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Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions

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A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2021) | Viewed by 24834

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Dr. Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol

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URE Dengue et Arboviroses, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, 11 ave P. Doumer, BP 61, 98845 Nouméa CEDEX, Nouvelle-Calédonie, France
Interests: mosquitoes; dengue virus; chikungunya virus ;tropical diseases; infectious disease transmission; emerging infectious diseases; molecular virology; infectious disease diagnostics; molecular epidemiology; molecular diagnostics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Arbovirus infections are an increasing problem worldwide. Dengue incidence and epidemic frequency have increased throughout the tropics and subtropics, and other arboviruses such as Zika or chikungunya have caused major outbreaks in recent years. Arboviruses are acquired by a vector from an infected host during blood meals and then replicate within the vector. Aedes aegypti is the primary vector for dengue, Zika, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Mayaro virus. All of these viruses cause flu-like symptoms in the majority of cases, but some infections can develop into life-threatening or life-debilitating conditions. Despite many efforts being made over the last few decades of research on arboviruses, there are still many questions that need to be addressed. Elucidating the factors that promote pathogenesis in the human host or that enhance viral replication in the vector is crucial. Further, molecular epidemiological studies can provide insights into virus transmission and diffusion patterns. Finally, improving the differential diagnosis of these diseases is of importance to improve surveillance and in the context of implementation of new vector control strategies.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to cover a wide range of topics focusing on arbovirus infection and aims to fill the gaps in our knowledge on arbovirus–host interactions, vector competence, diagnosis, and arboviral molecular epidemiology. All types of articles will be considered for publication, including short reports, original research, and review articles.

Dr. Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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21 pages, 2442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic and Genetic Variability of Isolates of ZIKV-2016 in Brazil

by Lidiane Menezes Souza Raphael, Iasmim Silva de Mello, Mariela Martínez Gómez, Ieda Pereira Ribeiro, Nathália Dias Furtado, Noemia Santana Lima, Alexandre Araújo Cunha Dos Santos, Déberli Ruiz Fernandes, Stephanie Oliveira Diaz da Cruz, Luana Santana Damasceno, Patrícia Brasil and Myrna Cristina Bonaldo

Microorganisms 2022, 10(5), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10050854 - 21 Apr 2022

Viewed by 1880

Abstract

The possibility of a Zika virus epidemic resurgence requires studies to understand its mechanisms of pathogenicity. Here, we describe the isolation of the Zika virus from breast milk (Rio-BM1) and compare its genetic and virological properties with two other isolates (Rio-U1 and Rio-S1) obtained during the same epidemic period. Complete genomic analysis of these three viral isolates showed that they carry characteristics of the American isolates and belong to the Asian genotype. Furthermore, we detected eight non-synonymous single nucleotide variants and multiple nucleotide polymorphisms that reflect phenotypic changes. The new isolate, Rio-BM1, showed the lowest replication rates in mammalian cells, induced lower cell death rates, was more susceptible to treatment with type I IFN, and was less pathogenic than Rio-U1 in a murine model. In conclusion, the present study shows evidence that the isolate Rio-BM1 is more attenuated than Rio-U1, probably due to the impact of genetic alterations in the modulation of virulence. The results obtained in our in vitro model were consistent with the pathogenicity observed in the animal model, indicating that this method can be used to assess the virulence level of other isolates or to predict the pathogenicity of reverse genetic constructs containing other polymorphisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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17 pages, 1545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Host Blood Meal Source on Gut Microbiota of Wild Caught Aedes aegypti, a Dominant Arboviral Disease Vector

by Devojit Kumar Sarma, Manoj Kumar, Jigyasa Dhurve, Namrata Pal, Poonam Sharma, Meenu Mariya James, Deepanker Das, Sweta Mishra, Swasti Shubham, Manoj Kumawat, Vinod Verma, Rajnarayan R. Tiwari, Ravinder Nagpal and Francesco Marotta

Microorganisms 2022, 10(2), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10020332 - 01 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2839

Abstract

Blood feeding is an important behavior of Aedes aegypti, a dominant arboviral disease vector, as it can establish and transmit viruses to humans. Bacteria associated with the mosquito gut can modulate the biological characteristics and behavior of disease vectors. In this study, we characterized the gut microbiota composition of human-blood-fed (HF), non-human-blood-fed (NHF) and non-fed (NF) field-collected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, using a 16S metagenomic approach, to assess any association of bacterial taxa with the blood-feeding behavior of Ae. aegypti. A significant difference in the microbiota composition between the HF and NF mosquito group was observed. A significant association was observed in the relative abundance of families Rhodobacteraceae, Neisseriaceae and Dermacoccaceae in the HF group in contrast to NF and NHF Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, respectively. At the class level, two classes (Rhodobacterales and Neisseriales) were found to be in higher abundance in the HF mosquitoes compared to a single class of bacteria (Caulobacterales) in the NF mosquitoes. These results show that human-blood feeding may change the gut microbiota in wild Ae. aegypti populations. More research is needed to determine how changes in the midgut bacterial communities in response to human-blood-feeding affect the vectorial capacity of Ae. aegypti. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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17 pages, 4069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunocompetent Mice Infected by Two Lineages of Dengue Virus Type 2: Observations on the Pathology of the Lung, Heart and Skeletal Muscle

by Fernanda Cunha Jácome, Gabriela Cardoso Caldas, Arthur da Costa Rasinhas, Ana Luisa Teixeira de Almeida, Daniel Dias Coutinho de Souza, Amanda Carlos Paulino, Marcos Alexandre Nunes da Silva, Derick Mendes Bandeira, Ortrud Monika Barth, Flavia Barreto dos Santos and Debora Ferreira Barreto-Vieira

Microorganisms 2021, 9(12), 2536; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122536 - 08 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2119

Abstract

Dengue virus (DENV) infection by one of the four serotypes (DENV-1 to 4) may result in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, with unpredictable evolution and organ involvement. Due to its association with severe epidemics and clinical manifestations, DENV-2 has been substantially investigated. In fact, the first emergence of a new lineage of the DENV-2 Asian/American genotype in Brazil (Lineage II) in 2008 was associated with severe cases and increased mortality related to organ involvement. A major challenge for dengue pathogenesis studies has been a suitable animal model, but the use of immune-competent mice, although sometimes controversial, has proven to be useful, as histological observations in infected animals reveal tissue alterations consistent to those observed in dengue human cases. Here, we aimed to investigate the outcomes caused by two distinct lineages of the DENV-2 Asian/American genotype in the lung, heart and skeletal muscle tissues of infected BALB/c mice. Tissues were submitted to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, histomorphometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The viral genome was detected in heart and skeletal muscle samples. The viral antigen was detected in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells of heart tissue. Heart and lung tissue samples presented morphological alterations comparable to those seen in dengue human cases. Creatine kinase serum levels were higher in mice infected with both lineages of DENV-2. Additionally, statistically significant differences, concerning alveolar septa thickening and heart weight, were observed between BALB/c mice infected with both DENV-2 lineages, which was demonstrated to be an appropriate experimental model for dengue pathogenesis studies on lung, heart and skeletal muscle tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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12 pages, 1908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Background Sequencing Data to Anticipate DENV-1 Circulation in the Lao PDR

by Elodie Calvez, Phaithong Bounmany, Charlotte Balière, Somphavanh Somlor, Souksakhone Viengphouthong, Thonglakhone Xaybounsou, Sitsana Keosenhom, Kitphithak Fangkham, Paul T. Brey, Valérie Caro, Vincent Lacoste and Marc Grandadam

Microorganisms 2021, 9(11), 2263; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9112263 - 30 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1761

Abstract

Since its first detection in 1979, dengue fever has been considered a major public health issue in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). Dengue virus (DENV) serotype 1 was the cause of an epidemic in 2010–2011. Between 2012 and 2020, major outbreaks due successively to DENV-3, DENV-4 and recently DENV-2 have been recorded. However, DENV-1 still co-circulated in the country over this period. Here, we summarize epidemiological and molecular data of DENV-1 between 2016 and 2020 in the Lao PDR. Our data highlight the continuous circulation of DENV-1 in the country at levels ranging from 16% to 22% among serotyping tests. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis has revealed the circulation of DENV-1 genotype I at least since 2008 with a co-circulation of different clusters. Sequence data support independent DENV-1 introductions in the Lao PDR correlated with an active circulation of this serotype at the regional level in Southeast Asia. The maintenance of DENV-1 circulation over the last ten years supports a low level of immunity against this serotype within the Lao population. Thereby, the risk of a DENV-1 epidemic cannot be ruled out in the future, and this emphasizes the importance of maintaining an integrated surveillance approach to prevent major outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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31 pages, 2536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

West Nile Virus in the State of Ceará, Northeast Brazil

by Flávia Löwen Levy Chalhoub, Eudson Maia de Queiroz-Júnior, Bruna Holanda Duarte, Marcos Eielson Pinheiro de Sá, Pedro Cerqueira Lima, Ailton Carneiro de Oliveira, Lívia Medeiros Neves Casseb, Liliane Leal das Chagas, Hamilton Antônio de Oliveira Monteiro, Maycon Sebastião Alberto Santos Neves, Cyro Facundo Chaves, Paulo Jean da Silva Moura, Aline Machado Rapello do Nascimento, Rodrigo Giesbrecht Pinheiro, Antonio Roberio Soares Vieira, Francisco Bergson Pinheiro Moura, Luiz Osvaldo Rodrigues da Silva, Kiliana Nogueira Farias da Escóssia, Lindenberg Caranha de Sousa, Izabel Leticia Cavalcante Ramalho, Antônio Williams Lopes da Silva, Leda Maria Simōes Mello, Fábio Felix de Souza, Francisco das Chagas Almeida, Raí dos Santos Rodrigues, Diego do Vale Chagas, Anielly Ferreira-de-Brito, Karina Ribeiro Leite Jardim Cavalcante, Maria Angélica Monteiro de Mello Mares-Guia, Vinícius Martins Guerra Campos, Nieli Rodrigues da Costa Faria, Marcelo Adriano da Cunha e Silva Vieira, Marcos Cesar Lima de Mendonça, Nayara Camila Amorim de Alvarenga Pivisan, Jarier de Oliveira Moreno, Maria Aldessandra Diniz Vieira, Ricristhi Gonçalves de Aguiar Gomes, Fernanda Montenegro de Carvalho Araújo, Pedro Henrique de Oliveira Passos, Daniel Garkauskas Ramos, Alessandro Pecego Martins Romano, Lívia Carício Martins, Ricardo Lourenço-de-Oliveira, Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis and Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa Show full author list Hide full author list

Microorganisms 2021, 9(8), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9081699 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2881

Abstract

In June 2019, a horse with neurological disorder was diagnosed with West Nile virus (WNV) in Boa Viagem, a municipality in the state of Ceará, northeast Brazil. A multi-institutional task force coordinated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health was deployed to the area for case investigation. A total of 513 biological samples from 78 humans, 157 domestic animals and 278 free-ranging wild birds, as well as 853 adult mosquitoes of 22 species were tested for WNV by highly specific serological and/or molecular tests. No active circulation of WNV was detected in vertebrates or mosquitoes by molecular methods. Previous exposure to WNV was confirmed by seroconversion in domestic birds and by the detection of specific neutralizing antibodies in 44% (11/25) of equids, 20.9% (14/67) of domestic birds, 4.7% (13/278) of free-ranging wild birds, 2.6% (2/78) of humans, and 1.5% (1/65) of small ruminants. Results indicate that not only equines but also humans and different species of domestic animals and wild birds were locally exposed to WNV. The detection of neutralizing antibodies for WNV in free-ranging individuals of abundant passerine species suggests that birds commonly found in the region may have been involved as amplifying hosts in local transmission cycles of WNV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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13 pages, 1125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactions of the Insect-Specific Palm Creek Virus with Zika and Chikungunya Viruses in Aedes Mosquitoes

by Cassandra Koh, Annabelle Henrion-Lacritick, Lionel Frangeul and Maria-Carla Saleh

Microorganisms 2021, 9(8), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9081652 - 03 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3041

Abstract

Palm Creek virus (PCV) is an insect-specific flavivirus that can interfere with the replication of mosquito-borne flaviviruses in Culex mosquitoes, thereby potentially reducing disease transmission. We examined whether PCV could interfere with arbovirus replication in Aedes (Ae.) aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes, major vectors for many prominent mosquito-borne viral diseases. We infected laboratory colonies of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus with PCV to evaluate infection dynamics. PCV infection was found to persist to at least 21 days post-infection and could be detected in the midguts and ovaries. We then assayed for PCV–arbovirus interference by orally challenging PCV-infected mosquitoes with Zika and chikungunya viruses. For both arboviruses, PCV infection had no effect on infection and transmission rates, indicating limited potential as a method of intervention for Aedes-transmitted arboviruses. We also explored the hypothesis that PCV–arbovirus interference is mediated by the small interfering RNA pathway in silico. Our findings indicate that RNA interference is unlikely to underlie the mechanism of arbovirus inhibition and emphasise the need for empirical examination of individual pairs of insect-specific viruses and arboviruses to fully understand their impact on arbovirus transmission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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13 pages, 2837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering Antibody Responses to Orthonairoviruses in Ruminants

by Julia Hartlaub, Markus Keller and Martin H. Groschup

Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1493; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071493 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2101

Abstract

Antibody cross-reactivities between related viruses are common diagnostic challenges, resulting in reduced diagnostic specificities and sensitivities. In this study, antibody cross-reactions between neglected members of the genus Orthonairovirus—Hazara (HAZV), Dugbe (DUGV), and Nairobi sheep disease orthonairovirus (NSDV)—were investigated. Mono-specific ovine and bovine sera following experimental infections as well immunization trials with HAZV, DUGV, and NSDV were tested in homologous and heterologous virus-specific assays, namely indirect ELISAs based on recombinant N protein, indirect immunofluorescence assays (iIFA), and two neutralization test formats (plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and micro-virus neutralization test (mVNT)). The highest specificities were achieved with the ELISAs, followed by the mVNT, iIFA, and PRNT. Cross-reactivities were mainly observed within the Nairobi sheep disease serogroup–but surprisingly, HAZV antibodies in PRNT did also neutralize NSDV and DUGV. In conclusion, we recommend ELISAs and mVNTs for a discriminative diagnostic approach to differentiate between these antibodies. NSDV antisera were also used in serological assays for the detection of antibodies against the human pathogen Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV). Interestingly, all CCHFV ELISAs (In-house and commercial) achieved high diagnostic specificities, whereas significant cross-reactivities were observed in a CCHFV iIFA. Previously, similar results were obtained when analyzing the HAZV and DUGV antisera. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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9 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Invasive versus Invasive Samples for Zika Virus Surveillance: A Comparative Study in New Caledonia and French Guiana in 2015–2016

by Marie-Alice Fraiture, Wim Coucke, Morgane Pol, Dominique Rousset, Ann-Claire Gourinat, Antoine Biron, Sylvia Broeders, Els Vandermassen, Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol and Nancy H. C. Roosens

Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061312 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1686

Abstract

Zika virus, an arbovirus responsible for major outbreaks, can cause serious health issues, such as neurological diseases. In the present study, different types of samples (serum, saliva, and urine), collected in 2015–2016 in New Caledonia and French Guiana from 53 patients presenting symptoms and clinical signs triggered by arbovirus infections, were analyzed using a recently developed, and in-house validated, 4-plex RT-qPCR TaqMan method for simultaneous detection and discrimination of the Zika and Chikungunya viruses. Subsequently, statistical analyses were performed in order to potentially establish recommendations regarding the choice of samples type to use for an efficient and early stage Zika infection diagnosis. On this basis, the use of only urine samples presented the highest probability to detect viral RNA from Zika virus. Moreover, such a probability was improved using both urine and saliva samples. Consequently, the added value of non-invasive samples, associated with a higher acceptance level for collection among patients, instead of serum samples, for the detection of Zika infections was illustrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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15 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Replication Variance of African and Asian Lineage Zika Virus Strains in Different Cell Lines, Mosquitoes and Mice

by Tey Putita Ou, Heidi Auerswald, Saraden In, Borin Peng, Senglong Pang, Sébastien Boyer, Rithy Choeung, Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol, Philippe Dussart and Veasna Duong

Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061250 - 09 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2824

Abstract

Since the epidemic in 2007, studies on vector competence for Zika virus (ZIKV) have intensified, showing that the transmission efficiency varies depending on the vector population, ZIKV strain, and dose of the infectious blood meal. In this study, we aimed to investigate the replication of African and Asian ZIKV strains in vitro and in vivo in order to reveal their phenotypic differences. In addition, we investigated the vector competence of Cambodian Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) mosquitoes (urban and rural) for these ZIKV strains. We observed a significantly higher pathogenicity of the African ZIKV strain in vitro (in mosquito and mammalian cells), and in vivo in both Ae. aegypti and mice. Both mosquito populations were competent to transmit ZIKV as early as 7 days p.i., depending on the population and the ZIKV strain. Ae. aegypti from rural habitats showed significant higher transmission and survival rates than those from urban. We observed the highest transmission efficiency for the African ZIKV isolate (93.3% 14 days p.i.) and for the Cambodian ZIKV isolate (80% 14 days p.i.). Overall, our results highlight the phenotypic differences of the ZIKV lineages and the potential risk of ZIKV transmission by Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Further investigations of Cambodian mosquito species and ZIKV specific surveillance in humans is necessary in order to improve the local risk assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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12 pages, 981 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Diagnostic Performance of a Magnetic Field-Enhanced Agglutination Readout in Detecting Either Viral Genomes or Host Antibodies in Arbovirus Infection

by Fanny Leon, Elena Pinchon, Nevzat Temurok, François Morvan, Jean-Jacques Vasseur, Martine Clot, Vincent Foulongne, Jean-François Cantaloube, Philippe Vande Perre, Jean-Pierre Molès, Aurélien Daynès and Chantal Fournier-Wirth

Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040674 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1778

Abstract

Arbovirus diagnostics on blood from donors and travelers returning from endemic areas is increasingly important for better patient management and epidemiological surveillance. We developed a flexible approach based on a magnetic field-enhanced agglutination (MFEA) readout to detect either genomes or host-derived antibodies. Dengue viruses (DENVs) were selected as models. For genome detection, a pan-flavivirus amplification was performed before capture of biotinylated amplicons between magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) grafted with DENV probes and anti-biotin antibodies. Magnetization cycles accelerated this chaining process to within 5 min while simple turbidimetry measured the signal. This molecular MFEA readout was evaluated on 43 DENV RNA(+) and 32 DENV RNA(−) samples previously screened by real-time RT-PCR. The sensitivity and the specificity were 88.37% (95% CI, 78.76%–97.95%) and 96.87% (95% CI, 90.84%–100%), respectively. For anti-DENV antibody detection, 103 plasma samples from donors were first screened using ELISA assays. An immunological MFEA readout was then performed by adding MNPs grafted with viral antigens to the samples. Anti-DENV antibodies were detected with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.62% (95% CI, 83.50%–97.76%) and 97.44% (95% CI, 92.48%–100%), respectively. This adaptable approach offers flexibility to platforms dedicated to the screening of emerging infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arboviruses: Diagnostic, Phylogeny and Interactions)

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