Submit to Viruses Review for Viruses Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Zoonotic Viral Diseases

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Virology and Viral Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 22837

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kassiani Mellou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), 15123 Athens, Greece
Interests: foodborne and waterborne diseases; vectorborne diseases; zoonoses; surveillance and epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Dimitrios Paraskevis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Interests: virology; AIDS/HIV; STIs; hepatitis; molecular epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the last decade, it has been scientifically clear that climate change has led to the emergence or re-emergence of zoonotic viral diseases making them one of the most important public health concerns all over the world. It is predicted that these viruses, such as West Nile Virus, Dengue fever, Hantaviruses, yellow fever virus, Chikungunya virus, Sindbis virus, Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus will most likely increasingly affect the worldwide population in the future.

Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your research work and available data on such viruses. Under the prism of One Health, human and animal data including entomological studies are welcomed.

Dr. Kassiani Mellou
Dr. Dimitrios Paraskevis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

zoonosis
vectorborne
virus
one health
entomology
epidemiology

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

21 pages, 4410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infection Dynamics and Genomic Mutations of Hepatitis E Virus in Naturally Infected Pigs on a Farrow-to-Finish Farm in Japan: A Survey from 2012 to 2021

by Masaharu Takahashi, Satoshi Kunita, Tsutomu Nishizawa, Hiroshi Ohnishi, Putu Prathiwi Primadharsini, Shigeo Nagashima, Kazumoto Murata and Hiroaki Okamoto

Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071516 - 07 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1184

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute or chronic hepatitis in humans. Pigs are the primary reservoir for zoonotic HEV genotypes 3 and 4 worldwide. This study investigated the infection dynamics and genomic mutations of HEV in domestic pigs on a farrow-to-finish pig farm in Japan between 2012 and 2021. A high prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was noted among pigs on this farm in 2012, when the survey started, and persisted for at least nine years. During 2012–2021, HEV RNA was detected in both serum and fecal samples, indicating active viral replication. Environmental samples, including slurry samples in manure pits, feces on the floor, floor and wall swabs in pens, and dust samples, also tested positive for HEV RNA, suggesting potential sources of infection within the farm environment. Indeed, pigs raised in HEV-contaminated houses had a higher rate of HEV infection than those in an HEV-free house. All 104 HEV strains belonged to subgenotype 3b, showing a gradual decrease in nucleotide identities over time. The 2012 (swEJM1201802S) and 2021 (swEJM2100729F) HEV strains shared 97.9% sequence identity over the entire genome. Importantly, the swEJM2100729F strain efficiently propagated in human hepatoma cells, demonstrating its infectivity. These findings contribute to our understanding of the prevalence, transmission dynamics, and genetic characteristics of HEV in domestic pigs, emphasizing the potential risks associated with HEV infections and are crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the risk of HEV infection in both animals and humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The 2022 West Nile Virus Season in Greece; A Quite Intense Season

by Danai Pervanidou, Chrysovaladou Niki Kefaloudi, Anna Vakali, Ourania Tsakalidou, Myrsini Karatheodorou, Katerina Tsioka, Maria Evangelidou, Kassiani Mellou, Styliani Pappa, Konstantina Stoikou, Vasiliki Bakaloudi, George Koliopoulos, Kostas Stamoulis, Eleni Patsoula, Constantina Politis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou and Anna Papa

Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071481 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2628

Abstract

Since 2010, the West Nile virus (WNV) has been established in Greece. We describe the epidemiology of diagnosed human WNV infections in Greece with a focus on the 2022 season. During the transmission period, clinicians were sending samples from suspected cases for testing. Active laboratory-based surveillance was performed with immediate notification of diagnosed cases. We collected clinical information and interviewed patients on a timely basis to identify their place of exposure. Besides serological and molecular diagnostic methods, next-generation sequencing was also performed. In 2022, 286 cases of WNV infection were diagnosed, including 278 symptomatic cases and 184 (64%) cases with neuroinvasive disease (WNND); 33 patients died. This was the third most intense season concerning the number of WNND cases, following 2018 and 2010. Most (96%) cases were recorded in two regions, in northern and central Greece. The virus strain was a variant of previous years, clustering into the Central European subclade of WNV lineage 2. The 2022 WNV season was quite intense in Greece. The prompt diagnosis and investigation of cases are considered pivotal for the timely response, while the availability of whole genome sequences enables studies on the molecular epidemiology of the disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dengue Virus Infection of Human Retinal Müller Glial Cells

by Genevieve F. Oliver, Liam M. Ashander, Abby C. Dawson, Yuefang Ma, Jillian M. Carr, Keryn A. Williams and Justine R. Smith

Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071410 - 21 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1282

Abstract

Retinopathy is a recently recognized complication of dengue, affecting up to 10% of hospitalized patients. Research on the pathogenesis has focused largely on effects of dengue virus (DENV) at the blood–retinal barrier. Involvement of retinal Müller glial cells has received little attention, although this cell population contributes to the pathology of other intraocular infections. The goal of our work was to establish the susceptibility of Müller cells to infection with DENV and to identify characteristics of the cellular antiviral, inflammatory, and immunomodulatory responses to DENV infection in vitro. Primary human Müller cell isolates and the MIO-M1 human Müller cell line were infected with the laboratory-adapted Mon601 strain and DENV serotype 1 and 2 field isolates, and cell–DENV interactions were investigated by immunolabelling and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Müller cells were susceptible to DENV infection, but experiments involving primary cell isolates indicated inter-individual variation. Viral infection induced an inflammatory response (including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6) and an immunomodulatory response (including programmed death-ligand [PD-L]1 and PD-L2). The type I interferon response was muted in the Müller cell line compared to primary cell isolates. The highest infectivity and cell responses were observed in the laboratory-adapted strain, and overall, infectivity and cell responses were stronger in DENV2 strains. This work demonstrates that Müller cells mount an antiviral and immune response to DENV infection, and that this response varies across cell isolates and DENV strain. The research provides a direction for future efforts to understand the role of human retinal Müller glial cells in dengue retinopathy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overview of Mpox Outbreak in Greece in 2022–2023: Is It Over?

by Kassiani Mellou, Kyriaki Tryfinopoulou, Styliani Pappa, Kassiani Gkolfinopoulou, Sofia Papanikou, Georgia Papadopoulou, Evangelia Vassou, Evangelia-Georgia Kostaki, Kalliopi Papadima, Elissavet Mouratidou, Maria Tsintziloni, Nikolaos Siafakas, Zoi Florou, Antigoni Katsoulidou, Spyros Sapounas, George Sourvinos, Spyridon Pournaras, Efthymia Petinaki, Maria Goula, Vassilios Paparizos, Anna Papa, Theoklis Zaoutis and Dimitrios Paraskevis Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2023, 15(6), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061384 - 16 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2113

Abstract

In May 2022, for the first time, multiple cases of mpox were reported in several non-endemic countries. The first ever case of the disease in Greece was confirmed on 8 June 2022, and a total of 88 cases were reported in the country until the end of April 2023. A multidisciplinary response team was established by the Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY) to monitor and manage the situation. EODY’s emergency response focused on enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, medical countermeasures, and the education of health care providers and the public. Even though management of cases was considered successful and the risk from the disease was downgraded, sporadic cases continue to occur. Here, we provide epidemiological and laboratory features of the reported cases to depict the course of the disease notification rate. Our results suggest that measures for raising awareness as well as vaccination of high-risk groups of the population should be continued. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relevant Day/Night Temperatures Simulating Belgian Summer Conditions Reduce Japanese Encephalitis Virus Dissemination and Transmission in Belgian Field-Collected Culex pipiens Mosquitoes

by Claudia Van den Eynde, Charlotte Sohier, Severine Matthijs and Nick De Regge

Viruses 2023, 15(3), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15030764 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1305

Abstract

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne Flavivirus, can be considered an emerging infectious disease. Therefore, vector competence studies with indigenous mosquitoes from regions where JEV is not yet endemic are of great importance. In our study, we compared the vector competence of Culex pipiens mosquitoes emerged from Belgian field-caught larvae under two different temperature conditions: a constant 25 °C and a 25/15 °C day/night temperature gradient representing typical summer temperatures in Belgium. Three- to seven-day-old F0-generation mosquitoes were fed on a JEV genotype 3 Nakayama strain spiked blood-meal and incubated for 14 days at the two aforementioned temperature conditions. Similar infection rates of 36.8% and 35.2% were found in both conditions. The observed dissemination rate in the gradient condition was, however, significantly lower compared to the constant temperature condition (8% versus 53.6%, respectively). JEV was detected by RT-qPCR in the saliva of 13.3% of dissemination positive mosquitoes in the 25 °C condition, and this transmission was confirmed by virus isolation in 1 out of 2 RT-qPCR positive samples. No JEV transmission to saliva was detected in the gradient condition. These results suggest that JEV transmission by Culex pipiens mosquitoes upon an accidental introduction in our region is unlikely under current climatic conditions. This could change in the future when temperatures increase due to climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alphaviruses Detected in Mosquitoes in the North-Eastern Regions of South Africa, 2014 to 2018

by Milehna M. Guarido, Isabel Fourie, Kgothatso Meno, Adriano Mendes, Megan A. Riddin, Caitlin MacIntyre, Sontaga Manyana, Todd Johnson, Maarten Schrama, Erin E. Gorsich, Basil D. Brooke, Antonio Paulo G. Almeida and Marietjie Venter

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020414 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1880

Abstract

The prevalence and distribution of African alphaviruses such as chikungunya have increased in recent years. Therefore, a better understanding of the local distribution of alphaviruses in vectors across the African continent is important. Here, entomological surveillance was performed from 2014 to 2018 at selected sites in north-eastern parts of South Africa where alphaviruses have been identified during outbreaks in humans and animals in the past. Mosquitoes were collected using a net, CDC-light, and BG-traps. An alphavirus genus-specific nested RT-PCR was used for screening, and positive pools were confirmed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We collected 64,603 mosquitoes from 11 genera, of which 39,035 females were tested. Overall, 1462 mosquito pools were tested, of which 21 were positive for alphaviruses. Sindbis (61.9%, N = 13) and Middelburg (28.6%, N = 6) viruses were the most prevalent. Ndumu virus was detected in two pools (9.5%, N = 2). No chikungunya positive pools were identified. Arboviral activity was concentrated in peri-urban, rural, and conservation areas. A range of Culicidae species, including Culex univittatus, Cx. pipiens s.l., Aedes durbanensis, and the Ae. dentatus group, were identified as potential vectors. These findings confirm the active circulation and distribution of alphaviruses in regions where human or animal infections were identified in South Africa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 11144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Pathway Impacts on Junín Virus Replication

by Miguel Angel Pelaez, María Florencia Torti, Aaron Ezequiel Alvarez De Lauro, Agostina Belén Marquez, Federico Giovannoni, Elsa Beatriz Damonte and Cybele Carina García

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020369 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1444

Abstract

Junín virus (JUNV), a member of the family Arenaviridae, is the etiological agent of the Argentine hemorrhagic fever, an endemic disease in the rural region of Argentina lacking a specific chemotherapy. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is expressed in several mammalian tissues and has been indicated as a sensor of ligands from variable sources and a modulator of the cell immune response. Interestingly, recent studies have suggested that the activation or depression of the AHR signaling pathway may play a role in the outcome of diverse human viral infections. In the present report, the effect of the pharmacological modulation of AHR on JUNV in vitro infection was analyzed. An initial microarray screening showed that the AHR pathway was overexpressed in JUNV-infected hepatic cells. Concomitantly, the infection of Vero and Huh-7 cells with the JUNV strains IV4454 and Candid#1 was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with CH223191, a specific AHR antagonist, as detected by infectivity assays, real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence detection of viral proteins. Furthermore, the pro-viral role of AHR in JUNV infection appears to be independent of the IFN-I pathway. Our findings support the promising perspectives of the pharmacological modulation of AHR as a potential target for the control of AHF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Susceptibility of Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells, hiPSC- Retinal Stem Cells, and Retinal Organoids to Zika Virus Infection

by Deisy Contreras, Gustavo Garcia, Jr., Melissa Kaye Jones, Laura E. Martinez, Akshaya Jayakarunakaran, Vineela Gangalapudi, Jie Tang, Ying Wu, Jiagang J. Zhao, Zhaohui Chen, Arunachalam Ramaiah, Irena Tsui, Ashok Kumar, Karin Nielsen-Saines, Shaomei Wang and Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami

Viruses 2023, 15(1), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15010142 - 01 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) causes microcephaly and congenital eye disease. The cellular and molecular basis of congenital ZIKV infection are not well understood. Here, we utilized a biologically relevant cell-based system of human fetal retinal pigment epithelial cells (FRPEs), hiPSC-derived retinal stem cells (iRSCs), and retinal organoids to investigate ZIKV-mediated ocular cell injury processes. Our data show that FRPEs were highly susceptible to ZIKV infection exhibiting increased apoptosis, whereas iRSCs showed reduced susceptibility. Detailed transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of infected FRPEs were performed. Nucleoside analogue drug treatment inhibited ZIKV replication. Retinal organoids were susceptible to ZIKV infection. The Asian genotype ZIKV exhibited higher infectivity, induced profound inflammatory response, and dysregulated transcription factors involved in retinal organoid differentiation. Collectively, our study shows that ZIKV affects ocular cells at different developmental stages resulting in cellular injury and death, further providing molecular insight into the pathogenesis of congenital eye disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenomic and Structural Analysis of the Monkeypox Virus Shows Evolution towards Increased Stability

by Priya Yadav, Yashas Devasurmutt and Utpal Tatu

Viruses 2023, 15(1), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15010127 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

Monkeypox is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by an Orthopoxvirus and results in symptoms similar to smallpox. In a recent outbreak, monkeypox virus (MPXV) cases have been reported globally since May 2022, and the numbers are increasing. Monkeypox was first diagnosed in humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has now spread to throughout Europe, the USA, and Africa. In this study, we analyzed the whole genome sequences of MPXV sequences from recent outbreaks in various countries and performed phylogenomic analysis. Our analysis of the available human MPXV strains showed the highest mutations per sample in 2022 with the average number of mutations per sample being the highest in South America and the European continents in 2022. We analyzed specific mutations in 11 Indian MPXV strains occurring in the variable end regions of the MPXV genome, where the mutation number was as high as 10 mutations per gene. Among these, envelope glycoproteins, the B2R protein, the Ankyrin repeat protein, DNA polymerase, and the INF alpha receptor-like secreted glycoprotein were seen to have a relatively high number of mutations. We discussed the stabilizing effects of the mutations in some of the highly mutating proteins. Our results showed that the proteins involved in binding to the host receptors were mutating at a faster rate, which empowered the virus for active selection towards increased disease transmissibility and severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

20 pages, 2583 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mechanisms of Neuroinvasion and Neuropathogenesis by Pathologic Flaviviruses

by Liset de Vries and Alfred T. Harding

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020261 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2022

Abstract

Flaviviruses are present on every continent and cause significant morbidity and mortality. In many instances, severe cases of infection with flaviviruses involve the invasion of and damage to the central nervous system (CNS). Currently, there are several mechanisms by which it has been hypothesized flaviviruses reach the brain, including the disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) which acts as a first line of defense by blocking the entry of many pathogens into the brain, passing through the BBB without disruption, as well as travelling into the CNS through axonal transport from peripheral nerves. After flaviviruses have entered the CNS, they cause different neurological symptoms, leading to years of neurological sequelae or even death. Similar to neuroinvasion, there are several identified mechanisms of neuropathology, including direct cell lysis, blockage of the cell cycle, indication of apoptosis, as well as immune induced pathologies. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge in the field of mechanisms of both neuroinvasion and neuropathogenesis during infection with a variety of flaviviruses and examine the potential contributions and timing of each discussed pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

8 pages, 966 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Detection of Zika Virus in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes Collected in Urban Forest Fragments in the Brazilian Amazon

by Erika Oliveira Gomes, Lívia Sacchetto, Maurício Teixeira, Bárbara Aparecida Chaves, Adam Hendy, Claudia Mendonça, Izabele Guimarães, Ramon Linhares, Daniela Brito, Danielle Valério, Jady Shayenne Mota Cordeiro, Alexandre Vilhena Silva Neto, Vanderson Souza Sampaio, Vera Margarete Scarpassa, Michaela Buenemann, Nikos Vasilakis, Djane Clarys Baia-da-Silva, Maurício Lacerda Nogueira, Maria Paula Gomes Mourão and Marcus Vinícius Guimarães Lacerda

Viruses 2023, 15(6), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061356 - 12 Jun 2023

Viewed by 3242

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an RNA flavivirus (Flaviviridae family) endemic in tropical and subtropical regions that is transmitted to humans by Aedes (Stegomyia) species mosquitoes. The two main urban vectors of ZIKV are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which can be found throughout Brazil. This study investigated ZIKV infection in mosquito species sampled from urban forest fragments in Manaus (Brazilian Amazon). A total of 905 non-engorged female Ae. aegypti (22 specimens) and Ae. albopictus (883 specimens) were collected using BG-Sentinel traps, entomological hand nets, and Prokopack aspirators during the rainy and dry seasons between 2018 and 2021. All pools were macerated and used to inoculate C6/36 culture cells. Overall, 3/20 (15%) Ae. aegypti and 5/241 (2%) Ae. albopictus pools screened using RT-qPCR were positive for ZIKV. No supernatants from Ae. aegypti were positive for ZIKV (0%), and 15 out of 241 (6.2%) Ae. albopictus pools were positive. In this study, we provide the first-ever evidence of Ae. albopictus naturally infected with ZIKV in the Amazon region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Zoonotic Viral Diseases

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI