Evidence for current circulation of an ancient West Nile virus strain (NY99) in Brazil

Siconelli, Márcio Junio Lima; Jorge, Daniel Macedo de Melo; Castro-Jorge, Luíza Antunes de; Fonseca-Júnior, Antônio Augusto; Nascimento, Mateus Laguardia; Floriano, Vitor Gonçalves; Souza, Fransérgio Rocha de; Queiroz-Junior, Eudson M.; Camargos, Marcelo Fernandes; Costa, Eliana Dea Lara; Carvalho, Adolorata Aparecida Bianco; Fonseca, Benedito Antônio Lopes da

doi:10.1101/2020.09.21.307199

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 9 publications

(7 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The phylogenetic and epidemiologic perspectives presented in this study, based on both existing and novel data as well as theoretical projections, suggest that both scenarios of sporadic and endemic local transmission are possible [ 30 ]. Similarly to sudden changes in WNV epidemiology and transmission as recently observed in other countries, the occurrence of a WNV outbreak affecting humans in Brazil may simply be a matter of time.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

West Nile Virus in Brazil

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) was first sequenced in Brazil in 2019, when it was isolated from a horse in the Espírito Santo state. Despite multiple studies reporting serological evidence suggestive of past circulation since 2004, WNV remains a low priority for surveillance and public health, such that much is still unknown about its genomic diversity, evolution, and transmission in the country. Methods: A combination of diagnostic assays, nanopore sequencing, phylogenetic inference, and epidemiological modeling are here used to provide a holistic overview of what is known about WNV in Brazil. Results: We report new genetic evidence of WNV circulation in southern (Minas Gerais, São Paulo) and northeastern (Piauí) states isolated from equine red blood cells. A novel, climate-informed theoretical perspective of the potential transmission of WNV across the country highlights the state of Piauí as particularly relevant for WNV epidemiology in Brazil, although it does not reject possible circulation in other states. Conclusion: Our output demonstrates the scarceness of existing data, and that although there is sufficient evidence for the circulation and persistence of the virus, much is still unknown on its local evolution, epidemiology, and activity. We advocate for a shift to active surveillance, to ensure adequate preparedness for future epidemics with spill-over potential to humans.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%