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Viruses
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Arbovirus Discovery
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Arbovirus Discovery

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Invertebrate Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 17310

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Eric Mossel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
Interests: arboviruses; virus discovery; virus surveillance; arboviral diagnostics; diagnostic capacity building

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Arthropod-borne viruses, arboviruses, are those viruses transmitted to vertebrates via the bite of an infected arthropod vector, such as a mosquito, tick, midge, or sandfly. All known arboviruses belong to one of five taxonomic groups: order Bunyavirales, or families Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, Reoviridae, or Asfarviridae. Transmission to a susceptible vertebrate host may result in inapparent infection or symptoms ranging from mild undifferentiated illness, arthralgia, mild to severe encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever, or death. The recent Zika and chikungunya virus pandemics, ongoing yellow fever virus outbreaks, and the spread of Usutu virus are only a few of the examples that highlight the importance of continued arbovirus surveillance and discovery. Technological advances in the last decade have facilitated and accelerated these research endeavors.

For this Special Issue of Viruses, we are soliciting papers on arbovirus discovery. In this context, the discovery may be of a novel arbovirus or the rediscovery of an arbovirus not isolated in many years. This also includes the discovery of known arboviruses in a new vector or host, or in a place that extends its previously known range. 

Dr. Eric Mossel
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • arbovirus
  • virus discovery
  • bunyavirales
  • Flaviviridae
  • flavivirus
  • togaviridae
  • alphavirus
  • reoviridae
  • asfarviridae

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 4912 KiB  
Article
Current View on Genetic Relationships within the Bunyamwera Serological Group
by Anna S. Dolgova, Marina V. Safonova, Oumar Faye and Vladimir G. Dedkov
Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14061135 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2698
Abstract
The Bunyamwera serological group includes a number of geographically widespread viruses that are related but not identical and have serological cross-reactivity. As the first group members were obtained in the pre-sequencing era, their classifications (group attribution, species differentiation) were originally based on serological [...] Read more.
The Bunyamwera serological group includes a number of geographically widespread viruses that are related but not identical and have serological cross-reactivity. As the first group members were obtained in the pre-sequencing era, their classifications (group attribution, species differentiation) were originally based on serological reactions. At the same time, the accuracy of the typing in each case depended on the variety of viruses that the researcher had as a comparison panel. With the advent of sequencing techniques, it has become customary to use identity thresholds (nucleotide or amino acid composition) as demarcation criteria for the interspecific differentiation of viral species. Identity thresholds are determined by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) and are regularly reviewed. Similar criteria were established for the Orthobunyavirus genus, which includes members of the Bunyamwera serological group. On the basis of these criteria, the species attributions of some members of the serological group need to be clarified. For this purpose, we analyzed sequences (available in NCBI GenBank) of viruses belonging to the Bunyamwera serological group in order to clarify their phylogenetic positions on the basis of the current demarcation criteria established by the ICTV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arbovirus Discovery)
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13 pages, 2100 KiB  
Article
Full Genome Sequencing of Three Sedoreoviridae Viruses Isolated from Culicoides spp. (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) in China
by Yingliang Duan, Zhenxing Yang, Glenn Bellis, Jiarui Xie and Le Li
Viruses 2022, 14(5), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14050971 - 5 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2526
Abstract
Sedoreoviridae is a family of viruses belonging to the order Reovirales and comprises six genera, two of which, Orbivirus and Seadornavirus, contain arboviruses that cause disease in humans and livestock. Areas such as Yunnan Province in southwestern China, have high arboviral activity [...] Read more.
Sedoreoviridae is a family of viruses belonging to the order Reovirales and comprises six genera, two of which, Orbivirus and Seadornavirus, contain arboviruses that cause disease in humans and livestock. Areas such as Yunnan Province in southwestern China, have high arboviral activity due in part to warm and wet summers, which support high populations of biting flies such as mosquitoes and Culicoides. Three viral isolates previously obtained from Culicoides collected at cattle farms in Shizong County of Yunnan Province, China, between 2019 and 2020 were completely sequenced and identified as Banna virus (BAV) genotype A of Seadornavirus and serotypes 1 and 7 of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) of Orbivirus. These results suggest that Culicoidestainanus and C. orientalis are potential vectors of BAV and EHDV, respectively, and represent the first association of a BAV with C. tainanus and of an arbovirus with C. orientalis. Analysis using VP9 generally agreed with the current groupings within this genus based on VP12, although the classification for some strains should be corrected. Furthermore, the placement of Kadipiro virus (KDV) and Liao ning virus (LNV) in Seadornavirus may need confirmation as phylogenetic analysis placed these viruses as sister to other species in the genus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arbovirus Discovery)
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9 pages, 874 KiB  
Article
Transmission Dynamics of Punique Virus in Tunisia
by Khalil Dachraoui, Ifhem Chelbi, Mourad Ben Said, Raja Ben Osman, Saifedine Cherni, Rémi Charrel and Elyes Zhioua
Viruses 2022, 14(5), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14050904 - 26 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
A novel phlebovirus, Punique virus (PUNV), was discovered and isolated in 2008 from sandflies from Northern Tunisia. PUNV is now classified as a unique member of the Punique phlebovirus species within the Phlebovirus genus in the Phenuiviridae family (order bunyavirales). In this study, [...] Read more.
A novel phlebovirus, Punique virus (PUNV), was discovered and isolated in 2008 from sandflies from Northern Tunisia. PUNV is now classified as a unique member of the Punique phlebovirus species within the Phlebovirus genus in the Phenuiviridae family (order bunyavirales). In this study, we aimed to investigate the transmission dynamics of PUNV in Tunisia. Sandflies were collected during two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010, by CDC light traps. In 2009, a total of 873 sandflies were collected and identified to the species level. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species. One pool of P. perniciosus females collected in autumn contained PUNV RNA, yielding an infection rate of 0.11%. The population densities of circulating sandfly species were assessed during May–November 2010 in Northern Tunisia by using sticky traps. Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus (71.74%) was the most abundant species, followed by Phlebotumus (Larroussius) longicuspis (17.47%), and Phlebotumus (Larroussius) perfiliewi (8.82%). The densities of dominant sandfly species were found to peak in early spring and again in the autumn. In 2010, species identification was not performed, and sandflies were only discriminated on the basis of sex and collection date. Out of 249 pools, three contained PUNV RNA. Each positive pool allowed virus isolation. The three pools of female sandflies containing PUNV RNA were collected in autumn with an infection rate of 0.05%. These findings provide further evidence that P. perniciosus is the main vector of PUNV in Tunisia, and this phlebovirus is endemic in Tunisia. Our findings provided strong evidence of intensive circulation of PUNV in sandflies and hosts through a viral infection buildup process between sandfly vectors and hosts starting at the beginning of the activity of sandflies in spring to reach a maximum during the second main peak in autumn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arbovirus Discovery)
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13 pages, 1596 KiB  
Article
An Investigation of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as Potential Vectors of Medically and Veterinary Important Arboviruses in South Africa
by Jumari Snyman, Gert J. Venter and Marietjie Venter
Viruses 2021, 13(10), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13101978 - 1 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2807
Abstract
Culicoides-borne viruses such as bluetongue, African horse sickness, and Schmallenberg virus cause major economic burdens due to animal outbreaks in Africa and their emergence in Europe and Asia. However, little is known about the role of Culicoides as vectors for zoonotic arboviruses. [...] Read more.
Culicoides-borne viruses such as bluetongue, African horse sickness, and Schmallenberg virus cause major economic burdens due to animal outbreaks in Africa and their emergence in Europe and Asia. However, little is known about the role of Culicoides as vectors for zoonotic arboviruses. In this study, we identify both veterinary and zoonotic arboviruses in pools of Culicoides biting midges in South Africa, during 2012–2017. Midges were collected at six surveillance sites in three provinces and screened for Alphavirs, Flavivirus, Orthobunyavirus, and Phlebovirus genera; equine encephalosis virus (EEV); and Rhaboviridae, by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In total, 66/331 (minimum infection rate (MIR) = 0.4) pools tested positive for one or more arbovirus. Orthobunyaviruses, including Shuni virus (MIR = 0.1) and EEV (MIR = 0.2) were more readily detected, while only 2/66 (MIR = 0.1) Middelburg virus and 4/66 unknown Rhabdoviridae viruses (MIR = 0.0) were detected. This study suggests Culicoides as potential vectors of both veterinary and zoonotic arboviruses detected in disease outbreaks in Africa, which may contribute to the emergence of these viruses to new regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arbovirus Discovery)
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8 pages, 839 KiB  
Communication
A 1958 Isolate of Kedougou Virus (KEDV) from Ndumu, South Africa, Expands the Geographic and Temporal Range of KEDV in Africa
by Petrus Jansen van Vuren, Rhys Parry, Alexander A. Khromykh and Janusz T. Paweska
Viruses 2021, 13(7), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13071368 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3724
Abstract
The mosquito-borne flavivirus, Kedougou virus (KEDV), first isolated in Senegal in 1972, is genetically related to dengue, Zika (ZIKV) and Spondweni viruses (SPOV). Serological surveillance studies in Senegal and isolation of KEDV in the Central African Republic indicate occurrence of KEDV infections in [...] Read more.
The mosquito-borne flavivirus, Kedougou virus (KEDV), first isolated in Senegal in 1972, is genetically related to dengue, Zika (ZIKV) and Spondweni viruses (SPOV). Serological surveillance studies in Senegal and isolation of KEDV in the Central African Republic indicate occurrence of KEDV infections in humans, but to date, no disease has been reported. Here, we assembled the coding-complete genome of a 1958 isolate of KEDV from a pool of Aedes circumluteolus mosquitoes collected in Ndumu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The AR1071 Ndumu KEDV isolate bears 80.51% pairwise nucleotide identity and 93.34% amino acid identity with the prototype DakAar-D1470 strain and was co-isolated with SPOV through intracerebral inoculation of suckling mice and passage on VeroE6 cells. This historical isolate expands the known geographic and temporal range of this relatively unknown flavivirus, aiding future temporal phylogenetic calibration and diagnostic assay refinement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arbovirus Discovery)
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Review

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12 pages, 2604 KiB  
Review
Simbu Viruses’ Infection of Livestock in Israel—A Transient Climatic Land
by Jacob Brenner and Adi Behar
Viruses 2021, 13(11), 2149; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13112149 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2295
Abstract
Important lessons have been learned by the Israeli veterinary community regarding Simbu serogroup viruses infections. This serogroup of viruses might cause the births of neonatal malformation in susceptible ruminant’s populations. Until 2012, only Akabane virus was connected with the births of malformed ruminants [...] Read more.
Important lessons have been learned by the Israeli veterinary community regarding Simbu serogroup viruses infections. This serogroup of viruses might cause the births of neonatal malformation in susceptible ruminant’s populations. Until 2012, only Akabane virus was connected with the births of malformed ruminants in Israel. However, serological and genomic detection tests, coupled with viral isolations, revealed that more than a single Simbu serogroup serotype could be present concurrently in the same farm or even in the same animal. From 2012 to date, Aino, Shuni, Shamunda, Satuperi, Peaton, Schmallenberg, and Sango viruses have been found in Israel either by serological or genomic investigation. Israel is located in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin, a terrestrial and climatic bridge between the three old continents. The Eastern Mediterranean shores benefit from both the tropical/subtropical and the continental climatic conditions. Therefore, the Eastern Mediterranean basin might serve as an optimal investigatory compound for several arboviral diseases, acting as a sentinel. This review summarizes updated information related to the presence of Simbu serogroup viruses in Israel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arbovirus Discovery)
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