Article
Microbiology
Xiafei Liu, Mengxuan Wang, Shan Li, Jingxin Li, Jinbo Xiao, Huiying Li, Qing Zhang, Xiangyu Kong, Hong Wang, Dandi Li, Zhaojun Duan
Summary: This study evaluated the genetic composition of the predominant G9P[8] rotavirus A (RVA) genotype in China since 2012. By sequencing and characterizing strains from different years and subtypes, the study identified mutations and estimated the evolution rates and time of the most recent common ancestors using Bayesian evolutionary dynamics analysis.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph J. Malakalinga, Gerald Misinzo, George M. Msalya, Mariana J. Shayo, Rudovick R. Kazwala
Summary: This study assessed the genetic diversity and genomic profiles of rotaviruses in Tanzanian piglets, revealing multiple circulating genotypes and the possibility of intra-genogroup reassortment and interspecies transmission. The findings highlight the importance of genomic analysis and continuous monitoring of rotavirus genotypes.
Article
Immunology
Tongyao Mao, Mengxuan Wang, Jindong Wang, Yalin Ma, Xiafei Liu, Mingwen Wang, Xiaoman Sun, Lili Li, Huiying Li, Qing Zhang, Dandi Li, Zhaojun Duan
Summary: Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are a common cause of severe acute diarrhea in children under 5 years old worldwide. This study investigated the genetic and antigenic variations of RVAs circulating in China and their potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. The findings showed multiple amino acid variations in the antigenic sites of the circulating strains, which could lead to selection of strains that evade vaccine-induced immunity. Additionally, the study identified transmission of porcine strains to humans in China. These findings highlight the importance of genetic surveillance and antigenic evaluation in developing and implementing rotavirus vaccines in China.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kimiko Kawata, Sheikh Ariful Hoque, Shuichi Nishimura, Fumihiro Yagyu, Mohammad Tajul Islam, Laila Shamima Sharmin, Ngan Thi Kim Pham, Yuko Onda-Shimizu, Trinh Duy Quang, Sayaka Takanashi, Shoko Okitsu, Pattara Khamrin, Niwat Maneekarn, Satoshi Hayakawa, Hiroshi Ushijima
Summary: This study highlights the importance of monitoring vaccine effectiveness against the G9P[8]I2 strain, which can still cause outbreaks post-vaccination. The vaccines showed significant effectiveness of 69.7% against all RV strains and 71.8% against the G9P[8]I2 strain.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Shipra Gupta, Mariyam Gauhar, Parvesh Bubber, Pratima Ray
Summary: The study found genetic variability in G12 rotavirus strains in Himachal Pradesh, originating from three different ancestral strains. Amino acid substitutions were observed in antibody neutralization sites of VP7 and VP4 proteins in HP strains compared to vaccine strains. The research provides comprehensive data on the clinical characteristics and evolutionary patterns of G12 rotavirus strains, highlighting the importance of monitoring these strains for future vaccine inclusion.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Rui Peng, Dandi Li, Jindong Wang, Guangping Xiong, Mengxuan Wang, Dan Liu, Yuhang Wei, Lili Pang, Xiaoman Sun, Huiying Li, Xiangyu Kong, Saleha Shahar, Zhaojun Duan
Summary: This study aims to isolate a prevalent G9P[8] group A rotavirus (RVA) in China and investigate its genomic and evolutionary characteristics. The results show that the RVA G9P[8] genotype in China is a reassortant virus, originating from a combination of Japanese G9P[8] and DS-1-like G2P[4] rotaviruses. The antigenic variation of this virus may have an impact on the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines against the G9P[8]-E2 genotype.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Shicheng Luo, Xiuqiao Chen, Guangzhi Yan, Shengnan Chen, Jinghua Pan, Mengyi Zeng, Hui Han, Yajing Guo, Haoquan Zhang, Jiaming Li, Meilian Mo, Mingjie Liu, Liangzong Huang
Summary: GDJM1 is an important intestinal pathogen causing diarrhea in piglets and humans, and it is likely a genetic reassortment between porcine and human rotaviruses.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jianbao Dong, Guiqin Liu, Nannan Gao, Jiajia Suo, Jelle Matthijnssens, Shuguang Li, Dongfang Yuan, Yan Du, Jun Zhang, Nanako Yamashita, Takeshi Haga, Frank R. Cook, Wei Zhu
Summary: In 2019, an outbreak of severe enteritis occurred in 119 out of 206 neonatal donkey foals in two intensive farms in Shandong province, China. The outbreak was associated with a novel G3P[12] RVA strain, with VP4 gene closely related to strains in horses but VP7 gene more closely related to strains in bats, suggesting intergenogroup reassortment. The study provides valuable information on the molecular epidemiology of rotaviruses in different equid species.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Virology
Atefeh Kachooei, Ahmad Tava Koli, Sara Minaeian, Mahdieh Hosseini, Somayeh Jalilvand, Tayebeh Latifi, Arash Arashkia, Angila Ataei-Pirkooh, Zabihollah Shoja
Summary: This study monitored the genotypes of circulating RVA in Iran and investigated genetic linkages between specific RVA segments. The predominant strains were G9P[4] and G9P[8], but other combinations of RVA were also detected. Uncommon G9P[4] and G9P[8] reassortants with unique genotype patterns were found, which have not been reported previously in Iran. Further analysis of rare, uncommon, and emerging strains of RVA is needed to determine reassortments at all gene segments.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roman Valusenko-Mehrkens, Ashish K. Gadicherla, Reimar Johne, Alexander Falkenhagen
Summary: This study investigates the reassortment of RVA genome and the factors that limit the ability of generating viable reassortants. The researchers find that some reassortants are not viable, while others can be successfully generated. They also discover that restoring the natural protein interaction can improve the rescue of RVA reassortants, which has implications for the development of next generation RVA vaccines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Jiao, Taoli Han, Xiao Qi, Yan Gao, Jianhong Zhao, Yue Zhang, Beibei Li, Zheng Zhang, Jialiang Du, Lingli Sun
Summary: This study aimed to update the genetic diversity of Rotavirus (RV) infections in children under five years old in Beijing, China. A 5-year hospital-based surveillance was conducted, and RV antigen detection, RNA detection, genotyping, and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The study found a significant change in the distribution of RV genotypes, with G8P[8] becoming the predominant genotype for the first time in pediatric outpatients in China. The importance of RV genotyping in surveillance was emphasized for vaccine application and efficacy evaluation.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ran Tao, Xinjian Chang, Jinzhu Zhou, Xuejiao Zhu, Shanshan Yang, Kemang Li, Laqiang Gu, Xuehan Zhang, Bin Li
Summary: Multiple genotypes of porcine RVA are circulating in pig farms in East China, posing a serious threat to the breeding industry. Continuous surveillance of RVA prevalence in pigs is necessary to support the rational application of vaccines or other measures for prevention and control.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Abul Khair, Jayedul Hassan, Md Abu Hadi Noor Ali Khan, A. K. M. Anisur Rahman, Warda Hoque, Mustafizur Rahman, Nobumichi Kobayashi, Michael P. Ward, Md Mahbub Alam
Summary: This study aimed to identify risk factors for BRV infection and determine the G and P genotypes of BRV strains in diarrheic calves in Bangladesh. Through the analysis of 200 fecal samples from diarrheic calves, risk factors for BRV infection were found to include district, age, and breed of calves. The predominant genotype of BRV was identified as G6P[11].
Article
Virology
Ola Diebold, Victoria Gonzalez, Luca Venditti, Colin Sharp, Rosemary A. Blake, Wenfang S. Tan, Joanne Stevens, Sarah Caddy, Paul Digard, Alexander Borodavka, Eleanor Gaunt
Summary: We explored the use of rotaviruses (RVs) to express heterologous peptides, using SARS-CoV-2 as an example. Small SARS-CoV-2 peptide insertions (<34 amino acids) into the hypervariable region of the viral protein 4 (VP4) of RV SA11 strain resulted in reduced viral titer and replication, demonstrating a limited tolerance for peptide insertions at this site. To test the RV RF strain for its tolerance for peptide insertions, we constructed a reverse genetics system. NSP3 was C-terminally tagged with SARS-CoV-2 spike peptides of up to 193 amino acids in length. With a T2A-separated 193 amino acid tag on NSP3, there was no significant effect on the viral rescue efficiency, endpoint titer, and replication kinetics. Tagged NSP3 elicited cross-reactivity with SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies in ELISA. We highlight the potential for development of RV vaccine vectors targeting multiple enteric pathogens simultaneously.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Liya Hu, Wilhelm Salmen, Banumathi Sankaran, Yi Lasanajak, David F. Smith, Sue E. Crawford, Mary K. Estes, B. V. Venkataram Prasad
Summary: The VP8*B structure of group B rotavirus displays a novel fold for glycan recognition distinct from the galectin fold seen in group A and C rotaviruses. This study demonstrates how evolution can incorporate structurally distinct folds with similar functionality within the same virus genus.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Frank Buntinx, Peter Claes, Marjo Gulikers, Jan Verbakel, De Lepeleire Jan, Michael Van der Elst, Jan Van Elslande, Marc Van Ranst, Pieter Vernneersch
Summary: During an acute COVID-19 outbreak in a nursing home, utilizing IgM/IgG antibody testing in addition to RT-PCR can provide an additional 8% diagnosis, as RT-PCR alone may result in false negatives.
ACTA CLINICA BELGICA
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Giovanni Ianiro, Marina Monini, Maria Grazia Ammendolia, Luca De Sabato, Fabio Ostanello, Gabriele Vaccari, Ilaria Di Bartolo
Summary: This study successfully cultivated different subtypes of HEV-3 isolated from pig feces using a previously established protocol for HEV cultivation on human lung cells. Sequence analysis showed no insertion in the hypervariable region of the genomes and revealed a few mutations acquired during the growth on cells. The protocol allowed for quick production of a high amount of virus in serum-free medium and will be used for future experiments on virus infectivity.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Annabel Rector, Mandy Bloemen, Gilberte Schiettekatte, Piet Maes, Marc Van Ranst, Elke Wollants
Summary: This study evaluated the possibility of extracting viral nucleic acids for genetic analysis from archived rapid antigen detection tests (Ag-RDTs). The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids as well as other viruses can be successfully extracted and sequenced from Ag-RDTs. The buffer of the Ag-RDTs had a significant impact on the efficiency of viral RNA extraction and sequencing.
Letter
Immunology
Marc Van Ranst, York Zoellner, Joerg Schelling, Bram Palache
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Annabel Rector, Mandy Bloemen, Marijn Thijssen, Leen Delang, Joren Raymenants, Jonathan Thibaut, Bram Pussig, Lore Fondu, Bert Aertgeerts, Marc Van Ranst, Chris Van Geet, Jef Arnout, Elke Wollants
Summary: Wastewater surveillance is crucial in managing the global COVID-19 pandemic, serving as an early warning system for outbreaks and a tool to track the circulation of specific variants. This study used various wastewater collection points in Leuven to investigate the application of wastewater surveillance. Wastewater samples were collected and analyzed using RT-qPCR to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and specific mutations were detected to identify circulating variants. The study found that wastewater SARS-CoV-2 concentration preceded peaks in positive cases and detected the presence of different variants simultaneously during the transition period. Wastewater-based surveillance is a valuable tool for monitoring virus circulation and variants in larger populations.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Matteo Riva, Roxanne Wouters, David Nittner, Jolien Ceusters, Edmond Sterpin, Roberto Giovannoni, Uwe Himmelreich, Willy Gsell, Marc Van Ranst, An Coosemans
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the effects of optimizing radiotherapy schedules in combination with radioimmunotherapy on the tumor microenvironment of experimental high-grade gliomas. The results showed that radiation dosage and fractionation significantly influenced the survival, tumor immunity, and glioma stem cells in experimental high-grade gliomas. These findings should be considered when designing more synergistic and effective radioimmunotherapy combinations.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Sharonjit K. Dhillon, Cindy Simoens, Lize Cuypers, Jannes Bode, Jesper Bonde, Philippe Corbisier, Clementina E. Cocuzza, Marc Van Ranst, Marc Arbyn
Summary: The study protocol VALCOR was conducted to evaluate the performance of Aptima SARS-CoV-2 assay using clinical samples. The results showed that Aptima had excellent performance in sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreement, with the ability to detect clinical samples at a low limit of detection. This highlights the importance of evaluating diagnostic assays for reliable test outcomes.
Article
Microbiology
Marijn Thijssen, Frank Tacke, Lore Van Espen, David Cassiman, Mahmoud Naser Aldine, Frederik Nevens, Marc Van Ranst, Jelle Matthijnssens, Mahmoud Reza Pourkarim
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the longitudinal plasma virome dynamics in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients. The virome was primarily composed of members of the Anello-, Flavi-, and Hepadnaviridae (HBV) families. The study found no correlation between virome structure and dynamics with the different stages of chronic HBV infection or antiviral therapy. The analysis of viruses observed in multiple timepoints revealed the presence of a dynamic community.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Justin Carrico, Claire E. Mellott, Sandra E. Talbird, Andre Bento-Abreu, Barbara Merckx, Jessica Vandenhaute, Damia Benchabane, Nicolas Dauby, Olivier Ethgen, Philippe Lepage, Jeroen Luyten, Marc Raes, Steven Simoens, Marc Van Ranst, Amanda Eiden, Mawuli K. Nyaku, Goran Bencina
Summary: In this study, the public health impact and return on investment of Belgium's pediatric immunization program (PIP) were evaluated. The PIP was found to prevent infections and deaths, as well as save costs in both the healthcare sector and society. Continued investment in the PIP is recommended to sustain its positive impact.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Isabel Leroux-Roels, Marc Van Ranst, Corinne Vandermeulen, Carline Vanden Abeele, Nathalie De Schrevel, Bruno Salaun, Celine Verheust, Marie-Pierre David, Shady Kotb, Veronica Hulstrom
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and immune responses of a third dose of an investigational vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults aged 60-80 years. The results showed that the third dose of the vaccine was well tolerated and induced a good immune response in older adults.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Evert Cleenders, Priyanka Koshy, Elisabet Van Loon, Katrien Lagrou, Kurt Beuselinck, Graciela Andrei, Marta Crespo, Katrien De Vusser, Dirk Kuypers, Evelyne Lerut, Kris Mertens, Olga Mineeva-Sangwo, Parmjeet Randhawa, Aleksandar Senev, Robert Snoeck, Ben Sprangers, Claire Tinel, Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck, Jan van den Brand, Marc Van Ranst, Geert Verbeke, Maarten Coemans, Maarten Naesens
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the value of performing a biopsy at the time of BKPyV-DNAemia in distinguishing presumptive and proven PyVAN. The results showed that plasma viral load had good predictive value for SV40 positivity, while the dichotomy of SV40 immunohistochemistry did not predict viral clearance. Therefore, the distinction between presumptive and proven PyVAN based on SV40 immunohistochemistry has limited clinical value.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nikola Sklenovska, Mandy Bloemen, Valentijn Vergote, Anne-Sophie Logist, Bert Vanmechelen, Lies Laenen, Emmanuel Andre, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Elke Wollants, Marc Van Ranst, Piet Maes, Tony Wawina-Bokalanga
Summary: Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis with circulation in animals and humans in some African countries. Despite the long-known identification of monkeypox virus (MPXV) as a human pathogen, the availability of accurate diagnostic assays and comparative performance studies remains limited. In this study, we developed a real-time PCR test and evaluated its performance against a commercial detection assay. Our results demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the developed test for confirming MPXV infection.
Article
Virology
Marijn Thijssen, Gholamreza Khamisipour, Mohammad Maleki, Timothy Devos, Guangdi Li, Marc Van Ranst, Jelle Matthijnssens, Mahmoud Reza Pourkarim
Summary: Blood transfusion safety is crucial for public health. Studies have shown the presence of a virome in the blood of healthy individuals, which could be missed by current screening techniques. This study characterized the virome in Iranian multiple-transfused patients and healthy blood donors, revealing the presence of various viruses, with Anelloviridae and Flaviviridae being the most common families.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marina Monini, Ilaria Di Bartolo, Luca De Sabato, Giovanni Ianiro, Francesca Agostinelli, Fabio Ostanello
Summary: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging threat in Europe, primarily transmitted through food. Pigs become susceptible to HEV after losing maternal immunity. This study investigated the presence of HEV in Italian heavy pigs at slaughterhouses and assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies. The results showed widespread exposure of pigs to HEV at both individual and farm levels.
Article
Cell Biology
Lize Cuypers, Els Keyaerts, Samuel Leandro Hong, Sarah Gorissen, Soraya Maria Menezes, Marick Starick, Jan Van Elslande, Matthias Weemaes, Tony Wawina-Bokalanga, Joan Marti-Carreras, Bert Vanmechelen, Bram Van Holm, Mandy Bloemen, Jean-Michel Dogne, Francois Dufrasne, Keith Durkin, Jean Ruelle, Ricardo De Mendonca, Elke Wollants, Pieter Vermeersch, Caroline Boulouffe, Achille Djiena, Caroline Broucke, Boudewijn Catry, Katrien Lagrou, Marc Van Ranst, Johan Neyts, Guy Baele, Piet Maes, Emmanuel Andre, Simon Dellicour, Johan Van Weyenbergh
