Emerging and Neglected Viruses of Zoonotic Importance in Croatia

Abstract

Several arboviruses have emerged in Croatia in recent years. Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic in continental counties; however, new natural micro-foci have been detected. Two autochthonous dengue cases were reported in 2010. West Nile virus emerged in 2012, followed by emergence of Usutu virus in 2013. Although high seroprevalence rates of Toscana virus have been detected among residents of Croatian littoral, the virus remains neglected, with only a few clinical cases of neuroinvasive infections reported. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus is a neglected neuroinvasive rodent-borne virus. So far, there are no reports on human clinical cases; however, the seroprevalence studies indicate the virus presence in the Croatian mainland. Puumala and Dobrava hantaviruses are widely distributing rodent-borne viruses with sporadic and epidemic occurrence. Hepatitis E virus is an emerging food-borne virus in Croatia. After the emergence in 2012, cases were regularly recorded. Seropositivity varies greatly by region and population group. Rotaviruses represent a significant healthcare burden since rotavirus vaccination is not included in the Croatian national immunization program. Additionally, rotaviruses are widely distributed in the Croatian ecosystem. A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in February 2020 and spread rapidly throughout the country. This review focuses on emerging and neglected viruses of zoonotic importance detected in Croatia.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection in Continental Croatian Regions

“…The same geographic area is endemic for some other rodent-borne pathogens such as hantaviruses. Since 2002, sporadic hantavirus infections as well as large outbreaks (2012, 2014, 2017) are regularly reported in continental Croatian regions [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Hantaviruses Puumala (PUUV) and Dobrava (DOBV) were documented in humans, while Saaremaa virus and Tula virus were recorded in rodents [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ].…”

A Remarkable Genetic Diversity of Rotavirus A Circulating in Red Fox Population in Croatia

“…Another interesting study result is the circulation of G10 genotype in foxes, since this genotype is considered to be of bovine origin [18]. Our research on rotaviruses in cows and humans [16] indicated the circulation of the same genotype in the same geographical region (Osijek-Baranja County). However, the G10 RVA strains detected in foxes are somewhat distantly related to these strains and branch in a different lineage (Figure 2).…”

“…These two strains have a 100% sequence homology and are very similar to different bovine strains (96.9-97.1% at the nt and 98.9-99.3% at the aa level) (Figure 2). However, they form a separate lineage as compared to the autochthonous Croatian RVA strains of the same genotype, detected during 2018-2019 in cattle (MW349434-MW349437; 90.3-90.6% and 97.5-97.7% identity at the nt and aa levels, respectively) (Figure 2) and humans [16].…”

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis—Emerging Trends of a Neglected Virus: A Narrative Review

“…Seropositivity was high in all age groups ranging from 32 to 40% [42]. However, more recent data (2017-2018) showed an overall seroprevalence of 6.8%, ranging from 3.9% in non-exposed populations to 9.8% in professionally exposed persons (forestry workers, hunters, persons in frequent contacts with rodents) from continental Croatian regions [35,43].…”