Search for polyoma-, herpes-, and bornaviruses in squirrels of the family Sciuridae

Schulze, Vanessa; Lurz, Peter W. W.; Ferrari, Nicola; Romeo, Claudia; Steele, Michael; Marino, Shealyn; Mazzamuto, Maria Vittoria; Calvignac‐Spencer, Sébastien; Schlottau, Kore; Beer, Martin; Ulrich, Rainer G.; Ehlers, Bernhard

doi:10.1186/s12985-020-01310-4

Cited by 14 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…He never developed any neurological episodes. (15). Moreover, in this study, we did not detect the virus in further squirrels in zoo D.…”

Section: Serological Investigations For Antibodies To Vsbv-1 In Zoo Acontrasting

confidence: 66%

“…However, recent studies failed to detect VSBV-1 in 77 wild Eurasian red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris ) from Germany and the UK [ 3 , 4 ]. VSBV-1 was not found in free-ranging invasive populations of Pallas’ squirrels ( Callosciurus erythraeus; n = 35) from Italy and Eastern grey squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ; n = 83) from the UK [ 15 ]. Moreover, in this study, we did not detect the virus in further squirrels in zoo D.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Introduction and spread of variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) between exotic squirrels and spill-over infections to humans in Germany

Cadar

Allendorf

Schulze

et al. 2021

Emerging Microbes & Infections

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The variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) is a recently discovered emerging viral pathogen which causes severe and eventually fatal encephalitis in humans after contact to exotic squirrels in private holdings and zoological gardens. Understanding the VSBV-1 epidemiology is crucial to develop, implement and maintain surveillance strategies for detection and control of animal and human infections. Based on a newly detected human encephalitis case in a zoological garden, epidemiological squirrel trade investigations and molecular phylogeny analyses of VSBV-1 with temporal and spatial resolution were conducted. Phylogenetic analyses indicated a recent emergence of VSBV-1 in European squirrel holdings and several animal-animal and animal-human spill-over infections. Virus phylogeny linked to squirrel trade analysis showed the introduction of a common ancestor of the known current VSBV-1 isolates into captive exotic squirrels in Germany, most likely by Prevost's squirrels (Callosciurus prevostii). The links of the animal trade between private breeders and zoos, the likely introduction pathway of VSBV-1 into Germany, and the role of a primary animal distributor were elucidated. In addition, a seroprevalence study was performed among zoo animal caretakers from VSBV-1 affected zoos. No seropositive healthy zoo animal caretakers were found, underlining a probable high-case fatality rate of human VSBV-1 infections. This study illustrates the network and health consequences of uncontrolled wild pet trading as well as the benefits of molecular epidemiology for elucidation and future prevention of infection chains by zoonotic viruses. To respond to emerging zoonotic diseases rapidly, improved regulation and control strategies are urgently needed.

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“…He never developed any neurological episodes. (15). Moreover, in this study, we did not detect the virus in further squirrels in zoo D.…”

Section: Serological Investigations For Antibodies To Vsbv-1 In Zoo Acontrasting

confidence: 66%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Introduction and spread of variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) between exotic squirrels and spill-over infections to humans in Germany

Cadar

Allendorf

Schulze

et al. 2021

Emerging Microbes & Infections

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“…In recent years, several studies have searched for the occurrence of microparasites in some of the native (e.g., [146,147]) and non-native populations of C. erythraeus or C. finlaysonii. For example, recently discovered variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) was detected in five different squirrel species held in captivity (among which was Callosciurus prevostii) and was associated with cases of fatal encephalitis in their caretakers [148]. In the same study, two novel herpesviruses and one of polyomavirus were recently described in the Italian population of Pallas's squirrels [148].…”

Section: Microparasitesmentioning

confidence: 94%

Exotic Pet Trade as a Cause of Biological Invasions: The Case of Tree Squirrels of the Genus Callosciurus

Mazzamuto

Wauters

Koprowski

2021

Biology

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The trade of non-native pets, especially of non-domesticated and exotic animals, and their subsequent release and establishment of populations is one of the major pathways of introduction for invasive alien reptiles, amphibia, birds and mammals. Here, we use a group of arboreal mammals, tree squirrels of the genus Callosciurus, as a well-documented case study, reviewing the pathways of introduction, the current areas of non-native distribution, the rate of establishment success and the challenge and legal importance of species identification. We further illustrate the importance of early detection and effective monitoring methods and plans. Next, we document how they interfere with native species, their risk of acting as vectors for emerging infectious diseases and their potential role in maintaining parasitic infections that can affect human health. We conclude by reviewing the current management, or the lack of it, and highlight the diverse biological, social, political and economic reasons that make control/eradication of these charismatic species difficult or even impractical in most countries. However, reviewing the only two successful eradications of the IAS, we highlight the need to acknowledge the public opinion and the importance of communication, transparency and the engagement of a diversity of stakeholders to create a consensus about the actions to undertake.

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“…The origin of the virus is still unknown, but current time-resolved phylogeny and squirrel trade investigations suggested an introduction with Prevost's squirrels to Germany between 1996-2003, followed by spread of the virus in different holdings and zoos with multiple spill-over infections to humans [7]. VSBV-1 has not been detected in wild European squirrels [8], and, so far, the virus has not been found in limited pilot investigations of Prevost's squirrels currently conducted in Southeast Asia. This study provides a limited but unique glimpse into the ecology, micro-evolution, and perpetuation of this novel viral pathogen in captive squirrel populations under the artificial but exemplary condition of animal husbandry and co-housing of different squirrel species.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genomic and Micro-Evolutionary Features of Mammalian 2 orthobornavirus (Variegated Squirrel Bornavirus 1, VSBV-1)

2021

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Mammalian 2 orthobornavirus (VSBV-1) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen discovered in several exotic squirrel species and associated with fatal human encephalitis. The dynamics of VSBV-1 spread and evolution in its presumed natural hosts are unknown. Here, we present the phylogeny, micro-evolution, cross-species transmission and spread of VSBV-1 at a temporal and spatial resolution within the limits of animal husbandry. The results showed that VSBV-1 can be classified into six distinct groups and that the most recent common ancestor of the known German strains emerged at least 20 years ago. We here demonstrate that the genetic diversity of the VSBV-1 groups is shaped primarily by in situ evolution and most of the amino acid changes are deleterious polymorphisms removed by purifying selection. Evidence of adaptive evolution has been found in the G and L genes which might have an influence on transmission fitness. Furthermore, there was also evidence for some form of adaptive changes in the glycoprotein which suggests that many sites might be subjected to positive pressure evolving under episodic directional selection, indicating past occurrence of positive selection. Host switching events were detected as dominant evolutionary mechanisms driving the virus-host associations. Virus spread by animal trade followed by subsequent local micro-evolution in zoos and holdings is responsible for diversifying strains. Time-resolved phylogeny indicated that Prevost’s squirrels might be the original squirrel species carrying and seeding the virus in Germany. This study provides the first insight into the ecology and micro-evolutionary dynamics of this novel viral pathogen in the captive exotic squirrel population under artificial ecological conditions (zoos and animal husbandry) and co-housing of different squirrel species.

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Search for polyoma-, herpes-, and bornaviruses in squirrels of the family Sciuridae

Cited by 14 publications

References 64 publications

Introduction and spread of variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) between exotic squirrels and spill-over infections to humans in Germany

Introduction and spread of variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1) between exotic squirrels and spill-over infections to humans in Germany

Exotic Pet Trade as a Cause of Biological Invasions: The Case of Tree Squirrels of the Genus Callosciurus

Genomic and Micro-Evolutionary Features of Mammalian 2 orthobornavirus (Variegated Squirrel Bornavirus 1, VSBV-1)

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