Clinically Important Phleboviruses and Their Detection in Human Samples

Abstract

The detection of phleboviruses (family: Phenuiviridae) in human samples is challenged by the overall diversity and genetic complexity of clinically relevant strains, their predominantly nondescript clinical associations, and a related lack of awareness among some clinicians and laboratorians. Here, we seek to inform the detection of human phlebovirus infections by providing a brief introduction to clinically relevant phleboviruses, as well as key targets and approaches for their detection. Given the diversity of pathogens within the genus, this report focuses on diagnostic attributes that are generally shared among these agents and should be used as a complement to, rather than a replacement of, more detailed discussions on the detection of phleboviruses at the individual virus level.

New Isolation of Ponticelli III Virus (Bunyavirales: Phenuiviridae) in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy

“…Detection of phleboviruses in hosts is made difficult by the overall diversity and genetic complexity of clinically relevant strains, their essentially undefined clinical associations, and the resulting lack of diagnostic tools [ 4 ]. A paradigmatic example is the Toscana virus (TOSV), the etiological agent of neuroinvasive diseases including meningitis and meningoencephalitis.…”

“…Some of these viruses are medically relevant, such as the Rift Valley virus (RVFV) transmitted by mosquitoes and the Toscana virus (TOSV). Other medically relevant viruses transmitted by sandflies include sandfly fever Naples and Sicilian phleboviruses in the Old World, and Alenquer, Candiru, Chagres, Cocle, Echarate, Maldonado, and Punta Toro phleboviruses in the New World [ 4 ].…”

Cyprus Virus Infection: A Rare but Life-Threatening Diagnosis in Children

“…1 Otherwise, the Toscana virus is frequently associated with aseptic febrile meningitis, so that its differential diagnosis is kept in mind, especially in Italy during summer. 2…”

“…They include mainly 4 serotypes called ‘sandfly fever Sicilian’ virus, ‘sandfly fever Cyprus’ virus, ‘sandfly fever Naples’ virus and ‘Toscana’ virus. 1–3…”

Effect of high‐volume insecticide spraying on sand fly vectors in household gardens in Spain

“…and viruses. The latter include at least 11 Phlebovirus species affecting humans and are associated with a generally mild febrile syndrome, except for Toscana virus which causes sporadic cases of meningitis and meningoencephalitis (Lambert & Hughes, 2021). Leishmaniasis is a major disease of humans and animals caused by more than 20 Leishmania species.…”