving Airborne Transmission of A/H5N1 Virus in Mammals Cause Substantial Attenuation in Chickens only when combined. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7187. [PMID: 28775271 PMCID: PMC5543172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A/H5N1 influenza viruses pose a threat to human and animal health. A fully avian A/H5N1 influenza virus was previously shown to acquire airborne transmissibility between ferrets upon accumulation of five or six substitutions that affected three traits: polymerase activity, hemagglutinin stability and receptor binding. Here, the impact of these traits on A/H5N1 virus replication, tissue tropism, pathogenesis and transmission was investigated in chickens. The virus containing all substitutions associated with transmission in mammals was highly attenuated in chickens. However, single substitutions that affect polymerase activity, hemagglutinin stability and receptor binding generally had a small or negligible impact on virus replication, morbidity and mortality. A virus carrying two substitutions in the receptor-binding site was attenuated, although its tissue tropism in chickens was not affected. This data indicate that an A/H5N1 virus that is airborne-transmissible between mammals is unlikely to emerge in chickens, although individual mammalian adaptive substitutions have limited impact on viral fitness in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis de Meulder
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Lexmond
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo M Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Vergara-Alert J, van den Brand JMA, Widagdo W, Muñoz M, Raj S, Schipper D, Solanes D, Cordón I, Bensaid A, Haagmans BL, Segalés J. Livestock Susceptibility to Infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Emerg Infect Dis 2017; 23:232-240. [PMID: 27901465 PMCID: PMC5324816 DOI: 10.3201/eid2302.161239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) cases continue to be reported, predominantly in Saudi Arabia and occasionally other countries. Although dromedaries are the main reservoir, other animal species might be susceptible to MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection and potentially serve as reservoirs. To determine whether other animals are potential reservoirs, we inoculated MERS-CoV into llamas, pigs, sheep, and horses and collected nasal and rectal swab samples at various times. The presence of MERS-CoV in the nose of pigs and llamas was confirmed by PCR, titration of infectious virus, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization; seroconversion was detected in animals of both species. Conversely, in sheep and horses, virus-specific antibodies did not develop and no evidence of viral replication in the upper respiratory tract was found. These results prove the susceptibility of llamas and pigs to MERS-CoV infection. Thus, the possibility of MERS-CoV circulation in animals other than dromedaries, such as llamas and pigs, is not negligible.
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25
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van den Brand JMA, Wohlsein P, Herfst S, Bodewes R, Pfankuche VM, van de Bildt MWG, Seehusen F, Puff C, Richard M, Siebert U, Lehnert K, Bestebroer T, Lexmond P, Fouchier RAM, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Herbst W, Koopmans M, Osterhaus ADME, Kuiken T, Baumgärtner W. Influenza A (H10N7) Virus Causes Respiratory Tract Disease in Harbor Seals and Ferrets. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159625. [PMID: 27448168 PMCID: PMC4957826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses sporadically cross the species barrier to mammals, including humans, in which they may cause epidemic disease. Recently such an epidemic occurred due to the emergence of avian influenza virus of the subtype H10N7 (Seal/H10N7) in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). This epidemic caused high mortality in seals along the north-west coast of Europe and represented a potential risk for human health. To characterize the spectrum of lesions and to identify the target cells and viral distribution, findings in 16 harbor seals spontaneously infected with Seal/H10N7 are described. The seals had respiratory tract inflammation extending from the nasal cavity to bronchi associated with intralesional virus antigen in respiratory epithelial cells. Virus infection was restricted to the respiratory tract. The fatal outcome of the viral infection in seals was most likely caused by secondary bacterial infections. To investigate the pathogenic potential of H10N7 infection for humans, we inoculated the seal virus intratracheally into six ferrets and performed pathological and virological analyses at 3 and 7 days post inoculation. These experimentally inoculated ferrets displayed mild clinical signs, virus excretion from the pharynx and respiratory tract inflammation extending from bronchi to alveoli that was associated with virus antigen expression exclusively in the respiratory epithelium. Virus was isolated only from the respiratory tract. In conclusion, Seal/H10N7 infection in naturally infected harbor seals and experimentally infected ferrets shows that respiratory epithelial cells are the permissive cells for viral replication. Fatal outcome in seals was caused by secondary bacterial pneumonia similar to that in fatal human cases during influenza pandemics. Productive infection of ferrets indicates that seal/H10N7 may possess a zoonotic potential. This outbreak of LPAI from wild birds to seals demonstrates the risk of such occasions for mammals and thus humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rogier Bodewes
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vanessa M. Pfankuche
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marco W. G. van de Bildt
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frauke Seehusen
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstraβe 6, D-25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstraβe 6, D-25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Theo Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal Lexmond
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Prenger-Berninghoff
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Straβe 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Herbst
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Straβe 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marion Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail: (TK); (WB)
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail: (TK); (WB)
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Leist SR, Pilzner C, van den Brand JMA, Dengler L, Geffers R, Kuiken T, Balling R, Kollmus H, Schughart K. Influenza H3N2 infection of the collaborative cross founder strains reveals highly divergent host responses and identifies a unique phenotype in CAST/EiJ mice. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:143. [PMID: 26921172 PMCID: PMC4769537 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza A virus is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a major threat to human and animal health. The severe course of influenza infection is not only influenced by viral virulence factors but also by individual differences in the host response. To determine the extent to which the genetic background can modulate severity of an infection, we studied the host responses to influenza infections in the eight genetically highly diverse Collaborative Cross (CC) founder mouse strains. RESULTS We observed highly divergent host responses between the CC founder strains with respect to survival, body weight loss, hematological parameters in the blood, relative lung weight and viral load. Mouse strain was the main factor with highest effect size on body weight loss after infection, demonstrating that this phenotype was highly heritable. Sex represented another significant main effect, although it was less strong. Analysis of survival rates and mean time to death suggested three groups of susceptibility phenotypes: highly susceptible (A/J, CAST/EiJ, WSB/EiJ), intermediate susceptible (C57BL/6J, 129S1/SvImJ, NOD/ShiLtJ) and highly resistant strains (NZO/HlLtJ, PWK/PhJ). These three susceptibility groups were significantly different with respect to death/survival counts. Viral load was significantly different between susceptible and resistant strains but not between intermediate and highly susceptible strains. CAST/EiJ mice showed a unique phenotype. Despite high viral loads in their lungs, CAST/EiJ mice exhibited low counts of infiltrating granulocytes and showed increased numbers of macrophages in the lung. Histological studies of infected lungs and transcriptome analyses of peripheral blood cells and lungs confirmed an abnormal response in the leukocyte recruitment in CAST/EiJ mice. CONCLUSIONS The eight CC founder strains exhibited a large diversity in their response to influenza infections. Therefore, the CC will represent an ideal mouse genetic reference population to study the influence of genetic variation on the susceptibility and resistance to influenza infections which will be important to understand individual variations of disease severity in humans. The unique phenotype combination in the CAST/EiJ strain resembles human leukocyte adhesion deficiency and may thus represent a new mouse model to understand this and related abnormal immune responses to infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Leist
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr.7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carolin Pilzner
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr.7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Leonie Dengler
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr.7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Genome Analytics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rudi Balling
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Heike Kollmus
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr.7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Schughart
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr.7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany. .,University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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27
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Haagmans BL, van den Brand JMA, Raj VS, Volz A, Wohlsein P, Smits SL, Schipper D, Bestebroer TM, Okba N, Fux R, Bensaid A, Solanes Foz D, Kuiken T, Baumgärtner W, Segalés J, Sutter G, Osterhaus ADME. An orthopoxvirus-based vaccine reduces virus excretion after MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels. Science 2015; 351:77-81. [PMID: 26678878 DOI: 10.1126/science.aad1283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections have led to an ongoing outbreak in humans, which was fueled by multiple zoonotic MERS-CoV introductions from dromedary camels. In addition to the implementation of hygiene measures to limit further camel-to-human and human-to-human transmissions, vaccine-mediated reduction of MERS-CoV spread from the animal reservoir may be envisaged. Here we show that a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vaccine expressing the MERS-CoV spike protein confers mucosal immunity in dromedary camels. Compared with results for control animals, we observed a significant reduction of excreted infectious virus and viral RNA transcripts in vaccinated animals upon MERS-CoV challenge. Protection correlated with the presence of serum neutralizing antibodies to MERS-CoV. Induction of MVA-specific antibodies that cross-neutralize camelpox virus would also provide protection against camelpox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | | | - V Stalin Raj
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Asisa Volz
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Saskia L Smits
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Debby Schipper
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Theo M Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nisreen Okba
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert Fux
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Albert Bensaid
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal [CReSA, IRTA-Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)], Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - David Solanes Foz
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal [CReSA, IRTA-Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)], Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Joaquim Segalés
- UAB, CReSA, (IRTA-UAB), Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain. Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Gerd Sutter
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Albert D M E Osterhaus
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands. Artemis One Health, Utrecht, Netherlands. Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
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Short KR, Richard M, Verhagen JH, van Riel D, Schrauwen EJA, van den Brand JMA, Mänz B, Bodewes R, Herfst S. One health, multiple challenges: The inter-species transmission of influenza A virus. One Health 2015; 1:1-13. [PMID: 26309905 PMCID: PMC4542011 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses are amongst the most challenging viruses that threaten both human and animal health. Influenza A viruses are unique in many ways. Firstly, they are unique in the diversity of host species that they infect. This includes waterfowl (the original reservoir), terrestrial and aquatic poultry, swine, humans, horses, dog, cats, whales, seals and several other mammalian species. Secondly, they are unique in their capacity to evolve and adapt, following crossing the species barrier, in order to replicate and spread to other individuals within the new species. Finally, they are unique in the frequency of inter-species transmission events that occur. Indeed, the consequences of novel influenza virus strain in an immunologically naïve population can be devastating. The problems that influenza A viruses present for human and animal health are numerous. For example, influenza A viruses in humans represent a major economic and disease burden, whilst the poultry industry has suffered colossal damage due to repeated outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of influenza A viruses by shedding light on interspecies virus transmission and summarising the current knowledge regarding how influenza viruses can adapt to a new host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R Short
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, the Netherlands ; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | | | - Debby van Riel
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Benjamin Mänz
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Rogier Bodewes
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, the Netherlands
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29
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Richard M, Herfst S, van den Brand JMA, Lexmond P, Bestebroer TM, Rimmelzwaan GF, Koopmans M, Kuiken T, Fouchier RAM. Low Virulence and Lack of Airborne Transmission of the Dutch Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N8 in Ferrets. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129827. [PMID: 26090682 PMCID: PMC4474857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 viruses that emerged in poultry in East Asia spread to Europe and North America by late 2014. Here we show that the European HPAI H5N8 viruses differ from the Korean and Japanese HPAI H5N8 viruses by several amino acids and that a Dutch HPAI H5N8 virus had low virulence and was not transmitted via the airborne route in ferrets. The virus did not cross-react with sera raised against pre-pandemic H5 vaccine strains. This data is useful for public health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Lexmond
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo M. Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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van den Brand JMA, Smits SL, Haagmans BL. Pathogenesis of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. J Pathol 2015; 235:175-84. [PMID: 25294366 PMCID: PMC7167882 DOI: 10.1002/path.4458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human coronaviruses (CoVs) mostly cause a common cold that is mild and self‐limiting. Zoonotic transmission of CoVs such as the recently identified Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)‐CoV and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐CoV, on the other hand, may be associated with severe lower respiratory tract infection. This article reviews the clinical and pathological data available on MERS and compares it to SARS. Most importantly, chest radiographs and imaging results of patients with MERS show features that resemble the findings of organizing pneumonia, different from the lesions in SARS patients, which show fibrocellular intra‐alveolar organization with a bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia‐like pattern. These findings are in line with differences in the induction of cytopathological changes, induction of host gene responses and sensitivity to the antiviral effect of interferons in vitro when comparing both MERS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV. The challenge will be to translate these findings into an integrated picture of MERS pathogenesis in humans and to develop intervention strategies that will eventually allow the effective control of this newly emerging infectious disease. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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31
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Bodewes R, Ruiz-Gonzalez A, Schapendonk CME, van den Brand JMA, Osterhaus ADME, Smits SL. Viral metagenomic analysis of feces of wild small carnivores. Virol J 2014; 11:89. [PMID: 24886057 PMCID: PMC4030737 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-11-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have clearly demonstrated the enormous virus diversity that exists among wild animals. This exemplifies the required expansion of our knowledge of the virus diversity present in wildlife, as well as the potential transmission of these viruses to domestic animals or humans. Methods In the present study we evaluated the viral diversity of fecal samples (n = 42) collected from 10 different species of wild small carnivores inhabiting the northern part of Spain using random PCR in combination with next-generation sequencing. Samples were collected from American mink (Neovison vison), European mink (Mustela lutreola), European polecat (Mustela putorius), European pine marten (Martes martes), stone marten (Martes foina), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and Eurasian badger (Meles meles) of the family of Mustelidae; common genet (Genetta genetta) of the family of Viverridae; red fox (Vulpes vulpes) of the family of Canidae and European wild cat (Felis silvestris) of the family of Felidae. Results A number of sequences of possible novel viruses or virus variants were detected, including a theilovirus, phleboviruses, an amdovirus, a kobuvirus and picobirnaviruses. Conclusions Using random PCR in combination with next generation sequencing, sequences of various novel viruses or virus variants were detected in fecal samples collected from Spanish carnivores. Detected novel viruses highlight the viral diversity that is present in fecal material of wild carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogier Bodewes
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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32
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van den Brand JMA, Stittelaar KJ, van Amerongen G, Reperant L, de Waal L, Osterhaus ADME, Kuiken T. Comparison of temporal and spatial dynamics of seasonal H3N2, pandemic H1N1 and highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus infections in ferrets. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42343. [PMID: 22905124 PMCID: PMC3414522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans may be infected by different influenza A viruses—seasonal, pandemic, and zoonotic—which differ in presentation from mild upper respiratory tract disease to severe and sometimes fatal pneumonia with extra-respiratory spread. Differences in spatial and temporal dynamics of these infections are poorly understood. Therefore, we inoculated ferrets with seasonal H3N2, pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1), and highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus and performed detailed virological and pathological analyses at time points from 0.5 to 14 days post inoculation (dpi), as well as describing clinical signs and hematological parameters. H3N2 infection was restricted to the nose and peaked at 1 dpi. pH1N1 infection also peaked at 1 dpi, but occurred at similar levels throughout the respiratory tract. H5N1 infection occurred predominantly in the alveoli, where it peaked for a longer period, from 1 to 3 dpi. The associated lesions followed the same spatial distribution as virus infection, but their severity peaked between 1 and 6 days later. Neutrophil and monocyte counts in peripheral blood correlated with inflammatory cell influx in the alveoli. Of the different parameters used to measure lower respiratory tract disease, relative lung weight and affected lung tissue allowed the best quantitative distinction between the virus groups. There was extra-respiratory spread to more tissues—including the central nervous system—for H5N1 infection than for pH1N1 infection, and to none for H3N2 infection. This study shows that seasonal, pandemic, and zoonotic influenza viruses differ strongly in the spatial and temporal dynamics of infection in the respiratory tract and extra-respiratory tissues of ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leslie Reperant
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leon de Waal
- Viroclinics Biosciences B.V., Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Viroclinics Biosciences B.V., Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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33
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van den Brand JMA, Stittelaar KJ, van Amerongen G, van de Bildt MWG, Leijten LME, Kuiken T, Osterhaus ADME. Experimental pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection of cats. Emerg Infect Dis 2011; 16:1745-7. [PMID: 21029533 PMCID: PMC3294532 DOI: 10.3201/eid1611.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To demonstrate that pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus may cause respiratory disease in cats, we intratracheally infected cats. Diffuse alveolar damage developed. Seroconversion of sentinel cats indicated cat-to-cat virus transmission. Unlike in cats infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1), extrarespiratory lesions did not develop in cats infected with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.
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van den Brand JMA, Kreijtz JHCM, Bodewes R, Stittelaar KJ, van Amerongen G, Kuiken T, Simon J, Fouchier RAM, Del Giudice G, Rappuoli R, Rimmelzwaan GF, Osterhaus ADME. Efficacy of vaccination with different combinations of MF59-adjuvanted and nonadjuvanted seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines against pandemic H1N1 (2009) influenza virus infection in ferrets. J Virol 2011; 85:2851-8. [PMID: 21209108 PMCID: PMC3067945 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01939-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum antibodies induced by seasonal influenza or seasonal influenza vaccination exhibit limited or no cross-reactivity against the 2009 pandemic swine-origin influenza virus of the H1N1 subtype (pH1N1). Ferrets immunized once or twice with MF59-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine exhibited significantly reduced lung virus titers but no substantial clinical protection against pH1N1-associated disease. However, priming with MF59-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine significantly increased the efficacy of a pandemic MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine against pH1N1 challenge. Elucidating the mechanism involved in this priming principle will contribute to our understanding of vaccine- and infection-induced correlates of protection. Furthermore, a practical consequence of these findings is that during an emerging pandemic, the implementation of a priming strategy with an available adjuvanted seasonal vaccine to precede the eventual pandemic vaccination campaign may be useful and life-saving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Joost H. C. M. Kreijtz
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Rogier Bodewes
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Koert J. Stittelaar
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Geert van Amerongen
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - James Simon
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Del Giudice
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ViroClinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Siena, Italy
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35
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Baras B, de Waal L, Stittelaar KJ, Jacob V, Giannini S, Kroeze EJBV, van den Brand JMA, van Amerongen G, Simon JH, Hanon E, Mossman SP, Osterhaus ADME. Pandemic H1N1 vaccine requires the use of an adjuvant to protect against challenge in naïve ferrets. Vaccine 2011; 29:2120-6. [PMID: 21238573 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.12.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the context of an A/H1N1 influenza pandemic situation, this study demonstrates that heterologous vaccination with an AS03-adjuvanted 2008/2009 seasonal trivalent and pandemic H5N1 monovalent split vaccine conferred partial protection in influenza-naïve ferrets after challenge with the influenza pandemic H1N1 A/The Netherlands/602/09 virus. Further, unlike saline control and non-adjuvanted vaccine, it was shown that immunization of naïve ferrets with an AS03-adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 A/California/7/09 influenza split vaccine induced increased antibody response and enhanced protection against the challenge strain, including significant reduction in viral shedding in the upper respiratory tract and reduced lung pathology post-challenge. These results show the need for vaccination with the adjuvanted vaccine to fully protect against viral replication and influenza disease in unprimed ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Baras
- GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium.
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van den Brand JMA, Stittelaar KJ, van Amerongen G, Rimmelzwaan GF, Simon J, de Wit E, Munster V, Bestebroer T, Fouchier RAM, Kuiken T, Osterhaus ADME. Severity of pneumonia due to new H1N1 influenza virus in ferrets is intermediate between that due to seasonal H1N1 virus and highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus. J Infect Dis 2010; 201:993-9. [PMID: 20187747 PMCID: PMC7110095 DOI: 10.1086/651132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The newly emerged influenza A(H1N1) virus (new H1N1 virus) is causing the first influenza pandemic of this century. Three influenza pandemics of the previous century caused variable mortality, which largely depended on the development of severe pneumonia. However, the ability of the new H1N1 virus to cause pneumonia is poorly understood. Methods. The new H1N1 virus was inoculated intratracheally into ferrets. Its ability to cause pneumonia was compared with that of seasonal influenza H1N1 virus and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus by using clinical, virological, and pathological analyses. Results. Our results showed that the new H1N1 virus causes pneumonia in ferrets intermediate in severity between that caused by seasonal H1N1 virus and by HPAI H5N1 virus. The new H1N1 virus replicated well throughout the lower respiratory tract and more extensively than did both seasonal H1N1 virus (which replicated mainly in the bronchi) and HPAI H5N1 virus (which replicated mainly in the alveoli). High loads of new H1N1 virus in lung tissue were associated with diffuse alveolar damage and mortality. Conclusions. The new H1N1 virus may be intrinsically more pathogenic for humans than is seasonal H1N1 virus.
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Kreijtz JHCM, Suezer Y, de Mutsert G, van Amerongen G, Schwantes A, van den Brand JMA, Fouchier RAM, Löwer J, Osterhaus ADME, Sutter G, Rimmelzwaan GF. MVA-based H5N1 vaccine affords cross-clade protection in mice against influenza A/H5N1 viruses at low doses and after single immunization. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7790. [PMID: 19915662 PMCID: PMC2771904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Accepted: 10/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype, frequently reported since 2003, result in high morbidity and mortality. It is feared that these viruses become pandemic, therefore the development of safe and effective vaccines is desirable. MVA-based H5N1 vaccines already proved to be effective when two immunizations with high doses were used. Dose-sparing strategies would increase the number of people that can be vaccinated when the amount of vaccine preparations that can be produced is limited. Furthermore, protective immunity is induced ideally after a single immunization. Therefore the minimal requirements for induction of protective immunity with a MVA-based H5N1 vaccine were assessed in mice. To this end, mice were vaccinated once or twice with descending doses of a recombinant MVA expressing the HA gene of influenza virus A/Vietnam/1194/04. The protective efficacy was determined after challenge infection with the homologous clade 1 virus and a heterologous virus derived from clade 2.1, A/Indonesia/5/05 by assessing weight loss, virus replication and histopathological changes. It was concluded that MVA-based vaccines allowed significant dose-sparing and afford cross-clade protection, also after a single immunization, which are favorable properties for an H5N1 vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gerrie de Mutsert
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Gerd Sutter
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Munster VJ, de Wit E, van den Brand JMA, Herfst S, Schrauwen EJA, Bestebroer TM, van de Vijver D, Boucher CA, Koopmans M, Rimmelzwaan GF, Kuiken T, Osterhaus ADME, Fouchier RAM. Pathogenesis and transmission of swine-origin 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus in ferrets. Science 2009; 325:481-3. [PMID: 19574348 PMCID: PMC4814155 DOI: 10.1126/science.1177127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 480] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The swine-origin A(H1N1) influenza virus that has emerged in humans in early 2009 has raised concerns about pandemic developments. In a ferret pathogenesis and transmission model, the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus was found to be more pathogenic than a seasonal A(H1N1) virus, with more extensive virus replication occurring in the respiratory tract. Replication of seasonal A(H1N1) virus was confined to the nasal cavity of ferrets, but the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus also replicated in the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. Virus shedding was more abundant from the upper respiratory tract for 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus as compared with seasonal virus, and transmission via aerosol or respiratory droplets was equally efficient. These data suggest that the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus has the ability to persist in the human population, potentially with more severe clinical consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J. Munster
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Emmie de Wit
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sander Herfst
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eefje J. A. Schrauwen
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Theo M. Bestebroer
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - David van de Vijver
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Charles A. Boucher
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marion Koopmans
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720BA Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Bodewes R, Kreijtz JHCM, Baas C, Geelhoed-Mieras MM, de Mutsert G, van Amerongen G, van den Brand JMA, Fouchier RAM, Osterhaus ADME, Rimmelzwaan GF. Vaccination against human influenza A/H3N2 virus prevents the induction of heterosubtypic immunity against lethal infection with avian influenza A/H5N1 virus. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5538. [PMID: 19440239 PMCID: PMC2678248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Accepted: 04/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Annual vaccination against seasonal influenza viruses is recommended for certain individuals that have a high risk for complications resulting from infection with these viruses. Recently it was recommended in a number of countries including the USA to vaccinate all healthy children between 6 and 59 months of age as well. However, vaccination of immunologically naïve subjects against seasonal influenza may prevent the induction of heterosubtypic immunity against potentially pandemic strains of an alternative subtype, otherwise induced by infection with the seasonal strains. Here we show in a mouse model that the induction of protective heterosubtypic immunity by infection with a human A/H3N2 influenza virus is prevented by effective vaccination against the A/H3N2 strain. Consequently, vaccinated mice were no longer protected against a lethal infection with an avian A/H5N1 influenza virus. As a result H3N2-vaccinated mice continued to loose body weight after A/H5N1 infection, had 100-fold higher lung virus titers on day 7 post infection and more severe histopathological changes than mice that were not protected by vaccination against A/H3N2 influenza. The lack of protection correlated with reduced virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses after A/H5N1 virus challenge infection. These findings may have implications for the general recommendation to vaccinate all healthy children against seasonal influenza in the light of the current pandemic threat caused by highly pathogenic avian A/H5N1 influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogier Bodewes
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Chantal Baas
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gerrie de Mutsert
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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van den Brand JMA, Manvell R, Paul G, Kik MJL, Dorrestein GM. Reovirus infections associated with high mortality in psittaciformes in The Netherlands. Avian Pathol 2007; 36:293-9. [PMID: 17620175 DOI: 10.1080/03079450701447309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In The Netherlands between January 2002 and December 2004, numerous psittaciformes died showing severe splenomegaly and hepatomegaly with multifocal acute necrosis. At the start of the outbreaks mostly parakeets were affected, but later larger parrots were also involved. Seventy-eight birds showed the same features and six were examined completely, including a virological examination. Tests for polyomavirus, Pacheco's disease (herpesvirus) and circovirus psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) viruses and Chlamydophila psittaci were carried out. All results were negative, except for two cases of circovirus infection. Many concurrent bacterial and parasitic infections were seen. Immunohistochemistry revealed reovirus antigen in intralesional mononuclear cells, and reovirus-like particles could be observed by negative contrast electron microscopy. A reovirus was grown and the isolates reacted with polyclonal reovirus antiserum but did not react with monoclonal antibodies against chicken reovirus. The virus was therefore considered a psittacine reovirus. Because reoviruses were seen consistently, they seemed to be the most probable cause of the outbreaks. Climate, the introduction of new birds and the transportation of birds might be other factors involved in the disease seen in The Netherlands. No regional influence could be seen; therefore, we suggested that the virus might be widespread and carriers could be a source of re-introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M A van den Brand
- Department of Pathobiology, Pathology Division, Section of Diseases of Exotic Animals and Wildlife, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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