Article
Immunology
Rene E. Condori, Adam Aragon, Mike Breckenridge, Kendra Pesko, Kerry Mower, Paul Ettestad, Sandra Melman, Andres Velasco-Villa, Lillian A. Orciari, Pamela Yager, Daniel G. Streicker, Crystal M. Gigante, Clint Morgan, Ryan Wallace, Yu Li
Summary: Two previously undescribed rabies virus variants were detected in gray foxes in New Mexico, possibly transmitted from an unknown bat reservoir. Despite a robust rabies public health surveillance system in the United States, previously unrecognized zoonotic pathogens continue to be identified through advances in testing and surveillance techniques.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Tania Cristina Alves da Silveira da Cunha, Fabio Silva da Silva, Sandro Patroca da Silva, Ana Cecilia Ribeiro Cruz, Francisco Amilton dos Santos Paiva, Livia Medeiros Neves Casseb, Ana de Nazare Silva do do Nascimento, Iza Alencar Sampaio de Oliveira, Marlon de Araujo Castelo Branco, Rodrigo Adolpho Brasil de Oliveira, Darlene de Brito Simith Durans, Thito Yan Bezerra da Paz, Taciana Fernandes Souza Barbosa Coelho
Summary: This study identified six antigenic variants in rabies surveillance in northern and northeastern Brazil through phylogenetic analysis. The discovery of the AgV6 variant in northern Brazil for the first time provides valuable information for rabies surveillance in the country. Further genomic surveillance studies are needed to understand the transmission dynamics and geographic distribution changes of each variant.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Philip P. Mshelbwala, J. Scott Weese, Nicholas J. Clark, Ishaya Tekki, Shovon Chakma, David Shamaki, Abdullah A. Mamun, Charles E. Rupprecht, Ricardo J. Soares Magalhaes
Summary: Canine rabies poses a significant risk in Nigeria, but there is a lack of reliable tools for evaluating existing control programs. This study found that most local governments in Nigeria have not been targeted for rabies surveillance or studies. Factors such as education level, poverty, population density, land use, and temperature were found to be associated with evidence of canine rabies.
Article
Virology
Natalie Viljoen, Jacqueline Weyer, Jessica Coertse, Wanda Markotter
Summary: We report the genetic characterization of two potentially novel rabies-related lyssaviruses identified from bats in Limpopo province, South Africa. The findings suggest that one of the viruses is likely a new lyssavirus species, while the other is closely related to a known lyssavirus.
Review
Immunology
Terence Peter Scott, Louis Hendrik Nel
Summary: Lyssaviruses, particularly rabies lyssavirus, are responsible for causing the fatal disease rabies which leads to around 59,000 human deaths annually. The virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, entering the nervous system and progressing to the central nervous system and brain. Despite gaps in knowledge, rabies is vaccine preventable and efforts have been made towards global elimination of dog-mediated human rabies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pasin Hemachudha, Thiravat Hemachudha
Summary: Several Lyssaviruses, including the dog variant, can cause rabies and rabies-like syndromes, and currently there are no proven effective treatments for symptomatic rabies patients. The risk of infection, especially from deep bites, is higher compared to scratches. Favipiravir can reduce rabies replication in neuronal cells, and the endocannabinoid system may serve as a novel neuroprotective agent against rabies virus-induced damage.
JOURNAL OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Amy J. Davis, Jordona D. Kirby, Richard B. Chipman, Kathleen M. Nelson, Amy T. Gilbert
Summary: The research re-evaluated point values of rabies specimens from 2016 to 2019 and found that most points accurately reflect the value of surveillance specimens. However, samples from animals found dead were found to be considerably more valuable for rabies detection than originally considered (original points = 5, new points = 20). This work demonstrates how specimen prioritization strategies can refine and improve Enhanced Rabies Surveillance (ERS) in support of managing wildlife rabies.
Review
Microbiology
Michael P. Ward, Victoria J. Brookes
Summary: The study demonstrates the integration of tools into a framework for Emerging Infectious Disease preparedness through a case study of rabies in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Research activities included scanning and surveillance, field studies, participatory and sociological studies, as well as risk assessment and disease modelling. Lessons learned include the importance of data collection in remote regions and continuous evaluation and updating of preparedness requirements in response to evolving drivers of EIDs.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kennedy Lushasi, Sarah Hayes, Elaine A. Ferguson, Joel Changalucha, Sarah Cleaveland, Nicodem J. Govella, Daniel T. Haydon, Maganga Sambo, Geofrey J. Mchau, Emmanuel A. Mpolya, Zacharia Mtema, Hezron E. Nonga, Rachel Steenson, Pierre Nouvellet, Christl A. Donnelly, Katie Hampson
Summary: Understanding the role of different species in the transmission of multi-host pathogens, such as rabies virus, is crucial for effective control strategies. In south-east Tanzania, despite a relatively high incidence of rabies in wildlife and evidence of wildlife-to-wildlife transmission, domestic dogs remain essential to the reservoir of infection. Continued dog vaccination alongside improved surveillance would allow for a better understanding of the role of wildlife in maintaining transmission in this area. Dog vaccination has clearly suppressed rabies in both domestic dog and wildlife populations, reducing public health and conservation risks, with the potential to eliminate rabies from the region if sustained.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Santiago Vega, Laura Lorenzo-Rebenaque, Clara Marin, Rosana Domingo, Fernando Farinas
Summary: Rabies is a highly dangerous pathogen that causes one death every 9 minutes worldwide, despite control efforts in Europe. This work reviews the main immunological implications, transmission risk factors, and current prevention measures in Europe, particularly in Spain. Effective measures against rabies are essential due to its lethal and persistent nature.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Rebecca Shipley, Edward Wright, Fabian Z. X. Lean, David Selden, Daniel L. Horton, Anthony R. Fooks, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: Rabies, a fatal disease caused by bat lyssavirus, results in approximately 59,000 human deaths annually. This study successfully generated a recombinant virus combining bat lyssavirus with rabies virus, and demonstrated the protective immunity conferred by a human rabies vaccine following challenge with this recombinant virus.
Article
Virology
Samuel P. Smith, Rebecca Shipley, Pascal Drake, Anthony R. Fooks, Julian Ma, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: The rabies virus is responsible for over 59,000 human deaths per year and is difficult to treat in endemic areas. To overcome this, researchers developed a live-attenuated recombinant rabies virus expressing a highly neutralizing antibody linked to a fluorescent marker. This approach shows promise for the development of a therapeutic live-attenuated virus-based treatment for rabies infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel J. Becker, Alice Broos, Laura M. Bergner, Diana K. Meza, Nancy B. Simmons, M. Brock Fenton, Sonia Altizer, Daniel G. Streicker
Summary: Vampire bat rabies spread is frequent in northern Belize with high seroprevalence rates, and there is a spatial lag in virus transmission between two locations. Genetic data shows historic panmixia in vampire bats, with rare contemporary dispersal between sites. This suggests a potential for rabies virus spread but limited synchronization in infection dynamics.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jessica Coertse, Natalie Viljoen, Jacqueline Weyer, Wanda Markotter
Summary: This study examined the ability of commercial rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) to neutralize different lyssaviruses. The majority of lyssaviruses showed reduced neutralization compared to rabies virus, especially those outside of phylogroup I. The current form of RIG may not protect against all lyssaviruses, suggesting the need for alternative passive immunization options.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Megan E. Griffiths, Diana K. Meza, Daniel T. Haydon, Daniel G. Streicker
Summary: Transmissible vaccines, which can eliminate pathogens from wildlife populations, are an emerging biotechnology. This study used epidemiological models to investigate the potential use of DrBHV as a vector for a transmissible rabies vaccine. The findings suggest that DrBHV could be a suitable viral vector for a lifelong, self-boosting, and transmissible vaccine.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
V Caliendo, N. S. Lewis, A. Pohlmann, S. R. Baillie, A. C. Banyard, M. Beer, I. H. Brown, R. A. M. Fouchier, R. D. E. Hansen, T. K. Lameris, A. S. Lang, S. Laurendeau, O. Lung, G. Robertson, H. van der Jeugd, T. N. Alkie, K. Thorup, M. L. van Toor, J. Waldenstrom, C. Yason, T. Kuiken, Y. Berhane
Summary: Recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in North America, closely related to the viruses in Europe, raises concerns about further spread across the Americas through wild bird migration.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emma Taylor, Elsa Gladys Aguilar-Ancori, Ashley C. Banyard, Isis Abel, Clara Mantini-Briggs, Charles L. Briggs, Carolina Carrillo, Cesar M. Gavidia, Ricardo Castillo-Neyra, Alejandro D. Parola, Fredy E. Villena, Joaquin M. Prada, Brett W. Petersen, Nestor Falcon Perez, Cesar Cabezas Sanchez, Moises Sihuincha, Daniel G. Streicker, Ciro Maguina Vargas, Ana Maria Navarro Vela, Marco A. N. Vigilato, Hui Wen Fan, Rodney Willoughby, Daniel L. Horton, Sergio E. Recuenco
Summary: The Amazonian Tropical Bites Research Initiative (ATBRI) has been established to unify the control methods for neglected zoonotic diseases related to animal bites across Latin America, and provide evidence for policy-making.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Craig S. Ross, David Sutton, Paul Skinner, Sahar Mahmood, Felicity Wynne, Brandon Londt, Chad M. Fuller, Jo Mayers, Alejandro Nunez, Daniel J. Hicks, Sharon M. Brookes, Ashley C. Banyard, Ian H. Brown
Summary: Newcastle disease (ND) is a significant disease of poultry caused by virulent forms of avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). Pigeon paramyxovirus 1 (PPMV-1) can also cause infections. A study investigated the pathogenesis and transmission of a specific APMV-1 strain in game birds and compared it to a contemporary PPMV-1 strain. The study suggested that game birds may play a role in the transmission and epidemiology of APMV-1 viruses.
Article
Microbiology
Craig S. Ross, Sahar Mahmood, Paul Skinner, Jo Mayers, Scott M. Reid, Rowena D. E. Hansen, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious disease caused by avian paramyxovirus-1. It is endemic in poultry in developing countries and can still cause outbreaks in developed countries, impacting both commercial and backyard flocks. Outbreaks of ND can have significant economic consequences and no antiviral treatments are available currently.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Florent Kempf, Guido Cordoni, Anne-Marie Chausse, Rosanna Drumo, Helen Brown, Daniel L. Horton, Frederic Paboeuf, Martine Denis, Philippe Velge, Roberto La Ragione, Annaelle Kerouanton
Summary: By analyzing immune-associated markers and gut microbiota composition in pigs infected with Salmonella, we found that identifying high shedder pigs can help mitigate the risk of pathogen spread in the food chain.
Article
Virology
Joe James, Caroline J. Warren, Dilhani De Silva, Thomas Lewis, Katherine Grace, Scott M. Reid, Marco Falchieri, Ian H. Brown, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: Since October 2021, Europe has experienced a large-scale avian influenza (AIV) outbreak caused by the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity AIV. The virus has infected numerous poultry premises and led to the detection of H5N1-positive wild birds in Great Britain. It has been found that airborne particles carrying infectious HPAIV can be transmitted over short distances (<10 m) through the air, while macroscopic particles containing viral RNA may travel further (<= 80 m). However, the potential for airborne transmission between premises is considered low compared to other factors such as indirect contact with wild birds and biosecurity efficiency.
Article
Virology
Craig S. Ross, Paul Skinner, David Sutton, Jo Mayers, Alex Nunez, Sharon M. Brookes, Ashley C. Banyard, Ian H. Brown
Summary: Newcastle Disease (ND), caused by virulent forms of Avian orthoavulavirus serotype-1 (AOAV-1), is a globally significant avian disease. The study investigated the risk of AOAV-1-infected game birds to the UK poultry industry. It demonstrated that both chickens and pheasants are susceptible to infection, leading to high mortality and onward transmission, while partridges serve as intermediate hosts with reduced mortality and transmission.
Article
Virology
Marek J. Slomka, Scott M. Reid, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Vivien J. Coward, James Seekings, Jayne L. Cooper, Jacob Peers-Dent, Eric Agyeman-Dua, Dilhani de Silva, Rowena D. E. Hansen, Ashley C. Banyard, Ian H. Brown
Summary: During the early stages of the H5N1 avian influenza virus outbreak in commercial poultry in the UK, real-time reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) was used to confirm infected premises and identify the viral subtype and pathotype. Statistical analysis supported a three-test approach using M-gene, H5-HP, and N1 RRT-PCRs for swab testing, which proved to be effective in subsequent assessments. The sensitivity of the M-gene and H5-HP RRT-PCR was high, while the N1 RRT-PCR remained effective at flock level. Successful surveillance testing and epidemiological information were also obtained using serological testing and quantitative comparisons of shedding.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Emma Taylor, Katy George, Emily Johnson, Hannah Whitelegg, Joaquin M. Prada, Daniel L. Horton
Summary: This study investigates whether rabies incidence is an inevitable consequence of poverty and the relationship between economic development and rabies control. The findings suggest that economic growth alone may not be sufficient to achieve the 2030 goal, and other strategies such as targeting vulnerable populations and responsible pet ownership are needed in addition to economic investment.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Robert W. Furness, Sheila C. Gear, Kees C. J. Camphuysen, Glen Tyler, Dilhani de Silva, Caroline J. Warren, Joe James, Scott M. Reid, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: During the summers of 2021 and 2022, high pathogenicity avian influenza had a significant impact on seabird populations, causing unprecedented mortality. In one specific case at Foula, Shetland, 1500 adult great skuas died, leaving decomposing virus-laden material. The risk of further spread of infection was investigated through water sampling, and although no viral genetic material was detected after four months, limitations to the study need to be considered for future environmental monitoring.
Article
Virology
Samuel P. Smith, Rebecca Shipley, Pascal Drake, Anthony R. Fooks, Julian Ma, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: The rabies virus is responsible for over 59,000 human deaths per year and is difficult to treat in endemic areas. To overcome this, researchers developed a live-attenuated recombinant rabies virus expressing a highly neutralizing antibody linked to a fluorescent marker. This approach shows promise for the development of a therapeutic live-attenuated virus-based treatment for rabies infection.
Article
Virology
Amanda H. Seekings, Caroline J. Warren, Saumya S. Thomas, Fabian Z. X. Lean, David Selden, Benjamin C. Mollett, Pauline M. van Diemen, Ashley C. Banyard, Marek J. Slomka
Summary: Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the goose/Guangdong lineage have caused a series of European epizootics since 2014. During autumn/winter 2020-2021, H5Nx subtypes, with H5N8 being the dominant subtype, were detected in the UK. The study shows that H5N8-2020 had higher infectivity while H5N1-2020 had faster transmission and greater virulence.
Article
Virology
Tamiru N. Alkie, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Megan E. B. Jones, Benjamin C. Mollett, Laura Bourque, Oliver Lung, Joe James, Carmencita Yason, Ashley C. Banyard, Daniel Sullivan, Anthony V. Signore, Andrew S. Lang, Meghan Baker, Beverly Dawe, Ian H. Brown, Yohannes Berhane
Summary: In December 2022 and January 2023, clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 avian influenza viruses were isolated from six American crows and a red fox in Canada. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these viruses belonged to two different clusters, indicating the continued transcontinental dissemination of the virus through migratory birds.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurore C. Poirier, Ruben D. Riano Moreno, Leona Takaindisa, Jessie Carpenter, Jai W. Mehat, Abi Haddon, Mohammed A. Rohaim, Craig Williams, Peter Burkhart, Chris Conlon, Matthew Wilson, Matthew Mcclumpha, Anna Stedman, Guido Cordoni, Manoharanehru Branavan, Mukunthan Tharmakulasingam, Nouman S. Chaudhry, Nicolas Locker, Anil Fernando, Wamadeva Balachandran, Mark Bullen, Nadine Collins, David Rimer, Daniel L. Horton, Muhammad Munir, Roberto M. La Ragione
Summary: This study presents a rapid and inexpensive diagnostic platform for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) using the RT-LAMP assay and a portable smart diagnostic device. The platform utilizes automated image acquisition and an AI deep learning model to eliminate subjectivity in result interpretation. The AI-assisted diagnostics platform showed high specificity and sensitivity compared to the gold standard RT-qPCR test.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)