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Viruses Apr 2024Zika virus (ZIKV) remains a public health concern, with epidemics in endemic regions and sporadic outbreaks in new areas posing significant threats. Several...
Zika virus (ZIKV) remains a public health concern, with epidemics in endemic regions and sporadic outbreaks in new areas posing significant threats. Several mosquito-borne flaviviruses that can cause human illness, including West Nile, Usutu, and St. Louis encephalitis, have associations with birds. However, the susceptibility of chickens to ZIKV and their role in viral epidemiology is not currently known. We investigated the susceptibility of chickens to experimental ZIKV infection using chickens ranging from 1-day-old chicks to 6-week-old birds. ZIKV caused no clinical signs in chickens of all age groups tested. Viral RNA was detected in the blood and tissues during the first 5 days post-inoculation in 1-day and 4-day-old chicks inoculated with a high viral dose, but ZIKV was undetectable in 6-week-old birds at all timepoints. Minimal antibody responses were observed in 6-week-old birds, and while present in younger chicks, they waned by 28 days post-infection. Innate immune responses varied significantly between age groups. Robust type I interferon and inflammasome responses were measured in older chickens, while limited innate immune activation was observed in younger chicks. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) is a major driver of host restriction to ZIKV, and chicken STAT2 is distinct from human STAT2, potentially contributing to the observed resistance to ZIKV infection. The rapid clearance of the virus in older chickens coincided with an effective innate immune response, highlighting age-dependent susceptibility. Our study indicates that chickens are not susceptible to productive ZIKV infection and are unlikely to play a role in the ZIKV epidemiology.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Zika Virus Infection; Zika Virus; Disease Susceptibility; Poultry Diseases; Immunity, Innate; Age Factors; Antibodies, Viral; RNA, Viral
PubMed: 38675911
DOI: 10.3390/v16040569 -
Viruses Mar 2024In the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of discovered viruses that are transmitted by arthropods. Some of them are pathogenic for humans...
In the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of discovered viruses that are transmitted by arthropods. Some of them are pathogenic for humans and mammals, and the pathogenic potential of others is unknown. The genus belongs to the family and includes arboviruses that cause severe human diseases with damage to the central nervous system and hemorrhagic fevers, as well as viruses with unknown vectors and viruses specific only to insects. The latter group includes Lammi virus, first isolated from a mosquito pool in Finland. It is known that Lammi virus successfully replicates in mosquito cell lines but not in mammalian cell cultures or mice. Lammi virus reduces the reproduction of West Nile virus during superinfection and thus has the potential to reduce the spread of West Nile virus in areas where Lammi virus is already circulating. In this work, we isolated Lammi virus from a pool of adult mosquitoes that hatched from larvae/pupae collected in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This fact may indicate transovarial transmission and trans-stadial survival of the virus.
Topics: Animals; Aedes; Russia; Female; Mosquito Vectors; Flaviviridae; Larva
PubMed: 38675870
DOI: 10.3390/v16040527 -
Microorganisms Mar 2024The identification of four potential nonstructural 5 (NS5) residues-K28, K45, V335, and S749-that share the same amino acid preference in STAT2-interacting flaviviruses...
The identification of four potential nonstructural 5 (NS5) residues-K28, K45, V335, and S749-that share the same amino acid preference in STAT2-interacting flaviviruses [Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV)], but not in STAT2-non-interacting flaviviruses [West Nile virus (WNV) and/or Yellow fever virus (YFV)] from an alignment of multiple flavivirus NS5 sequences, implied a possible association with the efficiency of ZIKV to antagonize the human signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 2 (STAT2). Through site-directed mutagenesis and reverse genetics, mutational impacts of these residues on ZIKV growth in vitro and STAT2 antagonism were assessed using virus growth kinetics assays and STAT2 immunoblotting. The results showed that mutations at the residue K28 significantly reduced the efficiency of ZIKV to antagonize STAT2. Further investigation involving residue K28 demonstrated its additional effects on the phenotypes of ZIKV-NS5 nuclear bodies. These findings demonstrate that K28, identified from sequence alignment, is an important determinant of replication and STAT2 antagonism by ZIKV.
PubMed: 38674605
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040660 -
Microorganisms Mar 2024Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are the most important neuroinvasive arboviruses detected in Europe. In this study, we analyzed...
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are the most important neuroinvasive arboviruses detected in Europe. In this study, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of 12 proinflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11) in 77 patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NIDs). Flavivirus infection was confirmed in 62 patients (TBEV and WNV in 31 patients each), while in 15 patients the etiology of NID was not determined (NDE). Similar patterns of high-level expression of chemokines regulating monocyte/macrophage responses (CCL2), neutrophil recruitment (CXCL1 and CXCL8), and interferon-inducible chemoattractants for leukocytes (CXCL10 and CXCL11) have been observed in WNV and TBEV groups. None of the tested chemokines significantly differed between patients with TBEV or WNV. Concentrations of CCL17, CCL20, CXCL5, CXCL10, and CXCL11 were significantly lower in both WNV and TBEV groups compared to NID NDE patients. The logistic regression model showed that CSF concentrations of CXCL11, CXCL5, and CXCL10 could potentially be used for the classification of patients into the WNV or TBEV group versus groups with other NIDs. This study identified, for the first time, similar patterns of CSF chemokine expression in WNV and TBEV infections, suggesting common immunopathogenic mechanisms in neuroinvasive flavivirus infections that should be further evaluated.
PubMed: 38674602
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040657 -
Veterinary Research Apr 2024This article reviews the avian viruses that infect the skin of domestic farm birds of primary economic importance: chicken, duck, turkey, and goose. Many avian viruses... (Review)
Review
This article reviews the avian viruses that infect the skin of domestic farm birds of primary economic importance: chicken, duck, turkey, and goose. Many avian viruses (e.g., poxviruses, herpesviruses, Influenza viruses, retroviruses) leading to pathologies infect the skin and the appendages of these birds. Some of these viruses (e.g., Marek's disease virus, avian influenza viruses) have had and/or still have a devasting impact on the poultry economy. The skin tropism of these viruses is key to the pathology and virus life cycle, in particular for virus entry, shedding, and/or transmission. In addition, for some emergent arboviruses, such as flaviviruses, the skin is often the entry gate of the virus after mosquito bites, whether or not the host develops symptoms (e.g., West Nile virus). Various avian skin models, from primary cells to three-dimensional models, are currently available to better understand virus-skin interactions (such as replication, pathogenesis, cell response, and co-infection). These models may be key to finding solutions to prevent or halt viral infection in poultry.
Topics: Animals; Poultry; Poultry Diseases; Skin; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 38671518
DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01310-0 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Acute febrile illnesses (AFI) in developing tropical and sub-tropical nations are challenging to diagnose due to the numerous causes and non-specific symptoms. The...
INTRODUCTION
Acute febrile illnesses (AFI) in developing tropical and sub-tropical nations are challenging to diagnose due to the numerous causes and non-specific symptoms. The proliferation of rapid diagnostic testing and successful control campaigns against malaria have revealed that non- pathogens still contribute significantly to AFI burden. Thus, a more complete understanding of local trends and potential causes is important for selecting the correct treatment course, which in turn will reduce morbidity and mortality. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) in a laboratory setting can be used to identify known and novel pathogens in individuals with AFI.
METHODS
In this study, plasma was collected from 228 febrile patients tested negative for malaria at clinics across Senegal from 2020-2022. Total nucleic acids were extracted and converted to metagenomic NGS libraries. To identify viral pathogens, especially those present at low concentration, an aliquot of each library was processed with a viral enrichment panel and sequenced. Corresponding metagenomic libraries were also sequenced to identify non-viral pathogens.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Sequencing reads for pathogens with a possible link to febrile illness were identified in 51/228 specimens, including (but not limited to): (N = 7), West Nile virus (N = 3), (N = 2), (N = 1), human herpesvirus 8 (N = 1), and Saffold virus (N = 1). Reads corresponding to were detected in 19 specimens, though their presence in the cohort was likely due to user error of rapid diagnostic testing or incorrect specimen segregation at the clinics. Mosquito-borne pathogens were typically detected just after the conclusion of the rainy season, while tick-borne pathogens were mostly detected before the rainy season. The three West Nile virus strains were phylogenetically characterized and shown to be related to both European and North American clades. Surveys such as this will increase the understanding of the potential causes of non-malarial AFI, which may help inform diagnostic and treatment options for clinicians who provide care to patients in Senegal.
PubMed: 38655084
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1362714 -
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases... Apr 2024West Nile virus (WNV), Everglades virus (EVEV), and five species of were isolated from mosquitoes collected in the Everglades in 2016-2017. Prior studies of blood...
West Nile virus (WNV), Everglades virus (EVEV), and five species of were isolated from mosquitoes collected in the Everglades in 2016-2017. Prior studies of blood meals of mosquitoes in southern Florida have related findings to acquisition and transmission of EVEV, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and WNV, but not the viruses associated with the subgenus of the genus . In the present study, blood-fed mosquitoes were collected in the Everglades in 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022, and from an industrial site in Naples, FL in 2017. Blood meals were identified to host species by PCR assays using mitochondrial gene. Blood meals were identified from complex and 11 mosquito species captured in the Florida Everglades and from 3 species collected from an industrial site. The largest numbers of blood-fed specimens were from , , , and . fed on mammals, birds, and reptiles, particularly American alligator. This mosquito species could transmit WNV to American alligator in the wild. acquired blood meals primarily from birds and mammals and frequently fed on medium-sized mammals and white-tailed deer. Water and wading birds were the primary avian hosts for and in the Everglades. Wading birds are susceptible to WNV and could serve as reservoir hosts. fed on five species of rodents, particularly black and hispid cotton rats. EVEV and three different species of have been isolated from the hispid cotton rat and in the Everglades. is likely acquiring and transmitting these viruses among hispid cotton rats and other rodents. The marsh rabbit was a frequent host for complex. complex, and other species could acquire Tensaw virus from rabbits. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the host and viral associations of mosquito species in southwestern Florida.
PubMed: 38648543
DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0072 -
Medicina Clinica Apr 2024Arboviruses represent a threat to transfusion safety for several reasons: the presence of vectors and the notification of autochthonous cases in our region, the recent... (Review)
Review
Arboviruses represent a threat to transfusion safety for several reasons: the presence of vectors and the notification of autochthonous cases in our region, the recent increase in the number of cases transmitted through blood and/or blood component transfusion, the high prevalence rates of RNA of the main arboviruses in asymptomatic blood donors, and their ability to survive processing and storage in the different blood components. In an epidemic outbreak caused by an arbovirus in our region, transfusion centres can apply different measures: reactive measures, related to donor selection or arbovirus screening, and proactive measures, such as pathogen inactivation methods. The study of the epidemiology of the main arboviruses and understanding the effectiveness of the different measures that we can adopt are essential to ensure that our blood components remain safe.
PubMed: 38643027
DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2024.01.028 -
Reviews in Medical Virology May 2024Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) pose significant threats to global public health by causing a spectrum of diseases ranging from mild febrile illnesses to severe... (Review)
Review
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) pose significant threats to global public health by causing a spectrum of diseases ranging from mild febrile illnesses to severe neurological complications. Understanding the intricate interplay between arboviruses and the immune system within the central nervous system is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat these infections and mitigate their neurological sequelae. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms by which arboviruses such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Dengue virus manipulate immune responses within the CNS, leading to diverse clinical manifestations.
Topics: Humans; West Nile virus; Zika Virus; Dengue Virus; Central Nervous System; Immunity; Zika Virus Infection
PubMed: 38610091
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2535 -
Journal of Virus Eradication Mar 2024West Nile virus (WNV) is an important neurotropic virus that accounts for the emergence of human arboviral encephalitis and meningitis. The interaction of WNV with...
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important neurotropic virus that accounts for the emergence of human arboviral encephalitis and meningitis. The interaction of WNV with signaling pathways plays a key role in controlling WNV infection. We have investigated the roles of the AKT and ERK pathways in supporting WNV propagation and modulating the inflammatory response following WNV infection. WNV established a productive infection in neuronal cell lines originated from human and mouse. Expression of IL-11 and TNF-α was markedly up-regulated in the infected human neuronal cells, indicating elicitation of inflammation response upon WNV infection. WNV incubation rapidly activated signaling cascades of AKT (AKT-S6-4E-BP1) and ERK (MEK-ERK-p90RSK) pathways. Treatment with AKT inhibitor MK-2206 or MEK inhibitor U0126 abrogated WNV-induced AKT or ERK activation. Strong activation of AKT and ERK signaling pathways could be detectable at 24 h after WNV infection, while such activation was abolished at 48 h post infection. U0126 treatment or knockdown of ERK expression significantly increased WNV RNA levels and viral titers and efficiently decreased IL-11 production induced by WNV, suggesting the involvement of ERK pathway in WNV propagation and IL-11 induction. MK-2206 treatment enhanced WNV RNA replication accompanied with a moderate decrease in IL-11 production. These results demonstrate that engagement of AKT and ERK signaling pathways facilitates viral infection and may be implicated in WNV pathogenesis.
PubMed: 38601702
DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2024.100368