Article
Cell Biology
Sundy N. Y. Yang, Belinda Maher, Chunxiao Wang, Kylie M. Wagstaff, Johanna E. Fraser, David A. Jans
Summary: This study identifies two drugs that can inhibit the replication of dengue virus and other flaviviruses by directly binding to a viral protein.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ivo C. C. Martins, Rafaela C. C. Ricardo, Nuno C. C. Santos
Summary: Dengue, West Nile, and Zika viruses are vector-borne flaviviruses that cause disease outbreaks with potentially severe symptoms and socioeconomic repercussions. Currently, there are no specific treatments available, and only generic symptom relief is possible. The effectiveness of the first dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, is limited. Prophylactic approaches against other viruses are even more restricted. Therefore, there is a need for therapeutic strategies.
Article
Immunology
Robert E. Snyder, Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, Vicki Kramer, Seema Jain, Duc J. Vugia
Summary: WNV-associated hospitalizations in California were substantial and costly, with higher incidence in males, elderly persons, and patients with underlying conditions. WNV remains a costly and severe public health threat in California.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jose-Maria Garcia-Carrasco, Antonio-Roman Munoz, Jesus Olivero, Marina Segura, Raimundo Real
Summary: This study created a database of WNV presence in Africa and used biogeographic models to determine the drivers of its distribution. Wetlands and human-related factors were found to play important roles in the spread of WNV. Understanding high-risk areas can help manage the disease and comprehend its transmission through avian migration routes outside Africa.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Anais Broban, Marie-Marie Olive, Michael Luciano Tantely, Anne-Claire Dorsemans, Fanjasoa Rakotomanana, Jean-Pierre Ravalohery, Christophe Rogier, Jean-Michel Heraud, Soa Fy Andriamandimby
Summary: This study estimated the seroprevalence of three arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile) in Madagascar and identified risk factors associated with seropositivity. The results showed that 6.5% were seropositive for dengue virus, 13.7% for chikungunya virus, and 12.7% for West Nile virus. Dengue and chikungunya viruses were recently introduced, with higher prevalence in the eastern and northern parts of the country, while West Nile virus circulated in all regions. Factors such as vegetation cover, forest work, cultivated areas, and standard of living were associated with seropositivity.
Article
Virology
Szu-Chia Hsieh, Wen-Yang Tsai, Jih-Jin Tsai, Mars Stone, Graham Simmons, Michael P. Busch, Marion Lanteri, Susan L. Stramer, Angel Balmaseda, Eva Harris, Wei-Kung Wang
Summary: The study highlights the need for better serological tests to distinguish past ZIKV, DENV, and other flavivirus infections, and improve vaccine strategies in endemic regions where interactions between these viruses are critical.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Hiya Lahiri, Isaiah T. Arkin
Summary: Flavivirus infections pose challenges to the global healthcare sector, and the encoded ion channels by these viruses may serve as potential targets. The study screened FDA-approved drugs and identified potential antiviral agents against dengue and West Nile viruses, which could be used in future antiviral therapeutic purposes.
Article
Virology
Danai Pervanidou, Chrysovaladou Niki Kefaloudi, Anna Vakali, Ourania Tsakalidou, Myrsini Karatheodorou, Katerina Tsioka, Maria Evangelidou, Kassiani Mellou, Styliani Pappa, Konstantina Stoikou, Vasiliki Bakaloudi, George Koliopoulos, Kostas Stamoulis, Eleni Patsoula, Constantina Politis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Anna Papa
Summary: Since 2010, the West Nile virus (WNV) has been established in Greece. In 2022, there were 286 diagnosed cases of WNV infection in Greece, with 184 cases of neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and 33 deaths. The virus strain belonged to the Central European subclade of WNV lineage 2. Prompt diagnosis and investigation of cases are important for a timely response, and whole genome sequences enable studies on the molecular epidemiology of the disease.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Folashade Agusto, Daniel Bond, Adira Cohen, Wandi Ding, Rachel Leander, Allis Royer
Summary: We constructed an epidemic model for West Nile virus, considering the interaction between bird hosts, mosquito vectors, and the use of insecticides. We derived the basic reproduction number and formulated optimal control problems to balance the cost and benefit of vector and disease control. Numerical simulations were performed to study the impact of control strategies on the system.
Article
Microbiology
Erica Azevedo Costa, Marta Giovanetti, Lilian Silva Catenacci, Vagner Fonseca, Flavia Figueira Aburjaile, Flavia L. L. Chalhoub, Joilson Xavier, Felipe Campos de Melo Iani, Marcelo Adriano da Cunha e Silva Vieira, Danielle Freitas Henriques, Daniele Barbosa de Almeida Medeiros, Maria Isabel Maldonado Coelho Guedes, Beatriz Senra Alvares da Silva Santos, Aila Solimar Goncalves Silva, Renata de Pino Albuquerque Maranhao, Nieli Rodrigues da Costa Faria, Renata Farinelli de Siqueira, Tulio de Oliveira, Karina Ribeiro Leite Jardim Cavalcante, Noely Fabiana Oliveira de Moura, Alessandro Pecego Martins Romano, Carlos F. Campelo de Albuquerque, Lauro Cesar Soares Feitosa, Jose Joffre Martins Bayeux, Raffaella Bertoni Cavalcanti Teixeira, Osmaikon Lisboa Lobato, Silvokleio da Costa Silva, Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis, Rivaldo Venancio da Cunha, Jose Lourenco, Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara
Summary: The study found new genetic evidence of WNV circulation in southern and northeastern states of Brazil, with a climate-informed theoretical perspective highlighting the potential transmission pathways. The scarcity of existing data on WNV in Brazil and the need for active surveillance to prepare for future epidemics with human spill-over potential were also emphasized.
Article
Parasitology
Johnny A. A. Uelmen Jr, Bennett Lamcyzk, Patrick Irwin, Dan Bartlett, Chris Stone, Andrew Mackay, Arielle Arsenault-Benoit, Sadie J. Ryan, John-Paul Mutebi, Gabriel L. Hamer, Megan Fritz, Rebecca L. Smith
Summary: This study compares traditional trapping methods with the less commonly used human landing catch (HLC) method for sampling potential West Nile virus vectors. The results show that the HLC method provides important insight into the species of mosquitoes biting humans in the region, but alternative approaches must be explored to incorporate this method safely into control programs due to the risk to collectors.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily McDonald, Sarabeth Mathis, Stacey W. Martin, J. Erin Staples, Marc Fischer, Nicole P. Lindsey
Summary: West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropodborne virus and the leading cause of domestically acquired arboviral disease in the United States. Despite stability in national incidence of neuroinvasive disease, peak activity varies regionally. Surveillance and prevention are crucial public health actions to reduce morbidity and mortality.
MMWR SURVEILLANCE SUMMARIES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Talgat Nurmakhanov, Yerlan Sansyzbaev, Boris Atshabar, Vladimir Berlin, Damir Kobzhasarov, Olzhas Yeskhojayev, Anna Vilkova, Timur Ayazbayev, Alexey Andryuchshenko, Fyodor Bidashko, John Hay, Alexandr Shvetsov
Summary: The West Nile virus is prevalent in southern Russia and parts of Western Kazakhstan, with a small percentage of Culex modestus mosquitoes carrying the virus and around 5% of the local human population testing positive for West Nile virus IgG.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Virology
Orianne Constant, Jonathan Barthelemy, Anna Nagy, Sara Salinas, Yannick Simonin
Summary: The study shows that increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and neuronal factors in patients infected with West Nile virus (WNV) are associated with the development of severe neurological impairments. These biomarkers could play a crucial role in patient monitoring, improving care, and preventing undesirable outcomes.
Article
Immunology
Edmilson F. De Oliveira-Filho, Carlo Fischer, Beatrice Sarah Berneck, Ianei O. Carneiro, Arne Kuehne, Angelica C. de Almeida Campos, Jorge R. L. Ribas, Eduardo Martins Netto, Carlos Roberto Franke, Sebastian Ulbert, Jan Felix Drexler
Summary: A study in northeastern Brazil found a West Nile virus seroprevalence of 4.5% among sampled equids from 2013-2018. Mathematical modeling confirmed higher seroprevalence near avian migratory routes and areas with forest loss, indicating increased risk for zoonotic infections in disturbed areas.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Arnaud Marchant, Pierre Van Damme, Stanley Plotkin, Pieter Neels, Maria Cristina Cassetti, Jakob Cramer, Marion F. Gruber, David Goldblatt, Deborah King, Wendy Hartig-Merkel, Joris Vandeputte
Summary: A meeting was held in February 2023 by international organizations to discuss correlates of protection against COVID-19, reviewing evidence and identifying knowledge gaps. Neutralizing antibodies and T lymphocytes are believed to play a significant role in protection, but further studies are needed to consolidate the evidence and evaluate other potential factors.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Neetu Raghav, Seema Parveen, Simleen Kaur, Selwyn A. Wilson David, Hyesuk Kong, James L. Kenney, Rajesh K. Gupta
Summary: This study evaluated the use of solid medium in sterility testing. Results showed that the sterility test using Schaedler blood agar (SBA) was more sensitive and faster in detecting microorganisms compared to the current compendial method, particularly in samples containing thimerosal. The sterility test using solid medium could be completed in 7 days without any additional technology.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Loushambam Samananda Singh
Summary: Antibiotic resistance has become a major concern for global public health, and phage therapy is seen as an alternative for treating multidrug resistant bacterial infections. Nano-emulsion encapsulation is described as the best approach to maintain phage efficacy.
