Research

14 pages, 1448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Spreads Westwards in Europe and Overwinters in North-Eastern Spain (2017–2020)

by Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda, Sebastián Napp, Francisco Llorente, Carlos Solano-Manrique, Rafael Molina-López, Elena Obón, Alba Solé, Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero, Jovita Fernández-Pinero and Núria Busquets

Viruses 2022, 14(3), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14030569 - 09 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2688

Abstract

West Nile virus lineage 2 (WNV-L2) emerged in Europe in 2004; since then, it has spread across the continent, causing outbreaks in humans and animals. During 2017 and 2020, WNV-L2 was detected and isolated from four northern goshawks in two provinces of Catalonia [...] Read more.

West Nile virus lineage 2 (WNV-L2) emerged in Europe in 2004; since then, it has spread across the continent, causing outbreaks in humans and animals. During 2017 and 2020, WNV-L2 was detected and isolated from four northern goshawks in two provinces of Catalonia (north-eastern Spain). In order to characterise the first Spanish WNV-L2 isolates and elucidate the potential overwintering of the virus in this Mediterranean region, complete genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses, and a study of phenotypic characterisation were performed. Our results showed that these Spanish isolates belonged to the central-southern WNV-L2 clade. In more detail, they were related to the Lombardy cluster that emerged in Italy in 2013 and has been able to spread westwards, causing outbreaks in France (2018) and Spain (2017 and 2020). Phenotypic characterisation performed in vitro showed that these isolates presented characteristics corresponding to strains of moderate to high virulence. All these findings evidence that these WNV-L2 strains have been able to circulate and overwinter in the region, and are pathogenic, at least in northern goshawks, which seem to be very susceptible to WNV infection and may be good indicators of WNV-L2 circulation. Due to the increasing number of human and animal cases in Europe in the last years, this zoonotic flavivirus should be kept under extensive surveillance, following a One-Health approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Emerging, Re-emerging and Zoonotic Viruses' Research in Spain)

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9 pages, 1728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of COVID-19 on Mortality in Spain: Monitoring Excess Mortality (MoMo) and the Surveillance of Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths

by Inmaculada León-Gómez, Clara Mazagatos, Concepción Delgado-Sanz, Luz Frías, Lorena Vega-Piris, Ayelén Rojas-Benedicto and Amparo Larrauri

Viruses 2021, 13(12), 2423; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13122423 - 03 Dec 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2736

Abstract

Measuring mortality has been a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we compared the results from the Spanish daily mortality surveillance system (MoMo) of excess mortality estimates, using a time series analysis, with those obtained for the confirmed COVID-19 deaths reported to the [...] Read more.

Measuring mortality has been a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we compared the results from the Spanish daily mortality surveillance system (MoMo) of excess mortality estimates, using a time series analysis, with those obtained for the confirmed COVID-19 deaths reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE). The excess mortality estimated at the beginning of March 2020 was much greater than what has been observed in previous years, and clustered in a very short time. The cumulated excess mortality increased with age. In the first epidemic wave, the excess mortality estimated by MoMo was 1.5 times higher than the confirmed COVID-19 deaths reported to RENAVE, but both estimates were similar in the following pandemic waves. Estimated excess mortality and confirmed COVID-19 mortality rates were geographically distributed in a very heterogeneous way. The greatest increase in mortality that has taken place in Spain in recent years was detected early by MoMo, coinciding with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. MoMo is able to identify risk situations for public health in a timely manner, relying on mortality in general as an indirect indicator of various important public health problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Emerging, Re-emerging and Zoonotic Viruses' Research in Spain)

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13 pages, 833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Widespread Circulation of Flaviviruses in Horses and Birds in Northeastern Spain (Catalonia) between 2010 and 2019

by Sebastian Napp, Francisco Llorente, Cécile Beck, Eduard Jose-Cunilleras, Mercè Soler, Lola Pailler-García, Rayane Amaral, Pilar Aguilera-Sepúlveda, Maria Pifarré, Rafael Molina-López, Elena Obón, Olga Nicolás, Sylvie Lecollinet, Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero and Núria Busquets

Viruses 2021, 13(12), 2404; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13122404 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2565

Abstract

The surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) has consistently detected flaviviruses not identified as WNV. With the aim of characterizing the flaviviruses circulating in Catalonia, serum samples from birds and horses collected between 2010 and 2019 and positive by [...] Read more.

The surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) has consistently detected flaviviruses not identified as WNV. With the aim of characterizing the flaviviruses circulating in Catalonia, serum samples from birds and horses collected between 2010 and 2019 and positive by panflavivirus competition ELISA (cELISA) were analyzed by microneutralization test (MNT) against different flaviviruses. A third of the samples tested were inconclusive by MNT, highlighting the limitations of current diagnostic techniques. Our results evidenced the widespread circulation of flaviviruses, in particular WNV, but also Usutu virus (USUV), and suggest that chicken and horses could serve as sentinels for both viruses. In several regions, WNV and USUV overlapped, but no significant geographical aggregation was observed. Bagaza virus (BAGV) was not detected in birds, while positivity to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was sporadically detected in horses although no endemic foci were observed. So far, no human infections by WNV, USUV, or TBEV have been reported in Catalonia. However, these zoonotic flaviviruses need to be kept under surveillance, ideally within a One Health framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Emerging, Re-emerging and Zoonotic Viruses' Research in Spain)

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12 pages, 619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measles in Vaccinated People: Epidemiology and Challenges in Surveillance and Diagnosis in the Post-Elimination Phase. Spain, 2014–2020

by Noemí López-Perea, Aurora Fernández-García, Juan Emilio Echevarría, Fernando de Ory, Mayte Pérez-Olmeda and Josefa Masa-Calles

Viruses 2021, 13(10), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13101982 - 02 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3317

Abstract

The MMR vaccination program was introduced in Spain in 1981. Consistently high vaccination coverage has led to Spain being declared free of endemic measles transmission since 2014. A few imported and import-related cases were reported during the post-elimination phase (2014 to 2020), with [...] Read more.

The MMR vaccination program was introduced in Spain in 1981. Consistently high vaccination coverage has led to Spain being declared free of endemic measles transmission since 2014. A few imported and import-related cases were reported during the post-elimination phase (2014 to 2020), with very low incidence: three cases per million of inhabitants a year, 70% in adults. In the post-elimination phase an increasing proportion of measles appeared in two-dose vaccinated individuals (up to 14%), posing a challenge to surveillance and laboratory investigations. Severity and clinical presentation were milder among the vaccinated. The IgM response varied and the viral load decreased, making the virus more difficult to detect. A valid set of samples (serum, urine and throat swab) is strongly recommended for accurate case classification. One third of measles in fully vaccinated people was contracted in healthcare settings, mainly in doctors and nurses, consistent with the important role of high intensity exposure in measles breakthrough cases. Surveillance protocols and laboratory algorithms should be adapted in advanced elimination settings. Reinforcing the immunity of people working in high exposure environments, such as healthcare settings, and implementing additional infection control measures, such as masking and social distancing, are becoming crucial for the global aim of measles eradication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Emerging, Re-emerging and Zoonotic Viruses' Research in Spain)

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17 pages, 3481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization of Imported and Autochthonous Dengue in Northeastern Spain

by Jessica Navero-Castillejos, Rosa Benitez, Nuria Torner, José Muñoz, Daniel Camprubí-Ferrer, Aida Peiró-Mestres, Elena Sulleiro, Aroa Silgado, Verónica Gonzalo, Teresa Falgueras, Izaskun Alejo-Cancho, Montserrat Roldán, Virginia Plasencia, Rosa Albarracin, Josefa Perez, Alexander Navarro, Ana Calderón, Rosa Rubio, Mireia Navarro, Miguel Micó, Jaume Llaberia, María Navarro, Josep Barrachina, Anna Vilamala, Carmina Martí, María Ángeles Pulido, María Paz Sanchez-Seco, Ana Vazquez, Ana Martínez, Mireia Jané and Miguel Julián Martínez Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2021, 13(10), 1910; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13101910 - 23 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2356

Abstract

Dengue is the most significant arbovirus worldwide and a public health threat to non-endemic areas in which Aedes vectors are present. Autochthonous dengue transmission has been reported in several European countries in the last decade. Infected travelers from endemic regions arriving to areas [...] Read more.

Dengue is the most significant arbovirus worldwide and a public health threat to non-endemic areas in which Aedes vectors are present. Autochthonous dengue transmission has been reported in several European countries in the last decade. Infected travelers from endemic regions arriving to areas colonized by Aedes albopictus in Europe need to be monitored in surveillance and control programs. We aimed to perform molecular characterization of RT-PCR-positive dengue cases detected in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, from 2013 to 2018. The basic demographic information and the geographical regions of importation were also analyzed. One-hundred four dengue cases were studied (103 imported infections and the first autochthonous case in our region). The dengue virus strains detected were serotyped and genotyped using molecular methods, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted. All four dengue serotypes were detected in travelers, including up to 10 different genotypes, reflecting the global circulation of dengue in endemic areas. The primary travel-related case of the 2018 autochthonous transmission was not identified, but the molecular analysis revealed dengue serotype 1, genotype I of Asian origin. Our results highlight the diversity of imported dengue virus strains and the role of molecular epidemiology in supporting arbovirus surveillance programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Emerging, Re-emerging and Zoonotic Viruses' Research in Spain)

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10 pages, 2133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Update in Diagnostics of Toscana Virus Infection in a Hyperendemic Region (Southern Spain)

by Sara Sanbonmatsu-Gámez, Irene Pedrosa-Corral, José María Navarro-Marí and Mercedes Pérez-Ruiz

Viruses 2021, 13(8), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13081438 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1972

Abstract

The sandfly fever Toscana virus (TOSV, genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae) is endemic in Mediterranean countries. In Spain, phylogenetic studies of TOSV strains demonstrated that a genotype, different from the Italian, was circulating. This update reports 107 cases of TOSV neurological infection [...] Read more.

The sandfly fever Toscana virus (TOSV, genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae) is endemic in Mediterranean countries. In Spain, phylogenetic studies of TOSV strains demonstrated that a genotype, different from the Italian, was circulating. This update reports 107 cases of TOSV neurological infection detected in Andalusia from 1988 to 2020, by viral culture, serology and/or RT-PCR. Most cases were located in Granada province, a hyperendemic region. TOSV neurological infection may be underdiagnosed since few laboratories include this virus in their portfolio. This work presents a reliable automated method, validated for the detection of the main viruses involved in acute meningitis and encephalitis, including the arboviruses TOSV and West Nile virus. This assay solves the need for multiple molecular platforms for different viruses and thus, improves the time to results for these syndromes, which require a rapid and efficient diagnostic approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Emerging, Re-emerging and Zoonotic Viruses' Research in Spain)

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9 pages, 419 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Diagnostic Performance of Ag-RDTs and NAAT for SARS-CoV2 Identification in Symptomatic Patients in Catalonia

by Luca Basile, Víctor Guadalupe-Fernández, Manuel Valdivia Guijarro, Ana Martinez Mateo, Pilar Ciruela Navas, Jacobo Mendioroz Peña and the Epidemiological Surveillance Network of Catalonia

Viruses 2021, 13(5), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13050908 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2414

Abstract

The use of rapid antigenic tests (Ag-RDTs) to diagnose a SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a common practice recently. This study aimed to evaluate performance of Abbott Panbio^TM Ag-RDTs with regard to nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) in the early stages of the [...] Read more.

The use of rapid antigenic tests (Ag-RDTs) to diagnose a SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a common practice recently. This study aimed to evaluate performance of Abbott Panbio^TM Ag-RDTs with regard to nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) in the early stages of the disease. A cohort of 149,026 infected symptomatic patients, reported in Catalonia from November 2020 to January 2021, was selected. The positivity rates of the two tests were compared with respect to the dates of symptom onset. Ag-RDTs presented positivity rates of 84% in the transmission phases of the disease and 31% in the pre-symptomatic period, compared to 93% and 91%, respectively, for NAAT. The detection of many false negatives with Ag-RDTs during the pre-symptomatic period demonstrates the risk of virus dissemination with this diagnostic technique if used outside the symptomatic period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Emerging, Re-emerging and Zoonotic Viruses' Research in Spain)

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10 pages, 2771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenetic Analysis of the 2020 West Nile Virus (WNV) Outbreak in Andalusia (Spain)

by Carlos S. Casimiro-Soriguer, Javier Perez-Florido, Jose L. Fernandez-Rueda, Irene Pedrosa-Corral, Vicente Guillot-Sulay, Nicola Lorusso, Luis Javier Martinez-Gonzalez, Jose M. Navarro-Marí, Joaquin Dopazo and Sara Sanbonmatsu-Gámez

Viruses 2021, 13(5), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13050836 - 05 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3709

Abstract

During recent decades West Nile Virus (WNV) outbreaks have continuously occurred in the Mediterranean area. In August 2020 a new WNV outbreak affected 71 people with meningoencephalitis in Andalusia and six more cases were detected in Extremadura (south-west of Spain), causing a total [...] Read more.

During recent decades West Nile Virus (WNV) outbreaks have continuously occurred in the Mediterranean area. In August 2020 a new WNV outbreak affected 71 people with meningoencephalitis in Andalusia and six more cases were detected in Extremadura (south-west of Spain), causing a total of eight deaths. The whole genomes of four viruses were obtained and phylogenetically analyzed in the context of recent outbreaks. The Andalusian viral samples belonged to lineage 1 and were relatively similar to those of previous outbreaks which occurred in the Mediterranean region. Here we present a detailed analysis of the outbreak, including an extensive phylogenetic study. As part on this effort, we implemented a local Nextstrain server, which has become a constituent piece of regional epidemiological surveillance, wherein forthcoming genomes of environmental samples or, eventually, future outbreaks, will be included. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Emerging, Re-emerging and Zoonotic Viruses' Research in Spain)

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