80 results on '"Nazli Ayhan"'
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2. Comprehensive evaluation of nucleic acid amplification methods widely used for generic detection of sandfly-borne phleboviruses
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Ceylan Polat, Nazli Ayhan, Koray Ergünay, and Remi N. Charrel
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phlebovirus ,sand fly ,arbovirus ,RT-PCR assay ,in silico ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
ABSTRACTSandfly-borne phleboviruses (SBPs), which cause sandfly fever, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis, are emerging pathogens of major public health concern. Virus nucleic acid testing is essential for SBP diagnosis, especially in the early stages of infection, and for the discovery of novel SBPs. The efficacy of utilizing generic primers that target conserved nucleotide sequences for the detection of both known and novel SBPs has not been extensively evaluated. We aimed to compare and evaluate the performance of five generic primer sets, widely used to detect S- and L-segments of arthropod-borne phleboviruses and designed as singleplex (n = 3) and nested (n = 2) formats, including both well-known and recently characterized 15 Old World virus strains. Furthermore, we performed in silico analysis to assess the detection capabilities of these generic primer sets. The initial evaluation of previously published generic primer sets for SBP detection yielded two singleplex primer sets with the potential to be adapted for use in real-time or high-throughput detection settings. Studies are ongoing to develop and further optimize a preliminary assay and test various hosts and vectors to assess their capacity to detect known and novel viruses.IMPORTANCEVirus nucleic acid testing is the primary diagnostic method, particularly in the early stages of illness. Virus-specific or syndromic tests are widely used for this purpose. The use of generic primers has had a considerable impact on the discovery, identification, and detection of Old World sandfly-borne phleboviruses (OWSBP). The study is significant because it is the first to carry out a comparative evaluation of all published OWSBP generic primer sets.
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- 2024
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3. Persistence of Toscana virus in sugar and blood meals of phlebotomine sand flies: epidemiological and experimental consequences
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Lison Laroche, Nazli Ayhan, Rémi Charrel, Anne-Laure Bañuls, and Jorian Prudhomme
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Many virological studies have tested the persistence of enveloped RNA viruses in various environmental and laboratory conditions and shown their short-term persistence. In this article, we analyzed Toscana virus (TOSV) infectivity, a pathogenic sandfly-borne phlebovirus, in two different conditions: in the sugar meal and blood meal of sand flies. Our results showed that TOSV RNA was detectable up to 15 days in sugar solution at 26 °C and up to 6 h in blood at 37 °C. Moreover, TOSV remains infective for 7 days in sugar solution and for minimum 6 h in rabbit blood. TOSV has shown persistent infectivity/viability under different conditions, which may have important epidemiological consequences. These results strengthen new hypotheses about the TOSV natural cycle, such as the possibility of horizontal transmission between sand flies through infected sugar meal.
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- 2023
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4. Lack of Evidence for Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Ticks Collected from Animals, Corsica, France
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Vincent Cicculli, Apolline Maitre, Nazli Ayhan, Stevan Mondoloni, Jean-Christophe Paoli, Laurence Vial, Xavier N. de Lamballerie, Remi Charrel, and Alessandra Falchi
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Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever ,ticks ,tickborne disease ,Nairovirus ,Corsica ,France ,Medicine ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
In Corsica, France, 9.1% of livestock serum samples collected during 2014–2016 were found to have antibodies against Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), an emerging tickborne zoonotic disease. We tested 8,051 ticks for CCHFV RNA and Nairovirus RNA. The results indicate that Corsica is not a hotspot for CCHFV.
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- 2022
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5. High rates of antibodies against Toscana and Sicilian phleboviruses in common quail Coturnix coturnix birds
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Nazli Ayhan, José Domingo Rodríguez-Teijeiro, Marc López-Roig, Dolors Vinyoles, Josep Anton Ferreres, Abir Monastiri, Remi Charrel, and Jordi Serra-Cobo
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phlebovirus ,TOSV ,SFSV ,birds ,reservoir ,common quail ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
IntroductionBirds are involved natural cycle of a number of vector-borne viruses in both rural and urban areas. Toscana (TOSV) and Sicilian (SFSV) phleboviruses are sandfly-borne viruses in the genus Phlebovirus that can cause diseases in human. However, there is limited information on the role of the birds in sandfly-borne phleboviruses natural cycle and reservoirs ofthese viruses remain unknown.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) sera from Spain to identify the seroprevalence of these two phleboviruses. We tested respectively, 106 and 110 quail serum against TOSV and SFSV from 2018, 2019, and 2021 from two locations in northern Spain with using virus neutralization test.ResultsWe identified high neutralizing antibody rates for SFSV (45.45%) and TOSV (42.45%) with yearly fluctuation.DiscussionThis is the first identification of SFSV and TOSV neutralizing antibodies in wild birds. High seroprevalence rates of TOSV and SFSV in quail birds raises the question whether birds have a role as amplifying hosts in the natural cycle of phleboviruses.
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- 2023
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6. Molecular detection of parapoxvirus in Ixodidae ticks collected from cattle in Corsica, France
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Vincent Cicculli, Nazli Ayhan, Léa Luciani, Laura Pezzi, Apolline Maitre, Dorine Decarreaux, Xavier de Lamballerie, Jean‐Christophe Paoli, Laurence Vial, Remi Charrel, and Alessandra Falchi
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cattle ,epidemiology ,ticks ,zoonoses ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Abstract Background Several viruses belonging to the family Poxviridae can cause infections in humans and animals. In Corsica, livestock farming (sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle) is mainly mixed, leading to important interactions between livestock, wildlife, and human populations. This could facilitate the circulation of zoonotic diseases, and makes Corsica a good example for studies of tick‐borne diseases. Objectives To gain understanding on the circulation of poxviruses in Corsica, we investigated their presence in tick species collected from cattle, sheep, horses, and wild boar, and characterized them through molecular techniques. Methods Ticks were tested using specific primers targeting conserved regions of sequences corresponding to two genera: parapoxvirus and orthopoxvirus. Results A total of 3555 ticks were collected from 1549 different animals (687 cattle, 538 horses, 106 sheep, and 218 wild boars). They were tested for the presence of parapoxvirus DNA on one hand and orthopoxvirus DNA on the other hand using Pangeneric real‐time TaqMan assays. Orthopoxvirus DNA was detected in none of the 3555 ticks. Parapoxvirus DNA was detected in 6.6% (36/544) of ticks collected from 23 cows from 20 farms. The remaining 3011 ticks collected from horses, wild boars, and sheep were negative. The infection rate in cow ticks was 8.0% (12/148) in 2018 and 6.0% (24/396) in 2019 (p = 0.57). Parapoxvirus DNA was detected in 8.5% (5/59) of Hyalomma scupense pools, 8.2% (15/183) of Hyalomma marginatum pools, and 6.7% (16/240) of Rhipicephalus bursa pools (p = 0.73). We successfully amplified and sequenced 19.4% (7/36) of the positive samples which all corresponded to pseudocowpox virus. Conclusions Obviously, further studies are needed to investigate the zoonotic potential of pseudocowpox virus and its importance for animals and public health.
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- 2022
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7. Incubation Period for Neuroinvasive Toscana Virus Infections
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Lison Laroche, Frédéric Jourdain, Nazli Ayhan, Anne-Laure Bañuls, Rémi Charrel, and Jorian Prudhomme
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Toscana virus ,sand flies ,Phlebovirus ,imported infectious diseases ,arbovirus ,meningitis ,Medicine ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an emerging pathogen in the Mediterranean area and is neuroinvasive in its most severe form. Basic knowledge on TOSV biology is limited. We conducted a systematic review on travel-related infections to estimate the TOSV incubation period. We estimated the incubation period at 12.1 days.
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- 2021
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8. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from Corsica Island, France
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Laidoudi Younes, Hélène Barré-Cardi, Samia Bedjaoui, Nazli Ayhan, Marie Varloud, Oleg Mediannikov, Domenico Otranto, and Bernard Davoust
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Dirofilaria immitis ,Dirofilaria repens ,Mosquitoes ,Transmission suitability ,Corsica ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the main causative agents of heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariasis in domestic and wild canids, respectively. Both pathogens have zoonotic potential and are transmitted by mosquitoes. The present study aimed to determine the transmission period, prevalence and diversity of Dirofilaria spp. vectors from endemic areas of Corsica (France). Methods A monthly point data model based on average temperature recorded by four meteorological stations during 2017 was used to calculate the Dirofilaria transmission period. From June to September 2017, female mosquitoes (n = 1802) were captured using Biogents® Sentinel 2 traps lured with carbon dioxide and BG-Lure™ or octanol. Mosquitoes were identified to species level, pooled accordingly, and screened using multiplex real-time qPCR to detect D. immitis and D. repens. Results The monthly point data model showed the possible transmission of Dirofilaria spp. from the third week in May to the last week in October in the studied area. Mosquitoes were identified as Ochlerotatus caspius (n = 1432), Aedes albopictus (n = 199), Culex pipiens sensu lato (n = 165) and Aedes vexans (n = 6) and were grouped into 109 pools (from 1 to 27 specimens, mean 11.4 ± 0.7), of which 16 scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. (i.e., n = 13; estimated infection rate [EIR] = 1.1% for D. immitis and n = 3; EIR = 0.2% for D. repens). Specifically, 6 (i.e., EIR = 3.8%) of 15 pools of Ae. albopictus were positive for D. immitis, 2 of 14 of Cx. pipiens s.l. were positive for D. immitis and D. repens, respectively, and 8 of 77 pools of Oc. caspius were positive for D. immitis (i.e., n = 6; EIR = 0.4%) and D. repens (i.e., 2; EIR = 0.1%). The highest mosquito infection rate was recorded in July (EIR = 2.5%), then in June (EIR = 1.3%) and September (EIR = 0.6%). Conclusions The data suggest that both Dirofilaria species are endemic and occur possibly in sympatry in the studied area in Corsica, highlighting the need to implement preventive chemoprophylaxis and vector control strategies to reduce the risk of these filarioids in dog and human populations. Graphical Abstract
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- 2021
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9. Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in eight Balkan countries: historical review and region-wide entomological survey
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Vit Dvorak, Ozge Erisoz Kasap, Vladimir Ivovic, Ognyan Mikov, Jovana Stefanovska, Franjo Martinkovic, Jasmin Omeragic, Igor Pajovic, Devrim Baymak, Gizem Oguz, Kristyna Hlavackova, Marketa Gresova, Filiz Gunay, Slavica Vaselek, Nazli Ayhan, Tereza Lestinova, Aleksandar Cvetkovikj, Darinka Klaric Soldo, Ivelina Katerinova, Simona Tchakarova, Ayda Yılmaz, Begum Karaoglu, Jose Risueno Iranzo, Perparim Kadriaj, Enkelejda Velo, Yusuf Ozbel, Dusan Petric, Petr Volf, and Bulent Alten
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Phlebotomine ,Sand fly ,Balkans ,Species ,Morphology ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are medically important vectors of human and veterinary disease-causing agents. Among these, the genus Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), and phleboviruses are of utmost importance. Despite such significance, updated information about sand fly fauna is missing for Balkan countries where both sand flies and autochtonous leishmaniases are historically present and recently re-emerging. Therefore, a review of historical data on sand fly species composition and distribution in the region was followed by a large-scale entomological survey in eight Balkan countries to provide a recent update on local sand fly fauna. Methods The literature search involved the period 1910–2019. The entomological survey was conducted at 1189 sampling stations in eight countries (Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia), covering 49 settlements and 358 sampling sites between June and October in the years 2014 and 2016, accumulating 130 sampling days. We performed a total of 1189 trapping nights at these stations using two types of traps (light and CO2 attraction traps) in each location. Sampling was performed with a minimal duration of 6 (Montenegro) and a maximal of 47 days (Serbia) between 0–1000 m.a.s.l. Collected sand flies were morphologically identified. Results In total, 8490 sand fly specimens were collected. Morphological identification showed presence of 14 species belonging to genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. Historical data were critically reviewed and updated with our recent findings. Six species were identified in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2 new records), 5 in Montenegro (2 new records), 5 in Croatia (2 new records), 9 in Bulgaria (5 new records), 11 in North Macedonia (1 new record), 10 in Serbia (no new records), 9 in Kosovo (3 new records) and 4 in Slovenia (no new records). Conclusions This study presents results of the first integrated sand fly fauna survey of such scale for the Balkan region, providing first data on sand fly populations for four countries in the study area and presenting new species records for six countries and updated species lists for all surveyed countries. Our findings demonstrate presence of proven and suspected vectors of several Leishmania species.
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- 2020
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10. Detection and Isolation of Sindbis Virus from Field Collected Mosquitoes in Timimoun, Algeria
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Nazli Ayhan, Aissam Hachid, Laurence Thirion, Kamel Eddine Benallal, Laura Pezzi, Fayez Ahmed Khardine, Chahrazed Benbetka, Sihem Benbetka, Zoubir Harrat, and Remi Charrel
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Sindbis virus ,alphavirus ,Togaviridae ,Culex pipiens ,Culex perexiguus ,arbovirus ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is a zoonotic alphavirus (family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) that causes human diseases in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Occasionally, SINV outbreaks were reported in South Africa and northern Europe. Birds are the main amplifying hosts of SINV, while mosquitoes play the role of the primary vector. Culex mosquitoes were collected in Algeria and subsequently tested for SINV. SINV RNA was detected in 10 pools out of 40, from a total of 922 mosquitoes tested. A strain of SINV was isolated from a pool displaying high viral load. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the SINV Algeria isolate was most closely related to a Kenyan strain. This was the first record of SINV in Algeria and more broadly in northwestern Africa, which can be a potential risk for human health in the circulating area. Further studies are needed to measure the impact on public health through seroprevalence studies in Algeria.
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- 2022
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11. Emergent Sand Fly–Borne Phleboviruses in the Balkan Region
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Nazli Ayhan and Remi N. Charrel
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phlebovirus ,sandfly fever Sicilian virus ,sandfly fever Naples virus ,Toscana virus ,Balkan virus ,sand fly ,Medicine ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Sand fly–borne phleboviruses are associated with febrile diseases and nervous system infections in the Mediterranean basin. Sandfly fever was first reported in the Balkan Peninsula at the end of the 19th century. Since then, accumulating data show that the Balkan Peninsula, as a transboundary region between Asia and Europe, plays a major role in the emergence of vectorborne diseases in Europe. To provide an inclusive approach, we collected published data on phleboviruses in the Balkan countries and used them to evaluate the impact of these pathogens from virologic, epidemiologic, and public health perspectives. Recent findings show a high diversity of phleboviruses belonging to 3 species or serocomplexes circulating heavily in the Balkans. Focusing on undisputable human pathogens, we found direct and indirect laboratory documentation for Toscana virus, Sandfly fever Sicilian virus, and Adria virus. These data demonstrate that the Balkans are a hotspot for phleboviruses transmitted by sand flies.
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- 2018
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12. Sand fly and Leishmania spp. survey in Vojvodina (Serbia): first detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in sand flies and the first record of Phlebotomus (Transphlebotomus) mascittii Grassi, 1908
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Slavica Vaselek, Nazli Ayhan, Gizem Oguz, Ozge Erisoz Kasap, Sara Savić, Trentina Di Muccio, Luigi Gradoni, Yusuf Ozbel, Bulent Alten, and Dušan Petrić
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Sand fly ,Phlebotomus ,Leishmaniasis ,Leishmania infantum ,Serbia ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Leishmaniasis in Serbia was an endemic disease, and is considered to be eradicated for more than 40 years. In the past decade sporadic cases of canine leishmaniasis started to emerge for the first time in Vojvodina Province (previously non-endemic region of Serbia). Reports of introduced, and later on autochthonous cases of leishmaniasis alerted the possibility of disease emergence. The aim of this study was to bridge more than a half a century wide gap in entomological surveillance of sand fly vectors in Vojvodina, as well as to verify the presence of the vector species that could support Leishmania spp. circulation. Results During the period 2013–2015, a total of 136 sand flies were collected from 48 of 80 surveyed locations. Four sand fly species of the genus Phlebotomus were detected: P. papatasi, P. perfiliewi, P. mascittii and P. neglectus. Detection of P. mascittii represents the first record of this species for the sand fly fauna in Vojvodina and in Serbia. All female specimens (n = 80) were tested for Leishmania spp. DNA, and three blood-fed P. papatasi specimens were positive (4%). One positive DNA sample was successfully amplified by ITS1 nPCR. The RFLP analysis of the resulting 350 bp fragment showed a typical pattern of L. infantum, and the ITS1 partial sequence blasted in GenBank confirmed 100% identity with L. infantum and L. donovani complex sequences. This result represents the first record of both Leishmania spp. and L. infantum DNA from sand flies in Vojvodina, and in Serbia. Conclusions Presence of autochthonous canine leishmaniasis cases, records of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) species proven vectors of L. infantum (P. perfiliewi and P. neglectus) and detection of L. infantum DNA from wild caught (non-competent) vectors, prove that L. infantum is present in Vojvodina and indicates a probable circulation in the region.
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- 2017
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13. Direct evidence for an expanded circulation area of the recently identified Balkan virus (Sandfly fever Naples virus species) in several countries of the Balkan archipelago
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Nazli Ayhan, Bulent Alten, Vladimir Ivovic, Vit Dvořák, Franjo Martinkovic, Jasmin Omeragic, Jovana Stefanovska, Dusan Petric, Slavica Vaselek, Devrim Baymak, Ozge E. Kasap, Petr Volf, and Remi N. Charrel
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Bunyaviridae ,Phlebovirus ,Arbovirus ,Toscana virus ,Meningitis ,Fever ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Recently, Balkan virus (BALKV, family Phenuiviridae, genus Phlebovirus) was discovered in sand flies collected in Albania and genetically characterised as a member of the Sandfly fever Naples species complex. To gain knowledge concerning the geographical area where exposure to BALKV exists, entomological surveys were conducted in 2014 and 2015, in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), Kosovo, Republic of Macedonia and Serbia. Results A total of 2830 sand flies were trapped during 2014 and 2015 campaigns, and organised as 263 pools. BALKV RNA was detected in four pools from Croatia and in one pool from BH. Phylogenetic relationships were examined using sequences in the S and L RNA segments. Study of the diversity between BALKV sequences from Albania, Croatia and BH showed that Albanian sequences were the most divergent (9–11% [NP]) from the others and that Croatian and BH sequences were grouped (0.9–5.4% [NP]; 0.7–5% [L]). The sand fly infection rate of BALKV was 0.26% in BH and 0.27% in Croatia. Identification of the species content of pools using cox1 and cytb partial regions showed that the five BALKV positive pools contained Phlebotomus neglectus DNA; in four pools, P neglectus was the unique species, whereas P. tobbi DNA was also detected in one pool. Conclusions We report here (i) the first direct evidence that the Balkan virus initially described in coastal Albania has a much wider dissemination area than originally believed, (ii) two real-time RT-PCR assays that may be useful for further screening of patients presenting with fever of unknown origin that may be caused by Balkan virus infection, (iii) entomological results suggesting that Balkan virus is likely transmitted by Phlebotomus neglectus, and possibly other sand fly species of the subgenus Larroussius. So far, BALKV has been detected only in sand flies. Whether BALKV can cause disease in humans is unknown and remains to be investigated.
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- 2017
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14. High Rates of Neutralizing Antibodies to Toscana and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Viruses in Livestock, Kosovo
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Nazli Ayhan, Kurtesh Sherifi, Arber Taraku, Kristaq Bërxholi, and Rémi N. Charrel
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Bunyaviridae ,Phlebovirus ,arbovirus ,Balkan ,Mediterranean ,vector-borne infections ,Medicine ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Toscana and sandfly fever Sicilian viruses (TOSV and SFSV, respectively), both transmitted by sand flies, are prominent human pathogens in the Old World. Of 1,086 serum samples collected from cattle and sheep during 2013 in various regions of Kosovo (Balkan Peninsula), 4.7% and 53.4% had neutralizing antibodies against TOSV and SFSV, respectively.
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- 2017
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15. Seroprevalence of Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in European Bat Colonies Measured Using a Neutralization Test
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Nazli Ayhan, Marc López-Roig, Abir Monastiri, Remi N. Charrel, and Jordi Serra-Cobo
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phlebovirus ,transmission ,reservoir ,meningitis ,arbovirus ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV) and Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV) are endemic in the Mediterranean area where they are transmitted to humans by infected sandflies. Vertebrates of several species have been postulated to act as reservoirs of these viruses, but convincing evidence is still awaited. Among them, bats have been suggested, however documented evidence is lacking. Here we tested a total of 329 bats belonging to eight species collected from twelve localities in southern Spain for the presence of neutralizing antibodies specific to TOSV and SFSV. Positive sera were detected in Schreiber’s long-fingered bat (Miniopterus schreibersii), mouse-eared Myotis (Myotis myotis), European free-tailed bat (Tadarida teniotis), and common serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) with the latter showing the highest prevalence rates for SFSV (22.6%) and TOSV (10%). There was no difference between females and males. Results suggest that bats are not likely to play a major role in the natural cycle of these two sandfly-borne phleboviruses. However, large breeding colonies of bats can be used as sentinels for surveillance of the presence of such viruses in a given locality. In addition, capture–recapture studies should be initiated in order to understand better the dynamics of TOSV and SFSV in bat populations.
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- 2021
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16. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Corsica (France), April and June 2020
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Lisandru Capai, Nazli Ayhan, Shirley Masse, Jean Canarelli, Stéphane Priet, Marie-Hélène Simeoni, Remi Charrel, Xavier de Lamballerie, and Alessandra Falchi
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seroprevalence ,SARS-CoV-2 ,antibodies ,ELISA ,seroneutralization ,France ,Medicine - Abstract
Our aim was to assess the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection after the lockdown in a sample of the Corsican population. Between 16 April and 15 June 2020, 2312 residual sera were collected from patients with a blood analysis conducted in one of the participating laboratories. Residual sera obtained from persons of all ages were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) using the EUROIMMUN enzyme immunoassay kit for semiquantitative detection of IgG antibodies against the S1 domain of viral spike protein (ELISA-S). Borderline and positive samples in ELISA-S were also tested with an in-house virus neutralization test (VNT). Prevalence values were adjusted for sex and age. A total of 1973 residual sera samples were included in the study. The overall seroprevalence based on ELISA-S was 5.27% (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.33–6.35) and 5.46% (4.51–6.57) after adjustment. Sex was not associated with IgG detection. However, significant differences were observed between age groups (p-value = 1 E-5). The highest values were observed among 10–19, 30–39, and 40–49 year-old age groups, ranging around 8–10%. The prevalence of neutralizing antibody titers ≥40 was 3% (2.28–3.84). In conclusion, the present study showed a low seroprevalence for COVID-19 in Corsica, a finding that is in accordance with values reported for other French regions in which the impact of the pandemic was low.
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- 2020
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17. Circulation of Toscana Virus in a Sample Population of Corsica, France
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Shirley Masse, Nazli Ayhan, Lisandru Capai, Rémi Charrel, and Alessandra Falchi
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phlebovirus ,sandfly ,sandfly fever Sicilian virus ,Toscana virus ,microneutralization ,seroprevalence ,General Works - Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses pathogenic to humans, such as Toscana virus (TOSV) and sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), are endemic in the Mediterranean region. In France, several autochthonous cases of TOSV infection have been described which cause either meningitis or encephalitis. The aim of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of TOSV and SFSV antibodies in a healthy population from Corsica. In this cross-sectional study, participants were enrolled from the medical staff at University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli (UCPP) and from general practitioners of the Corsican Sentinelles Network. The seroprevalence study was based on virus microneutralization (MN). A total of 240 patients were tested for TOSV and SFSV. Altogether, 54 serum samples were confirmed for TOSV infection (seroprevalence = 22.5%). None of the samples were positive for SFSV (0/240). The main place of residence was significantly associated with TOSV seropositivity (p-value = 0.005). The overall rate of TOSV antibody seroprevalence observed in our study suggests a more intense circulation of TOSV in Corsica, with a rate significantly higher than the 8.7% reported in Corsica in 2007 from blood donors. The absence of seropositivity to SFSV seems to confirm the low circulation of this virus in Corsica and in continental France. The increasing circulation of TOSV reported here should encourage the implementation of surveillance systems to control phlebovirus infection.
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- 2020
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18. Experimental Infection of Dogs with Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus to Determine Their Potential as Possible Vertebrate Hosts
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Clara Muñoz, Nazli Ayhan, Maria Ortuño, Juana Ortiz, Ernest A. Gould, Carla Maia, Eduardo Berriatua, and Remi N. Charrel
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host ,reservoir ,natural cycle ,Phenuiviridae ,bunyavirales ,experimental infection ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
The sandfly-borne Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), a close relative of the sandfly fever Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), is one of the most common causes of acute meningitis or meningoencephalitis in humans in the Mediterranean Basin. However, most of human phlebovirus infections in endemic areas either are asymptomatic or cause mild influenza-like illness. To date, a vertebrate reservoir for sandfly-borne phleboviruses has not been identified. Dogs are a prime target for blood-feeding phlebotomines and are the primary reservoir of human sandfly-borne Leishmania infantum. However, there are no definitive studies to assess whether dogs play a significant role as a reservoir host for human phlebovirus survival in the environment. Here, we have evaluated the susceptibility of domestic dogs to infection by TOSV and SFSV following the direct inoculation of the infectious virus. After experimental infection, the presence of viral RNA was investigated in plasma, urine, saliva, conjunctiva, faeces, semen, and bone marrow samples from 0 to 91 days postinoculation (dpi), as well as in plasma, saliva, and tears samples at 760 dpi. None of the challenged dogs developed clinical signs of infection with either TOSV or SFSV. SFSV RNA was never detected. TOSV RNA was not in any of the specimen types, except for plasma samples that showed low viral loads, although irregularly. None of the dogs developed detectable neutralizing antibodies after a single challenge dose of either TOSV or SFSV. However, a second challenge dose of virus given 56 days later elicited neutralizing antibodies, implying that the first inoculation of virus primed the animals for an anamnestic response following the second challenge. These results demonstrated that healthy domestic dogs are not highly susceptible to infection by TOSV or SFSV and do not develop significant viremia or excrete virus following infection. Consequently, dogs are unlikely natural reservoir hosts of infection and do not appear to play a significant role in phlebovirus transmission cycles.
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- 2020
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19. Detection of Specific Antibodies against Toscana Virus among Blood Donors in Northeastern Italy and Correlation with Sand Fly Abundance in 2014
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Silvia Morini, Mattia Calzolari, Giada Rossini, Nadia Pascarelli, Andrea Porcellini, Vanda Randi, Maria Carla Re, Alessandro Albieri, Paolo Bonilauri, Romeo Bellini, Nazli Ayhan, Remi Charrel, and Stefania Varani
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toscana virus ,viral meningitis ,seroprevalence ,arbovirus ,sand fly ,phlebotomus spp. ,neutralization ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies and is an important etiological agent of summer meningitis in the Mediterranean basin. Since TOSV infection is often asymptomatic, we evaluated the seroprevalence in blood donors (BDs) in the Bologna and Ferrara provinces (Northeastern Italy)—the areas with the highest and lowest numbers of TOSV neuroinvasive cases in the region, respectively. A total of 1208 serum samples from BDs were collected in April−June 2014 and evaluated for the presence of specific TOSV-IgG by ELISA. The IgG-reactive samples were confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) and by microneutralization test (MN). Serum samples were defined as positive for anti-TOSV IgG when reactive by ELISA and by at least one second-level test; TOSV seroprevalence was 6.8% in the Bologna province, while no circulation of TOSV was detected in the Ferrara province. Sand fly abundance in 2014 was also estimated by a geographic information system using a generalized linear model applied to a series of explanatory variables. TOSV seroprevalence rate was strongly associated with the sand fly abundance index in each municipality, pointing out the strong association between sand fly abundance and human exposure to TOSV.
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- 2020
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20. Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors
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Nazli Ayhan, Jorian Prudhomme, Lison Laroche, Anne-Laure Bañuls, and Remi N. Charrel
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toscana virus ,sand fly ,phlebotomus ,sergentomyia ,mediterranean area ,phenuiviridae ,bunyavirales ,sandfly fever naples phlebovirus ,arbovirus ,arthropod-borne ,sandfly ,phlebotomine ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.) perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.
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- 2020
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21. Isolation and sequencing of Dashli virus, a novel Sicilian-like virus in sandflies from Iran; genetic and phylogenetic evidence for the creation of one novel species within the Phlebovirus genus in the Phenuiviridae family.
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Cigdem Alkan, Vahideh Moin Vaziri, Nazli Ayhan, Mehdi Badakhshan, Laurence Bichaud, Nourina Rahbarian, Ezat-Aldin Javadian, Bulent Alten, Xavier de Lamballerie, and Remi N Charrel
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Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ,RC955-962 ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Phlebotomine sandflies are vectors of phleboviruses that cause sandfly fever or meningitis with significant implications for public health. Although several strains of these viruses had been isolated in Iran in the late 1970's, there was no recent data about the present situation at the outset of this study. Entomological investigations performed in 2009 and 2011 in Iran collected 4,770 sandflies from 10 different regions. Based on morphological identification, they were sorted into 315 pools according to species, sex, trapping station and date of capture. A phlebovirus, provisionally named Dashli virus (DASHV), was isolated from one pool of Sergentomyia spp, and subsequently DASHV RNA was detected in a second pool of Phlebotomus papatasi. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses based on complete coding genomic sequences indicated that (i) DASHV is most closely related to the Iranian isolates of Sandfly fever Sicilian virus [SFSV], (ii) there is a common ancestor to DASHV, Sandfly fever Sicilian- (SFS) and SFS-like viruses isolated in Italy, India, Turkey, and Cyprus (lineage I), (iii) DASHV is more distantly related with Corfou and Toros viruses (lineage II) although common ancestry is supported with 100% bootstrap, (iii) lineage I can be subdivided into sublineage Ia including all SFSV, SFCV and SFTV except those isolated in Iran which forms sublineage Ib (DASHV). Accordingly, we suggest to approve Sandfly fever Sicilian virus species consisting of the all aforementioned viruses. Owing that most of these viruses have been identified in human patients with febrile illness, DASHV should be considered as a potential human pathogen in Iran.
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- 2017
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22. Cocirculation of Two Lineages of Toscana Virus in Croatia
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Nazli Ayhan, Bulent Alten, Vladimir Ivovic, Franjo Martinkovic, Ozge E. Kasap, Yusuf Ozbel, Xavier de Lamballerie, and Remi N. Charrel
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phlebovirus ,Toscana virus ,sandfly fever ,Sandfly Fever Naples Virus ,arbovirus ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Published
- 2017
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23. Circulation of Toscana Virus in a Sample Population of Corsica, France
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Shirley Masse, Nazli Ayhan, Lisandru Capai, Frédéric Bosseur, Xavier de Lamballerie, Rémi Charrel, and Alessandra Falchi
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Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus ,seroprevalence ,microneutralization ,meningitis ,arbovirus ,arthropod-borne virus ,Phlebovirus ,Phenuiviridae ,Bunyavirales ,sandfly ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses pathogenic to humans, such as Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), are endemic in the Mediterranean region. In France, several autochthonous cases of TOSV infection have been described, causing either meningitis or encephalitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of TOSV and SFSV antibodies in a healthy population from Corsica. In this cross-sectional study, participants were enrolled (i) from a medical staff at the University of Corsica and (ii) from general practitioners of the Corsican Sentinelles Network. The seroprevalence study was based on a virus microneutralization assay. A total of 240 sera were tested. Altogether, 54 sera (22.5%) were confirmed positive for TOSV antibodies, whereas none were positive for SFSV (0/240). The residential district of participants was significantly associated with TOSV seropositivity (p value = 0.005). The rate of the seropositivity against TOSV in our study suggests that the Corsican population is well exposed to the TOSV. These results encourage the implementation of a systematic surveillance system including entomological, microbiological, and medical aspects for the collection of better information on the diseases that are associated with phleboviruses in Corsica and beyond in the regions where these viruses are present.
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- 2019
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24. Antibody Response to Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in Cats Naturally Exposed to Phlebotomine Sand Fly Bites in Portugal
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André Pereira, Nazli Ayhan, José Manuel Cristóvão, Hugo Vilhena, Ângela Martins, Patrícia Cachola, Joaquim Henriques, Mónica Coimbra, Ana Catarino, Tereza Lestinova, Tatiana Spitzova, Petr Volf, Lenea Campino, Remi Charrel, and Carla Maia
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arbovirus ,Bunyavirales ,cat ,Phenuiviridae ,Phlebotomus perniciosus ,Phlebovirus ,saliva ,Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus ,Toscana virus ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Phlebotomine sand fly-borne pathogens such as Leishmania spp. and phleboviruses are emerging threats to humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this work was to evaluate the exposure of cats from Portugal to Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and assess the associated risk factors. The possible association between exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus saliva with TOSV and SFSV was also investigated. Out of 369 cats tested, 18 (4.9%, n = 365) were seropositive for TOSV, and eight (2.2%, n = 367) were seropositive for SFSV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cats presenting clinical signs that were compatible with leishmaniosis and antibodies to TOSV had a significantly higher risk of being SFSV seropositive. The presence of antibodies to sand fly-borne viruses in cats indicate that these animals are frequently exposed to sand flies and transmitted pathogens. Data suggest that cats can be used to qualitatively monitor human exposure to TOSV and SFSV in endemic areas. The clinical impact of SFSV in cats’ health should be investigated. The identification of the sand fly species responsible for the circulation of TOSV and SFSV in nature and the evaluation of the vectorial competence of P. perniciosus to SFSV should also be addressed.
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- 2019
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25. Detection of a Novel Phlebovirus (Drin Virus) from Sand Flies in Albania
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Silvia Bino, Enkelejda Velo, Përparim Kadriaj, Majlinda Kota, Gregory Moureau, Xavier de Lamballerie, Ani Bagramian, Remi N. Charrel, and Nazli Ayhan
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phlebovirus ,sand fly-borne phleboviruses ,sand fly fever ,sand fly fever Sicilian (SFSV) virus ,Albania ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are generalist vectors with significant implications for public health. They are able to transmit phleboviruses that cause sand fly fever, headaches, or meningitis in humans. Albania is a country in Southeast Europe with a typical Mediterranean climate which provides convenient conditions for the presence of sand flies. Hence, the circulation of phleboviruses, such as the Toscana and Balkan viruses, has been recently described in the country. We followed a virus discovery approach on sand fly samples collected in 2015 and 2016 in seven regions of Albania, with the aim to investigate and characterize potentially circulating phleboviruses in phlebotomine sand flies. A presumed novel phlebovirus was detected in a pool consisting of 24 Phlebotomus neglectus males. The virus was provisionally named the Drin virus after a river near the locality of Kukës, where the infected sand flies were trapped. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Drin virus is closely related to the Corfou (CFUV) virus, isolated in the 1980s from Phlebotomus major sand flies on the eponymous island of Greece, and may also be involved in human infections because of its similarity to the sand fly fever Sicilian virus. The latter justifies further studies to specifically address this concern. Together with recent findings, this study confirms that Albania and the Balkan peninsula are hot spots for phleboviruses.
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- 2019
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26. Experimental Infection of Sand Flies by Massilia Virus and Viral Transmission by Co-Feeding on Sugar Meal
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Magdalena Jancarova, Laurence Bichaud, Jana Hlavacova, Stephane Priet, Nazli Ayhan, Tatiana Spitzova, Petr Volf, and Remi N. Charrel
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Phlebovirus ,virus transmission ,Phlebotomus ,Lutzomyia ,Sergentomyia ,Phenuiviridae ,Toscana virus ,sand fly ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Background: Massilia virus (MASV) is a phlebovirus isolated from Phlebotomus perniciosus in various regions of southwestern Europe. It is closely related to human pathogens such as Toscana virus and sandfly fever Naples virus. The natural cycle of phleboviruses is poorly understood. Indeed, experimental studies demonstrate that transovarial and sexual transmission are not efficient enough for the maintenance of the virus in nature and to date there is no convincing evidence that a species of vertebrates is the reservoir of the virus. Here, we studied various transmission routes of MASV taking advantage of experimental colonies representing different species of sand flies. Methodology/Principal findings: In P. perniciosus, four sources of infection were compared: (i) Virus-seeded larval food to the first instar larvae (L1), or (ii) to the fourth instar larvae (L4), (iii) virus-seeded blood meal to adult females, and (iv) virus-seeded sugar meal to adults of both sexes. From 875 adults emerged from infected L1 and L4, only three were positive. In females infected by bloodmeal the infection rate was high before defecation, then it decreased drastically; MASV RNA was detected in only 5 out of 27 post-defecation. Surprisingly, the most efficient route of infection was observed after intake of virus-seeded sugar meal: 72% of females (79/110) and 52% of males (51/99) were found to be MASV RNA-positive. In addition, MASV-infected sandflies regurgitated virus particules into the sugar drop and MASV RNA was detectable in this drop for at least 24 h after regurgitation. MASV RNA was detected in about one third of the P. perniciosus exposed to this sugar drop contaminated by regurgitation. Sugar meal infection was also tested with six other species of sand flies. In males, there were no significant differences in infection rates when compared to P. perniciosus. In females, most species tested showed high infection rate at the beginning but then significant gradual decrease in infection rate during the experiment. Conclusions/Significance: We present the first description of arboviral infection of a dipteran vector using sugar meal. In all seven sand fly species tested, MASV was detected for two weeks post-infection. Our results showed that MASV can be transmitted between P. perniciosus either through co-feeding or via an infected sugar source such as plant sap. These newly described routes of horizontal transmission may play an important role in the circulation of phleboviruses in nature.
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- 2019
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27. Epidemiology, Isolation, and Genetic Characterization of Toscana Virus in Algerian Patients Displaying Neurological Infection, 2016–2018
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Chahrazed Benbetka, Aissam Hachid, Kamal Eddine Benallal, Fayez Ahmed Khardine, Nazli Ayhan, Nesrine Bouredjoul, Wissam Meriem Boulehbal, Djamila Bellila, Aldjia Khaldi, and Rémi Charrel
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- 2023
28. Diversity and Genetic Reassortment of Keystone Virus in Mosquito Populations in Florida
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Maha A. Elbadry, Caroline A. Efstathion, Whitney A. Qualls, Massimiliano S. Tagliamonte, Md. Mahbubul Alam, Md. Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Sadie J. Ryan, Rui-de Xue, Remi N. Charrel, Lea Bangonan, Marco Salemi, Nazli Ayhan, John A. Lednicky, and J. Glenn Morris
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Infectious Diseases ,Virology ,Parasitology - Abstract
Keystone orthobunyavirus (KEYV), a member of the genus Orthobunyavirus, was first isolated in 1964 from mosquitoes in Keystone, Florida. Although data on human infections are limited, the virus has been linked to a fever/rash syndrome and, possibly, encephalitis, with early studies suggesting that 20% of persons in the Tampa, Florida, region had antibodies to KEYV. To assess the distribution and diversity of KEYV in other regions of Florida, we collected > 6,000 mosquitoes from 43 sampling sites in St. Johns County between June 2019 and April 2020. Mosquitoes were separated into pools by species and collection date and site. All pools with Aedes spp. (293 pools, 2,171 mosquitoes) were screened with a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay that identifies KEYV and other closely related virus species of what was previously designated as the California encephalitis serogroup. In 2020, screening for KEYV was expanded to include 211 pools of Culex mosquitoes from sites where KEYV-positive Aedes spp. had been identified. rRT-PCR–positive samples were inoculated into cell cultures, and five KEYV isolates from Aedes atlanticus pools were isolated and sequenced. Analyses of the KEYV large genome segment sequences revealed two distinct KEYV clades, whereas analyses of the medium and small genome segments uncovered past reassortment events. Our data documented the ongoing seasonal circulation of multiple KEYV clades within Ae. atlanticus mosquito populations along the east coast of Florida, highlighting the need for further studies of the impact of this virus on human health.
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- 2023
29. Deep proteomics network and machine learning analysis of human cerebrospinal fluid in Japanese encephalitis virus infection
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Tehmina Bharucha, Bevin Gangadharan, Abhinav Kumar, Ashleigh C. Myall, Nazli Ayhan, Boris Pastorino, Anisone Chanthongthip, Manivanh Vongsouvath, Mayfong Mayxay, Onanong Sengvilaipaseuth, Ooyanong Phonemixay, Sayaphet Rattanavong, Darragh P. O’Brien, Iolanda Vendrell, Roman Fischer, Benedikt Kessler, Lance Turtle, Xavier de Lamballerie, Audrey Dubot-Pérès, Paul N. Newton, Nicole Zitzmann, null SEAe Consortium, and Consortium, SEAe
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General Chemistry ,Biochemistry - Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus is a leading cause of neurological infection in the Asia-Pacific region with no means of detection in more remote areas. We aimed to test the hypothesis of a Japanese encephalitis (JE) protein signature in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that could be harnessed in a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), contribute to understanding the host response and predict outcome during infection. Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), using extensive offline fractionation and tandem mass tag labeling (TMT), enabled comparison of the deep CSF proteome in JE vs other confirmed neurological infections (non-JE). Verification was performed using data-independent acquisition (DIA) LC–MS/MS. 5,070 proteins were identified, including 4,805 human proteins and 265 pathogen proteins. Feature selection and predictive modeling using TMT analysis of 147 patient samples enabled the development of a nine-protein JE diagnostic signature. This was tested using DIA analysis of an independent group of 16 patient samples, demonstrating 82% accuracy. Ultimately, validation in a larger group of patients and different locations could help refine the list to 2–3 proteins for an RDT. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD034789 and 10.6019/PXD034789.
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- 2023
30. Exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus sandfly vectors is positively associated with Toscana virus and Leishmania infantum infection in human blood donors in Murcia Region, southeast Spain
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María Ortuño, Clara Muñoz, Tatiana Spitzová, Petra Sumova, Maria Asunción Iborra, Pedro Pérez‐Cutillas, Nazli Ayhan, Remi N. Charrel, Petr Volf, and Eduardo Berriatua
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General Veterinary ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,Blood Donors ,Sandfly fever Naples virus ,General Medicine ,Antibodies ,Recombinant Proteins ,Spain ,Phlebotomus ,Animals ,Humans ,Leishmania infantum ,Psychodidae ,Leishmaniasis - Abstract
Antibodies against Phlebotomus perniciosus sandfly salivary gland homogenate (SGH) and recombinant protein rSP03B, sandfly-borne Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and Leishmania, as well as DNA of the latter parasite, were investigated in 670 blood samples from 575 human donors in Murcia Region, southeast Spain, in 2017 and 2018. The estimated SGH and rSP03B seroprevalences were 69% and 88%, respectively, although correlation between test results was relatively low (ρ = 0.39). Similarly, TOSV, SFSV and Leishmania seroprevalences were 26%, 0% and 1%, respectively, and Leishmania PCR prevalence was 2%. Prevalences were significantly greater in 2017, overdispersed and not spatially related to each other although both were positively associated with SGH but not to rSP03B antibody optical densities, questioning the value of the latter as a diagnostic marker for these infections in humans.
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- 2022
31. Author response for 'Molecular detection of parapoxvirus in Ixodidae ticks collected from cattle in Corsica, France'
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null Vincent Cicculli, null Nazli Ayhan, null Léa Luciani, null Laura Pezzi, null Apolline Maitre, null Dorine Decarreaux, null Xavier de Lamballerie, null Jean‐Christophe Paoli, null Laurence Vial, null Remi Charrel, and null Alessandra Falchi
- Published
- 2021
32. Field surveys in Croatia and North Macedonia reveal two novel phleboviruses circulating in sandflies
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Bulent Alten, Jovana Stefanovska, Nazli Ayhan, Rémi N. Charrel, John H.-O. Pettersson, Vladimir Ivović, Xavier de Lamballerie, Gregory Moureau, Géraldine Piorkowski, Aleksandar Cvetkovikj, Franjo Martinković, and Ernest A. Gould
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Phlebovirus ,biology ,Phylogenetic tree ,Toscana virus ,Croatia ,Mosquito Vectors ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,Genetic analysis ,Republic of North Macedonia ,Virus ,Serology ,Insect Vectors ,sand fly borne viruses ,Sicilian virus ,Salehabad virus ,Viral replication ,Vector (epidemiology) ,Animals ,Psychodidae ,Phylogeny - Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are distributed widely throughout the Mediterranean Basin, presenting a threat to public health in areas where they circulate. However, the true diversity and distribution of pathogenic and apathogenic sandfly-borne phleboviruses remains a key issue to be studied. In the Balkans, most published data rely on serology-based studies although virus isolation has occasionally been reported. Here, we report the discovery of two novel sandfly-borne phleboviruses, provisionally named Zaba virus (ZABAV) and Bregalaka virus (BREV), which were isolated in Croatia and North Macedonia, respectively. This constitutes the first isolation of phleboviruses in both countries. Genetic analysis based on complete coding sequences indicated that ZABAV and BREV are distinct from each other and belong to the genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae. Phylogenetic and amino acid modelling of viral polymerase shows that ZABAV and BREV are new members of the Salehabad phlebovirus species and the Adana phlebovirus species, respectively. Moreover, sequence-based vector identification suggests that ZABAV is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomus neglectus and BREV is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomus perfiliewi. BREV neutralizing antibodies were detected in 3.3% of human sera with rates up to 16.7% in certain districts, demonstrating that BREV frequently infects humans in North Macedonia. In vitro viral growth kinetics experiments demonstrated viral replication of both viruses in mammalian and mosquito cells. In vivo experimental studies in mice suggest that ZABAV and BREV exhibit characteristics making them possible human pathogens.
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- 2021
33. Presence of the sandfly-borne phlebovirus (Toscana virus) in different bio-geographical regions of Algeria demonstrated by a microneutralisation-based seroprevalence study in owned dogs
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Sabrina, Sellali, Ismail, Lafri, Aissam, Hachid, Nazli, Ayhan, Chahrazed, Benbetka, Bachir, Medrouh, Nacer Eddine, Messahel, Mohamed, El Amine Bekara, Mohamed, Lafri, Remi N, Charrel, and Idir, Bitam
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Phlebovirus ,General Veterinary ,Immunology ,Sandfly fever Naples virus ,General Medicine ,Antibodies, Viral ,Microbiology ,Dogs ,Infectious Diseases ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,Algeria ,Animals ,Immunology and Allergy ,Psychodidae - Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is major meningitis and meningoencephalitis agent in the Mediterranean basin. Dogs are frequently exposed to TOSV; thereby they can contribute to estimating its circulation. In Algeria, little is known about its circulation, and available data are restricted to the Kabylian region. To investigate the current situation in Algeria, a total of 205 dog sera collected from 13 different wilayas over the country were analyzed by using in-house Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and microneutralization test (MNT). An overall seroprevalence rate of 20% (14.5-25.5%) was observed by ELISA. Whereas, a seroprevalence rate of 4.56% (1.65-7.43%) was recorded by microneutralization test elucidating the exact occurrence of TOSV exposure in dogs, in Algeria. Positive dogs were detected from the areas of Algiers, Bejaia, Blida, Bouira, Medea, Setif, and Tlemcen in the north; Laghouat in the high lands and Tamanrasset in great Sahara. Only one serum, originating from Bejaia in the north east, was positive for both testing methods, while 8/9 positive sera in MNT remained negative in ELISA. MNT negative/ELISA positive result of 40/41 might suggest evidence for dog transmission, and circulation of phleboviruses other than TOSV. Noticeably, TOSV and antigenically related viruses are largely prevalent. Thus, they are not only confined to Kabylia region, but are widespread in Algeria, despite its climate diversity.
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- 2022
34. Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in eight Balkan countries: historical review and region-wide entomological survey
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Jovana Stefanovska, Igor Pajovic, Tereza Lestinova, Dušan Petrić, Franjo Martinković, Jasmin Omeragić, Devrim Baymak, Marketa Gresova, Petr Volf, Filiz Gunay, Simona Tchakarova, Ognyan Mikov, José Risueño Iranzo, Bulent Alten, Kristyna Hlavackova, Nazli Ayhan, Gizem Oguz, Slavica Vaselek, Ozge Erisoz Kasap, Begum Karaoglu, Enkelejda Velo, Ayda Yılmaz, Yusuf Özbel, Aleksandar Cvetkovikj, Ivelina Katerinova, Vladimir Ivović, Perparim Kadriaj, Darinka Klarić Soldo, Vit Dvorak, and Ege Üniversitesi
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Male ,Morphology ,Entomology ,Fauna ,030231 tropical medicine ,Balkans ,Genus: Leishmania ,lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Phlebotomine, Sand fly, Balkans, Species, Morphology ,Animals ,lcsh:RC109-216 ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Psychodidae ,Phlebotomus ,Leishmania species ,Montenegro ,Leishmaniasis ,Species ,biology ,Research ,Balkan Peninsula ,biology.organism_classification ,Archaeology ,Insect Vectors ,Infectious Diseases ,Sand fly ,Phlebotomine ,Period (geology) ,Female ,Parasitology ,Animal Distribution - Abstract
Background: Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are medically important vectors of human and veterinary disease-causing agents. Among these, the genus Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), and phleboviruses are of utmost importance. Despite such significance, updated information about sand fly fauna is missing for Balkan countries where both sand flies and autochtonous leishmaniases are historically present and recently re-emerging. Therefore, a review of historical data on sand fly species composition and distribution in the region was followed by a large-scale entomological survey in eight Balkan countries to provide a recent update on local sand fly fauna. Methods: The literature search involved the period 1910–2019. The entomological survey was conducted at 1189 sampling stations in eight countries (Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia), covering 49 settlements and 358 sampling sites between June and October in the years 2014 and 2016, accumulating 130 sampling days. We performed a total of 1189 trapping nights at these stations using two types of traps (light and CO2 attraction traps) in each location. Sampling was performed with a minimal duration of 6 (Montenegro) and a maximal of 47 days (Serbia) between 0–1000 m.a.s.l. Collected sand flies were morphologically identified. Results: In total, 8490 sand fly specimens were collected. Morphological identification showed presence of 14 species belonging to genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. Historical data were critically reviewed and updated with our recent findings. Six species were identified in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2 new records), 5 in Montenegro (2 new records), 5 in Croatia (2 new records), 9 in Bulgaria (5 new records), 11 in North Macedonia (1 new record), 10 in Serbia (no new records), 9 in Kosovo (3 new records) and 4 in Slovenia (no new records). Conclusions: This study presents results of the first integrated sand fly fauna survey of such scale for the Balkan region, providing first data on sand fly populations for four countries in the study area and presenting new species records for six countries and updated species lists for all surveyed countries. Our findings demonstrate presence of proven and suspected vectors of several Leishmania species. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2020, The Author(s)., European Food Safety Authority, EFSA European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, ECDC, The work was carried out under the VectorNet project, a European network for sharing data on the geographic distribution of arthropod vectors, transmitting human and animal disease agents (Contract OC/EFSA/AHAW/2013/02-FWC1) funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Acknowledgements
- Published
- 2020
35. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Corsica (France), April and June 2020
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Rémi N. Charrel, Shirley Masse, Jean Canarelli, Xavier de Lamballerie, Alessandra Falchi, Lisandru Capai, Nazli Ayhan, Stéphane Priet, and Marie-Helene Simeoni
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Veterinary medicine ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Population ,lcsh:Medicine ,Gastroenterology ,Immunoglobulin G ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Internal medicine ,Odd ratio ,Medicine ,Seroprevalence ,antibodies ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Neutralizing antibody ,education ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,education.field_of_study ,biology ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,seroprevalence ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,lcsh:R ,Spike Protein ,General Medicine ,Confidence interval ,seroneutralization ,Titer ,Immunoassay ,biology.protein ,ELISA ,France ,Antibody ,business - Abstract
Our aim was to assess the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection after the lockdown in a sample of the Corsican population. Between 16 April and 15 June 2020, 2312 residual sera were collected from patients with a blood analysis conducted in one of the participating laboratories. Residual sera obtained from persons of all ages were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) using the EUROIMMUN enzyme immunoassay kit for semiquantitative detection of IgG antibodies against the S1 domain of viral spike protein (ELISA-S). Borderline and positive samples in ELISA-S were also tested with an in-house virus neutralization test (VNT). Prevalence values were adjusted for sex and age. A total of 1973 residual sera samples were included in the study. The overall seroprevalence based on ELISA-S was 5.27% (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.33&ndash, 6.35) and 5.46% (4.51&ndash, 6.57) after adjustment. Sex was not associated with IgG detection. However, significant differences were observed between age groups (p-value = 1 E-5). The highest values were observed among 10&ndash, 19, 30&ndash, 39, and 40&ndash, 49 year-old age groups, ranging around 8&ndash, 10%. The prevalence of neutralizing antibody titers &ge, 40 was 3% (2.28&ndash, 3.84). In conclusion, the present study showed a low seroprevalence for COVID-19 in Corsica, a finding that is in accordance with values reported for other French regions in which the impact of the pandemic was low.
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- 2020
36. Sandfly surveillance and investigation of Leishmania spp. DNA in sandflies in Kosovo
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Rémi N. Charrel, Slavica Vaselek, Perparim Kadriaj, Enkelejda Velo, Muhammed Nalçacı, Yusuf Özbel, N. Muja, Aleksandra Ignjatović Ćupina, Bulent Alten, Gizem Oguz, Mentor Alishani, Kurtesh Sherifi, Seray Töz, Nazli Ayhan, Dušan Petrić, Devrim Baymak, and Ege Üniversitesi
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0301 basic medicine ,Range (biology) ,Fauna ,030231 tropical medicine ,Kosovo ,sandfly ,Zoology ,Vector Borne Diseases ,Insect Control ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Abundance (ecology) ,medicine ,Animals ,Leishmaniasis ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Leishmania ,General Veterinary ,biology ,030108 mycology & parasitology ,DNA, Protozoan ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,3. Good health ,Sandfly ,Insect Vectors ,Visceral leishmaniasis ,Leishmania tropica ,Insect Science ,Vector (epidemiology) ,Phlebotomus ,Parasitology ,Psychodidae - Abstract
In the past decade, leishmaniasis seems to be re-emerging in Balkan countries. There are serious implications that Kosovo is a visceral leishmaniasis endemic region with autochthonous transmission; nevertheless, surveillance of vectors, reservoirs or the disease is not yet established. Gaining knowledge about sandfly vector species is a prerequisite for the development of a monitoring and control plan in the future. After a long gap in research of over 70 years, sandfly studies in Kosovo were resumed in 2014. During this presence/absence study, nine sandfly species were detected: Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, Ph. simici, Ph. balcanicus, Ph. alexandri, Ph. mascittii and Sergentomyia minuta. Three species are new with regard to the fauna of Kosovo - Ph. alexandri, Ph. balcanicus and Ph. mascittii. Besides increased diversity, changes in the number of collected specimens and distribution range of species were recorded, with Ph. neglectus being the most dominant species with the widest distribution. Testing of randomly chosen females for Leishmania spp. DNA resulted the in detection of L. tropica in a specimen of Ph. neglectus. the presence of numerous vector species in the sandfly fauna of Kosovo pose a threat for the re-emergence of vector-borne diseases. Therefore, continuous surveillance is recommended with regular updates on vector distribution and abundance., EurNegVec COST ActionEuropean Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) [TD1303]; VectorNet project - European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) contract [OC/FSA/AHAW/2013/02-FWC1]; European Virus Archive goes Global project (EVAg) - European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme [653316]; Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia [III43007, TR31084]; European Commission, Horizon 2020 Infrastructure Infravec2 projectEuropean Commission, The authors express their gratitude to Vid Srdic who designed the map for this manuscript. the work of Slavica Vaselek, Yusuf Ozbel, Bulen Alten and Dusan Petric was carried out under the frame of EurNegVec COST Action TD1303. the work was supported by VectorNet project funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) contract OC/FSA/AHAW/2013/02-FWC1; European Virus Archive goes Global project (EVAg) funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 653316); and projects III43007 and TR31084 financed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia and European Commission, Horizon 2020 Infrastructure Infravec2 project (https://infravec2.eu).
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- 2020
37. Broader Geographical Distribution of Toscana Virus in the Mediterranean Region Suggests the Existence of Larger Varieties of Sand Fly Vectors
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Anne-Laure Bañuls, Jorian Prudhomme, Nazli Ayhan, Lison Laroche, Rémi N. Charrel, Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Du gène à l'écosystème (MIVEGEC-GeneSys), Pathogènes, Environnement, Santé Humaine (EPATH), Maladies infectieuses et vecteurs : écologie, génétique, évolution et contrôle (MIVEGEC), Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD [France-Sud])-Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD [France-Sud])-Maladies infectieuses et vecteurs : écologie, génétique, évolution et contrôle (MIVEGEC), Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD [France-Sud])-Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD [France-Sud]), Banuls, Anne-Laure, Génétique et évolution des maladies infectieuses (GEMI), Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD [France-Sud])-Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD [France-Sud])-Génétique et évolution des maladies infectieuses (GEMI), and Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)
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0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,Mediterranean climate ,Entomology ,Opinion ,[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio] ,phenuiviridae ,030231 tropical medicine ,sandfly ,Zoology ,Phenuiviridae ,Microbiology ,Arbovirus ,Mediterranean Basin ,Mediterranean area ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,law ,Virology ,medicine ,Phlebotomus ,phlebotomus ,sandfly fever naples phlebovirus ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,arthropod-borne ,Toscana virus ,Bunyavirales ,phlebotomine ,biology ,sergentomyia ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,3. Good health ,Sandfly ,Sandfly fever Naples phlebovirus ,Sergentomyia ,[SDV] Life Sciences [q-bio] ,030104 developmental biology ,Transmission (mechanics) ,arbovirus ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,sand fly - Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, where it is transmitted by sand flies. TOSV can infect humans and cause febrile illness as well as neuroinvasive infections affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although TOSV is a significant human pathogen, it remains neglected and there are consequently many gaps of knowledge. Recent seroepidemiology studies and case reports showed that TOSV’s geographic distribution is much wider than was assumed a decade ago. The apparent extension of the TOSV circulation area raises the question of the sandfly species that are able to transmit the virus in natural conditions. Phlebotomus (Ph.) perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi were historically identified as competent species. Recent results suggest that other species of sand flies could be competent for TOSV maintenance and transmission. Here we organize current knowledge in entomology, epidemiology, and virology supporting the possible existence of additional phlebotomine species such as Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, Ph. neglectus, and Sergentomyia minuta in TOSV maintenance. We also highlight some of the knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies.
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- 2020
38. Molecular screening of Anaplasmataceae in ticks collected from cattle in Corsica, France
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François Casabianca, Nazli Ayhan, Vincent Cicculli, Xavier de Lamballerie, Rémi N. Charrel, Dorine Decarreaux, Alessandra Falchi, Laboratoire de Virologie [UNIV Corse-Inserm] (EA7310), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Université Pascal Paoli (UPP), Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Laboratoire de Recherches sur le Développement de l'Elevage (LRDE), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), EA Bioscope Corse Méditerranée : Dynamique des infections virales en milieu insulaire, and Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)
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0106 biological sciences ,Veterinary medicine ,Ixodes ricinus ,Anaplasma ,Ixodidae ,Hyalomma marginatum ,[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio] ,Ehrlichia ,Corsica ,Tick ,01 natural sciences ,030308 mycology & parasitology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Ticks ,parasitic diseases ,Animals ,Phylogeny ,0303 health sciences ,Ecology ,biology ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,Anaplasmataceae ,3. Good health ,010602 entomology ,Animal ecology ,Insect Science ,Candidatus ,Cattle ,France - Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae cause infections in humans and domestic animals. The consequences of infection can be significant economic losses for farmers. To better understand the epidemiology of tick-borne Anaplasmataceae in Corsica, we used molecular methods to detect and characterize Anaplasmataceae in ixodid ticks collected from cattle. Anaplasmataceae were detected by using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 23S rRNA gene. Partial sequencing of rpoB and groEL allowed identifying species and conducting phylogenetic analyses. Infection rates were calculated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 597 Rhipicephalus bursa, 216 Hyalomma marginatum, and seven Ixodes ricinus were collected from cattle during July-August 2017 and July-December 2018. Overall, Anaplasmataceae DNA was detected in 15 of 255 tick pools (MLE = 1.7%; 95% CI 0.9-2.7%). The molecular analysis revealed two species within the genus Anaplasma: A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. We also detected bacteria within the genus Ehrlichia: we confirmed the detection of E. minasensis DNA in H. marginatum and R. bursa tick pools collected from cattle in Corsica and detected, for the first time to our knowledge, Candidatus E. urmitei in Corsican R. bursa ticks and a potential new species, Candidatus E. corsicanum. Further studies are needed to ascertain the pathogenesis and zoonotic potential of the strains and their importance for animals and public health.
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- 2020
39. Detection of Specific Antibodies against Toscana Virus among Blood Donors in Northeastern Italy and Correlation with Sand Fly Abundance in 2014
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Alessandro Albieri, Mattia Calzolari, Rémi N. Charrel, Vanda Randi, Stefania Varani, Silvia Morini, Andrea Porcellini, Paolo Bonilauri, Nazli Ayhan, Romeo Bellini, Maria Carla Re, Nadia Pascarelli, Giada Rossini, Morini S., Calzolari M., Rossini G., Pascarelli N., Porcellini A., Randi V., Re Maria Carla, Albieri A., Bonilauri P., Bellini R., Ayhan N., Charrel R., and Varani S.
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0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,Veterinary medicine ,030231 tropical medicine ,030106 microbiology ,viral meningitis ,Biology ,Toscana viru ,Phlebotomus spp ,Microbiology ,Mediterranean Basin ,Arbovirus ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Abundance (ecology) ,Virology ,parasitic diseases ,Viral meningitis ,medicine ,Seroprevalence ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,Toscana virus ,seroprevalence ,fungi ,neutralization ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,phlebotomus spp ,Arboviru ,Specific antibody ,arbovirus ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,Phlebovirus ,sand fly ,geographic locations - Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies and is an important etiological agent of summer meningitis in the Mediterranean basin. Since TOSV infection is often asymptomatic, we evaluated the seroprevalence in blood donors (BDs) in the Bologna and Ferrara provinces (Northeastern Italy)&mdash, the areas with the highest and lowest numbers of TOSV neuroinvasive cases in the region, respectively. A total of 1208 serum samples from BDs were collected in April&ndash, June 2014 and evaluated for the presence of specific TOSV-IgG by ELISA. The IgG-reactive samples were confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) and by microneutralization test (MN). Serum samples were defined as positive for anti-TOSV IgG when reactive by ELISA and by at least one second-level test, TOSV seroprevalence was 6.8% in the Bologna province, while no circulation of TOSV was detected in the Ferrara province. Sand fly abundance in 2014 was also estimated by a geographic information system using a generalized linear model applied to a series of explanatory variables. TOSV seroprevalence rate was strongly associated with the sand fly abundance index in each municipality, pointing out the strong association between sand fly abundance and human exposure to TOSV.
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- 2019
40. An update on Toscana virus distribution, genetics, medical and diagnostic aspects
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Rémi N. Charrel and Nazli Ayhan
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0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,Pediatrics ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Virus genetics ,Endemic Diseases ,030106 microbiology ,Bunyaviridae Infections ,Arbovirus ,Virus ,Diagnosis, Differential ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Africa, Northern ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,biology ,Toscana virus ,Mediterranean Region ,Sandfly fever Naples virus ,General Medicine ,Balkan Peninsula ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Review article ,Insect Vectors ,Phylogeography ,Infectious Diseases ,Phlebovirus ,Psychodidae ,Meningitis ,Encephalitis - Abstract
Background Toscana virus is an arbovirus transmitted by sand flies within the Mediterranean area where it can cause febrile illness and neuroinvasive infections during the seasonal circulation period of the vector. Although it is an important cause of meningitis and encephalitis, it remains a neglected virus with limited published data, as demonstrated by Objective The last review article on Toscana virus was published in 2012. The aim was to compile peer-reviewed articles to provide an updated review highlighting recent findings to complement previous review articles. Sources PubMed database was searched using the ‘Toscana virus' keyword from 2010 to present. A total of 152 articles were retrieved and identified studies were assessed for novel information on virus genetics, and geographic and medical aspects compared with existing knowledge reported in previous review articles. Content Studies addressing medical, veterinary and entomological aspects have provided evidence that Toscana virus is present in North Africa, in the Balkan Peninsula, and in most of the Mediterranean islands. Besides the two previously recognized genetic lineages, a novel evolutionary lineage has been identified in the Balkan Peninsula. Co-circulation of two genetic lineages has been demonstrated in France, in Turkey and in Croatia. In addition to meningitis and meningo-encephalitis, which have been reported for 40 years, various neuroinvasive forms have been recently reported such as Guillain–Barre syndrome, hydrocephalus, myositis, fasciitis, polymyeloradiculopathy, deafness and facial paralysis. Implication Because it is endemic in countries bordering the Mediterranean, physicians should include Toscana virus in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with febrile illness and/or neurological manifestations.
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- 2019
41. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, in Corsica (France), April and June 2020
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Lisandru, Capai, primary, Nazli, Ayhan, additional, Shirley, Masse, additional, Jean, Canarelli, additional, Stéphane, Priet, additional, Helene, Simeoni Marie, additional, Remi, Charrel, additional, Xavier, de Lamballerie, additional, and Alessandra, Falchi, additional
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- 2020
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42. Sand fly and Leishmania spp. survey in Vojvodina (Serbia): first detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in sand flies and the first record of Phlebotomus (Transphlebotomus) mascittii Grassi, 1908
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Yusuf Özbel, Sara Savić, Bulent Alten, Luigi Gradoni, Trentina Di Muccio, Dušan Petrić, Slavica Vaselek, Nazli Ayhan, Ozge Erisoz Kasap, Gizem Oguz, and Ege Üniversitesi
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Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Veterinary medicine ,Endemic Diseases ,030231 tropical medicine ,Biology ,lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,Dogs ,0302 clinical medicine ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Canine leishmaniasis ,Animals ,Humans ,lcsh:RC109-216 ,Dog Diseases ,Phlebotomus ,Leishmania infantum ,Leishmaniasis ,Phylogeny ,Research ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Leishmania ,Insect Vectors ,3. Good health ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,030104 developmental biology ,Infectious Diseases ,Parasitology ,Vector (epidemiology) ,Sand fly ,Leishmaniasis, Visceral ,Female ,Psychodidae ,Restriction fragment length polymorphism ,Serbia - Abstract
WOS: 000412088900002, PubMed ID: 28950895, Background: Leishmaniasis in Serbia was an endemic disease, and is considered to be eradicated for more than 40 years. In the past decade sporadic cases of canine leishmaniasis started to emerge for the first time in Vojvodina Province (previously non-endemic region of Serbia). Reports of introduced, and later on autochthonous cases of leishmaniasis alerted the possibility of disease emergence. The aim of this study was to bridge more than a half a century wide gap in entomological surveillance of sand fly vectors in Vojvodina, as well as to verify the presence of the vector species that could support Leishmania spp. circulation. Results: During the period 2013-2015, a total of 136 sand flies were collected from 48 of 80 surveyed locations. Four sand fly species of the genus Phlebotomus were detected: P. papatasi, P. perfiliewi, P. mascittii and P. neglectus. Detection of P. mascittii represents the first record of this species for the sand fly fauna in Vojvodina and in Serbia. All female specimens (n = 80) were tested for Leishmania spp. DNA, and three blood-fed P. papatasi specimens were positive (4%). One positive DNA sample was successfully amplified by ITS1 nPCR. The RFLP analysis of the resulting 350 bp fragment showed a typical pattern of L. infantum, and the ITS1 partial sequence blasted in GenBank confirmed 100% identity with L. infantum and L. donovani complex sequences. This result represents the first record of both Leishmania spp. and L. infantum DNA from sand flies in Vojvodina, and in Serbia. Conclusions: Presence of autochthonous canine leishmaniasis cases, records of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) species proven vectors of L. infantum (P. perfiliewi and P. neglectus) and detection of L. infantum DNA from wild caught (non-competent) vectors, prove that L. infantum is present in Vojvodina and indicates a probable circulation in the region., European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) [OC/EFSA/AHAW/2013/02-FWC1]; European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC); Ministry of Science, Education and Technical development of Republic of Serbia [TR31084]; Rufford Small Grant Foundation [13981-1], The work was carried out under the VectorNet project, a European network for sharing data on the geographic distribution of arthropod vectors, transmitting human and animal disease agents (Contract OC/EFSA/AHAW/2013/02-FWC1) funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC); TR31084 project for Wild animal health monitoring and introduction of new biotechnology procedures in detection of infectious and zoonotic agents risk analysis for human health, domestic and wild animal health and for environmental contamination funded by the Ministry of Science, Education and Technical development of Republic of Serbia; and 13981-1 project for Diversity and spatial distribution of sandflies and pathogens they transmit (Leismania, phleboviruses) in Vojvodina province (Serbia) funded by the Rufford Small Grant Foundation.
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- 2017
43. Lipocalin gene expression is varied in developmental stages by larval nutritional stress in Drosophila
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Banu Sebnem Onder, Nazli Ayhan, and Pinar Güler
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Genetics ,Larva ,integumentary system ,Signal Pathways ,Physiology ,Period (gene) ,Cell Biology ,Anatomy ,Biology ,Lipocalin ,biology.organism_classification ,Microbiology ,Gene expression ,Drosophila melanogaster ,Dietary stress,lipocalin gene family,ApoD,developmental time,Drosophila melanogaster ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,Molecular Biology ,Drosophila ,Gene - Abstract
Lipocalin genes NLaz, GLaz, and Karl are evolutionarily conserved genes in Drosophila melanogaster. There are studies on lipocalin gene expression differences under diverse diet conditions, but these studies have focused mainly on age-dependent expression profiles of these genes. The main aim of our study is to determine lipocalin expression in the developmental period by nutritional manipulation with an isofemale-based design. Three larval developmental periods have been researched under normal and restricted diets. We found significant differences between lines during their developmental time-related lipocalin expression. Here, we demonstrate that upregulations in the early developmental stages of lipocalin genes under stressful conditions resulted in unaffected developmental time. The possible reason for high expression is the activation of stress signal pathways in order to buffer the harmful effects of nutritional restriction. Our data showed that the early developmental period (48-72 h) is especially crucial to tolerate the dietary stress with respect to GLaz and NLaz expression. Results of this experiment have shown that the expression profiles of lipocalin genes have line-specific pathways to nutritional stress. Their expression depends on the genetic background corresponding to development time results. Our results highlight the transcriptional changes of lipocalins associated with developmental time in larvae, developed in a dietary-restricted medium.
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- 2017
44. Detection of Leishmania infantum and a Novel Phlebovirus (Balkan Virus) from Sand Flies in Albania
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Perparim Kadriaj, Nazli Ayhan, Yusuf Özbel, Enkelejda Velo, Remi N. Charrel, Xavier de Lamballerie, Majlinda Kota, and Silvia Bino
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Male ,Phlebovirus ,0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology ,Arbovirus ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,law ,Virology ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Animals ,Phlebotomus ,Leishmania infantum ,Phylogeny ,Polymerase chain reaction ,biology ,Toscana virus ,DNA, Protozoan ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,030104 developmental biology ,Infectious Diseases ,Novel virus ,Albania ,RNA, Viral ,Female ,Psychodidae ,Bunyaviridae - Abstract
To organize entomological campaigns to trap sand flies in selected regions of Albania and to test them for the presence of existing or new phleboviruses and for leishmania DNA.Sand flies were collected in 14 locations from May to October 2014 using three different types of traps. Pools with a maximum of 30 individuals were prepared according to gender, trapping site, and trapping date; they were tested for the presence of (1) phlebovirus RNA with three different PCR systems (2) and Leishmania DNA using two different real-time PCR assays.A total of 972 sand flies (568 females, 404 males) were aliquoted to 55 pools. Three pools (in two different regions) were positive for Leishmania infantum. Two pools (Kruje region) were positive for phlebovirus RNA and a 575-nucleotide (nt) colinearized sequence of a novel virus most closely related to but clearly distinct from Tehran virus (16% and 3% divergence at nt and amino acid levels). Next generation sequencing analysis indicated that this virus might be transmitted by either Phlebotomus neglectus, Phlebotomus tobbi, or both vectors.Visceral leishmaniasis has been clinically recognized in Albania for at least 80 years; however, this is the first time that L. infantum, detected by molecular means, has been reported in sand flies in Albania. At the outset of this study, only Adria virus (Salehabad species) was recognized in Albania. A novel virus, Balkan virus, was identified and genetic analysis revealed that it belongs to the Sandfly fever Naples virus group containing human pathogens.
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- 2016
45. Neutralization-based seroprevalence of Toscana virus and sandfly fever Sicilian virus in dogs and cats from Portugal
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Nazli Ayhan, Hervé Richet, Sulaf Alwassouf, José Manuel Cristóvão, Mónica Coimbra, Carla Maia, Laurence Bichaud, Rémi N. Charrel, and Lenea Campino
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Male ,Phlebovirus ,0301 basic medicine ,030231 tropical medicine ,Antibodies, Viral ,Cat Diseases ,Arbovirus ,Virus ,Serology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Dogs ,0302 clinical medicine ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,Virology ,medicine ,Animals ,Seroprevalence ,Dog Diseases ,Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus ,Portugal ,biology ,Toscana virus ,Sandfly fever Naples virus ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Antibodies, Neutralizing ,3. Good health ,Sandfly ,Phlebotomus Fever ,030104 developmental biology ,Cats ,Female - Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are endemic in the Mediterranean basin. However, levels of exposure of human and animal populations are inadequately researched. Toscana virus (TOSV) is present in Portugal where it causes human infection and disease; in contrast there are few data for sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) which has neither been isolated nor detected by molecular tests and for which there are only limited serological data. The sera collected from 1160 dogs and 189 cats in southern Portugal were tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies against TOSV and SFSV, two viruses recognized as distinct serocomplexes in the Mediterranean region. Our data showed (i) seropositivity to TOSV and SFSV in dogs at a rate of 6.8 and 50.8 %, respectively, and (ii) that 3.7 % of cats were seropositive for TOSV. TOSV findings are in line with previous results obtained with less stringent serological assays. Our results for SFSV in dogs clearly indicate that the virus is circulating widely and that humans may be exposed to infection via the dogs. Although the presence of SFSV was suggested by haemagglutination inhibition in 4/1690 human sera in 1974, this is the first time, as far as we know, that SFSV has been shown to circulate so widely in dogs in Portugal. Future studies should be directed at isolating strains of SFSV in Portugal from dogs, humans and sandflies collected in high prevalence regions. As dogs appear to be good sentinels for SFSV, their role as a possible reservoir in the natural cycle should also be considered. Grant FP7-261504
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- 2016
46. A survey of sand flies (Diptera, Phlebotominae) along recurrent transit routes in Serbia
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Nazli Ayhan, Petr Halada, Rémi N. Charrel, Gizem Oguz, Yusuf Özbel, Dušan Petrić, Vit Dvorak, Bulent Alten, Kristyna Hlavackova, Vladimir Ivović, Slavica Vaselek, Faculty of Sciences [University of Novi Sad], University of Novi Sad, Charles University [Prague] (CU), Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Czech Academy of Sciences [Prague] (CAS), Hacettepe University = Hacettepe Üniversitesi, University of Primorska, Ege university, Ege Üniversitesi, and BUISINE, Soline
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Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Fauna ,[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio] ,[SDV.BID.SPT]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Biodiversity/Systematics, Phylogenetics and taxonomy ,0302 clinical medicine ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Phlebotomus ,Leishmaniasis ,Leishmania ,[SDV.EE]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Ecology, environment ,biology ,Emigration and Immigration ,030108 mycology & parasitology ,3. Good health ,[SDV] Life Sciences [q-bio] ,[SDV.EE] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Ecology, environment ,Infectious Diseases ,Geography ,Sand fly ,Female ,Phlebotomus neglectus ,Leishmania infantum ,Serbia ,MALDI-TOF ,Phlebotominae ,Veterinary (miscellaneous) ,030231 tropical medicine ,Zoology ,[SDV.BID]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Biodiversity ,03 medical and health sciences ,Dogs ,[SDV.BID.SPT] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Biodiversity/Systematics, Phylogenetics and taxonomy ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Immigration routes ,fungi ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Insect Vectors ,Insect Science ,Vector (epidemiology) ,Parasitology ,Psychodidae ,[SDV.BID] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Biodiversity - Abstract
Halada, Petr/0000-0002-7229-3450; Vaselek, Slavica/0000-0002-9105-7138; Dvorak, Vit/0000-0001-5636-7483; Ivovic, Vladimir/0000-0002-1562-9528; OZBEL, YUSUF/0000-0001-8335-1997, WOS: 000500182400034, PubMed: 31207207, Serbia was a country endemic for leishmaniasis with rich and abundant sand fly fauna during the middle of the 20th century. After 1968, the disease was considered as eradicated, and as a consequence, all research on vectors and pathogens was neglected. the recent detection of Leishmania infantum in sand flies and confirmed cases of leishmaniasis in humans and dogs indicated the risk of re-emergence in Serbia. Also, for millions of refugees/immigrants, Serbia is a transit route between East-Mediterranean and Middle-East countries, and Central/North Europe, and it is under constant risk of vector and disease introduction. Primary objectives of this research were to determine which sand fly species are present around transit routes, whether they include vectors of the Leishmania spp. moreover, is/are Leishmania spp. present in the vectors. Surveys were conducted at 55 locations, organised in four clusters, which covered main immigrant routes and shelters/camps as well as tourist/trade transit routes. in total, 367 sand fly specimens were collected. Nine species were identified: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. perfiliewi, P. tobbi, P. neglectus, P. sergenti, P. alexandri, P. simici, P. balcanicus and P. mascittii. Detection of P. alexandri represents the first record in Serbia. the diversity of sand fly species increased while the number of collected specimens per night decreased during the period of research neglection. Phlebotomus neglectus, a proven vector of L. infantum, was a predominant species in all surveyed clusters, and in 56,52% of locations, it was the only species present. Although all detected species are regarded either as proven or suspected vectors of Leishmania spp., screening of females for Leishmania presence resulted negative. Our study provides insight into the significant changes of sand fly fauna in Serbia during the end of XX and beginning of XXI century. Diverse sand fly fauna in Serbia suggests that the establishment of new leishmaniasis foci is possible., European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) [OC/EFSA/AHAW/2013/02-FWC1]; European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC); Czech Science FoundationGrant Agency of the Czech Republic [15-04329S]; Institute of Microbiology [RVO61388971]; European Virus Archive goes Global goes Global project (EVAg) - European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program [653316]; EDENext FP7 EU project [261504], The work was carried out under the VectorNet project, a European network for sharing data on the geographic distribution of arthropod vectors, transmitting human and animal disease agents (Contract OC/EFSA/AHAW/2013/02-FWC1) funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). the study was partially supported by the Czech Science Foundation (15-04329S) and the Institute of Microbiology (RVO61388971), European Virus Archive goes Global goes Global project (EVAg) funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement No 653316), and the EDENext FP7- no261504 EU project (http://www.edenext.eu).
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- 2019
47. Circulation of Toscana Virus in a Sample Population of Corsica, France
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Rémi N. Charrel, Lisandru Capai, Shirley Masse, Nazli Ayhan, Xavier de Lamballerie, Frédéric Bosseur, Alessandra Falchi, Laboratoire de Virologie [UNIV Corse-Inserm] (EA7310), Université Pascal Paoli (UPP)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), EA Bioscope Corse Méditerranée : Dynamique des infections virales en milieu insulaire, Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Sciences pour l'environnement (SPE), Université Pascal Paoli (UPP)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Université Pascal Paoli (UPP), Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Pascal Paoli (UPP), and BUISINE, Soline
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Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Phlebovirus ,Prevalence ,lcsh:QR1-502 ,Phenuiviridae ,Antibodies, Viral ,lcsh:Microbiology ,Bunyavirales ,Residence Characteristics ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,[SDV.MHEP.MI]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Infectious diseases ,Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus ,Child ,arthropod-borne virus ,Aged, 80 and over ,[SDV.MP.VIR] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Microbiology and Parasitology/Virology ,[SDV.MHEP.ME] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Emerging diseases ,education.field_of_study ,[SDV.MHEP.ME]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Emerging diseases ,biology ,seroprevalence ,meningitis ,Middle Aged ,3. Good health ,Infectious Diseases ,[SDV.MP.VIR]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Microbiology and Parasitology/Virology ,[SDV.MHEP.MI] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Infectious diseases ,Female ,France ,microneutralization ,Adult ,Adolescent ,030106 microbiology ,Population ,sandfly ,Bunyaviridae Infections ,Arbovirus ,Article ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,Virology ,medicine ,Humans ,Seroprevalence ,education ,Aged ,Toscana virus ,Sandfly fever Naples virus ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Sandfly ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,030104 developmental biology ,arbovirus ,Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus - Abstract
International audience; Sandfly-borne phleboviruses pathogenic to humans, such as Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), are endemic in the Mediterranean region. In France, several autochthonous cases of TOSV infection have been described, causing either meningitis or encephalitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of TOSV and SFSV antibodies in a healthy population from Corsica. In this cross-sectional study, participants were enrolled (i) from a medical staff at the University of Corsica and (ii) from general practitioners of the Corsican Sentinelles Network. The seroprevalence study was based on a virus microneutralization assay. A total of 240 sera were tested. Altogether, 54 sera (22.5%) were confirmed positive for TOSV antibodies, whereas none were positive for SFSV (0/240). The residential district of participants was significantly associated with TOSV seropositivity (p value = 0.005). The rate of the seropositivity against TOSV in our study suggests that the Corsican population is well exposed to the TOSV. These results encourage the implementation of a systematic surveillance system including entomological, microbiological, and medical aspects for the collection of better information on the diseases that are associated with phleboviruses in Corsica and beyond in the regions where these viruses are present.
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- 2019
48. Sandfly-Borne Viruses of Demonstrated/Relevant Medical Importance
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Nazli Ayhan and Remi N. Charrel
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0303 health sciences ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,030306 microbiology ,030231 tropical medicine ,InformationSystems_INFORMATIONSTORAGEANDRETRIEVAL ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,GeneralLiterature_REFERENCE(e.g.,dictionaries,encyclopedias,glossaries) ,Sandfly - Published
- 2019
49. Experimental Infection of Sand Flies by Massilia Virus and Viral Transmission by Co-Feeding on Sugar Meal
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Tatiana Spitzova, Magdalena Jancarova, Stéphane Priet, Petr Volf, Nazli Ayhan, Jana Hlaváčová, Laurence Bichaud, Rémi N. Charrel, Charles University [Prague] (CU), Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), This study was funded by Charles University Research Centre (UNCE/SCI/012, T.S., J.H., M.J.), by ERD Funds 'Centre for research of pathogenicity and virulence of parasites' (16_019/0000759, P.V., T.S.), by the EurNegVec COST Action TD1303 (MJ) and Horizon 2020 Infrastructures 731060 Infravec2 (MJ)., European Project: 731060,INFRAVEC2(2017), Department of Parasitology [Prague, Czech Republic] (Faculty of Science), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Charles University [Prague], and BUISINE, Soline
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0301 basic medicine ,Phlebovirus ,Veterinary medicine ,Lutzomyia ,[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio] ,lcsh:QR1-502 ,Phenuiviridae ,lcsh:Microbiology ,0302 clinical medicine ,[SDV.MHEP.MI]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Infectious diseases ,Meals ,[SDV.MP.VIR] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Microbiology and Parasitology/Virology ,[SDV.MHEP.ME] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Emerging diseases ,Toscana virus ,[SDV.MHEP.ME]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Emerging diseases ,biology ,Phlebotomus ,virus transmission ,3. Good health ,Sergentomyia ,Phlebotomus Fever ,Infectious Diseases ,Fomites ,[SDV.MP.VIR]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Microbiology and Parasitology/Virology ,[SDV.MHEP.MI] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Infectious diseases ,sand fly ,Horizontal transmission ,Sexual transmission ,030231 tropical medicine ,Food Contamination ,Article ,Virus ,03 medical and health sciences ,Virology ,Animals ,fungi ,Feeding Behavior ,biology.organism_classification ,Blood meal ,Insect Vectors ,030104 developmental biology ,Sandfly fever Naples virus ,Psychodidae ,Sugars - Abstract
Background: Massilia virus (MASV) is a phlebovirus isolated from Phlebotomus perniciosus in various regions of southwestern Europe. It is closely related to human pathogens such as Toscana virus and sandfly fever Naples virus. The natural cycle of phleboviruses is poorly understood. Indeed, experimental studies demonstrate that transovarial and sexual transmission are not efficient enough for the maintenance of the virus in nature and to date there is no convincing evidence that a species of vertebrates is the reservoir of the virus. Here, we studied various transmission routes of MASV taking advantage of experimental colonies representing different species of sand flies. Methodology/Principal findings: In P. perniciosus, four sources of infection were compared: (i) Virus-seeded larval food to the first instar larvae (L1), or (ii) to the fourth instar larvae (L4), (iii) virus-seeded blood meal to adult females, and (iv) virus-seeded sugar meal to adults of both sexes. From 875 adults emerged from infected L1 and L4, only three were positive. In females infected by bloodmeal the infection rate was high before defecation, then it decreased drastically, MASV RNA was detected in only 5 out of 27 post-defecation. Surprisingly, the most efficient route of infection was observed after intake of virus-seeded sugar meal: 72% of females (79/110) and 52% of males (51/99) were found to be MASV RNA-positive. In addition, MASV-infected sandflies regurgitated virus particules into the sugar drop and MASV RNA was detectable in this drop for at least 24 h after regurgitation. MASV RNA was detected in about one third of the P. perniciosus exposed to this sugar drop contaminated by regurgitation. Sugar meal infection was also tested with six other species of sand flies. In males, there were no significant differences in infection rates when compared to P. perniciosus. In females, most species tested showed high infection rate at the beginning but then significant gradual decrease in infection rate during the experiment. Conclusions/Significance: We present the first description of arboviral infection of a dipteran vector using sugar meal. In all seven sand fly species tested, MASV was detected for two weeks post-infection. Our results showed that MASV can be transmitted between P. perniciosus either through co-feeding or via an infected sugar source such as plant sap. These newly described routes of horizontal transmission may play an important role in the circulation of phleboviruses in nature.
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- 2019
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50. Emergent Sand Fly–Borne Phleboviruses in the Balkan Region
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Rémi N. Charrel, Nazli Ayhan, Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Aix Marseille Université (AMU)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), University of Florida [Gainesville] (UF), This work was supported in part by the European Virus Archive Goes Global (EVAg) project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 653316., European Project: 653316,H2020,H2020-INFRAIA-2014-2015,EVAg(2015), BUISINE, Soline, and European Virus Archive goes global - EVAg - - H20202015-04-01 - 2019-03-31 - 653316 - VALID
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0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,Emergent Sand Fly–Borne Phleboviruses in the Balkan Region ,Balkan region ,Epidemiology ,lcsh:Medicine ,Mediterranean Basin ,lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,Balkan peninsula ,sandfly fever Naples virus ,[SDV.MHEP.MI]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Infectious diseases ,Balkan virus ,lcsh:RC109-216 ,viruses ,Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus ,phlebovirus ,sandfly fever Sicilian virus ,[SDV.MP.VIR] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Microbiology and Parasitology/Virology ,[SDV.MHEP.ME] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Emerging diseases ,Toscana virus ,[SDV.MHEP.ME]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Emerging diseases ,biology ,Ecology ,Historical Review ,lcsh:R ,biology.organism_classification ,Adria virus ,3. Good health ,Sandfly ,030104 developmental biology ,Infectious Diseases ,Geography ,Phlebovirus ,Phlebotomus ,Sandfly fever Naples virus ,[SDV.MP.VIR]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Microbiology and Parasitology/Virology ,[SDV.MHEP.MI] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Infectious diseases ,sand fly - Abstract
International audience; Sand fly–borne phleboviruses are associated with febrile diseases and nervous system infections in the Mediterranean basin. Sandfly fever was first reported in the Balkan Peninsula at the end of the 19th century. Since then, accumulating data show that the Balkan Peninsula, as a transboundary region between Asia and Europe, plays a major role in the emergence of vectorborne diseases in Europe. To provide an inclusive approach, we collected published data on phleboviruses in the Balkan countries and used them to evaluate the impact of these pathogens from virologic, epidemiologic, and public health perspectives. Recent findings show a high diversity of phleboviruses belonging to 3 species or serocomplexes circulating heavily in the Balkans. Focusing on undisputable human pathogens, we found direct and indirect laboratory documentation for Toscana virus, Sandfly fever Sicilian virus, and Adria virus. These data demonstrate that the Balkans are a hotspot for phleboviruses transmitted by sand flies.
- Published
- 2018
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