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Background In July 2021, an outbreak of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was reported in a rural region of Maharashtra state, India. Methods Serum samples of symptomatic cases (n=33) were screened for dengue virus (DENV), CHIKV and Zika virus (ZIKV) by molecular and serological assays. Results The first case of ZIKV infection from Maharashtra was detected and confirmed by molecular and serological assays. Complete genome sequencing revealed that the ZIKV sequence belongs to the Asian genotype and had a closer homology with pre-epidemic strains present before 2007. Conclusions ZIKV surveillance needs to be strengthened in the regions experiencing dengue and chikungunya outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases is increasing in India. This study looks upon the geographic distribution of the virus clades and variants circulating in different parts of India between January and August 2020. The NPS/OPS from representative positive cases from different states and union territories in India were collected every month through the VRDLs in the country and analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Epidemiological analysis of the 689 SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples revealed GH and GR to be the predominant clades circulating in different states in India. The northern part of India largely reported the 'GH' clade, whereas the southern part reported the 'GR', with a few exceptions. These sequences also revealed the presence of single independent mutations—E484Q and N440K—from Maharashtra (first observed in March 2020) and Southern Indian States (first observed in May 2020), respectively. Furthermore, this study indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 variant (VOC, VUI, variant of high consequence and double mutant) was not observed during the early phase of virus transmission (January–August). This increased number of variations observed within a short timeframe across the globe suggests virus evolution, which can be a step towards enhanced host adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-genome analysis of three Buffalopox virus (BPVX), from two female buffaloes and a human lesion. • A monophyletic clade for BPXV genomes was obtained. • The most recent common ancestor of BPXV strains, in India, is likely a vaccine strain used prior to 1934. Three genome sequences of Buffalopox virus (BPVX) were retrieved from a human and two buffaloes scab samples. Phylogenomic analysis of the BPXV indicates that it shares a most recent common ancestor with Lister and closely related vaccine strains when compared to potential wild-type VACV strains (like Horsepox virus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An outbreak of febrile illness with rash was reported in humans and buffaloes with pox lesions in some villages of Solapur and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra state, India. Detailed clinico-epidemiological investigations were done with collection of blood, vesicular fluid and scab from humans and animals. A total of 166 suspected human cases from Kasegaon village in Solapur district and 185 cases were reported from 21 different villages from Kolhapur district. The attack rate in humans in Kasegaon village was 6.6% while in Kolhapur district the attack rate for buffaloes was 11.7%. Pox-like lesions were associated with fever, malaise, pain at site of lesion and axillary and inguinal lymphadenopathy in the humans. Infected buffaloes had lesions on teats, udders, external ears and eyelids. Laboratory investigations included detection of Buffalopox virus (BPXV) by electron microscopy (EM), virus isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Presence of BPXV was confirmed in 7 human cases and one buffalo in Kasegaon and 14 human cases from Kolhapur. The virus was isolated from 3 clinical specimens and Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) particles could be observed in EM. Thus, BPXV was identified as the etiological agent of the outbreak among both humans and buffaloes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ATI and C18L gene revealed that a single strain of virus is circulating in India. Re-emergence of OPXV like BPXV is a real danger and contingency planning is needed to define prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to prevent or stop an epidemic. Considering the productivity losses caused by buffalopox infection and its zoonotic impact, the importance of control measures in reducing the economic and public health impact cannot be underestimated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]