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The prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) is increasing across Europe, with cases emerging in previously unaffected countries. Kosovo is situated in a WNV-endemic region where the seroepidemiological data on WNV in humans remains absent. To address this issue, we have conducted a seroepidemiological investigation of 453 randomly selected sera from a hospital in Kosovo, revealing a 1.55% anti-WNV IgG seroprevalence. Comparative and phylogeographic analyses of the WNV genomes obtained by sequencing archived samples from patients with West Nile fever indicate at least two recent and distinct introductions of WNV lineage 2 into Kosovo from neighboring countries. These findings confirm the eco-epidemiological status of WNV in southeast Europe, where long- and short-range dispersion of lineage 2 strains contributes to a wider circulation via central Europe. Our results suggest an increasing risk for WNV spreading in Kosovo, underscoring the need for an integrated national surveillance program targeting vectors and avian populations for early epidemic detection, as well as the screening of blood donors to gauge the impact of virus circulation on the human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in Kosovo by serological testing of apparently healthy local horses and free-range chicken, and it attempted to detect viral nucleic acid in birds and mosquitoes. Between January 2018 and June 2019, 260 equine serum samples were collected, additionally 580 adult mosquitoes (53 pools) were grouped in for genera, including Culex spp. (226 individuals; 26 pools), Aedes spp. (136 individuals; 16 pools), Anopheles spp. (184 individuals; 7 pools), and Culiseta spp. (34 individuals; 4 pools). Fifty domestic birds and 51 wild birds were collected from different regions of Kosovo. Equine and domestic bird serum samples were tested by flavivirus IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while mosquitoes and bird viscera were tested for WNV RNA by RT-qPCR. All ELISA-positive results were confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and eight by virus neutralization test. WNV antibodies were present in 27 out of 260 equine sera (10.38%) and one out of 50 samples in domestic birds by ELISA and PRNT. Eight of 27 positive equine serum samples with high titer neutralized WNV, but not Usutu virus. No WNV RNA was detected in birds or mosquitoes. The occurrence of WNV antibodies in local equines from all regions of Kosovo indicates that the virus is circulating within the country. Public health authorities should therefore plan a risk assessment and disease control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2013-2016, a total of 32 patients were treated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Prishtina, Kosovo; 11 died. In the 11 patients who died, findings included viral loads >1 × 108.5/mL, lactate dehydrogenase >2,700 U/mL, bleeding, and impaired consciousness. Ribavirin therapy had no noticeable effect in this small patient sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus which causes severe disease in humans with fatality cases up to 30%. We investigated the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of CCHFV in Kosovo, in particular in humans and found that different virus variants of genotype V circulate, with Turkey as a possible origin for the progenitor of southern European CCHF outbreaks. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed a single introduction event and in situ evolution of CCHFV in this country. The viral metagenomics revealed a more abundant virome in the fatal CCHF cases and the presence of a novel tick-borne segmented RNA virus belonging to the recently discovered Jingmenvirus group which raises questions about the potential pathogenic effect of this novel virus on human and animal health. Highlights • Different CCHFV variants circulate IN Kosovo, with Turkey as a possible origin. • Phylogenies indicated a single introduction event of CCHFV to Kosovo. • Separate clustering pattern of the virus variants in CCHF cases and those from ticks • Presence of a novel segmented RNA virus called Jingmen tick virus in CCHF cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]