Current Status of Rift Valley Fever Vaccine Development

Abstract

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that presents a substantial threat to human and public health. It is caused by Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV), which belongs to the genus Phlebovirus and the family Phenuiviridae within the order Bunyavirales. The wide distribution of competent vectors in non-endemic areas coupled with global climate change poses a significant threat of the transboundary spread of RVFV. In the last decade, an improved understanding of the molecular biology of RVFV has facilitated significant progress in the development of novel vaccines, including DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) vaccines. Despite these advances, there is no fully licensed vaccine for veterinary or human use available in non-endemic countries, whereas in endemic countries, there is no clear policy or practice of routine/strategic livestock vaccinations as a preventive or mitigating strategy against potential RVF disease outbreaks. The purpose of this review was to provide an update on the status of RVF vaccine development and provide perspectives on the best strategies for disease control. Herein, we argue that the routine or strategic vaccination of livestock could be the best control approach for preventing the outbreak and spread of future disease.

Evaluation of an Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on Recombinant Baculovirus-Expressed Rift Valley Fever Virus Nucleoprotein as the Diagnostic Antigen

“…Although a wider study may be required to further corroborate the findings of our preliminary field evaluation, detection of high RVFV seroprevalence in an endemic setting in domestic ruminants that are in close contact with humans signifies a significant risk factor for zoonotic transmission of this pathogen in the local communities. Evidently, in sub-Saharan Africa, outbreaks of RVF have been a frequent occurrence among individuals with a known history of association with infected livestock (3,34).…”

Neurologic Infections in Travelers

“…62 Rift Valley fever has multiple inactivated and live vaccines available, however none are licensed for use. 68…”

Measles-derived vaccines to prevent emerging viral diseases

“…Many vaccine platforms have been used to develop vaccine candidates for RVFV. While there are no licensed vaccines for humans available yet, animal vaccines include the live attenuated Smithburn and inactivated RVFV in Africa [70]. Unfortunately, these are not DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) vaccines, which can present a problem for the export of livestock and its products.…”