Article
Immunology
Marloes A. M. van Dijk, Marc Y. Engelsma, Vanessa X. N. Visser, Ingrid Keur, Marjolijn E. Holtslag, Nicole Willems, Bjorn P. Meij, Peter T. J. Willemsen, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Hendrik I. J. Roest, Els M. Broens
Summary: The study identified 10 out of 16 suspected cases as seropositive dogs imported from Eastern Europe. Isolates of B. canis showed clustering by litter and country, indicating that importing infected dogs could pose a threat to non-endemic regions.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan Li, Shengjie Lai, George F. Gao, Weifeng Shi
Summary: Since the emergence of COVID-19 in Wuhan in 2019, the world has faced a devastating pandemic with millions of cases and fatalities. This article provides insights into the spread and genetic variations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emphasizes the importance of genomic surveillance, and highlights the international transmission of major variants identified late in 2020.
Article
Microbiology
Ute Ziegler, Felicitas Bergmann, Dominik Fischer, Kerstin Mueller, Cora M. Holicki, Balal Sadeghi, Michael Sieg, Markus Keller, Rebekka Schwehn, Maximilian Reuschel, Luisa Fischer, Oliver Krone, Monika Rinder, Karolin Schuette, Volker Schmidt, Martin Eiden, Christine Fast, Anne Gunther, Anja Globig, Franz J. Conraths, Christoph Staubach, Florian Brandes, Michael Lierz, Ruediger Korbel, Thomas W. Vahlenkamp, Martin H. Groschup
Summary: This report summarizes the monitoring results of birds in different regions of Germany, identifying the circulation of USUV and WNV, as well as analyzing the seroprevalence of the viruses in different regions. The findings suggest that wild bird monitoring can serve as an early warning system for predicting human exposure risk.
Article
Immunology
Corneliu P. Popescu, Ani Cotar, Sorin Dinu, Mihaela Zaharia, Gratiela Tardei, Emanoil Ceausu, Daniela Badescu, Simona Ruta, Cornelia S. Ceianu, Simin A. Florescu
Summary: We report on severe neuroinvasive infections caused by Toscana virus, identified through real-time reverse transcription PCR testing, in 8 hospitalized patients in Bucharest, Romania during the summers of 2017 and 2018. Among the 8 patients, 5 died, with sequencing revealing that the circulating virus belonged to lineage A.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Paola Scaramozzino, Andrea Carvelli, Gianpaolo Bruni, Giuseppina Cappiello, Francesco Censi, Adele Magliano, Giuseppe Manna, Ida Ricci, Pasquale Rombola, Federico Romiti, Francesca Rosone, Marcello Giovanni Sala, Maria Teresa Scicluna, Stefania Vaglio, Claudio De Liberato
Summary: The study investigated the transmission of West Nile virus and Usutu virus in Italy, finding that surveillance components detected the viruses in multiple aspects in four municipalities, including horses, Culex pipiens, and blood-based products.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Hana Zelena, Jana Kleinerova, Silvie Sikutova, Petra Strakova, Hana Kocourkova, Roman Stebel, Petr Husa, Petr Husa, Eva Tesarova, Hana Lejdarova, Oldrich Sebesta, Peter Juras, Renata Ciupek, Jakub Mrazek, Ivo Rudolf
Summary: The study presented epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of five Czech patients diagnosed with autochthonous mosquito-borne diseases, including four with confirmed West Nile virus (WNV) infections and one with Usutu virus (USUV) infection, from July to October 2018. It documented the first human outbreak caused by WNV lineage 2 in the Czech Republic, as well as the first neuroinvasive human disease caused by USUV, indicating the simultaneous circulation of WNV and USUV in the country.
Article
Virology
B. Zecchin, A. Fusaro, A. Milani, A. Schivo, S. Ravagnan, S. Ormelli, C. Mavian, A. Michelutti, F. Toniolo, L. Barzon, I Monne, G. Capelli
Summary: This study sequenced 138 new USUV full genomes from mosquito pools and wild birds in North-eastern Italy, identifying four different lineages circulating in Italy. By investigating spatial spread in Europe, it was found that Italy mainly acted as a donor of USUV to neighbouring countries.
Article
Virology
B. Zecchin, A. Fusaro, A. Milani, A. Schivo, S. Ravagnan, S. Ormelli, C. Mavian, A. Michelutti, F. Toniolo, L. Barzon, I Monne, G. Capelli
Summary: The study sequenced and analyzed 138 new USUV full genomes from North-eastern Italy, revealing four different lineages circulating in the country. Italy was found to mainly act as a donor of USUV to neighboring countries, with two geographical clusters mainly circulating in Northern and North-western Italy. The research provides important insights into the spatial and evolutionary dynamics of USUTU virus, aiding in the improvement of surveillance plans and control strategies for this increasingly concerning virus for human health.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ellen Mighell, Michael P. Ward
Summary: By conducting spatio-temporal analysis on the early spread of African Swine Fever Virus in Asia, the study identified the primary pathways and trends of transmission, as well as epidemiological differences and risk factors among different countries.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Nazish Badar, Aamer Ikram, Muhammad Salman, Muhammad Masroor Alam, Massab Umair, Yasir Arshad, Nighat Mushtaq, Hamza Ahmad Mirza, Abdul Ahad, Muhammad Talha Yasin, Javaria Qazi
Summary: This study evaluated the genetic diversity and evolutionary changes in CHIKV in Pakistan from 2016 to 2018, finding that the Pakistan CHIKV strains clustered with the Indian Ocean sublineage of East/Central/South African with cocirculation of some variants.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chiara de Bellegarde de Saint Lary, Louella M. R. Kasbergen, Patricia C. J. L. Bruijning-Verhagen, Henk van der Jeugd, Felicity Chandler, Boris M. Hogema, Hans L. Zaaijer, Fiona R. M. van der Klis, Luisa Barzon, Erwin de Bruin, Quirine ten Bosch, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Reina S. Sikkema, Leo G. Visser
Summary: In 2020, the first cases of Dutch West Nile virus (WNV) infected birds were detected through targeted surveillance. Retrospective testing revealed human WNV infections, indicating the potential risks for bird ringers due to their exposure to mosquito bites and avian excrements. This study found that bird ringers have a higher risk of exposure to WNV and USUV compared to the general population.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jun Zhao, Lei Xu, Zhiwen Xu, Huidan Deng, Fengqing Li, Xiangang Sun, Yuancheng Zhou, Ling Zhu
Summary: In this study, a retrospective survey of NADC34-like PRRSV in Southwest China from 2016 to 2020 was conducted. Five NADC34-like PRRSV strains were detected and their whole genomes were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these strains belonged to sub-lineage 1.5 of PRRV-2 and shared similarities with the US isolate IA/2014/NADC34. Recombination analysis also identified a recombinant strain in China. The emergence of NADC34-like PRRSV strains in Southwest China poses a potential threat to PRRS prevention and control in pigs. This study enhances our understanding of the epidemic status and genetic variation of NADC34-like PRRSV strains in China.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Bojan Papic, Majda Golob, Irena Zdovc, Darja Kusar, Jana Avbersek
Summary: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common cause of skin infections in dogs, cats, and humans, with the frequency of MRSP strains increasing worldwide. A study in Slovenia found multiple MRSP transmission routes and highlighted the importance of MRSP-positive dogs in veterinary care-associated infections.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zhiwei Zheng, Yating Xu, Lianwei Ye, Edward Wai Chi Chan, Sheng Chen
Summary: This study investigated the genetic characteristics of NDM-1-producing Vibrio spp. isolates and the dissemination mechanisms of bla(NDM-1) in Vibrio. The emergence of novel plasmids has contributed to the variable genetic contexts of bla(NDM-1) in Vibrio spp., and IncC plasmids carrying the bla(NDM-1) gene could facilitate the spread of such genes between Vibrio spp. and other zoonotic pathogens.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Johanna J. Young, Joana M. Haussig, Stephan W. Aberle, Danai Pervanidou, Flavia Riccardo, Nebojsa Sekulic, Tamas Bakonyi, Celine M. Gossner
Summary: This study analyzed human West Nile virus (WNV) infections reported in Europe between 2010 and 2018. It found that the outbreak in 2018 was larger than in previous years, with cases reported unusually early, indicating wider spread of WNV. Early real-time surveillance of WNV infections is important for early warning and preparedness planning by public health authorities.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
David F. Nieuwenhuijse, Anne van der Linden, Robert H. G. Kohl, Reina S. Sikkema, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Bas B. Oude Munnink
Summary: This study explores the importance of genetic sequencing during outbreaks for public health decision making and compares different whole genome sequencing methods on the Nanopore and Illumina platforms. The findings suggest that the choice of sequencing approach and platform depends on the purpose of genome sequencing.
Article
Immunology
Roos S. G. Sablerolles, Wim J. R. Rietdijk, Abraham Goorhuis, Douwe F. Postma, Leo G. Visser, Katharina S. Schmitz, Daryl Geers, Susanne Bogers, Eva van Haren, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Virgil A. S. H. Dalm, Neeltje A. Kootstra, Anke L. W. Huckriede, Renate Akkerman, Martin Beukema, Melvin Lafeber, Debbie van Baarle, Rory D. de Vries, P. Hugo M. van der Kuy, Corine H. GeurtsvanKessel
Summary: This study found that SARS-CoV-2-specific binding antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, and T cells remained detectable 5 months after boosting with Ad26.COV2.S vaccine, although there was a decline in antibody levels and limited cross-reactivity with Omicron BA.1.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Stijn P. Andeweg, Harry Vennema, Irene Veldhuijzen, Naomi Smorenburg, Dennis Schmitz, Florian Zwagemaker, Arianne B. van Gageldonk-Lafeber, Susan J. M. Hahne, Chantal Reusken, Mirjam J. Knol, Dirk Eggink
Summary: A study in the Netherlands found an increased risk of infection by the Beta, Gamma, or Delta variants compared with the Alpha variant after vaccination. However, this effect was more pronounced in the first 14 to 59 days after complete vaccination. In contrast, there was no increased risk for reinfection with Beta, Gamma, or Delta variants relative to the Alpha variant in individuals with infection-induced immunity.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca M. Zaeck, Mart M. Lamers, Babs E. Verstrepen, Theo M. Bestebroer, Martin E. van Royen, Hannelore Gotz, Marc C. Shamier, Leanne P. M. van Leeuwen, Katharina S. Schmitz, Kimberley Alblas, Suzanne van Efferen, Susanne Bogers, Sandra Scherbeijn, Guus F. Rimmelzwaan, Eric C. M. van Gorp, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Bart L. Haagmans, Corine H. GeurtsvanKessel, Rory D. de Vries
Summary: In July 2022, the monkeypox outbreak was declared an international public health emergency. Historic smallpox vaccination and monkeypox virus infection can generate MPXV-neutralizing antibodies, but vaccination with MVA-BN results in lower levels of these antibodies. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of the MVA-BN vaccine in at-risk populations.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
K. J. Linde, I. M. Wouters, J. A. J. W. Kluytmans, M. F. Q. Kluytmans-van den Bergh, S. D. Pas, C. H. GeurtsvanKessel, M. P. G. Koopmans, M. Meier, P. Meijer, C. R. Raben, J. Spithoven, M. H. G. Tersteeg-Zijderveld, D. J. J. Heederik, W. Dohmen
Summary: This study assessed the levels of SARS-CoV-2 in the air and on surfaces in the immediate vicinity of infected patients. The results provide evidence of environmental contamination and confirm the potential for transmission of the virus through the air.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lotte Jonker, Kimberly J. Linde, Marieke L. A. de Hoog, Robin Sprado, Robin C. Huisman, Richard Molenkamp, Bas B. Oude Munnink, Wietske Dohmen, Dick J. J. Heederik, Dirk Eggink, Matthijs R. A. Welkers, Harry Vennema, Pieter L. A. Fraaij, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Inge M. Wouters, Patricia C. J. L. Bruijning-Verhagen
Summary: The study confirmed the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within schools and substantial asymptomatic circulation, as well as multiple introductions in some cases. However, the absence of air or surface contamination during school outbreaks suggests that environmental contamination is not widespread.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Noreen Mumtaz, Amel Dudakovic, Asha Nair, Marijke Koedam, Johannes P. T. M. van Leeuwen, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Barry Rockx, Andre J. J. van Wijnen, Bram C. J. van der Eerden
Summary: Arboviruses like Zika virus affect bone development by targeting osteoblasts and altering bone remodeling. In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of Zika virus infection on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) at different stages of osteogenesis. They found that late-stage infected MSCs showed elevated osteogenic markers, calcium content, and altered gene expression compared to early-stage infected MSCs.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Reina S. S. Sikkema, Erwin de Bruin, Christian Ramakers, Robbert Bentvelsen, Wentao Li, Berend-Jan Bosch, Brenda Westerhuis, Bart Haagmans, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Pieter L. A. Fraaij
Summary: The prevention and control measures for SARS-CoV-2 have not only affected its circulation, but also the timing and prevalence of other seasonal respiratory viruses, especially in children. Limited information is available on the exposure and infections of seasonal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in children during the first year of the pandemic.
Article
Virology
Michele M. Molendijk, My V. T. Phan, Lonneke G. M. Bode, Nikolas Strepis, Divyae K. Prasad, Nathalie Worp, David F. Nieuwenhuijse, Claudia M. E. Schapendonk, Bouke K. H. L. Boekema, Annelies Verbon, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Miranda de Graaf, Willem J. B. van Wamel
Summary: Infections caused by antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus pose a significant challenge to treatment, and phages could potentially serve as an alternative to antibiotics. However, the lack of correlation between conventional in vitro and in vivo phage susceptibility assays hinders the use of phage therapy. This study assessed the susceptibility of twelve S. aureus strains to phages using four assays, and found that microcalorimetry in human serum better mimicked in vivo conditions and could be used to predict the in vivo susceptibility of S. aureus to phages.
Article
Virology
Vera C. C. Mols, Mart M. M. Lamers, Lonneke ME. Leijten, Tim I. I. Breugem, Marco WG. van de Bildt, Petra B. B. van den Doel, Peter HC. Lina, Marion PG. Koopmans, Bart L. L. Haagmans, Thijs Kuiken, Lineke Begeman
Summary: Most mammal species carry coronaviruses, with some having the ability to infect multiple hosts. A study found that a bat coronavirus in Europe has a preference for the intestines, suggesting that fecal-oral transmission is a possible route.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Bas Oude B. Munnink, Marion Koopmans
Summary: Outbreak.info enables real-time monitoring and tracing of variants, as well as associated publications and resources, during the 'infodemic' of SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ray W. Izquierdo-Lara, Leo Heijnen, Bas B. Oude Munnink, Claudia M. E. Schapendonk, Goffe Elsinga, Jeroen Langeveld, Johan Post, Divyae K. Prasad, Christian Carrizosa, Frederic Been, Janko van Beek, Remy Schilperoort, Rianne Vriend, Ewout Fanoy, Evelien I. T. de Schepper, Reina S. Sikkema, Richard Molenkamp, Frank M. Aarestrup, Gertjan Medema, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Miranda de Graaf
Summary: Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has the potential to provide valuable information about viral dynamics and diversity within a population. In this study, sewage samples from different areas in Rotterdam were sequenced, and specific signature mutations were used to estimate the relative abundances of SARS-CoV-2 lineages. The results were compared with clinical genomic surveillance data to track the emergence, dominance, and replacement of specific variants of concern (VOCs). The study also demonstrated the ability to detect spatio-temporal clusters and identify mutations not captured by clinical surveillance.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jeroen Langeveld, Remy Schilperoort, Leo Heijnen, Goffe Elsinga, Claudia E. M. Schapendonk, Ewout Fanoy, Evelien I. T. de Schepper, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Miranda de Graaf, Gertjan Medema
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater has become an important tool for public health surveillance. Different normalisation methods, including electrical conductivity and crAssphage, have been studied and compared to the standard approach of using flow measurements. The results show that crAssphage can be used as a quantitative biomarker for larger populations, while electrical conductivity is useful for determining dilution rates. Overall, flow normalisation is necessary for accurately determining short-term trends in virus circulation and can be improved with additional measurements.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Katarzyna Domanska-Blicharz, Anna Orlowska, Marcin Smreczak, Bas Oude Munnink, Pawel Trebas, Wojciech Socha, Krzysztof Niemczuk, Magdalena Kawiak-Sadurska, Justyna Opolska, Anna Lisowska, Aleksandra Giza, Arkadiusz Bomba, Ewelina Iwan, Marion Koopmans, Jerzy Rola
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected in mink on 11 farms in 8 out of 16 Polish administrative regions. Sequencing revealed that the viruses belonged to four different variants of concern (VOC) and seven different Pango lineages. Serological testing showed a high rate of seroprevalence on the single mink farm studied, indicating the potential threat of mink as virus reservoirs.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
