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Viruses
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Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses
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Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2021) | Viewed by 19017

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mattia Calzolari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Brescia, Italy
Interests: mosquitoes; sand flies; arbovirus; flavivirus; Usutu virus; West Nile virus; phlebovirus; Toscana virus
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Charles H. Calisher

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Interests: ecology and epidemiology of rodent-borne viruses; arbovirus ecology and epidemiology; viral diagnosis; viral taxonomy; viral evolution; ecology of hantaviruses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

New phleboviruses (genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae) are increasingly isolated, or simply detected, in sand flies in recent years. Despite the number of new isolated viruses, several features of this group remain enigmatic. Their cycle is often unresolved, some are descried only in sand flies, and an association with one or more vertebrate hosts is not well defined, as are their persistence mechanism in the environment.

Some of the sand fly-borne phleboviruses are pathogenic for humans, causing a self-limiting febrile illness and occasionally meningitis, but this ability is little characterized for the large part. The wide variation among different strains can be partially ascribed to their ability to reassort, which is not yet well defined. A variety of different sand fly phleboviruses can circulate in the same place, providing the chance to reassort, a phenomenon that can have an important effect on the pathogenicity of these viruses.

This Special Issue aims to summarize the new available knowledge on sand fly-borne phleboviruses, reporting newly discovered viruses or their detection in the reported geographic range, describing their ecology, mechanism of evolution and interaction with potential hosts, and, in particular, the characterization of their pathogenic potential for human and animals.  

Sub-topics of the Special Issue:

1. Taxonomy of phleboviruses  
2. Detection of phleboviruses in sand flies and vertebrates
3. Sand fly-borne phlebovirus ecology  
 

Dr. Mattia Calzolari
Prof. Dr. Charles Calisher
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sand fly
  • phlebovirus
  • Toscana virus
  • sand fly fever Naples virus
  • sand fly fever Sicilian virus
  • Salehabad virus
  • genome segment reassortment
  • pathogenicity

Published Papers (9 papers)

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11 pages, 1482 KiB  
Article
Co-Circulation of Phleboviruses and Leishmania Parasites in Sand Flies from a Single Site in Italy Monitored between 2017 and 2020
by Mattia Calzolari, Giuseppe Romeo, Emanuele Callegari, Paolo Bonilauri, Chiara Chiapponi, Elena Carra, Gianluca Rugna, Roberta Taddei, Davide Lelli and Michele Dottori
Viruses 2021, 13(8), 1660; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13081660 - 21 Aug 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2497
Abstract
Sand flies transmit Leishmania infantum, which is responsible for causing leishmaniasis, as well as many phleboviruses, including the human pathogenic Toscana virus. We screened sand flies collected from a single site between 2017 and 2020 for the presence of both phleboviruses and [...] Read more.
Sand flies transmit Leishmania infantum, which is responsible for causing leishmaniasis, as well as many phleboviruses, including the human pathogenic Toscana virus. We screened sand flies collected from a single site between 2017 and 2020 for the presence of both phleboviruses and Leishmania. The sand flies were sampled with attractive carbon dioxide traps and CDC light traps between May and October. We collected more than 50,000 sand flies; 2826 were identified at the species level as Phlebotomus perfiliewi (98%) or Phlebotomus perniciosus (2%). A total of 16,789 sand flies were tested in 355 pools, and phleboviruses were found in 61 pools (6 Toscana virus positive pools, 2 Corfou virus positive pools, 42 Fermo virus positive pools, and 7 Ponticelli virus positive pools, and 4 unidentified phlebovirus positive pools). Leishmania was found in 75 pools and both microorganisms were detected in 16 pools. We isolated nine phleboviruses from another 2960 sand flies (five Ponticelli viruses and for Fermo viruses), not tested for Leishmania; the complete genome of a Fermo virus isolate was sequenced. The simultaneous detection in space and time of the Fermo virus and L. infantum is evidence that supports the co-circulation of both microorganisms in the same location and partial overlap of their cycles. A detailed characterization of the epidemiology of these microorganisms will support measures to limit their transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
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11 pages, 1888 KiB  
Article
Phylogenetic Analysis of Massilia phlebovirus in Portugal
by Fátima Amaro, Líbia Zé-Zé, José Lourenço, Marta Giovanetti, Stefanie Christine Becker and Maria João Alves
Viruses 2021, 13(7), 1412; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13071412 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2758
Abstract
In the last two decades, molecular surveys of arboviruses have enabled the identification of several new viruses, contributing to the knowledge of viral diversity and providing important epidemiological data regarding possible new emerging viruses. A combination of diagnostic assays, Illumina sequencing and phylogenetic [...] Read more.
In the last two decades, molecular surveys of arboviruses have enabled the identification of several new viruses, contributing to the knowledge of viral diversity and providing important epidemiological data regarding possible new emerging viruses. A combination of diagnostic assays, Illumina sequencing and phylogenetic inference are here used to characterize two new Massilia phlebovirus strains isolated from sandflies collected in the Arrábida region, Portugal. Whole genome sequence analysis enabled their identification as reassortants and the recognition of genomic variants co-circulating in Portugal. Much is still unknown about the life cycle, geographic range, evolutionary forces and public health importance of these viruses in Portugal and elsewhere, and more studies are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
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8 pages, 801 KiB  
Communication
Isolation and Identification of a Novel Phlebovirus, Hedi Virus, from Sandflies Collected in China
by Ziqian Xu, Na Fan, Xin Hou, Jing Wang, Shihong Fu, Jingdong Song, Mang Shi and Guodong Liang
Viruses 2021, 13(5), 772; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13050772 - 27 Apr 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2022
Abstract
We report the isolation of a newly recognized phlebovirus, Hedi virus (HEDV), from Phlebotomus chinensis sandflies collected in Shanxi Province, China. The virus’ RNA is comprised of three segments. The greatest amino acid sequence similarity of the three gene segments between this virus [...] Read more.
We report the isolation of a newly recognized phlebovirus, Hedi virus (HEDV), from Phlebotomus chinensis sandflies collected in Shanxi Province, China. The virus’ RNA is comprised of three segments. The greatest amino acid sequence similarity of the three gene segments between this virus and previously recognized phleboviruses is 40.85–63.52%, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) amino acid sequence has the greatest similarity (63.52%) to the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) ZH-548 strain. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequence of the virus RdRp indicated that HEDV is close to RVFV and distinct from other phleboviruses, forming its own evolutionary branch. We conclude that it is necessary to increase the monitoring of phleboviruses carried by sandflies in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
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4 pages, 3265 KiB  
Reply
Reply to Charrel, R.N.; Depaquit, J. Comment on “Xu et al. Isolation and Identification of a Novel Phlebovirus, Hedi Virus, from Sandflies Collected in China. Viruses 2021, 13, 772”
by Ziqian Xu, Na Fan, Xin Hou, Jing Wang, Shihong Fu, Jingdong Song, Mang Shi and Guodong Liang
Viruses 2021, 13(12), 2422; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13122422 - 03 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1245
Abstract
Dear Professor Remi N. Charrel and Professor Jerome Depaquit, we thank you for your interest in our research and for your kind suggestions [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
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3 pages, 195 KiB  
Comment
Comment on Xu et al. Isolation and Identification of a Novel Phlebovirus, Hedi Virus, from Sandflies Collected in China. Viruses 2021, 13, 772
by Remi N. Charrel and Jerome Depaquit
Viruses 2021, 13(12), 2397; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13122397 - 30 Nov 2021
Viewed by 1381
Abstract
The article from Xu et al. [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
6 pages, 3679 KiB  
Brief Report
Further Characterization of Rio Grande Virus and Potential for Cross Reactivity with Rift Valley Fever Virus Assays
by Mitchell S. Szymczak, Will K. Reeves and Myrna M. Miller
Viruses 2021, 13(9), 1719; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13091719 - 30 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1658
Abstract
Phleboviruses (genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae) are emerging pathogens of humans and animals. Sand-fly-transmitted phleboviruses are found in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, and are responsible for febrile illness and nervous system infections in humans. Rio Grande virus [...] Read more.
Phleboviruses (genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae) are emerging pathogens of humans and animals. Sand-fly-transmitted phleboviruses are found in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, and are responsible for febrile illness and nervous system infections in humans. Rio Grande virus (RGV) is the only reported phlebovirus in the United States. Isolated in Texas from southern plains woodrats, RGV is not known to be pathogenic to humans or domestic animals, but serologic evidence suggests that sheep (Ovis aries) and horses (Equus caballus) in this region have been infected. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), a phlebovirus of Africa, is an important pathogen of wild and domestic ruminants, and can also infect humans with the potential to cause severe disease. The introduction of RVFV into North America could greatly impact U.S. livestock and human health, and the development of vaccines and countermeasures is a focus of both the CDC and USDA. We investigated the potential for serologic reagents used in RVFV diagnostic assays to also detect cells infected with RGV. Western blots and immunocytochemistry assays were used to compare the antibody detection of RGV, RVFV, and two other New World phlebovirus, Punta Toro virus (South and Central America) and Anhanga virus (Brazil). Antigenic cross-reactions were found using published RVFV diagnostic reagents. These findings will help to inform test interpretation to avoid false positive RVFV diagnoses that could lead to public health concerns and economically costly agriculture regulatory responses, including quarantine and trade restrictions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
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7 pages, 760 KiB  
Brief Report
Serological Evidence of Phleboviruses in Domestic Animals on the Pre-Apennine Hills (Northern Italy)
by Davide Lelli, Vittorio Scanferla, Ana Moreno, Enrica Sozzi, Valentina Ravaioli, Maria Renzi, Giovanni Tosi, Michele Dottori, Antonio Lavazza and Mattia Calzolari
Viruses 2021, 13(8), 1577; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13081577 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1536
Abstract
Phleboviruses are arboviruses transmitted by sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Some sand fly-borne phleboviruses cause illnesses in humans, such as the summer fevers caused by the Sicilian and Naples viruses or meningitis caused by the Toscana virus. Indeed, traces of several phleboviral infections [...] Read more.
Phleboviruses are arboviruses transmitted by sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Some sand fly-borne phleboviruses cause illnesses in humans, such as the summer fevers caused by the Sicilian and Naples viruses or meningitis caused by the Toscana virus. Indeed, traces of several phleboviral infections have been serologically detected in domestic animals, but their potential pathogenic role in vertebrates other than humans is still unclear, as is the role of vertebrates as potential reservoirs of these viruses. In this study, we report the results of a serological survey performed on domestic animals sampled in Northern Italy, against four phleboviruses isolated from sand flies in the same area. The sera of 23 dogs, 165 sheep and 23 goats were tested with a virus neutralization assay for Toscana virus, Fermo virus, Ponticelli I virus and Ponticelli III virus. Neutralizing antibodies against one or more phleboviruses were detected in four out of 23 dogs, 31 out of 165 sheep and 12 out of 23 goats. This study shows preliminary evidence for the distribution pattern of phleboviral infections in different animal species, highlighting the potential infection of the Toscana virus in dogs and the Fermo virus in goats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
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5 pages, 228 KiB  
Commentary
Clinically Important Phleboviruses and Their Detection in Human Samples
by Amy J. Lambert and Holly R. Hughes
Viruses 2021, 13(8), 1500; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13081500 - 30 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1934
Abstract
The detection of phleboviruses (family: Phenuiviridae) in human samples is challenged by the overall diversity and genetic complexity of clinically relevant strains, their predominantly nondescript clinical associations, and a related lack of awareness among some clinicians and laboratorians. Here, we seek to [...] Read more.
The detection of phleboviruses (family: Phenuiviridae) in human samples is challenged by the overall diversity and genetic complexity of clinically relevant strains, their predominantly nondescript clinical associations, and a related lack of awareness among some clinicians and laboratorians. Here, we seek to inform the detection of human phlebovirus infections by providing a brief introduction to clinically relevant phleboviruses, as well as key targets and approaches for their detection. Given the diversity of pathogens within the genus, this report focuses on diagnostic attributes that are generally shared among these agents and should be used as a complement to, rather than a replacement of, more detailed discussions on the detection of phleboviruses at the individual virus level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
7 pages, 988 KiB  
Brief Report
Taxonomy of Phleboviruses, Emphasizing Those That Are Sandfly-Borne
by Charles H. Calisher and Mattia Calzolari
Viruses 2021, 13(5), 918; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/v13050918 - 15 May 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2641
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses (phylum Negarnavaricota, realm Riboviria, kingdom Orthornavirae, genus Phlebovirus) comprise three genome segments of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and which encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which they use to transcribe the viral RNA genome into messenger RNA and to [...] Read more.
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses (phylum Negarnavaricota, realm Riboviria, kingdom Orthornavirae, genus Phlebovirus) comprise three genome segments of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and which encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which they use to transcribe the viral RNA genome into messenger RNA and to replicate the genome. At least some of these viruses cause mild 3-day fevers in humans but some also have been associated with more severe illnesses in humans. The 67 recognized phleboviruses are listed here in a table composed by the authors from International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses reports as well as the scientific literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sand Fly-Borne Phleboviruses)
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