Serological Survey of Hantavirus and Flavivirus Among Wild Rodents in Central Italy

Cosseddu, Gian Mario; SozioGiulia,; Valleriani, Fabrizia; GennaroAnnapia, Di; Pascucci, Ilaria; Gavaudan, Stefano; MarianneauPhilippe,; Monaco, Federica

doi:10.1089/vbz.2017.2143

Cited by 9 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Moreover, WNV and USUV antibodies were found in gray squirrels in Italy, broadening the host range for these viruses (120). WNV neutralizing antibodies were also found in two wild rodents ( Apodemus flavicollis ) captured in forested areas of Italy (121). However, the short-term and low-level viremia makes it unlikely that these animal species play a role in the WNV transmission cycle.…”

Section: Conclusion and Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 97%

Emerging Trends in the Epidemiology of West Nile and Usutu Virus Infections in Southern Europe

et al. 2019

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The epidemiology of West Nile (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Since 1999, there have been regular reports of WNV outbreaks and the virus has expanded its area of circulation in many Southern European countries. After emerging in Italy in 1996, USUV has spread to other countries causing mortality in several bird species. In 2009, USUV seroconversion in horses was reported in Italy. Co-circulation of both viruses was detected in humans, horses and birds. The main vector of WNV and USUV in Europe is Culex pipiens, however, both viruses were found in native Culex mosquito species (Cx. modestus, Cx. perexiguus). Experimental competence to transmit the WNV was also proven for native and invasive mosquitoes of Aedes and Culex genera (Ae. albopictus, Ae. detritus, Cx. torrentium). Recently, Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus naturally-infected with USUV were reported. While neuroinvasive human WNV infections are well-documented, USUV infections are sporadically detected. However, there is increasing evidence of a role of USUV in human disease. Seroepidemiological studies showed that USUV circulation is more common than WNV in some endemic regions. Recent data showed that WNV strains detected in humans, horses, birds, and mosquitoes mainly belong to lineage 2. In addition to European USUV lineages, some reports indicate the presence of African USUV lineages as well. The trends in WNV/USUV range and vector expansion are likely to continue in future years. This mini-review provides an update on the epidemiology of WNV and USUV infections in Southern Europe within a multidisciplinary “One Health” context.

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Section: Conclusion and Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 97%

Emerging Trends in the Epidemiology of West Nile and Usutu Virus Infections in Southern Europe

et al. 2019

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“…Viruses 2022, 14, 416 2 of 14 sylvatic cycle involving wild birds and ornithophilic mosquitoes, and to an urban cycle based on synanthropic or domestic birds and species of mosquitoes capable of feeding on both birds and mammals [1]. Humans, horses and less frequently other mammals, such as rodents [2] and bats [3], are incidental dead-end hosts. They can be infected but due to the low levels of viremia they may develop, they cannot transmit the infection to vectors [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

West Nile and Usutu Virus Introduction via Migratory Birds: A Retrospective Analysis in Italy

Mancuso

Cecere

Iapaolo

et al. 2022

Viruses

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The actual contribution of migratory birds in spreading West Nile (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) across Europe and from Africa to old countries is still controversial. In this study, we reported the results of molecular and serological surveys on migrating birds sampled during peaks of spring and autumn migration at 11 Italian sites located along important flyways, from 2012 to 2014. A total of 1335 specimens made of individual or pooled sera, and organs from 275 dead birds were tested for WNV and USUV RNA by real time PCR (RT-PCR). Furthermore, sera were tested by serum neutralization assay for detecting WNV and USUV neutralizing antibodies. Molecular tests detected WNV lineage 2 RNA in a pool made of three Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) sera sampled in autumn, and lineage 1 in kidneys of six trans-Saharan birds sampled in spring. Neutralizing antibodies against WNV and USUV were found in 5.80% (n = 72; 17 bird species) and 0.32% (n = 4; 4 bird species) of the tested sera, respectively. Our results do not exclude the role of migratory birds as potential spreaders of WNV and USUV from Africa and Central Europe to Mediterranean areas and highlight the importance of a more extensive active surveillance of zoonotic viruses.

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“…Other than WNV, USUV and TBEV, only insectspecific flaviviruses have been isolated in mosquitoes in northern Italy (Grisenti et al, 2015;Rizzo et al, 2014). However, the circulation of other flaviviruses among wild mammals in Italy cannot be excluded (Cosseddu et al, 2017). In this respect, several flaviviruses, including Meaban virus, louping ill virus and Bagaza virus, have been detected in other European countries in the last few years (Arnal et al, 2014;Beck et al, 2013;Garc ıa-Bocanegra et al, 2013).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are tree squirrels involved in the circulation of flaviviruses in Italy?

Romeo

Lecollinet

Caballero

et al. 2018

Transbound Emerg Dis

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West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are emerging zoonotic flaviviruses (family Flaviviridae), which have circulated in Europe in the past decade. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess exposure to these antigenically related flaviviruses in eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in Italy. Seventeen out of 158 (10.8%; CI : 5.9-15.6) squirrels' sera tested through bELISA had antibodies against flaviviruses. Specific neutralizing antibodies to WNV, USUV and TBEV were detected by virus neutralization tests. Our results indicate that tree squirrels are exposed to Culex and tick-borne zoonotic flaviviruses in Italy. Moreover, this study shows for the first time USUV and TBEV exposure in grey squirrels, broadening the host range reported for these viruses. Even though further studies are needed to define the real role of tree squirrels in the epidemiology of flaviviruses in Europe, this study highlights that serology could be an effective approach for future investigations aimed at broadening our knowledge about the species exposed to these zoonotic infections.

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Serological Survey of Hantavirus and Flavivirus Among Wild Rodents in Central Italy

Cited by 9 publications

References 8 publications

Emerging Trends in the Epidemiology of West Nile and Usutu Virus Infections in Southern Europe

Emerging Trends in the Epidemiology of West Nile and Usutu Virus Infections in Southern Europe

West Nile and Usutu Virus Introduction via Migratory Birds: A Retrospective Analysis in Italy

Are tree squirrels involved in the circulation of flaviviruses in Italy?

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