Purpose:The discovery of Lloviu virus (LLOV) in Miniopterus schreibersii bat samples from Spain, 2003 dramatically changed our understanding of the genetic diversity, geographic distribution, and host preference of filoviruses. However, the ecology of LLOV is largely unclear mainly due to the lack of reports following the first report of LLOV. In our study, we try to solve the open questions regarding LLOV genetics and ecology, based on a continuous screening of a selected M. schreibersii colony, proved to be positive for LLOV during a mortality event in 2016. Methods & Materials:We established a countrywide surveillance system in Hungary for the early detection of M. schreibersii dye-offs in 2012 in collaboration with conservation bilogists and chiropterologists. In each case, carcasses were collected as soon as possible and transported to the laboratory in liquid nitrogen. Multiple events were examined during the past few years with viral metagenomic analyses and LLOV-specific TaqMan-based real-time PCR screening.Results: In 2016, we detected LLOV virus RNA in tissue samples of a M. schreibersii individual. Partial sequences of the nucleoprotein and the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase gene suggests a close genetic relatedness with the original isolate in Spain. Following this event, several additional mortalities were registered to date in the same habitat with the same gross pathology of hemorrhagic symptoms, but no other positives were verified with PCR method, possibly because of the bad conditioned carcasses. In 2018, we started a monthly sampling activity, after the maternity period, in order to examine the seroprevalence, and other related factors of the virus in this cave.Conclusion: Here we present the current results of our survey programme, showing the relation of the Hungarian isolate to the original Spanish virus from 2003. A major goal of our presentation is to call attention to this pathogen, possibly affecting the stability of M. schreibersii colonies across Europe, representing a paramount concern for conservation biology. We discuss the possible factors leading to the dispersal of the virus in Europe and the possible transmission routes between bats to be examined in future studies and we also summarize current knowledge about the virus.Purpose: The alphavirus genus comprises several human pathogens, e.g. chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Ross River virus (RRV) and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). Depending on the antigenic relatedness cross-reactivity in serological assays is commonly observed. Due to overlapping geographical distribution and similar clinical pictures a serological differentiation is desirable.Methods & Materials: Human serum or plasma samples from different geographical areas and precharacterised for IgG and IgM antibodies against various alphaviruses were investigated with multiplex indirect immunofluorescence assays. The method is based on a mosaic of up to nine biochips which carry infected or transfected cell lines each expressing antigens of another alphavirus. The sample...
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