Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in human populations and domestic birds in the Northwest of Morocco

West Nile virus (WNV) was recently detected in Culex pipiens mosquitoes in Morocco. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of WNV in humans and in domestic birds in two regions of Morocco by the detection of IgG antibodies. Blood samples were obtained from 91 human patients and 92 domestic birds from September to December 2019. All study samples were tested using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and WNV neutralization tests (VNT) were performed on positive sera. Of all samples, 4 (4.39 %) humans and 4 (4.34 %) birds were found to be seropositive for flaviviruses by the cELISA test. The VNT revealed that three of the four human samples detected positive by cELISA contained neutralizing antibodies against WNV. Two bird samples were confirmed positive by VNT. These results show a significant seroprevalence of anti-WNV antibodies and therefore suggest the active circulation and exposure of human and bird populations in the northwest of Morocco.     

Serologic evidence of West Nile virus and Usutu virus infections in Eurasian coots in the Netherlands

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are arboviruses that are maintained in enzootic transmission cycles between mosquitoes and birds and are occasionally transmitted to mammals. As arboviruses are currently expanding their geographic range and emerging in often unpredictable locations, surveillance is considered an important element of preparedness. To determine whether sera collected from resident and migratory birds in the Netherlands as part of avian influenza surveillance would also represent an effective source for proactive arbovirus surveillance, a random selection of such sera was screened for WNV antibodies using a commercial ELISA. In addition, sera of jackdaws and carrion crows captured for previous experimental infection studies were added to the selection. Of the 265 screened serum samples, 27 were found to be WNV–antibody‐positive, and subsequent cross‐neutralization experiments using WNV and USUV confirmed that five serum samples were positive for only WNV‐neutralizing antibodies and seven for only USUV. The positive birds consisted of four Eurasian coots (Fulica atra) and one carrion crow (Corvus corone) for WNV, of which the latter may suggest local presence of the virus, and only Eurasian coots for USUV. As a result, the screening of a small selection of serum samples originally collected for avian influenza surveillance demonstrated a seroprevalence of 1.6% for WNV and 2.8% for USUV, suggesting that this sustained infrastructure could serve as a useful source for future surveillance of arboviruses such as WNV and USUV in the Netherlands.     

West Nile virus infection in horses,Indian ocean

The circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses was investigated in the Southwest Indian ocean. In 2010, blood samples were collected from a total of 303 horses originating from Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and the Seychelles and tested for WNV-specific antibodies. An overall seroprevalence of 27.39% was detected in the Indian Ocean with the highest WNV antibody prevalence of 46.22% (95% CI: [37.4–55.2%]) in Madagascar. The age and origin of the horses were found to be associated with the WNV infection risk. This paper presents the first seroprevalence study investigating WN fever in horses in the Southwest Indian Ocean area and indicates a potential risk of infection for humans and animals. In order to gain a better understanding of WN transmission cycles, WNV surveillance needs to be implemented in each of the countries.     

新疆地区蚊类携带西尼罗病毒情况调查研究

为查明新疆地区蚊体内携带西尼罗病毒的情况,从2005年-2007年每年的7月~10月采集新疆不同地区的蚊子共计16000余只,并提取总RNA,通过RT-nest PCR的方法检测样品中西尼罗病毒。结果表明,调查样品中没有检测到西尼罗病毒,但不能就此推测新疆是否存在西尼罗病毒,至少对新疆地区和全国制定针对不同动物和人的积极防御政策有重要的公共卫生学意义。     

西尼罗河病毒病的研究进展

西尼罗河病毒病是由西尼罗河病毒(West Nile Virus,WNV)引起的一种人畜共患传染病,病原是一种虫媒病毒,可导致西尼罗河热和致死性的西尼罗河脑炎。自发现以来,西尼罗河病毒病曾在世界上多个国家暴发,给畜牧业和人类生命安全造成了巨大的危害。我国目前尚无该病的发生,但是防治技术储备是必要的。本文对西尼罗河病毒病的流行病学、病原学、致病机制、临床症状和病理剖检变化、诊断方法和候选疗法进行综述,为西尼罗河病毒病的防控提供资料。     

上海地区野鸟中伯氏疏螺旋体和西尼罗病毒感染的血清学调查

于2005年从飞抵上海的12种候鸟和4种留鸟中采集208份血清样品,采用酶联荧光测定(ELFA)法和酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA),分别对伯氏疏螺旋体和西尼罗病毒的感染状况进行了血清抗体调查,结果受检野鸟样品的检测结果均为阴性。     

Serologic Responses of West Nile Virus Seronegative Mature Horses to West Nile Virus Vaccines

A 42-day study was conducted to assess the impact of three West Nile virus vaccines given either as separate injections or incorporated with their counterpart equine encephalitis and tetanus vaccines on serological responses under field use conditions. Two hundred forty mature, West Nile virus seronegative (<4) horses were followed serologically pre- and postprimary and secondary vaccination with six different vaccination programs, all including West Nile virus antigens. Forty horses were unvaccinated sentinel horses. All vaccines stimulated both a primary and secondary (booster) response to vaccination that was significantly higher than that of seronegative controls. However, inclusion of West Nile virus with equine encephalitis viruses and tetanus toxoid in vaccines had a significant detrimental impact on West Nile virus serum neutralization antibody production to both the primary and secondary vaccinations.     

西尼罗病毒套式RT-PCR检测方法的建立

从GenBank上调取西尼罗病毒的基因序列,经过分析,设计并合成2套套式RT-PCR引物,分别对西尼罗病毒灭活苗进行扩增,结果扩增出与目的片段大小一致的条带,将其克隆入pMD18-T-Vector中,进行序列测定,证实为WNV的基因。建立了套式RT-PCR检测方法,经各反应条件的优化后,发现2套nest-PCR引物能分别扩增出85个拷贝和62个拷贝的双链DNA,对乙型脑炎病毒、黄热病毒等11种病毒核酸进行扩增,发现具有良好的特异性,显示建立套式RT-PCR具有高效、快速、特异、灵敏的特点,可用于口岸WNV的检测和监测。     

Equine encephalomyelitis outbreak caused by a genetic lineage 2 West Nile virus in Hungary

Background: The spread of lineage 2 West Nile virus (WNV) from sub‐Saharan regions to Europe and the unpredictable change in pathogenicity indicate a potential public and veterinary health threat and requires scientific awareness. Objectives: To describe the results of clinical and virological investigations of the 1st outbreak of a genetic lineage 2 WNV encephalomyelitis in horses. Animals: Seventeen horses with neurologic signs. Methods: Information regarding signalment, clinical signs, and outcome was obtained for each animal. Serology was performed in 15 cases, clinicopathological examination in 7 cases, and cerebrospinal fluid was collected from 2 horses. Histopathology was carried out in 4 horses, 2 of which were assessed for the presence of WNV in their nervous system. Results: WNV neutralizing antibody titers were between 10 and 270 (median, 90) and the results of other serological assays were in agreement with those of the plaque reduction neutralization test. Common signs included ataxia, weakness, asymmetric gait, muscle tremors, hypersensitivity, cranial nerve deficits, and recumbency. Twelve animals survived. Amplicons derived from the infection‐positive specimens allowed molecular characterization of the viral strain. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: From our results, we conclude that this outbreak was caused by a lineage 2 WNV strain, even though such strains often are considered nonpathogenic. Neurological signs and survival rates were similar to those reported for lineage 1 virus infections. The disease occurrence was not geographically limited as had been the typical case during European outbreaks; this report describes a substantial northwestern spread of the pathogen.     

The economic impact of West Nile virus infection in horses in the North Dakota equine industry in 2002

This study estimated economic impacts associated with the West Nile virus (WNV) outbreak in horses for North Dakota in 2002.The 2002 epidemic in the United States was the largest meningoencephalitis epidemic reported in the Western Hemisphere. Over 15,257 horse cases were reported in 43 states with most cases occurring in central United States. North Dakota reported over 569 horse cases, with a mortality rate of 22%. The total costs incurred by the state were approximately US$1.9 million. The costs incurred by horse owners were about US$1.5 million. Of the US$1.5 million, about US$781,203 and US$802,790 were spent on medical costs and losses due to inability to use animals because of the disease, respectively. Medical costs included the cost of vaccinating 152 horses, and the treatment costs for 345 horses which were US$4,803 and US$524,400 respectively. Costs associated with mortality were US$252,000 for the 126 horses which died of WNV. The state government spent US*$400,000 on WNV monitoring, control, and surveillance under the WNV-control program in 2002. Despite these conservative estimates, the data suggest that economic costs attributable to WNV epidemic to horse owners in North Dakota were substantial.     

West Nile virus: North American experience

West Nile virus, a mosquito‐vectored flavivirus of the Japanese encephalitis serogroup, was first detected in North America following an epizootic in the New York City area in 1999. In the intervening 11 years since the arrival of the virus in North America, it has crossed the contiguous USA, entered the Canadian provinces bordering the USA, and has been reported in the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America and, more recently, South America. West Nile virus has been reported in over 300 species of birds in the USA and has caused the deaths of thousands of birds, local population declines of some avian species, the clinical illness and deaths of thousands of domestic horses, and the clinical disease in over 30 000 Americans and the deaths of over 1000. Prior to the emergence of West Nile virus in North America, St. Louis encephalitis virus and Dengue virus were the only other known mosquito‐transmitted flaviviruses in North America capable of causing human disease. This review will discuss the North American experience with mosquito‐borne flavivirus prior to the arrival of West Nile virus, the entry and spread of West Nile virus in North America, effects on wild bird populations, genetic changes in the virus, and the current state of West Nile virus transmission.     

西尼罗病毒的基因进化分析

为更好的了解西尼罗病毒在世界各地的流行特征,从GenBank中随机选取45株西尼罗病毒的全基因或部分基因序列,进行同源性分析构建了基因进化树.发现西尼罗病毒可以分为两个谱系,1系病毒广泛分布在非洲西部、中东、东欧、印度、美国和澳大利亚等地,2系病毒分布在非洲亚撒哈拉、马达加斯加等地.1系的西尼罗病毒可进一步分为3个分支.对其中的22株西尼罗病毒部分基因序列进行同源性比较,发现1系病毒之间核苷酸同源在76.8%以上,氨基酸同源性在78.3%以上,而2系病毒与1系病毒核苷酸同源性约为64.7%～76.2%,氨基酸同源性约为64.7%～93.0%.     

First evidence of Kunjin strain of West Nile virus associated with saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skin lesions

Recently, the Kunjin strain of West Nile virus (WNV_KUN) has been detected using qRT‐PCR in belly skin lesions of farmed juvenile saltwater crocodiles. This follows an established association between similar lesions and West Nile virus in American alligators. The lesions present as cutaneous lymphohistiocytic aggregates in the dermal layers of both species. While these lesion do not create an obvious defect on the live crocodile, upon tanning the lesion area collapses and does not uptake the dye evenly, thus reducing its aesthetic appeal. As a result, skins are being rejected jeopardising the economic viability of the Australian crocodile industry. Over 50 skin lesions have since been confirmed as WNV_KUN‐positive and preliminary evidence of lesion restructuring is presented. Horizontal transmission of WNV_KUN by mosquitoes is well‐established but other transmission routes, such as ingestion and cloacal shedding, need further evaluation. An infection trial is currently underway to ensure WNV_KUN is the causative agent of these skin lesions.     

West Nile virus and its emergence in the United States of America

Zoonotic West Nile virus (WNV) circulates in natural transmission cycles involving certain mosquitoes and birds, horses, humans, and a range of other vertebrates are incidental hosts. Clinical infections in humans can range in severity from uncomplicated WNV fever to fatal meningoencephalitis. Since its introduction to the Western Hemisphere in 1999, WNV had spread across North America, Central and South America and the Caribbean, although the vast majority of severe human cases have occurred in the United States of America (USA) and Canada. By 2002-2003, the WNV outbreaks have involved thousands of patients causing severe neurologic disease (meningoencephalitis and poliomyelitis-like syndrome) and hundreds of associated fatalities in USA. The purpose of this review is to present recent information on the epidemiology and pathogenicity of WNV since its emergence in North America.     

West Nile virus outbreak in captive and wild raptors,Czech Republic, 2018

West Nile virus lineage 2 (WNV‐2) was detected in the brain of 17 goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) that succumbed to neuroinvasive disease in the Czech Republic during 2018: twelve birds were captive and five wild. Furthermore, two wild sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) and three other captive birds of prey (golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos, hybrid saker falcon Falco cherrug × F. rusticolus and Harris's hawk Parabuteo unicinctus) also died due to WNV encephalitis. The 2018 outbreak in Czech raptors clearly reflects a new epidemiological situation and indicates an increasing risk of both raptor and human infection with WNV‐2 in the country.     

Clinical screening of horses and early warning for West Nile virus

Clinical presentation of West Nile disease in horses is variable, but ataxia, weakness and muscle fasciculations are often observed, sometimes with abnormal behaviour, teeth grinding and bruxism. Practitioners should be aware that horses are more sensitive to infection than man and serve as sentinels for an early warning of West Nile virus circulation in a given area. This early warning allows the implementation of preventive and control measures such as vaccination of horses and mosquito control.     

Prediction of human cases of West Nile virus by equine cases, Saskatchewan, Canada, 2003

In 2003, an outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) occurred in Saskatchewan, Canada from July to September. One-hundred thirty-three horse cases and 947 human cases were recorded and data were analyzed retrospectively for evidence of clustering to determine if clinical infection in the horse population could be used to estimate human risk of infection with WNV. Kulldorff's scan statistic was used to identify spatial-temporal clusters in both the human and horse cases. In most areas, human clusters were not preceded by horse clusters. In one area, a significant cluster of horse cases preceded human cases by 1 week; however, 1 week does not provide sufficient time for human-health authorities to act and provide advance warning for the public.