Article
Virology
Carlos S. Casimiro-Soriguer, Javier Perez-Florido, Jose L. Fernandez-Rueda, Irene Pedrosa-Corral, Vicente Guillot-Sulay, Nicola Lorusso, Luis Javier Martinez-Gonzalez, Jose M. Navarro-Mari, Joaquin Dopazo, Sara Sanbonmatsu-Gamez
Summary: In recent decades, West Nile Virus outbreaks have been continuously occurring in the Mediterranean area. A new outbreak in August 2020 affected 71 people in Andalusia and led to eight deaths in Spain. The genomes of four viruses were analyzed and found to be similar to previous outbreaks in the Mediterranean region. The research team also established a local Nextstrain server for regional epidemiological surveillance.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Claudio de Martinis, Lorena Cardillo, Federica Pesce, Maurizio Viscardi, Loredana Cozzolino, Rubina Paradiso, Stefania Cavallo, Matteo De Ascentis, Maria Goffredo, Federica Monaco, Giovanni Savini, Francescantonio D'Orilia, Renato Pinto, Giovanna Fusco
Summary: West Nile virus (WNV) is a widely spread arbovirus transmitted by migratory birds. After a 10-year absence in Italy, WNV lineage 1 (WNV-L1) reappeared in 2020 in dead raptor birds and caused the first equine outbreak in the Campania region. The study suggests that WNV-L1 may have silently circulated for 2 years before causing the outbreak, highlighting the evolving epidemiology of WNV and the potential for reintroduction in previously low-risk areas.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ji-Yeon Hyeon, Zeinab H. Helal, Allison Appel, Natalie Tocco, Amelia Hunt, Dong-Hun Lee, Guillermo R. Risatti
Summary: This study discovered West Nile virus (WNV) in an American crow from Connecticut and an alpaca from Massachusetts. The sequencing of the WNVs and their phylogenetic analysis revealed that they belong to lineage 1 and suggest that vector-host feeding preferences may drive viral transmission. The obtained sequences and phylogenetic relationships will serve as valuable reference data for future investigations on WNVs.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Suting Wang, Changyin Wang, Xiaodong Liu, Yao Liu, Ping Xiong, Zexin Tao, Meng Chen, Qing Xu, Li Zhang, Aiqiang Xu
Summary: The study investigated the phylogeny and evolutionary genetics of measles virus during a 7-year surveillance, and compared epidemic and genetic characteristics of outbreak strains and sporadic strains. The results underscore the importance of evolutionary study alongside with sporadic cases in discovering and tracing possible outbreaks, especially in the stage of measles elimination.
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
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Melissa Kretschmer, Irene Ruberto, John Townsend, Karen Zabel, James Will, Keila Maldonado, Nicole Busser, Dan Damian, Ariella P. Dale
Summary: West Nile virus is a mosquitoborne disease that is primarily transmitted through bites of infected mosquitos. In 2021, the largest outbreak of West Nile virus in a single county in the United States occurred in Maricopa County, resulting in 1,487 human cases and 101 deaths.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Wasfi Fares, Mariem Gdoura, Haifa Dhrif, Henda Touzi, Nahed Hogga, Naila Hannachi, Salma Mhalla, Saoussen Kacem, Hela Karray, Souha Bougatef, Nissaf Ben-Alaya, Henda Triki
Summary: West Nile Virus has caused multiple epidemics in Tunisia, indicating frequent circulation. The 2018 epidemic strain in Tunisia is genetically close to sequences from the Mediterranean basin and Eastern Europe, distinct from the 1997 strain closely related to American sequences.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Freude-Marie Bertram, Peter N. Thompson, Marietjie Venter
Summary: The article discusses the epidemiological and clinical presentation of West Nile Virus (WNV) in horses in South Africa during 2016-2017. It was found that WNV-positive cases were more likely to occur in young horses without vaccination, especially after heavy rain in late summer and autumn.
Article
Virology
Orsolya Eszter Feher, Peter Fehervari, Csenge Hanna Tolnai, Petra Forgach, Peter Malik, Akos Jerzsele, Zsombor Wagenhoffer, Otto Szenci, Orsolya Korbacska-Kutasi
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive report on the clinical signs of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) in horses in Hungary. The research found that Hungary has become endemic with WNV since 2007 and ataxia is the most common neurological symptom. The survival rate has shown a moderate increase, possibly due to increased awareness among practitioners.
Article
Virology
Li-Bo Liu, Man Li, Na Gao, Jia-Yuan Shen, Zi-Yang Sheng, Dong-Ying Fan, Hong-Ning Zhou, Xiao-Xiong Yin, Jia-Rong Mao, Jin-Yong Jiang, Pei-Gang Wang, Jing An
Summary: An outbreak of Chikungunya fever occurred in Ruili, Yunnan Province from September to December 2019, with a total of 112 confirmed cases, including 91 local cases and 21 imported cases. Female patients outnumbered male patients, and common symptoms included joint pain, fever, fatigue, chills, rash, and headache. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CHIKV strains in this outbreak belonged to the Indian Ocean clade of the East/Central/South African genotype.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jordi Figuerola, Miguel angel Jimenez-Clavero, Maria Jose Ruiz-Lopez, Francisco Llorente, Santiago Ruiz, Andreas Hoefer, Pilar Aguilera-Sepulveda, Jessica Jimenez-Penuela, Olaya Garcia-Ruiz, Laura Herrero, Ramon C. Soriguer, Raul Fernandez Delgado, Maria Paz Sanchez-Seco, Josue Martinez-de la Puente, Ana Vazquez
Summary: Reports of West Nile virus (WNV) associated disease in humans were scarce in Spain until summer 2020 but recently there has been a significant increase in cases. The increase in human cases was preceded by a large increase in the abundance of Culex perexiguus mosquitoes in the affected areas. The first batch of WNV-infected mosquitoes was captured one month before the detection of the first human cases. Additionally, serological tests in wild birds confirmed the circulation of WNV in the affected areas, suggesting that blackbirds played an important role in the urban transmission of the virus.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
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
Biochemical Research Methods
Styliani Pappa, Serafeim C. Chaintoutis, Chrysostomos Dovas, Anna Papa
Summary: The study provides two PCR-based protocols that can be directly applied to biological samples from hosts infected by WNV strains, even on samples with relatively low viral load. The availability of whole genome sequences enables detailed molecular epidemiology studies and the evaluation and design of diagnostic tools.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PROBES
(2021)
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.
Article
Virology
Katerina Tsioka, Sandra Gewehr, Styliani Pappa, Stella Kalaitzopoulou, Konstantina Stoikou, Spiros Mourelatos, Anna Papa
Summary: In 2022, Greece was the second most seriously affected European country by the West Nile virus (WNV), with Central Macedonia being the region with the highest number of reported human cases. A study conducted on female Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected from Central Macedonia revealed a 5.9% WNV detection rate in the samples, with significant differences among regions and months. The virus circulation in the Thessaloniki regional unit started earlier, peaked earlier, and lasted longer compared to other regions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana-Marija Vuckovic, Rina Venerando, Elena Tibaldi, Valentina Bosello Travain, Antonella Roveri, Luciana Bordin, Giovanni Miotto, Giorgio Cozza, Stefano Toppo, Matilde Maiorino, Fulvio Ursini
Summary: Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death controlled by lipid peroxidation through GPx4 activity. Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex plays a crucial role in supporting ferroptosis by generating superoxide. Depletion of GSH activates superoxide production by inhibiting a specific kinase that inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Ceschi, Michele Berselli, Marta Cozzaglio, Mery Giantin, Stefano Toppo, Barbara Spolaore, Claudia Sissi
Summary: The study identified Vimentin as a binder with nanomolar affinity for G4 repeats, suggesting its role in regulating gene expression at core promoters during cell development and migration by reshaping the local higher-order genome topology.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Virology
Laura Manuto, Marco Grazioli, Andrea Spitaleri, Paolo Fontana, Luca Bianco, Luigi Bertolotti, Martina Bado, Giorgia Mazzotti, Federico Bianca, Francesco Onelia, Giovanni Lorenzin, Fabio Simeoni, Dejan Lazarevic, Elisa Franchin, Claudia Del Vecchio, Ilaria Dorigatti, Giovanni Tonon, Daniela Maria Cirillo, Enrico Lavezzo, Andrea Crisanti, Stefano Toppo
Summary: This study investigates the COVID-19 outbreak in a small Italian town and reveals the unique ancestor haplotype of the virus, as well as its evolution within and across households. It provides evidence that novel viral haplotypes can naturally arise within a short time period, regardless of symptom severity or immune system deficiencies. The study also shows that the lockdown measures effectively controlled viral spread and the emergence of new variants.
Article
Immunology
Francesco Nicoli, Barbara Mantelli, Eleonora Gallerani, Valentina Telatin, Laura Squarzon, Serena Masiero, Riccardo Gavioli, Giorgio Palu, Luisa Barzon, Antonella Caputo
Summary: Adult vaccination programs have gained attention, and this study found that adolescents who receive an HPV vaccine have higher levels of HPV-specific IgGs, but antibody functions decline over time in both adolescents and adults. Analysis of lymphocytes revealed similar biochemical features in B-cell subsets between the two age groups. The study suggests that age-specific HPV vaccine responsiveness is mainly due to quantitative differences in immune cell precursors rather than qualitative defects in B cells.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rachel M. Gittelman, Enrico Lavezzo, Thomas M. Snyder, H. Jabran Zahid, Cara L. Carty, Rebecca Elyanow, Sudeb Dalai, Ilan Kirsch, Lance Baldo, Laura Manuto, Elisa Franchin, Claudia Del Vecchio, Monia Pacenti, Caterina Boldrin, Margherita Cattai, Francesca Saluzzo, Andrea Padoan, Mario Plebani, Fabio Simeoni, Jessica Bordini, Nicola Lore, Dejan Lazarevic, Daniela M. Cirillo, Paolo Ghia, Stefano Toppo, Jonathan M. Carlson, Harlan S. Robins, Andrea Crisanti, Giovanni Tonon
Summary: This study investigates the role of T cells in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrating their importance in both clinical presentation and long-term immunity. The findings show that T cells contribute to the production of neutralizing antibodies and remain detectable up to 15 months after infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Luisa Barzon, Fabrizio Montarsi, Erika Quaranta, Isabella Monne, Monia Pacenti, Alice Michelutti, Federica Toniolo, Patrizia Danesi, Giulio Marchetti, Federica Gobbo, Alessandro Sinigaglia, Silvia Riccetti, Emanuela Dal Molin, Laura Favero, Francesca Russo, Gioia Capelli
Summary: In spring 2022, Europe experienced an unprecedented heatwave, which heightened the risk of West Nile virus outbreaks. The virus was detected in Culex mosquitoes in northern Italy, as well as in two blood donors, a patient with encephalitis, wild birds, and additional mosquito pools. Genome sequencing revealed the co-circulation of WNV lineage 2 and a newly introduced WNV lineage 1, previously discovered in the region in 2021.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Enrico Lavezzo, Monia Pacenti, Laura Manuto, Caterina Boldrin, Margherita Cattai, Marco Grazioli, Federico Bianca, Margherita Sartori, Federico Caldart, Gioele Castelli, Michele Nicoletti, Eleonora Nieddu, Elisa Salvadoretti, Beatrice Labella, Ludovico Fava, Maria Cristina Vanuzzo, Vittoria Lisi, Maria Antonello, Carmela Ileana Grimaldi, Chiara Zulian, Claudia Del Vecchio, Mario Plebani, Andrea Padoan, Daniela Maria Cirillo, Alessandra R. Brazzale, Giovanni Tonon, Stefano Toppo, Ilaria Dorigatti, Andrea Crisanti
Summary: The study investigated the long-term antibody persistence in previously infected individuals and the extent of antibody-mediated protection against different SARS-CoV-2 variants in vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claudia Del Vecchio, Bethan Cracknell Daniels, Giuseppina Brancaccio, Alessandra Rosalba Brazzale, Enrico Lavezzo, Constanze Ciavarella, Francesco Onelia, Elisa Franchin, Laura Manuto, Federico Bianca, Vito Cianci, Anna Maria Cattelan, Ilaria Dorigatti, Stefano Toppo, Andrea Crisanti
Summary: Antigen tests are widely used for COVID-19 population testing, but they have limitations in detecting variant strains of the virus. Molecular testing should be retained alongside antigen testing for surveillance purposes to improve detection accuracy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paola Stefanelli, Filippo Trentini, Daniele Petrone, Alessia Mammone, Luigina Ambrosio, Mattia Manica, Giorgio Guzzetta, Valeria D'Andrea, Valentina Marziano, Agnese Zardini, Carla Molina Grane', Marco Ajelli, Angela Di Martino, Flavia Riccardo, Antonino Bella, Monica Sane Schepisi, Francesco Maraglino, Piero Poletti, Anna Teresa Palamara, Silvio Brusaferro, Giovanni Rezza, Patrizio Pezzotti, Stefano Merler
Summary: This study comprehensively describes the spread of the Omicron variant in Italy between December 2021 and January 2022. The results show that Omicron became the dominant strain in a short period of time and had a faster transmission rate compared to the Delta variant. Despite a decrease in the proportion of Delta infections, there was an increase in hospitalizations due to the absolute number of cases. However, the reproductive numbers of Omicron declined after mid-January.
Article
Microbiology
Laura Bellinati, Mery Campalto, Elisa Mazzotta, Letizia Ceglie, Lara Cavicchio, Monica Mion, Laura Lucchese, Angela Salomoni, Alessio Bortolami, Erika Quaranta, Jacopo Magarotto, Mose Favarato, Laura Squarzon, Alda Natale
Summary: This study investigates the exposure of feral cats and kennel dogs in northeastern Italy to SARS-CoV-2 through serological and molecular methods, revealing a low prevalence of infection in these stray animals.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Emilio Ispano, Federico Bianca, Enrico Lavezzo, Stefano Toppo
Summary: Predicting protein function is a major challenge, and traditional methods can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. Automated protein function prediction techniques, especially those using machine learning, have shown promise in providing faster and cost-effective alternatives. Recent research has focused on improving prediction accuracy using machine learning, with the goal of closing the gap between predicted and experimental evidence.
CURRENT BIOINFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Federico Bianca, Emilio Ispano, Ermanno Gazzola, Enrico Lavezzo, Paolo Fontana, Stefano Toppo
Summary: FunTaxIS-lite is a tool that addresses the complex challenge of defining the full domain of protein functions belonging to an organism by specifying constraints based on taxon. It extends the constraints of Gene Ontology terms, reducing errors in function predictions and assisting in correcting inconsistent protein annotations.
