Persistence of arboviruses and antiviral antibodies in vertebrate hosts: its occurrence and impacts†

Abstract

The recent isolation of West Nile virus from a bird in mid-winter in New York immediately raised, as one of a few explanations, the possibility of long-term persistence of arboviruses in vertebrate hosts. Although it was a highly popular topic for research many years ago, generally it has since been neglected and its meaning under appreciated. This comprehensive survey of literature worldwide uncovered, contrary to the general perception that it is a rather infrequent phenomenon, a large number of important observations involving all groups of arboviruses that have been accumulating over the years without drawing much attention. In this review, the data and observations were analysed in terms of the occurrence, role in natural transmission, mechanisms and genesis of persistence, source of problems in research and impact. The outcome of the analyses clearly demonstrates that asymptomatic, long-term infection in the absence of viraemia with or without the induction of neutralising antibody, the most frequent characteristics of arboviral persistence, presents a serious question about the validity of some of the past animal experiments that were conducted without the consideration of such a possibility. Likewise, significant impacts are felt on diverse fields ranging from epidemiology to diagnostic virology and from veterinary medicine to agricultural commerce. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Detection of Anti-Yellow Fever Virus Immunoglobulin M Antibodies at 3–4 Years Following Yellow Fever Vaccination

“…This is consistent with previous studies that have found IgM antibodies may not develop after secondary flavivirus infections, or may develop more slowly or persist for a shorter period of time when compared with primary infections. [13][14][15] There are several possible explanations for the presence of YF IgM antibodies in the serum of persons 3-4 years postvaccination. First, persistent infection with YF vaccine virus may have resulted in prolonged IgM antibody synthesis.…”

Experimental Inoculation of House Sparrows (Passer Domesticus) With Buggy Creek Virus

“…The related WEEV has been found to persist in brain, blood, lung, liver, spleen, and gall bladder tissue of birds for up to 10 months after infection (Reeves et al, 1958;Reisen et al, 2001). Maintenance of chronic virus infections frequently occurs in vertebrates (Kuno, 2001). Relapse of latent virus infection may account for arbovirus overwintering and local persistence of infection among vertebrates within a transmission focus, a scenario well suited for the sedentary house sparrows that live in or near cliff swallow colonies.…”

West Nile Virus Antibody Decay Rate in Free-Ranging Birds

“…Therefore, a thorough understanding of immune dynamics is essential for accurate serologic interpretation. The half-lives of detectable arboviral antibody responses in birds appear to be shorter than those of mammals (Stamm 1966;Kuno 2001). In avian hosts, following primary infection, antibody levels peak for several weeks, plateau for several months, and then gradually decline (Stamm 1966;Kuno 2001;Ringia et al 2004).…”

“…Birds that survive WNV infection develop antibodies that help protect against subsequent infection (Komar et al 2003;Nemeth et al 2009). However, there appears to be considerable variation in the nature and duration of avian immune responses to arboviruses among individuals and populations (Main et al 1988;Kuno 2001;Reisen et al 2001;Reisen et al 2004;Davison et al 2008).…”

“…The half-lives of detectable arboviral antibody responses in birds appear to be shorter than those of mammals (Stamm 1966;Kuno 2001). In avian hosts, following primary infection, antibody levels peak for several weeks, plateau for several months, and then gradually decline (Stamm 1966;Kuno 2001;Ringia et al 2004). Experimental infections in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) have demonstrated the rapid decay of neutralizing antibodies to St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), a flavivirus in the JEV complex, although birds lacking detectable antibodies up to 24 mo postexposure were protected against challenge infection (McLean et al 1983;Reisen et al 2001).…”