Viruses

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15 pages, 1525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiology and Clinical Manifestation of West Nile Virus Infections of Equines in Hungary, 2007–2020

by Orsolya Eszter Fehér, Péter Fehérvári, Csenge Hanna Tolnai, Petra Forgách, Péter Malik, Ákos Jerzsele, Zsombor Wagenhoffer, Otto Szenci and Orsolya Korbacska-Kutasi

Viruses 2022, 14(11), 2551; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112551 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2476

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging pathogen in Hungary, causing severe outbreaks in equines and humans since 2007. The aim of our study was to provide a comprehensive report on the clinical signs of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) in horses in [...] Read more.

West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging pathogen in Hungary, causing severe outbreaks in equines and humans since 2007. The aim of our study was to provide a comprehensive report on the clinical signs of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) in horses in Hungary. Clinical details of 124 confirmed equine WNND cases were collected between 2007 and 2019. Data about the seasonal and geographical presentation, demographic data, clinical signs, treatment protocols, and disease progression were evaluated. Starting from an initial case originating from the area of possible virus introduction by migratory birds, the whole country became endemic with WNV over the subsequent 12 years. The transmission season did not expand significantly during the data collection period, but vaccination protocols should be always reviewed according to the recent observations. There was not any considerable relationship between the occurrence of WNND and age, breed, or gender. Ataxia was by far the most common neurologic sign related to the disease, but weakness, behavioral changes, and muscle fasciculation appeared frequently. Apart from recumbency combined with inappetence, no other clinical sign or treatment regime correlated with survival. The survival rate showed a moderate increase throughout the years, possibly due to the increased awareness of practitioners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Hungary 2022)

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12 pages, 1437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Elevated De Ritis Ratio on Admission Is Independently Associated with Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

by Bálint Drácz, Diána Czompa, Katalin Müllner, Krisztina Hagymási, Pál Miheller, Hajnal Székely, Veronika Papp, Miklós Horváth, István Hritz, Attila Szijártó and Klára Werling

Viruses 2022, 14(11), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112360 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2104

Abstract

Liver damage in COVID-19 patients was documented as increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels or an elevated AST/ALT ratio, known as the De Ritis ratio. However, the prognostic value of the elevated De Ritis ratio in COVID-19 patients is still [...] Read more.

Liver damage in COVID-19 patients was documented as increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels or an elevated AST/ALT ratio, known as the De Ritis ratio. However, the prognostic value of the elevated De Ritis ratio in COVID-19 patients is still unknown. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the De Ritis ratio compared to other abnormal laboratory parameters and its relation to mortality. We selected 322 COVID-19 patients in this retrospective study conducted between November 2020 and March 2021. The laboratory parameters were measured on admission and followed till patient discharge or death. Of the 322 COVID-19 patients, 57 (17.7%) had gastrointestinal symptoms on admission. The multivariate analysis showed that the De Ritis ratio was an independent risk factor for mortality, with an OR of 29.967 (95% CI 5.266–170.514). In ROC analysis, the AUC value of the the De Ritis ratio was 0.85 (95% CI 0.777–0.923, p < 0.05) with sensitivity and specificity of 80.6% and 75.2%, respectively. A De Ritis ratio ≥1.218 was significantly associated with patient mortality, disease severity, higher AST and IL-6 levels, and a lower ALT level. An elevated De Ritis ratio on admission is independently associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients, indicating liver injury and cytokine release syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Hungary 2022)

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18 pages, 3914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization of Novel Mycoviruses in Seven Umbelopsis Strains

by Tünde Kartali, Nóra Zsindely, Ildikó Nyilasi, Orsolya Németh, Gergő Norbert Sávai, Sándor Kocsubé, Zoltán Lipinszki, Roland Patai, Krisztina Spisák, Gábor Nagy, László Bodai, Csaba Vágvölgyi and Tamás Papp

Viruses 2022, 14(11), 2343; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112343 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2385

Abstract

The presence of viruses is less explored in Mucoromycota as compared to other fungal groups such as Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Recently, more and more mycoviruses are identified from the early-diverging lineages of fungi. We have determined the genome of 11 novel dsRNA viruses [...] Read more.

The presence of viruses is less explored in Mucoromycota as compared to other fungal groups such as Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Recently, more and more mycoviruses are identified from the early-diverging lineages of fungi. We have determined the genome of 11 novel dsRNA viruses in seven different Umbelopsis strains with next-generation sequencing (NGS). The identified viruses were named Umbelopsis ramanniana virus 5 (UrV5), 6a (UrV6a); 6b (UrV6b); 7 (UrV7); 8a (UrV8a); 8b (UrV8b); Umbelopsis gibberispora virus 1 (UgV1); 2 (UgV2) and Umbelopsis dimorpha virus 1a (UdV1a), 1b (UdV1b) and 2 (UdV2). All the newly identified viruses contain two open reading frames (ORFs), which putatively encode the coat protein (CP) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), respectively. Based on the phylogeny inferred from the RdRp sequences, eight viruses (UrV7, UrV8a, UrV8b, UgV1, UgV2, UdV1a, UdV1b and UdV2) belong to the genus Totivirus, while UrV5, UrV6a and UrV6b are placed into a yet unclassified but well-defined Totiviridae-related group. In UrV5, UgV1, UgV2, UrV8b, UdV1a, UdV2 and UdV1b, ORF2 is predicted to be translated as a fusion protein via a rare +1 (or −2) ribosomal frameshift, which is not characteristic to most members of the Totivirus genus. Virus particles 31 to 32 nm in diameter could be detected in the examined fungal strains by transmission electron microscopy. Through the identification and characterization of new viruses of Mucoromycota fungi, we can gain insight into the diversity of mycoviruses, as well as into their phylogeny and genome organization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Hungary 2022)

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15 pages, 3292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seroprevalence of Four Polyomaviruses Linked to Dermatological Diseases: New Findings and a Comprehensive Analysis

by Krisztina Jeles, Melinda Katona and Eszter Csoma

Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2282; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14102282 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1539

Abstract

Our aim was to study the seroprevalence of human polyomaviruses (HPyV) linked to skin diseases. A total of 552 serum samples were analysed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect IgG antibodies against Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), HPyV6, HPyV7 and Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus [...] Read more.

Our aim was to study the seroprevalence of human polyomaviruses (HPyV) linked to skin diseases. A total of 552 serum samples were analysed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect IgG antibodies against Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), HPyV6, HPyV7 and Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV) using recombinant major capsid proteins of these viruses. The individuals (age 0.8–85 years, median 33) were sorted into seven age groups: <6, 6–10, 10–14, 14–21, 21–40, 40–60 and >60 years. The adulthood seroprevalence was 69.3%, 87.7%, 83.8% and 85% for MCPyV, HPyV6, HPyV7 and TSPyV, respectively. For all four polyomaviruses, there was increasing seropositivity with age until reaching the adulthood level. There was a significant increase in seroreactivity for those age groups in which the rate of already-infected individuals also showed significant differences. The adulthood seropositvity was relatively stable with ageing, except for TSPyV, for which elevated seropositivity was observed for the elderly (>60 years) age group. Since seroepidemiological data have been published with wide ranges for all the viruses studied, we performed a comprehensive analysis comparing the published age-specific seropositivities to our data. Although the cohorts, methods and even the antigens were variable among the studies, there were similar results for all studied polyomaviruses. For MCPyV, geographically distinct genotypes might exist, which might also result in the differences in the seroprevalence data. Additional studies with comparable study groups and methods are required to clarify whether there are geographical differences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Hungary 2022)

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17 pages, 1782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Different Mutation Tolerance of Lentiviral (HIV-1) and Deltaretroviral (BLV and HTLV) Protease Precursors

by János András Mótyán, Norbert Kassay, Krisztina Matúz and József Tőzsér

Viruses 2022, 14(9), 1888; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14091888 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

The bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and the human T-lymphothropic viruses (HTLVs) are members of the deltaretrovirus genus of Retroviridae family. An essential event of the retroviral life cycle is the processing of the polyproteins by the viral protease (PR); consequently, these enzymes became [...] Read more.

The bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and the human T-lymphothropic viruses (HTLVs) are members of the deltaretrovirus genus of Retroviridae family. An essential event of the retroviral life cycle is the processing of the polyproteins by the viral protease (PR); consequently, these enzymes became important therapeutic targets of the anti-retroviral drugs. As compared to human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs), the deltaretroviruses have a different replication strategy, as they replicate predominantly in the DNA form, by forcing the infected cell to divide, unlike HIV-1, which replicates mainly by producing a vast number of progeny virions and by reinfection. Due to bypassing the error-prone reverse transcription step of replication, the PRs of deltaretroviruses did not undergo such extensive evolution as HIV PRs and remained more highly conserved. In this work, we studied the abilities of wild-type and modified BLV, HTLV (type 1, 2 and 3), and HIV-1 PRs (fused to an N-terminal MBP tag) for self-processing. We designed a cleavage site mutant MBP-fused BLV PR precursor as well, this recombinant enzyme was unable for self-proteolysis, the MBP fusion tag decreased its catalytic efficiency but showed an unusually low K_i for the IB-268 protease inhibitor. Our results show that the HTLV and BLV deltaretrovirus PRs exhibit lower mutation tolerance as compared to HIV-1 PR, and are less likely to retain their activity upon point mutations at various positions, indicating a higher flexibility of HIV-1 PR in tolerating mutations under selective pressure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Hungary 2022)

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15 pages, 3532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glycoprotein Production by Bursal Secretory Dendritic Cells in Normal, Vaccinated, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV)-Infected Chickens

by Balázs Felföldi, Zsófia Benyeda, Tamás Kovács, Nándor Nagy, Attila Magyar and Imre Oláh

Viruses 2022, 14(8), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14081689 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1891

Abstract

The aim of this study is to follow the gp production in IBDV-vaccinated and challenged birds. The progress of IBDV infection was monitored using anti-VP2 immunocytochemistry, light and transmission electron microscopy. In the medulla of the bursal follicle, the Movat pentachrome staining discovered [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to follow the gp production in IBDV-vaccinated and challenged birds. The progress of IBDV infection was monitored using anti-VP2 immunocytochemistry, light and transmission electron microscopy. In the medulla of the bursal follicle, the Movat pentachrome staining discovered an extracellular glycoprotein (gp) produced by bursal secretory dendritic cells (BSDCs). The secretory granules of BSDCs either discharge resulting in extracellular gp or fuse together forming intracellular corpuscles. The double fate of granules suggests a dual function of BSDCs: (a.) For the discharged granules, gp contributes to the medullary microenvironment (ME). (b.) The intracellular corpuscles may be the sign of BSDC transformation to a macrophage-like cell (Mal). Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection accelerates the BSDC transformation to Mal. The decreased number of BSDCs is feedback for the precursor cells of BSDCs lodging in the cortico-medullary epithelial arches (CMEA), where they proliferate. Opening the CMEA, the precursor cells enter the medulla, and differentiate to immature BSDCs. The virus uptake in the corpuscles prevents the granular discharge resulting in the absence of gp and alteration in ME. In vaccine-take birds, the mitotic rate of BSDC precursor cells cannot restore the precursor pool; therefore, in the case of IBDV challenge, the number of newly formed BSDCs is too low for outbreak of clinical disease. The BSDCs, as a primary target of IBDV, may contribute to the long-lasting immunosuppressive status of IBDV-infected chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Hungary 2022)

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9 pages, 1685 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Retrospective Detection and Complete Genomic Sequencing of Canine morbillivirus in Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) Using Nanopore Technology

by Zsófia Lanszki, József Lanszki, Gábor Endre Tóth, Safia Zeghbib, Ferenc Jakab and Gábor Kemenesi

Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14071433 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2615

Abstract

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a piscivorous apex predator in aquatic habitats, and a flagship species of conservation biology throughout Europe. Despite the wide distribution and ecological relevance of the species, there is a considerable lack of knowledge regarding its [...] Read more.

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a piscivorous apex predator in aquatic habitats, and a flagship species of conservation biology throughout Europe. Despite the wide distribution and ecological relevance of the species, there is a considerable lack of knowledge regarding its virological and veterinary health context, especially in Central Europe. Canine morbillivirus (Canine distemper virus (CDV)) is a highly contagious viral agent of the family Paramyxoviridae with high epizootic potential and veterinary health impact. CDV is present worldwide among a wide range of animals; wild carnivores are at particular risk. As part of a retrospective study, lung-tissue samples (n = 339) from Eurasian otters were collected between 2000 and 2021 throughout Hungary. The samples were screened for CDV using a real-time RT-PCR method. Two specimens proved positive for CDV RNA. In one sample, the complete viral genome was sequenced using a novel, pan-genotype CDV-specific amplicon-based sequencing method with Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology. Both viral sequences were grouped to a European lineage based on the hemagglutinin-gene phylogenetic classification. In this article, we present the feasibility of road-killed animal samples for understanding the long-term dynamics of CDV among wildlife and provide novel virological sequence data to better understand CDV circulation and evolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Hungary 2022)

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25 pages, 6977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Depth Temporal Transcriptome Profiling of an Alphaherpesvirus Using Nanopore Sequencing

by Dóra Tombácz, Balázs Kakuk, Gábor Torma, Zsolt Csabai, Gábor Gulyás, Vivien Tamás, Zoltán Zádori, Victoria A. Jefferson, Florencia Meyer and Zsolt Boldogkői

Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14061289 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2739

Abstract

In this work, a long-read sequencing (LRS) technique based on the Oxford Nanopore Technology MinION platform was used for quantifying and kinetic characterization of the poly(A) fraction of bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) lytic transcriptome across a 12-h infection period. Amplification-based LRS techniques [...] Read more.

In this work, a long-read sequencing (LRS) technique based on the Oxford Nanopore Technology MinION platform was used for quantifying and kinetic characterization of the poly(A) fraction of bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) lytic transcriptome across a 12-h infection period. Amplification-based LRS techniques frequently generate artefactual transcription reads and are biased towards the production of shorter amplicons. To avoid these undesired effects, we applied direct cDNA sequencing, an amplification-free technique. Here, we show that a single promoter can produce multiple transcription start sites whose distribution patterns differ among the viral genes but are similar in the same gene at different timepoints. Our investigations revealed that the circ gene is expressed with immediate–early (IE) kinetics by utilizing a special mechanism based on the use of the promoter of another IE gene (bicp4) for the transcriptional control. Furthermore, we detected an overlap between the initiation of DNA replication and the transcription from the bicp22 gene, which suggests an interaction between the two molecular machineries. This study developed a generally applicable LRS-based method for the time-course characterization of transcriptomes of any organism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Hungary 2022)

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