Viruses

2024

Jump to: 2022, 2021, 2020

42 pages, 11813 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

(Re-)Emergence of Oropouche Virus (OROV) Infections: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

by Matteo Riccò, Silvia Corrado, Marco Bottazzoli, Federico Marchesi, Renata Gili, Francesco Paolo Bianchi, Emanuela Maria Frisicale, Stefano Guicciardi, Daniel Fiacchini, Silvio Tafuri, Antonio Cascio, Pasquale Gianluca Giuri and Roberta Siliquini

Viruses 2024, 16(9), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091498 - 22 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2940

Abstract

Oropouche Virus (OROV; genus of Orthobunyavirus) is the causal agent of Oropouche Fever (OF). Due to the lack of specific signs and symptoms and the limited availability of diagnostic tests, the actual epidemiology of OROV infections and OF has been extensively disputed. In [...] Read more.

Oropouche Virus (OROV; genus of Orthobunyavirus) is the causal agent of Oropouche Fever (OF). Due to the lack of specific signs and symptoms and the limited availability of diagnostic tests, the actual epidemiology of OROV infections and OF has been extensively disputed. In this systematic review with meta-analysis, a literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and MedRxiv in order to retrieve relevant articles on the documented occurrence of OROV infections. Pooled detection rates were then calculated for anti-OROV antibodies and virus detection (i.e., viral RNA detected by viral cultures and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction [RT-qPCR]). Where available, detection rates for other arboviruses (i.e., Dengue [DENV], Chikungunya [CHKV], and Zika Virus [ZIKV]) were calculated and compared to those for OROV. A total of 47 studies from South America and the Caribbean were retrieved. In individuals affected by febrile illness during OROV outbreaks, a documented prevalence of 0.45% (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.16 to 1.12) for virus isolation, 12.21% (95%CI 4.96 to 27.09) for seroprevalence (including both IgM and IgG class antibodies), and 12.45% (95%CI 3.28 to 37.39) for the detection of OROV-targeting IgM class antibodies were eventually documented. In the general population, seroprevalence was estimated to be 24.45% (95%CI 7.83 to 55.21) for IgG class antibodies. The OROV detection rate from the cerebrospinal fluids of suspected cases of viral encephalitis was estimated to be 2.40% (95%CI 1.17 to 5.03). The occurrence of OROV infections was consistently lower than that of DENV, CHKV, and ZIKV during outbreaks (Risk Ratio [RR] 24.82, 95%CI 21.12 to 29.16; RR 2.207, 95%CI 1.427 to 3.412; and RR 7.900, 95%CI 5.386 to 11.578, respectively) and in the general population (RR 23.614, 95%CI 20.584 to 27.129; RR 3.103, 95%CI 2.056 to 4.685; and RR 49.500, 95%CI 12.256 to 199.921, respectively). In conclusion, our study stresses the possibly high underestimation of OROV prevalence in the general population of South America, the potential global threat represented by this arbovirus infection, and the potential preventive role of a comprehensive “One Health approach”. Full article

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21 pages, 611 KiB

Open AccessReview

Genomics for Arbovirus Surveillance: Considerations for Routine Use in Public Health Laboratories

by Leandro Patiño, Andrea Denisse Benítez, Andrés Carrazco-Montalvo and Mary Regato-Arrata

Viruses 2024, 16(8), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16081242 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1411

Abstract

The emergence and re-emergence of arthropod-borne viruses is a public health threat. For routine surveillance in public health laboratories, cost-effective and reproducible methods are essential. In this review, we address the technical considerations of high-throughput sequencing methods (HTS) for arbovirus surveillance in national [...] Read more.

The emergence and re-emergence of arthropod-borne viruses is a public health threat. For routine surveillance in public health laboratories, cost-effective and reproducible methods are essential. In this review, we address the technical considerations of high-throughput sequencing methods (HTS) for arbovirus surveillance in national health laboratories, focusing on pre-sequencing, sequencing, and post-sequencing approaches, underlining the importance of robust wet and dry laboratory workflows for reproducible analysis. We aim to provide insights for researchers and clinicians interested in arbovirus, diagnosis, and surveillance by discussing current advances in sequencing methods and bioinformatics pipelines applied to arboviruses. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2024, 2021, 2020

14 pages, 4073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic and In Vitro Phenotypic Comparisons of Epidemic and Non-Epidemic Getah Virus Strains

by Noor-Adila Mohamed-Romai-Noor, Sing-Sin Sam, Boon-Teong Teoh, Zur-Raiha Hamim and Sazaly AbuBakar

Viruses 2022, 14(5), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14050942 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2546

Abstract

Getah virus is an emerging mosquito-borne animal pathogen. Four phylogenetic groups of GETV, Group I (GI), GII, GIII and GIV, were identified. However, only the GETV GIII was associated with disease epidemics suggesting possible virulence difference in this virus group. Here, we compared [...] Read more.

Getah virus is an emerging mosquito-borne animal pathogen. Four phylogenetic groups of GETV, Group I (GI), GII, GIII and GIV, were identified. However, only the GETV GIII was associated with disease epidemics suggesting possible virulence difference in this virus group. Here, we compared the genetic and in vitro phenotypic characteristics between the epidemic and non-epidemic GETV. Our complete coding genome sequence analyses revealed several amino acid substitutions unique to the GETV GIII and GIV groups, which were found mainly in the hypervariable domain of nsP3 and E2 proteins. Replication kinetics of the epidemic (GIII MI-110 and GIII 14-I-605) and non-epidemic GETV strains (prototype GI MM2021 and GIV B254) were compared in mammalian Vero cells and mosquito C6/36 and U4.4 cells. In all cells used, both epidemic GETV GIII MI-110 and GIII 14-I-605 strains showed replication rates and mean maximum titers at least 2.7-fold and 2.3-fold higher than those of GIV B254, respectively (Bonferroni posttest, p < 0.01). In Vero cells, the epidemic GETV strains caused more pronounced cytopathic effects in comparison to the GIV B254. Our findings suggest that higher virus replication competency that produces higher virus titers during infection may be the main determinant of virulence and epidemic potential of GETV. Full article

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9 pages, 1549 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Detection and Isolation of Sindbis Virus from Field Collected Mosquitoes in Timimoun, Algeria

by Nazli Ayhan, Aissam Hachid, Laurence Thirion, Kamel Eddine Benallal, Laura Pezzi, Fayez Ahmed Khardine, Chahrazed Benbetka, Sihem Benbetka, Zoubir Harrat and Remi Charrel

Viruses 2022, 14(5), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14050894 - 25 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3401

Abstract

Sindbis virus (SINV) is a zoonotic alphavirus (family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) that causes human diseases in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Occasionally, SINV outbreaks were reported in South Africa and northern Europe. Birds are the main amplifying hosts of SINV, while [...] Read more.

Sindbis virus (SINV) is a zoonotic alphavirus (family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) that causes human diseases in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Occasionally, SINV outbreaks were reported in South Africa and northern Europe. Birds are the main amplifying hosts of SINV, while mosquitoes play the role of the primary vector. Culex mosquitoes were collected in Algeria and subsequently tested for SINV. SINV RNA was detected in 10 pools out of 40, from a total of 922 mosquitoes tested. A strain of SINV was isolated from a pool displaying high viral load. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the SINV Algeria isolate was most closely related to a Kenyan strain. This was the first record of SINV in Algeria and more broadly in northwestern Africa, which can be a potential risk for human health in the circulating area. Further studies are needed to measure the impact on public health through seroprevalence studies in Algeria. Full article

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15 pages, 1379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aedes aegypti Shows Increased Susceptibility to Zika Virus via Both In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Type II Diabetes

by Sasha R. Azar, Rafael K. Campos, Ruimei Yun, Taylor Strange, Shannan L. Rossi, Kathryn A. Hanley, Nikos Vasilakis and Scott C. Weaver

Viruses 2022, 14(4), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14040665 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3334

Abstract

Chronic conditions like type II diabetes (T2DM) have long been known to exacerbate many infectious diseases. For many arboviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV), severe outcomes, morbidity and mortality usually only occur in patients with such pre-existing conditions. However, the effects of T2DM and [...] Read more.

Chronic conditions like type II diabetes (T2DM) have long been known to exacerbate many infectious diseases. For many arboviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV), severe outcomes, morbidity and mortality usually only occur in patients with such pre-existing conditions. However, the effects of T2DM and other pre-existing conditions on human blood (e.g., hypo/hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia) that may impact infectivity of arboviruses for vectors is largely unexplored. We investigated whether the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes was affected when the mosquitoes fed on “diabetic” bloodmeals, such as bloodmeals composed of artificially glycosylated erythrocytes or those from viremic, diabetic mice (LEPRDB/DB). Increasing glycosylation of erythrocytes from hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) values of 5.5–5.9 to 6.2 increased the infection rate of a Galveston, Texas strain of Ae. aegypti to ZIKV strain PRVABC59 at a bloodmeal titer of 4.14 log10 FFU/mL from 0.0 to 40.9 and 42.9%, respectively. ZIKV was present in the blood of viremic LEPRDB/DB mice at similar levels as isogenic control C57BL/6J mice (3.3 log10 FFU/mL and 3.6 log10 FFU/mL, respectively. When mice sustained a higher ZIKV viremia of 4.6 log10 FFU/mL, LEPRDB/DB mice infected 36.3% of mosquitoes while control C57BL/6J mice with a viremia of 4.2 log10 FFU/mL infected only 4.1%. Additionally, when highly susceptible Ae. aegypti Rockefeller mosquitoes fed on homozygous LEPRDB/DB, heterozygous LEPRWT/DB, and control C57BL/6J mice with viremias of ≈ 4 log10 FFU/mL, 54%, 15%, and 33% were infected, respectively. In total, these data suggest that the prevalence of T2DM in a population may have a significant impact on ZIKV transmission and indicates the need for further investigation of the impacts of pre-existing metabolic conditions on arbovirus transmission. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2020

13 pages, 1538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

West Nile Virus Vaccination Protects against Usutu Virus Disease in Mice

by Rebecca Salgado, Seth A. Hawks, Francesca Frere, Ana Vázquez, Claire Y.-H. Huang and Nisha K. Duggal

Viruses 2021, 13(12), 2352; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13122352 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2997

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that can cause neuroinvasive disease in humans. WNV and USUV circulate in both Africa and Europe and are closely related. Due to antigenic similarity, WNV-specific antibodies and USUV-specific antibodies have the potential [...] Read more.

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that can cause neuroinvasive disease in humans. WNV and USUV circulate in both Africa and Europe and are closely related. Due to antigenic similarity, WNV-specific antibodies and USUV-specific antibodies have the potential to bind heterologous viruses; however, it is unclear whether this interaction may offer protection against infection. To investigate how prior WNV exposure would influence USUV infection, we used an attenuated WNV vaccine that contains the surface proteins of WNV in the backbone of a dengue virus 2 vaccine strain and protects against WNV disease. We hypothesized that vaccination with this attenuated WNV vaccine would protect against USUV infection. Neutralizing responses against WNV and USUV were measured in vitro using sera following vaccination. Sera from vaccinated CD-1 and Ifnar1^−/− mice cross-neutralized with WNV and USUV. All mice were then subsequently challenged with an African or European USUV strain. In CD-1 mice, there was no difference in USUV titers between vaccinated and mock-vaccinated mice. However, in the Ifnar1^−/− model, vaccinated mice had significantly higher survival rates and significantly lower USUV viremia compared to mock-vaccinated mice. Our results indicate that exposure to an attenuated form of WNV protects against severe USUV disease in mice and elicits a neutralizing response to both WNV and USUV. Future studies will investigate the immune mechanisms responsible for the protection against USUV infection induced by WNV vaccination, providing critical insight that will be essential for USUV and WNV vaccine development. Full article

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11 pages, 707 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Laboratory Findings in Patients with Probable Dengue Diagnosis from an Endemic Area in Colombia in 2018

by Jenny C. Cardenas, Sandra Y. Giraldo-Parra, Maria U. Gonzalez, Lady Y. Gutierrez-Silva, Lucy Jaimes-Villamizar, Alba L. Roa-Parra, Daisy J. Carvajal, Hugo O. Valdivia, Juan F. Sanchez, Tonya M. Colpitts and Berlin Londono-Renteria

Viruses 2021, 13(7), 1401; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13071401 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3666

Abstract

As demonstrated with the novel coronavirus pandemic, rapid and accurate diagnosis is key to determine the clinical characteristic of a disease and to improve vaccine development. Once the infected person is identified, hematological findings may be used to predict disease outcome and offer [...] Read more.

As demonstrated with the novel coronavirus pandemic, rapid and accurate diagnosis is key to determine the clinical characteristic of a disease and to improve vaccine development. Once the infected person is identified, hematological findings may be used to predict disease outcome and offer the correct treatment. Rapid and accurate diagnosis and clinical parameters are pivotal to track infections during clinical trials and set protection status. This is also applicable for re-emerging diseases like dengue fever, which causes outbreaks in Asia and Latin America every 4 to 5 years. Some areas in the US are also endemic for the transmission of dengue virus (DENV), the causal agent of dengue fever. However, significant number of DENV infections in rural areas are diagnosed solely by clinical and hematological findings because of the lack of availability of ELISA or PCR-based tests or the infrastructure to implement them in the near future. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are a less sensitive, yet they represent a timely way of detecting DENV infections. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between hematological findings and the probability for an NS1-based DENV RDT to detect the DENV NS1 antigen. We also aimed to describe the hematological parameters that are associated with the diagnosis through each test. Full article

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17 pages, 3682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibition of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Impairs Mayaro Virus Replication in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and HeLa Cells

by Madelaine Sugasti-Salazar, Yessica Y. Llamas-González, Dalkiria Campos and José González-Santamaría

Viruses 2021, 13(6), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13061156 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4126

Abstract

Mayaro virus (MAYV) hijacks the host’s cell machinery to effectively replicate. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 have emerged as crucial cellular factors implicated in different stages of the viral cycle. However, whether MAYV uses these MAPKs to competently replicate [...] Read more.

Mayaro virus (MAYV) hijacks the host’s cell machinery to effectively replicate. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 have emerged as crucial cellular factors implicated in different stages of the viral cycle. However, whether MAYV uses these MAPKs to competently replicate has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MAPK inhibition on MAYV replication using primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and HeLa cells. Viral yields in supernatants from MAYV-infected cells treated or untreated with inhibitors SB203580, SP600125, U0126, or Losmapimod were quantified using plaque assay. Additionally, viral protein expression was analyzed using immunoblot and immunofluorescence. Knockdown of p38⍺/p38β isoforms was performed in HDFs using the PROTACs molecule NR-7h. Our data demonstrated that HDFs are highly susceptible to MAYV infection. SB203580, a p38 inhibitor, reduced MAYV replication in a dose-dependent manner in both HDFs and HeLa cells. Additionally, SB203580 significantly decreased viral E1 protein expression. Similarly, knockdown or inhibition of p38⍺/p38β isoforms with NR-7h or Losmapimod, respectively, affected MAYV replication in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings suggest that p38 could play an important role in MAYV replication and could serve as a therapeutic target to control MAYV infection. Full article

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18 pages, 3799 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geographical and Tick-Dependent Distribution of Flavi-Like Alongshan and Yanggou Tick Viruses in Russia

by Ivan S. Kholodilov, Oxana A. Belova, Evgeny S. Morozkin, Alexander G. Litov, Anna Y. Ivannikova, Marat T. Makenov, Alexey M. Shchetinin, Sergey V. Aibulatov, Galina K. Bazarova, Lesley Bell-Sakyi, Liubov A. Bespyatova, Sergey V. Bugmyrin, Nikita Chernetsov, Liubov L. Chernokhaeva, Larissa V. Gmyl, Anna N. Khaisarova, Alexei V. Khalin, Alexander S. Klimentov, Irina V. Kovalchuk, Svetlana V. Luchinina, Sergey G. Medvedev, Alexander A. Nafeev, Natalia D. Oorzhak, Elena V. Panjukova, Alexandra E. Polienko, Kristina A. Purmak, Evgeniya N. Romanenko, Evgeniy N. Rozhdestvenskiy, Anna A. Saryglar, Anton F. Shamsutdinov, Nataliya I. Solomashchenko, Vladimir A. Trifonov, Evgenii G. Volchev, Pavel G. Vovkotech, Alexander S. Yakovlev, Olga B. Zhurenkova, Vladimir A. Gushchin, Lyudmila S. Karan and Galina G. Karganova Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2021, 13(3), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13030458 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 4484

Abstract

The genus Flavivirus includes related, unclassified segmented flavi-like viruses, two segments of which have homology with flavivirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5 and RNA helicase-protease NS3. This group includes such viruses as Jingmen tick virus, Alongshan virus, Yanggou tick virus and others. We detected [...] Read more.

The genus Flavivirus includes related, unclassified segmented flavi-like viruses, two segments of which have homology with flavivirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5 and RNA helicase-protease NS3. This group includes such viruses as Jingmen tick virus, Alongshan virus, Yanggou tick virus and others. We detected the Yanggou tick virus in Dermacentor nuttalli and Dermacentor marginatus ticks in two neighbouring regions of Russia. The virus prevalence ranged from 0.5% to 8.0%. We detected RNA of the Alongshan virus in 44 individuals or pools of various tick species in eight regions of Russia. The virus prevalence ranged from 0.6% to 7.8%. We demonstrated the successful replication of the Yanggou tick virus and Alongshan virus in IRE/CTVM19 and HAE/CTVM8 tick cell lines without a cytopathic effect. According to the phylogenetic analysis, we divided the Alongshan virus into two groups: an Ixodes persulcatus group and an Ixodes ricinus group. In addition, the I. persulcatus group can be divided into European and Asian subgroups. We found amino acid signatures specific to the I. ricinus and I. persulcatus groups and also distinguished between the European and Asian subgroups of the I. persulcatus group. Full article

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18 pages, 1539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Rift Valley Fever Virus, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of South African Medicinal Plant Extracts

by Garland K. More, Raymond T. Makola and Gerhard Prinsloo

Viruses 2021, 13(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13020221 - 31 Jan 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3794

Abstract

Rift valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus endemic to sub-Saharan African countries, and the first sporadic outbreaks outside Africa were reported in the Asia-Pacific region. There are no approved therapeutic agents available for RVFV; however, finding an effective antiviral agent against [...] Read more.

Rift valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus endemic to sub-Saharan African countries, and the first sporadic outbreaks outside Africa were reported in the Asia-Pacific region. There are no approved therapeutic agents available for RVFV; however, finding an effective antiviral agent against RVFV is important. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of medicinal plant extracts. Twenty medicinal plants were screened for their anti-RVFV activity using the cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method. The cytotoxicity assessment of the extracts was done before antiviral screening using the MTT assay. Antioxidant and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species’ (ROS/RNS) inhibitory activity by the extracts was investigated using non-cell-based and cell-based assays. Out of twenty plant extracts tested, eight showed significant potency against RVFV indicated by a decrease in tissue culture infectious dose (TCID₅₀) < 10⁵. The cytotoxicity of extracts showed inhibitory concentrations values (IC₅₀) > 200 µg/mL for most of the extracts. The antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory results revealed that extracts scavenged free radicals exhibiting an IC₅₀ range of 4.12–20.41 µg/mL and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory mediators by 60–80% in Vero cells. This study demonstrated the ability of the extracts to lower RVFV viral load and their potency to reduce free radicals. Full article

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8 pages, 550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thirteen Years of Phleboviruses Circulation in Lombardy, a Northern Italy Region

by Elena Percivalle, Irene Cassaniti, Mattia Calzolari, Davide Lelli and Fausto Baldanti

Viruses 2021, 13(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13020209 - 29 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2007

Abstract

Phleboviruses transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies are endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), and Naples phlebovirus (SFNV) are responsible of summer fever, with well-known pathogenic potential for humans ranging from asymptomatic to mild fever, in addition to neuro-invasive infections [...] Read more.

Phleboviruses transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies are endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), and Naples phlebovirus (SFNV) are responsible of summer fever, with well-known pathogenic potential for humans ranging from asymptomatic to mild fever, in addition to neuro-invasive infections during summer. Although TOSV, in particular, is a significant and well-known human pathogen, SFVs remain neglected, with many gaps in the relevant knowledge. Sero-epidemiological studies and case reports recently showed a geographical wider distribution than previously considered, although the real incidence of phleboviruses infections in the Mediterranean area is still unknown. Here we retrospectively evaluated the circulation of phleboviruses during summer seasons between 2007 and 2019 in 649 patients showing neurological symptoms using both molecular and serological approaches. We found that 42/649 (6.5%) subjects experienced phlebovirus infection and only 10/42 cases were detected by molecular assays, whereas the other 32/42 were identified using serological approaches, including neutralization assays. During the 2013 summer, an outbreak in the Lombardy region is described because the prevalence of phlebovirus infection reached 37.2% (19/51 subjects). Interestingly, only 5/19 (26.5%) reported traveling in endemic areas. Of note, no cross-neutralization was observed between different strains tested, showing the possibility to be reinfected by newly discovered phlebovirus strains. In conclusion, phlebovirus infections are still inadequately considered by physicians and are generally underestimated. However, based on our results, sandfly fever viruses should be routinely included in diagnostic panels during summer period, including in Northern Italy. Full article

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6 pages, 227 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Utility of a Sequence-Independent, Single-Primer-Amplification (SISPA) and Nanopore Sequencing Approach for Detection and Characterization of Tick-Borne Viral Pathogens

by Annika Brinkmann, Steven Uddin, Eva Krause, Rebecca Surtees, Ender Dinçer, Sırrı Kar, Sabri Hacıoğlu, Aykut Özkul, Koray Ergünay and Andreas Nitsche

Viruses 2021, 13(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13020203 - 29 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4830

Abstract

Currently, next generation sequencing (NGS) is the mainly used approach for identification and monitorization of viruses with a potential public health threat in clinical and environmental samples. To facilitate detection in NGS, the sequence-independent, single-primer-amplification (SISPA) is an effective tool for enriching virus [...] Read more.

Currently, next generation sequencing (NGS) is the mainly used approach for identification and monitorization of viruses with a potential public health threat in clinical and environmental samples. To facilitate detection in NGS, the sequence-independent, single-primer-amplification (SISPA) is an effective tool for enriching virus sequences. We performed a preliminary assessment of SISPA-nanopore sequencing as a potential approach for screening tick-borne viruses in six specimens with detectable Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) sequences. A comparison of unbiased NGS and SISPA followed by nanopore sequencing was carried out in 4 specimens with single and pooled ticks. The approach was further used for genome sequencing in culture-grown viruses. Overall, total/virus-specific read counts were significantly elevated in cell culture supernatants in comparison to single or pooled ticks. Virus genomes could be successfully characterized by SISPA with identities over 99%. Genome coverage varied according to the segment and total read count. Base calling errors were mainly observed in tick specimens and more frequent in lower viral loads. Culture-grown viruses were phylogenetically-related to previously-reported local viruses. In conclusion, the SISPA + nanopore sequencing was successful in generating data comparable to NGS and will provide an effective tool for broad-range virus detection in ticks. Full article

26 pages, 7945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zika Virus Infection Leads to Demyelination and Axonal Injury in Mature CNS Cultures

by Verena Schultz, Stephanie L. Cumberworth, Quan Gu, Natasha Johnson, Claire L. Donald, George A. McCanney, Jennifer A. Barrie, Ana Da Silva Filipe, Christopher Linington, Hugh J. Willison, Julia M. Edgar, Susan C. Barnett and Alain Kohl

Viruses 2021, 13(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13010091 - 11 Jan 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4237

Abstract

Understanding how Zika virus (Flaviviridae; ZIKV) affects neural cells is paramount in comprehending pathologies associated with infection. Whilst the effects of ZIKV in neural development are well documented, impact on the adult nervous system remains obscure. Here, we investigated the effects [...] Read more.

Understanding how Zika virus (Flaviviridae; ZIKV) affects neural cells is paramount in comprehending pathologies associated with infection. Whilst the effects of ZIKV in neural development are well documented, impact on the adult nervous system remains obscure. Here, we investigated the effects of ZIKV infection in established mature myelinated central nervous system (CNS) cultures. Infection incurred damage to myelinated fibers, with ZIKV-positive cells appearing when myelin damage was first detected as well as axonal pathology, suggesting the latter was a consequence of oligodendroglia infection. Transcriptome analysis revealed host factors that were upregulated during ZIKV infection. One such factor, CCL5, was validated in vitro as inhibiting myelination. Transferred UV-inactivated media from infected cultures did not damage myelin and axons, suggesting that viral replication is necessary to induce the observed effects. These data show that ZIKV infection affects CNS cells even after myelination—which is critical for saltatory conduction and neuronal function—has taken place. Understanding the targets of this virus across developmental stages including the mature CNS, and the subsequent effects of infection of cell types, is necessary to understand effective time frames for therapeutic intervention. Full article

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8 pages, 930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seroprevalence of Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in European Bat Colonies Measured Using a Neutralization Test

by Nazli Ayhan, Marc López-Roig, Abir Monastiri, Remi N. Charrel and Jordi Serra-Cobo

Viruses 2021, 13(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13010088 - 11 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3389

Abstract

Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV) and Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV) are endemic in the Mediterranean area where they are transmitted to humans by infected sandflies. Vertebrates of several species have been postulated to act as reservoirs of these viruses, but convincing evidence is still awaited. Among [...] Read more.

Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV) and Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV) are endemic in the Mediterranean area where they are transmitted to humans by infected sandflies. Vertebrates of several species have been postulated to act as reservoirs of these viruses, but convincing evidence is still awaited. Among them, bats have been suggested, however documented evidence is lacking. Here we tested a total of 329 bats belonging to eight species collected from twelve localities in southern Spain for the presence of neutralizing antibodies specific to TOSV and SFSV. Positive sera were detected in Schreiber’s long-fingered bat (Miniopterus schreibersii), mouse-eared Myotis (Myotis myotis), European free-tailed bat (Tadarida teniotis), and common serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) with the latter showing the highest prevalence rates for SFSV (22.6%) and TOSV (10%). There was no difference between females and males. Results suggest that bats are not likely to play a major role in the natural cycle of these two sandfly-borne phleboviruses. However, large breeding colonies of bats can be used as sentinels for surveillance of the presence of such viruses in a given locality. In addition, capture–recapture studies should be initiated in order to understand better the dynamics of TOSV and SFSV in bat populations. Full article

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17 pages, 4343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pregnant Women Infected with Zika Virus Show Higher Viral Load and Immunoregulatory Cytokines Profile with CXCL10 Increase

by Elizabeth Camacho-Zavala, Clara Santacruz-Tinoco, Esteban Muñoz, Rommel Chacón-Salinas, Ma Isabel Salazar-Sanchez, Concepción Grajales, Joaquin González-Ibarra, Victor Hugo Borja-Aburto, Thomas Jaenisch and Cesar R. Gonzalez-Bonilla

Viruses 2021, 13(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13010080 - 8 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3228

Abstract

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy usually shows only mild symptoms and is frequently subclinical. However, it can be vertically transmitted to the fetus, causing microcephaly and other congenital defects. During pregnancy, the immune environment modifications can alter the response to viruses [...] Read more.

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy usually shows only mild symptoms and is frequently subclinical. However, it can be vertically transmitted to the fetus, causing microcephaly and other congenital defects. During pregnancy, the immune environment modifications can alter the response to viruses in general and ZIKV in particular. Objective: To describe the role of pregnancy in the systemic pro- and anti-inflammatory response during symptomatic ZIKV infection. Materials and Methods: A multiplex assay was used to measure 25 cytokines, chemokines, and receptors in 110 serum samples from pregnant and nonpregnant women with and without ZIKV infection with and without symptoms. Samples were collected through an epidemiological surveillance system. Results: Samples from pregnant women with ZIKV infection showed a higher viral load but had similar profiles of inflammatory markers as compared with nonpregnant infected women, except for CXCL10 that was higher in infected pregnant women. Notably, the presence of ZIKV in pregnancy favored a regulatory profile by significantly increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10, receptors IL-1RA, and IL-2R, but only those pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 that are essential for the antiviral response. Interestingly, there were no differences between symptomatic and weakly symptomatic ZIKV-infected groups. Conclusion: Our results revealed a systemic anti-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine profile that could participate in the control of the virus. The anti-inflammatory response in pregnant women infected with ZIKA was characterized by high CXCL10, a cytokine that has been correlated with congenital malformations. Full article

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2020

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11 pages, 529 KiB

Open AccessReview

Invasive Alien Plants in Africa and the Potential Emergence of Mosquito-Borne Arboviral Diseases—A Review and Research Outlook

by Sheila B. Agha, Miguel Alvarez, Mathias Becker, Eric M. Fèvre, Sandra Junglen and Christian Borgemeister

Viruses 2021, 13(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13010032 - 27 Dec 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4159

Abstract

The emergence of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) as linked to land-use changes, especially the growing agricultural intensification and expansion efforts in rural parts of Africa, is of growing health concern. This places an additional burden on health systems as drugs, vaccines, and effective vector-control [...] Read more.

The emergence of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) as linked to land-use changes, especially the growing agricultural intensification and expansion efforts in rural parts of Africa, is of growing health concern. This places an additional burden on health systems as drugs, vaccines, and effective vector-control measures against arboviruses and their vectors remain lacking. An integrated One Health approach holds potential in the control and prevention of arboviruses. Land-use changes favour invasion by invasive alien plants (IAPs) and investigating their impact on mosquito populations may offer a new dimension to our understanding of arbovirus emergence. Of prime importance to understand is how IAPs influence mosquito life-history traits and how this may affect transmission of arboviruses to mammalian hosts, questions that we are exploring in this review. Potential effects of IAPs may be significant, including supporting the proliferation of immature and adult stages of mosquito vectors, providing additional nutrition and suitable microhabitats, and a possible interaction between ingested secondary plant metabolites and arboviruses. We conclude that aspects of vector biology are differentially affected by individual IAPs and that while some plants may have the potential to indirectly increase the risk of transmission of certain arboviruses by their direct interaction with the vectors, the reverse holds for other IAPs. In addition, we highlight priority research areas to improve our understanding of the potential health impacts of IAPs. Full article

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