Review
Microbiology
S. Saif Hasan, Debajit Dey, Suruchi Singh, Matthew Martin
Summary: Alphaviruses, including EEEV, cause encephalitis and arthritis in humans. Recent advances in the structural biology of EEEV, mainly based on cryoEM structures, provide insights into the interactions with host proteins, which may lead to therapeutic developments.
Article
Microbiology
Jean-Paul Carrera, Dimelza Arauz, Alejandra Rojas, Fatima Cardozo, Victoria Stittleburg, Ingra Morales Claro, Josefrancisco Galue, Carlos Lezcano-Coba, Filipe Romero Rebello Moreira, Luis Felipe-Rivera, Maria Chen-German, Brechla Moreno, Zeuz Capitan-Barrios, Sandra Lopez-Verges, Juan Miguel Pascale, Ester C. Sabino, Anayansi Valderrama, Kathryn A. Hanley, Christl A. Donnelly, Nikos Vasilakis, Nuno R. Faria, Jesse J. Waggoner
Summary: Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays were designed and clinically assessed for detecting Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Madariaga virus (MADV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus complex (VEEV). The assays successfully detected the presence of VEEV complex RNA in outbreak samples, suspected dengue cases, and mosquito pools, demonstrating the potential application of this method in encephalitic alphavirus surveillance programs.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Benjamin C. Pierson, Anthony P. Cardile, Arthur C. Okwesili, Isaac L. Downs, Ronald B. Reisler, Ellen F. Boudreau, Mark G. Kortepeter, Craig D. Koca, Manmohan Ranadive, Patricia L. Petitt, Niranjan Kanesa-thasan, Robert G. Rivard, Dani L. Liggett, Jeannine M. Haller, Sarah L. Norris, Bret K. Purcell, Phillip R. Pittman, David L. Saunders, Maryam Keshtkar Jahromi
Summary: The study showed that an inactivated EEEV vaccine is safe and immunogenic in at-risk laboratory personnel. Prolonging the primary vaccination series with a dose at month 6 significantly improved vaccine immunogenicity.
Review
Immunology
Juliana Gonzalez-Obando, Jorge Eduardo Forero, Angelica M. Zuluaga-Cabrera, Julian Ruiz-Saenz
Summary: Equine influenza is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects horses and also has the potential to be transmitted to dogs. This article provides an overview of the molecular, pathophysiological, and epidemiological characteristics of equine influenza in the Americas, as well as the necessary prevention and control measures.
Article
Virology
Stefanie Ganzenberg, Michael Sieg, Ute Ziegler, Martin Pfeffer, Thomas W. Vahlenkamp, Uwe Hoeruegel, Martin H. Groschup, Katharina L. Lohmann
Summary: This study determined the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses in nine counties in Eastern Germany and estimated the risk factors for seropositivity. The results showed that the seroprevalence of WNV infection was significantly higher in counties with previously registered equine WNV infections. Breed type (pony), housing in counties with previously registered infections, housing type (24 h turn-out), and presence of outdoor shelter were identified as the main significant risk factors for seropositivity.
Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Jair Carneiro Leao, Teresa Paula de Lima Gusmao, Adriana Machado Zarzar, Jair Carneiro Leao Filho, Andreza Barkokebas Santos de Faria, Igor Henrique Morais Silva, Luiz Alcino Monteiro Gueiros, Narendran Andrew Robinson, Stephen Porter, Alessandra de Albuquerque Tavares Carvalho
Summary: The Coronaviridae family encompasses a wide range of viruses with varying levels of severity, from causing severe illnesses like SARS and MERS to mild infections. Understanding the history, virology, and host relationships of coronaviruses can provide insights for preventing future outbreaks.
Article
Virology
D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana, Christian David Bonilla Carvajal, Emilly Moreno-Ramos, Joshuan J. J. Barboza, Alfonso J. J. Rodriguez-Morales
Summary: This study used geographic information systems and maps to describe the temporal-spatial distribution of EEEV and VEEV viruses in Colombia between 2008 and 2019. The results showed that EEE cases were concentrated in municipalities of the Casanare department, such as Yopal, Aguazul, and Tauramena. This study is important for the prevention and control of the spread of these viruses.
Article
Virology
Crystal W. Burke, Rebecca A. Erwin-Cohen, Aimee Goodson, Catherine Wilhelmsen, Jennifer A. Edmundson, Charles E. White, Pamela J. Glass
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of route of administration on the immunogenicity and efficacy of the WEVEE vaccine in cynomolgus macaques. The vaccine was found to be immunogenic and provided neutralizing antibody responses against VEEV, EEEV and WEEV. The vaccinated animals showed significant protection against a WEEV challenge compared to the control group.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
T. Jake Liang
Summary: New strategies utilizing nucleic acid technologies are being explored for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, with a pilot clinical study of antisense oligonucleotide treatment demonstrating the potential promise of this approach.
Article
Immunology
Adam T. Ladzinski, Aisha Tai, Matthew T. Rumschlag, Christopher S. Smith, Aditya Mehta, Pimpawan Boapimp, Eric J. Edewaard, Richard W. Douce, Larry F. Morgan, Michael S. Wang, Amanda O. Fisher-Hubbard, Matthew J. Cummings, Brett W. Jagger
Summary: Eastern equine encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes severe neurological disease in animals and humans. The mortality rate of encephalitic disease caused by this virus is over 30%. In 2019, there was a significant increase in the number of cases in the United States, including 10 in Michigan. Limited diagnostic methods and lack of effective treatments pose significant challenges in managing this condition.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Caitlin W. Lehman, Kylene Kehn-Hall, Megha Aggarwal, Nicole R. Bracci, Han-Chi Pan, Lauren Panny, Robert A. Lamb, Shih-Chao Lin
Summary: Resveratrol has been shown to inhibit Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) replication, increase cell viability, reduce virion production, and interfere with viral attachment and entry. Additionally, its antiviral activity may be associated with the suppression of apoptotic signaling adaptors and decreased phosphorylation of the AKT/GSK-3 pathway during VEEV infection.
Article
Virology
Mahgol Behnia, Alan Baer, Andrew M. Skidmore, Caitlin W. Lehman, Nicole Bracci, Kylene Kehn-Hall, Steven B. Bradfute
Summary: In this study, the researchers tested the inactivation of viral genomic RNA using RNA fragmentation and cDNA synthesis methods. They successfully inactivated VEEV genomic RNA and also found that cDNA synthesis method can inactivate EEEV and WEEV genomic RNA. Moreover, they discovered that the viral genome cannot cause infection without being transfected into cells.
Article
Entomology
John-Paul Mutebi, Abigail A. Mathewson, Susan P. Elias, Sara Robinson, Alan C. Graham, Patti Casey, Charles B. Lubelczyk
Summary: The study showed that serosurveys of cervids (deer and moose) can be used to characterize the geographic extent of EEEV activity, especially in areas with low EEEV activity or with little or no EEEV surveillance. Cervid EEEV serosurveys can be a useful tool for mapping EEEV activity in areas of North America in addition to northern New England.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Aaron Shoskes, Catherine Hassett, Dhimant Dani, Aneela Majeed
Summary: Diagnosing altered mental status in immunosuppressed patients can be challenging. This case demonstrates the difficulties in diagnosing and treating a patient with encephalopathy, highlighting the importance of metagenomic PCR sequencing in identifying the causative agent.
Article
Entomology
Philip M. Armstrong, Theodore G. Andreadis
Summary: This review examines the major drivers of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) outbreaks in the northeastern United States, with Culiseta melanura identified as the main enzootic vector. The sustained resurgence of EEEV outbreaks may be linked to regional landscape and climate changes.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
