A Snapshot Avian Surveillance Reveals West Nile Virus and Evidence of Wild Birds Participating in Toscana Virus Circulation

Hacıoğlu, Sabri; Dinçer, Ender; İşler, Cafer Tayer; Karapınar, Zeynep; Ataseven, Veysel Soydal; Özkul, Aykut; Ergünay, Koray

doi:10.1089/vbz.2017.2138

Cited by 20 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Moreover, findings pertinent to unresolved issues in the TOSV lifecycle has been unearthed. High rates of viral RNA and neutralizing antibody prevalence were observed in dogs from the Mersin province, also screened in this study, as well as co-infections with L. infantum, suggesting canines as possible reservoir species for TOSV (Dincer et al, 2017). In addition, viral RNA was detected in various avian tissues, providing evidence of migratory birds participating in virus dispersion (Hacioglu et al, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

The initial detection of Toscana virus in phlebotomine sandflies from Turkey

Özbel

Oğuz

Arserim

et al. 2020

Medical Vet Entomology

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Toscana virus (TOSV) is a prominent arthropod-borne viral agent of human central nervous system infections occurring in the Mediterranean region. The main transmission route to susceptible individuals involves sandflies as vectors. Despite several reports revealing widespread TOSV activity in Turkey, vectors remained unidentified. A sandfly field survey was carried out in five provinces in Central, Southeast and Mediterranean Anatolia in 2017 to identify TOSV and related sandfly-borne phleboviruses and Leishmania parasites, with evidence for circulation in the region. A total of 7136 sandfly specimens, collected via standard methods, were evaluated in 163 pools. TOSV was detected in 11 pools (6.7%), comprising Phlebotomus major sensu lato, Sergentomyia dentata and Phlebotomus papatasi species. TOSV partial L and S segment sequences were characterized, that phylogenetically clustered with local and global genotype A strains. An amino acid substitution outside the conserved motifs of the viral polymerase, also present in previous TOSV sequences in endemic regions, was observed. Leishmania tropica was detected in a single pool of Ph. sergentii (0.6%). This is the first report of TOSV in sandflies from Turkey, and this study further provides evidence for additional sandfly species with the potential to transmit TOSV.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

The initial detection of Toscana virus in phlebotomine sandflies from Turkey

Özbel

Oğuz

Arserim

et al. 2020

Medical Vet Entomology

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“…WNV is widespread throughout Anatolia and the virus has been previously detected in field-collected mosquitoes including Cx . pipiens s.s., Culex quinquefasciatus , Culex perexiguus , Aedes caspius [14–16,43], in organ specimens from migratory birds [44], as well as in symptomatic humans and equine infections, occasionally presenting as outbreaks [12,13], However, most data on WNV circulation originated from Aegean, Mediterranean, Thrace and Central Anatolian locations with scarce information from the Black Sea region. We have identified WNV sequences in Ae .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arboviral screening of invasive Aedes species in northeastern Turkey: West Nile virus circulation and detection of insect-only viruses

et al. 2019

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Background The recent reports of Aedes aegypti and Ae . albopictus populations in Turkey, in parallel with the territorial expansion identified in several surrounding countries, have raised concerns about the establishment and re-establishment of these invasive Aedes mosquitoes in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was performed to detect Aedes aegypti and Ae . albopictus in regions of recent incursions, and screen for viral pathogens known to be transmitted elsewhere by these species. Methodology Mosquitoes were collected at several locations in Artvin, Rize and Trabzon provinces of the Black Sea region during 2016–2017, identified morphologically, pooled and analyzed via generic or specific nucleic acid amplification assays. Viruses in positive pools were identified by product sequencing, cell culture inoculation and next generation sequencing (NGS) in selected specimens. Principal findings The study group comprised 791 specimens. Aedes albopictus was the most abundant species in all locations (89.6%), followed by Ae . aegypti (7.8%) and Culex pipiens (2.5%). Mosquitoes were screened for viruses in 65 pools where fifteen (23.1%) were reactive. The infecting strains was identified as West Nile virus (WNV) in 5 pools (7.7%) with Ae . albopictus or Cx . pipiens mosquitoes. The obtained WNV sequences phylogenetically grouped with local and global lineage 1 clade 1a viruses. In 4 (6.2%) and 6 (9.2%) pools, respectively, cell fusing agent virus (CFAV) and Aedes flavivirus (AEFV) sequences were characterized. NGS provided a near-complete AEFV genome in a pool of Ae . albopictus . The strain is provisionally called “AEFV-Turkey”, and functional analysis of the genome revealed several conserved motifs and regions associated with virus replication. Merida-like virus Turkey (MERDLVT), a recently-described novel rhabdovirus, was also co-detected in a Cx . pipiens pool also positive for WNV. Conclusions/Significance Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are established in certain locations of northeastern Turkey. Herein we conclusively show the role of these species in WNV circulation in the region. Biosurveillance is imperative to monitor the spread of these species further into Asia Minor and to detect possible introduction of pathogens.

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“…Co-infection could contribute to this apparent active replication of TOSV. More recently, TOSV was detected in the brain and kidney from a greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), a great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), and a black stork (Ciconia nigra) in Turkey [84]. Nevertheless, the role of these animals in the life cycle of TOSV remains unknown.…”

Section: Vertebrates As Possible Reservoir or Amplification Hostmentioning

confidence: 99%

Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors

et al. 2020

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Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.) perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.

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A Snapshot Avian Surveillance Reveals West Nile Virus and Evidence of Wild Birds Participating in Toscana Virus Circulation

Cited by 20 publications

References 44 publications

The initial detection of Toscana virus in phlebotomine sandflies from Turkey

The initial detection of Toscana virus in phlebotomine sandflies from Turkey

Arboviral screening of invasive Aedes species in northeastern Turkey: West Nile virus circulation and detection of insect-only viruses

Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors

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