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Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Jul 2024Bats are known reservoirs of various emerging pathogens, and have recently been found to host a novel hantavirus, named Brno loanvirus (BRNV), from the Mammantavirinae...
Bats are known reservoirs of various emerging pathogens, and have recently been found to host a novel hantavirus, named Brno loanvirus (BRNV), from the Mammantavirinae subfamily (family Hantaviridae, order Bunyavirales). Here we report BRNV detection in bats from the urban area of Brno, Czech Republic in March 2022. Specifically, we uncovered a high prevalence of BRNV (8.8%, 5/57) among hibernating bats (Nyctalus noctula) in urban area, which poses a risk of human exposure. The positive bats included adult females (3/9 positive), a juvenile female (1/32 positive), and an adult male (1/6 positive). All 10 juvenile males were negative. We used RT-qPCR to quantify the BRNV RNA levels in various bat organs, which yielded positive results for viral RNA in organs, including the kidneys, heart, spleen, brain, liver, lung, and gut, and in body cavity fluid. Among all tested organs, the liver showed the highest levels of viral RNA in 4 out of 5 animals examined (average Ct value of 20.8 ± 7.4).
Topics: Animals; Czech Republic; Chiroptera; Female; Male; Orthohantavirus; RNA, Viral; Phylogeny; Disease Reservoirs; Hantavirus Infections
PubMed: 38754756
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105604 -
Virus Research May 2024The ipomoviruses (family Potyviridae) that cause cassava brown streak disease (cassava brown streak virus [CBSV] and Uganda cassava brown streak virus [UCBSV]) are...
The ipomoviruses (family Potyviridae) that cause cassava brown streak disease (cassava brown streak virus [CBSV] and Uganda cassava brown streak virus [UCBSV]) are damaging plant pathogens that affect the sustainability of cassava production in East and Central Africa. However, little is known about the rate at which the viruses evolve and when they emerged in Africa - which inform how easily these viruses can host shift and resist RNAi approaches for control. We present here the rates of evolution determined from the coat protein gene (CP) of CBSV (Temporal signal in a UCBSV dataset was not sufficient for comparable analysis). Our BEAST analysis estimated the CBSV CP evolves at a mean rate of 1.43 × 10 nucleotide substitutions per site per year, with the most recent common ancestor of sampled CBSV isolates existing in 1944 (95% HPD, between years 1922 - 1963). We compared the published measured and estimated rates of evolution of CPs from ten families of plant viruses and showed that CBSV is an average-evolving potyvirid, but that members of Potyviridae evolve more quickly than members of Virgaviridae and the single representatives of Betaflexiviridae, Bunyaviridae, Caulimoviridae and Closteroviridae.
PubMed: 38750679
DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199397 -
Parasites & Vectors May 2024Batai virus (BATV) is a zoonotic arbovirus of veterinary importance. A high seroprevalence in cows, sheep and goats and infection in different mosquito species has been...
BACKGROUND
Batai virus (BATV) is a zoonotic arbovirus of veterinary importance. A high seroprevalence in cows, sheep and goats and infection in different mosquito species has been observed in Central Europe. Therefore, we studied indigenous as well as exotic species of the genera Culex and Aedes for BATV vector competence at different fluctuating temperature profiles.
METHODS
Field caught Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, Culex torrentium, Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus japonicus from Germany and Aedes aegypti laboratory colony were infected with BATV strain 53.3 using artificial blood meals. Engorged mosquitoes were kept under four (Culex species) or three (Aedes species) fluctuating temperature profiles (18 ± 5 °C, 21 ± 5 °C, 24 ± 5 °C, 27 ± 5 °C) at a humidity of 70% and a dark/light rhythm of 12:12 for 14 days. Transmission was measured by testing the saliva obtained by forced salivation assay for viable BATV particles. Infection rates were analysed by testing whole mosquitoes for BATV RNA by quantitative reverse transcription PCR.
RESULTS
No transmission was detected for Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus or Ae. japonicus japonicus. Infection was observed for Cx. p. pipiens, but only in the three conditions with the highest temperatures (21 ± 5 °C, 24 ± 5 °C, 27 ± 5 °C). In Cx. torrentium infection was measured at all tested temperatures with higher infection rates compared with Cx. p. pipiens. Transmission was only detected for Cx. torrentium exclusively at the highest temperature of 27 ± 5 °C.
CONCLUSIONS
Within the tested mosquito species, only Cx. torrentium seems to be able to transmit BATV if the climatic conditions are feasible.
Topics: Animals; Aedes; Culex; Mosquito Vectors; Temperature; Bunyamwera virus; Saliva; Bunyaviridae Infections; Female; Europe; Germany
PubMed: 38750581
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06296-4 -
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2024We report the first case of Oropouche fever detected in the border region of Colombia.
OBJECTIVES
We report the first case of Oropouche fever detected in the border region of Colombia.
METHODS
Using a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), genetic sequencing and clinical characteristics during the dengue epidemic in 2019, a total of 175 samples were analysed, from cases notified to the system epidemiological surveillance such as dengue.
FINDINGS
The Oropouche virus (OROV) isolate from Leticia belongs to lineage 2 according to both M and S genome segments maximum likelihood (ML) analysis, shares a common ancestor with samples obtained in Esmeraldas, Ecuador and Turbaco, Colombia. The patient: a woman resident in the border neighbourhood of the municipality of Leticia had the following symptoms: fever, headache, retro-orbital pain and myalgias.
MAIN CONCLUSION
This cross-border surveillance can be useful to give an alert about the entry or exit of arboviruses circulation in the region, which are often underreported in public health surveillance systems.
Topics: Humans; Female; Colombia; Orthobunyavirus; Bunyaviridae Infections; Adult; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38747855
DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760230221 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), the most geographically widespread tick-borne virus, is endemic in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia, with infection...
INTRODUCTION
The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), the most geographically widespread tick-borne virus, is endemic in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia, with infection resulting in mortality in up to 30% of cases. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or effective therapies available for CCHF. The CCHFV should only be manipulated in the BSL-4 laboratory, which has severely hampered basic seroprevalence studies.
METHODS
In the present study, two antibody detection methods in the forms of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a surrogate virus neutralization test (sPVNT) were developed using a recombinant glycoprotein (rGP) and a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based virus bearing the CCHFV recombinant glycoprotein (rVSV/CCHFV) in a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory, respectively.
RESULTS
The rGP-based ELISA and rVSV/CCHFV-based sVNT were established by using the anti-CCHFV pre-G mAb 11E7, known as a broadly cross-reactive, potently neutralizing antibody, and their applications as diagnostic antigens were validated for the specific detection of CCHFV IgG and neutralizing antibodies in experimental animals. In two tests, mAb clone 11E7 (diluted at 1:163840 or 512) still displayed positive binding and neutralization, and the presence of antibodies (IgG and neutralizing) against the rGP and rVSV/CCHFV was also determined in the sera from the experimental animals. Both mAb 11E7 and animal sera showed a high reactivity to both antigens, indicating that bacterially expressed rGP and rVSV/CCHFV have good immunoreactivity. Apart from establishing two serological testing methods, their results also demonstrated an imperfect correlation between IgG and neutralizing antibodies.
DISCUSSION
Within this limited number of samples, the rGP and rVSV/CCHFV could be safe and convenient tools with significant potential for research on specific antibodies and serological samples.
Topics: Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; Neutralization Tests; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Immunoglobulin G; Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean; Animals; Humans; Glycoproteins; Serologic Tests; Recombinant Proteins; Mice; Antibodies, Monoclonal
PubMed: 38746783
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1341332 -
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Jun 2024The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies several bunyaviruses as significant threats to global public health security. Developing effective therapies against these...
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies several bunyaviruses as significant threats to global public health security. Developing effective therapies against these viruses is crucial to combat future outbreaks and mitigate their impact on patient outcomes. Here, we report the synthesis of some isoindol-1-one derivatives and explore their inhibitory properties over an indispensable metal-dependent cap-snatching endonuclease (Cap-ENDO) shared among evolutionary divergent bunyaviruses. The compounds suppressed RNA hydrolysis by Cap-ENDOs, with IC values predominantly in the lower μM range. Molecular docking studies revealed the interactions with metal ions to be essential for the 2,3-dihydro-6,7-dihydroxy-1H-isoindol-1-one scaffold activity. Calorimetric analysis uncovered Mn ions to have the highest affinity for sites within the targets, irrespective of aminoacidic variations influencing metal cofactor preferences. Interestingly, spectrophotometric findings unveiled sole dinuclear species formation between the scaffold and Mn. Moreover, the complexation of two Mn ions within the viral enzymes appears to be favourable, as indicated by the binding of compound 11 to TOSV Cap-ENDO (Kd = 28 ± 3 μM). Additionally, the tendency of compound 11 to stabilize His+ more than His- Cap-ENDOs suggests exploitable differences in their catalytic pockets relevant to improving specificity. Collectively, our results underscore the isoindolinone scaffold's potential as a strategic starting point for the design of pan-antibunyavirus drugs.
Topics: Drug Design; Endonucleases; Molecular Docking Simulation; Isoindoles; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure; Antiviral Agents; Enzyme Inhibitors; Bunyaviridae; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans
PubMed: 38735150
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116467 -
BMC Veterinary Research May 2024Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a fatal zoonosis caused by ticks in East Asia. As SFTS virus (SFTSV) is maintained between wildlife and ticks,...
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a fatal zoonosis caused by ticks in East Asia. As SFTS virus (SFTSV) is maintained between wildlife and ticks, seroepidemiological studies in wildlife are important to understand the behavior of SFTSV in the environment. Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, is an SFTS-endemic area, and approximately 100 feral horses, called Misaki horses (Equus caballus), inhabit Cape Toi in Miyazaki Prefecture. While these animals are managed in a wild-like manner, their ages are ascertainable due to individual identification. In the present study, we conducted a seroepidemiological survey of SFTSV in Misaki horses between 2015 and 2023. This study aimed to understand SFTSV infection in horses and its transmission to wildlife. A total of 707 samples from 180 feral horses were used to determine the seroprevalence of SFTSV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neutralization testing was performed on 118 samples. In addition, SFTS viral RNA was detected in ticks from Cape Toi and feral horses. The overall seroprevalence between 2015 and 2023 was 78.5% (555/707). The lowest seroprevalence was 55% (44/80) in 2016 and the highest was 92% (76/83) in 2018. Seroprevalence was significantly affected by age, with 11% (8/71) in those less than one year of age and 96.7% (435/450) in those four years of age and older (p < 0.0001). The concordance between ELISA and neutralization test results was 88.9% (105/118). SFTS viral RNA was not detected in ticks (n = 516) or feral horses. This study demonstrated that horses can be infected with SFTSV and that age is a significant factor in seroprevalence in wildlife. This study provides insights into SFTSV infection not only in horses but also in wildlife in SFTS-endemic areas.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Japan; Horse Diseases; Phlebovirus; Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome; Female; Male; Antibodies, Viral; Ticks; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Animals, Wild
PubMed: 38734647
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04042-7 -
BMC Neurology May 2024Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a natural focal disease transmitted mainly by tick bites, and the causative agent is SFTS virus (SFTSV). SFTS can... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a natural focal disease transmitted mainly by tick bites, and the causative agent is SFTS virus (SFTSV). SFTS can rapidly progress to severe disease, with multiple-organ failure (MOF) manifestations such as shock, respiratory failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and death, but cases of SFTS patients with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms onset and marked persistent involuntary shaking of the perioral area and limbs have rarely been reported.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 69-year-old woman with fever and persistent involuntary shaking of the perioral area and limbs was diagnosed with SFTS with CNS symptom onset after metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood identified SFTSV. The patient developed a cytokine storm and MOF during the course of the disease, and after aggressive antiviral, glucocorticoid, and gamma globulin treatments, her clinical symptoms improved, her laboratory indices returned to normal, and she had a good prognosis.
CONCLUSION
This case gives us great insight that when patients with CNS symptoms similar to those of viral encephalitis combined with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia are encountered in the clinic, it is necessary to consider the possibility of SFTS involving the CNS. Testing for SFTSV nucleic acid in CSF and blood (mNGS or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) should be carried out, especially in critically ill patients, and treatment should be given accordingly.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome; Phlebovirus; Multiple Organ Failure
PubMed: 38730325
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03664-6 -
PloS One 2024Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a globally significant tick-borne zoonotic pathogen that causes fatal haemorrhagic disease in humans. Despite...
Seromolecular survey and risk factor analysis of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus in occupationally exposed herdsmen and unexposed febrile patients in Kwara State, Nigeria.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a globally significant tick-borne zoonotic pathogen that causes fatal haemorrhagic disease in humans. Despite constituting an ongoing public health threat, limited research exists on the presence of CCHFV among herdsmen, an occupationally exposed population that has prolonged contact with ruminants and ticks. This cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2018 and February 2020 in Kwara State, Nigeria, was aimed at assessing CCHFV seroprevalence among herdsmen and non-herdsmen febrile patients, and identifying the associated risk factors. Blood samples from herdsmen (n = 91) and febrile patients in hospitals (n = 646) were analyzed for anti-CCHFV IgG antibodies and CCHFV S-segment RNA using ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. Results revealed a remarkably high CCHFV seroprevalence of 92.3% (84/91) among herdsmen compared to 7.1% (46/646) in febrile patients. Occupational risk factors like animal and tick contact, tick bites, and hand crushing of ticks significantly contributed to higher seroprevalence in the herdsmen (p<0.0001). Herdsmen were 156.5 times more likely (p<0.0001) to be exposed to CCHFV than febrile patients. Notably, the odds of exposure were significantly higher (OR = 191.3; p<0.0001) in herdsmen with a history of tick bites. Although CCHFV genome was not detectable in the tested sera, our findings reveal that the virus is endemic among herdsmen in Kwara State, Nigeria. CCHFV should be considered as a probable cause of febrile illness among humans in the study area. Given the nomadic lifestyle of herdsmen, further investigations into CCHF epidemiology in this neglected population are crucial. This study enhances our understanding of CCHFV dynamics and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in at-risk communities.
Topics: Humans; Nigeria; Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean; Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo; Male; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Adult; Female; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Cross-Sectional Studies; Animals; Young Adult; Fever; Antibodies, Viral; Ticks; Adolescent
PubMed: 38723009
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303099 -
BMC Veterinary Research May 2024Pigs are susceptible to several ruminant pathogens, including Coxiella burnetti, Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). These pathogens have...
BACKGROUND
Pigs are susceptible to several ruminant pathogens, including Coxiella burnetti, Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). These pathogens have already been described in the pig population, although the dynamics of the infection and the impact on pig farms are currently unclear. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of these infections in the pig population of the Campania region, southern Italy, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with a greater risk of exposure.
RESULTS
A total of 414 serum samples belonging to 32 herds were tested for the presence of antibodies against SBV, Coxiella, and BVD using commercial multispecies ELISA kits. SBV (5.3%) was the most prevalent pathogen, followed by Coxiella (4.1%) and BVD (3%). The risk factors included in the study (age, sex, province, farming system, ruminant density and major ruminant species) had no influence on the probability of being exposed to BVD and Coxiella, except for the location, in fact more pigs seropositive to Coxiella were found in the province of Caserta. However, the univariate analysis highlighted the influence of age, location, and sex on exposure to SBV. The subsequent multivariate analysis statistically confirmed the importance of these factors. The presence of neutralizing antibodies for SBV and BVDV, or antibodies directed towards a specific phase of infection for Coxiella was further confirmed with virus-neutralization assays and phase-specific ELISAs in a large proportion of positive samples. The presence of high neutralizing antibody titers (especially for SBV) could indicate recent exposures. Twelve of the 17 positive samples tested positive for antibodies against Coxiella phase I or II antigens, indicating the presence of both acute and chronic infections (one animal tested positive for both phases antibodies).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study indicates a non-negligible exposure of pigs from southern Italy to the above pathogens. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the dynamics of these infections in pigs, the impact on productivity, and the public health consequences in the case of Coxiella.
Topics: Animals; Italy; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Swine; Risk Factors; Swine Diseases; Q Fever; Female; Male; Antibodies, Viral; Diarrhea Viruses, Bovine Viral; Antibodies, Bacterial; Orthobunyavirus; Coxiella burnetii; Bovine Virus Diarrhea-Mucosal Disease; Bunyaviridae Infections; Pseudorabies; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
PubMed: 38720324
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04037-4