scholarly journals Discovery and Sequence Analysis of Four Deltacoronaviruses from Birds in the Middle East Reveal Interspecies Jumping with Recombination as a Potential Mechanism for Avian-to-Avian and Avian-to-Mammalian Transmission

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna K. P. Lau ◽  
Emily Y. M. Wong ◽  
Chi-Ching Tsang ◽  
Syed Shakeel Ahmed ◽  
Rex K. H. Au-Yeung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
Interspecies Transmission ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Virus Acquisition ◽  
Houbara Bustard ◽  
New Hosts

ABSTRACTThe emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome showed once again that coronaviruses (CoVs) in animals are potential source for epidemics in humans. To explore the diversity of deltacoronaviruses in animals in the Middle East, we tested fecal samples from 1,356 mammals and birds in Dubai, The United Arab Emirates. Four novel deltacoronaviruses were detected from eight birds of four species by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR): FalCoV UAE-HKU27 from a falcon, HouCoV UAE-HKU28 from a houbara bustard, PiCoV UAE-HKU29 from a pigeon, and QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 from five quails. Complete genome sequencing showed that FalCoV UAE-HKU27, HouCoV UAE-HKU28, and PiCoV UAE-HKU29 belong to the same CoV species, suggesting recent interspecies transmission between falcons and their prey, houbara bustards and pigeons, possibly along the food chain. Western blotting detected specific anti-FalCoV UAE-HKU27 antibodies in 33 (75%) of 44 falcon serum samples, supporting genuine infection in falcons after virus acquisition. QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 belongs to the same CoV species as porcine coronavirus HKU15 (PorCoV HKU15) and sparrow coronavirus HKU17 (SpCoV HKU17), discovered previously from swine and tree sparrows, respectively, supporting avian-to-swine transmission. Recombination involving the spike protein is common among deltacoronaviruses, which may facilitate cross-species transmission. FalCoV UAE-HKU27, HouCoV UAE-HKU28, and PiCoV UAE-HKU29 originated from recombination between white-eye coronavirus HKU16 (WECoV HKU16) and magpie robin coronavirus HKU18 (MRCoV HKU18), QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 from recombination between PorCoV HKU15/SpCoV HKU17 and munia coronavirus HKU13 (MunCoV HKU13), and PorCoV HKU15 from recombination between SpCoV HKU17 and bulbul coronavirus HKU11 (BuCoV HKU11). Birds in the Middle East are hosts for diverse deltacoronaviruses with potential for interspecies transmission.IMPORTANCEDuring an attempt to explore the diversity of deltacoronaviruses among mammals and birds in Dubai, four novel deltacoronaviruses were detected in fecal samples from eight birds of four different species: FalCoV UAE-HKU27 from a falcon, HouCoV UAE-HKU28 from a houbara bustard, PiCoV UAE-HKU29 from a pigeon, and QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 from five quails. Genome analysis revealed evidence of recent interspecies transmission between falcons and their prey, houbara bustards and pigeons, possibly along the food chain, as well as avian-to-swine transmission. Recombination, which is known to occur frequently in some coronaviruses, was also common among these deltacoronaviruses and occurred predominantly at the spike region. Such recombination, involving the receptor binding protein, may contribute to the emergence of new viruses capable of infecting new hosts. Birds in the Middle East are hosts for diverse deltacoronaviruses with potential for interspecies transmission.

scholarly journals Molecular Epidemiology of Rotavirus in Cats in the United Kingdom

2014 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 455-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. C. German ◽  
M. Iturriza-Gómara ◽  
W. Dove ◽  
M. Sandrasegaram ◽  
T. Nakagomi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Interspecies Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Rotavirus A ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
The United Kingdom

Rotaviruses are leading causes of gastroenteritis in the young of many species. Molecular epidemiological studies in children suggest that interspecies transmission contributes to rotavirus strain diversity in people. However, population-based studies of rotaviruses in animals are few. We investigated the prevalence, risk factors for infection, and genetic diversity of rotavirus A in a cross-sectional survey of cats housed within 25 rescue catteries across the United Kingdom. Morning litter tray fecal samples were collected during the winter and summer in 2012 from all pens containing kittens and a random sample of those housing adult cats. Group A rotavirus RNA was detected by real-time reverse transcription-PCR, and positive samples were G and P genotyped using nested VP4 and VP7 PCR assays. A total of 1,727 fecal samples were collected from 1,105 pens. Overall, the prevalence of rotavirus was 3.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 4.9%). Thirteen out of 25 (52%; 95% CI, 31.3 to 72.2%) centers housed at least one rotavirus-positive cat. The prevalence of rotavirus was associated with season (odds ratio, 14.8 [95% CI, 1.1 to 200.4];P= 0.04) but not age or diarrhea. It was higher during the summer (4.7%; 95% CI, 1.2 to 8.3%) than in winter (0.8%; 95% CI, 0.2 to 1.5%). Asymptomatic epidemics of infection were detected in two centers. G genotypes were characterized for 19 (33.3%) of the 57 rotavirus-positive samples and P genotypes for 36 (59.7%). Two rotavirus genotypes were identified, G3P[9] and G6P[9]. This is the first population-based study of rotavirus in cats and the first report of feline G6P[9], which questions the previous belief that G6P[9] in people is of bovine origin.

Clinical significance and the first identification of human parechoviruses in Hungary

2011 ◽  
Vol 152 (25) ◽  
pp. 1007-1012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gábor Reuter ◽  
Mária Új ◽  
Péter Pankovics ◽  
Tímea Kolozsi ◽  
Ilona Mihály ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Europe ◽  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Diagnostic Laboratory ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Archived Samples ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Old Adult ◽  
Cytopathogenic Effect

Human parechoviruses (HPeV) belonging to the family Picornaviridae are widespread enteric pathogens and are associated with various clinical syndromes in human. At present, 16 HPeV genotypes (HPeV1–16) are known. There is no report on the detection of HPeVs in Central Europe. Aims: The aim of the retrospective study was to detect and characterize HPeVs using molecular methods in cell cultures with “enterovirus-like” cytophatic effect (CPE) archived between 1990 and 2004, in two virology laboratories, in Hungary. Materials and methods: In Laboratory I, fecal samples from children with symptoms of gastroenteritis under the age of 10 years were cultured as a previous routine diagnostic laboratory protocol for “enterovirus”. Cell cultures indicating CPE were archived between 1990 and 2000. In Laboratory II, 2 fecal samples, a liquor and a nasopharyngeal aspirate were re-tested which contained an “enterovirus-like” virus in cell cultures and were positive by HPeV1 neutralization immunosera between 2000 and 2004. Specimens were tested retrospectively for HPeV by reverse transcription–PCR (RT-PCR) method using 5’UTR conserved primers. Specific primers were designed to determine the HPeV structural region (VP0-VP3-VP1). Results: 9 of the 66 archived samples (9.1%) from Laboratory I and all the 4 samples from Laboratory II were found to be HPeV-positive. 10 samples were identified as HPeV1, 2 were HPeV4 and 1 could not be determined. 3 HPeV1 clusters were identified in Laboratory I according to the isolation date originated from years 1990/1991, 1992/1995 and 1998. HPeV1 was detected in clinical syndromes: gastroenteritis (in a 24-years-old adult), recurrent stomatitis aphtosa (in a 42-years-old adult), encephalitis and ataxia cerebellaris acuta in infants and children in Laboratory II. Conclusions: This is the first detection of HPeVs in Central Europe. Detection and genetic characterization of HPeV in available historical samples infected with previously unidentifiable agents with “enterovirus-like” cytopathogenic effect may help to understand the clinical importance and spectrum of the infections and the genetic diversity and evolution of these viruses. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1007–1012.

Porcine teschovirus, sapelovirus, and enterovirus in Swiss pigs: multiplex RT-PCR investigation of viral frequencies and disease association

2021 ◽  
pp. 104063872110258
Author(s):  
Tamara Stäubli ◽  
Charlotte I. Rickli ◽  
Paul R. Torgerson ◽  
Cornel Fraefel ◽  
Julia Lechmann
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Virus Detection ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Suckling Piglets ◽  
Porcine Teschovirus ◽  
Fattening Pigs ◽  
Pathology Data

Porcine teschovirus (PTV), sapelovirus (PSV-A), and enterovirus (EV-G) are enteric viruses that can infect pigs and wild boars worldwide. The viruses have been associated with several diseases, primarily gastrointestinal, neurologic, reproductive, and respiratory disorders, but also with subclinical infections. However, for most serotypes, proof of a causal relationship between viral infection and clinical signs is still lacking. In Switzerland, there has been limited investigation of the occurrence of the 3 viruses. We used a modified multiplex reverse-transcription PCR protocol to study the distribution of the viruses in Swiss pigs by testing 363 fecal, brain, and placental or abortion samples from 282 healthy and diseased animals. We did not detect the 3 viruses in 94 placental or abortion samples or in 31 brain samples from healthy pigs. In brain tissue of 81 diseased pigs, we detected 5 PSV-A and 4 EV-G positive samples. In contrast, all 3 viruses were detected at high frequencies in fecal samples of both healthy and diseased pigs. In healthy animals, PTV was detected in 47%, PSV-A in 51%, and EV-G in 70% of the 76 samples; in diseased animals, frequencies in the 81 samples were 54%, 64%, and 68%, respectively. The viruses were detected more frequently in fecal samples from weaned and fattening pigs compared to suckling piglets and sows. Co-detections of all 3 viruses were the most common finding. Based on clinical and pathology data, statistical analysis yielded no evidence for an association of virus detection and disease. Further research is required to determine if pathogenicity is linked to specific serotypes of these viruses.

scholarly journals 1293. Sulbactam-durlobactam is active against recent, multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates from the Middle East

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S662-S662
Author(s):  
Alita Miller ◽  
Sarah McLeod ◽  
Samir Moussa ◽  
Meredith Hackel
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Blood Stream ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Clinical Isolates ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Spectrum Activity

Abstract Background The incidence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) is increasing at an alarming rate in certain regions of the world, including the Middle East. Sulbactam (SUL) has intrinsic antibacterial activity against Ab; however, the prevalence of β-lactamases in Ab has limited its therapeutic utility. Durlobactam (DUR, formerly ETX2514) is a diazabicyclooctenone β-lactamase inhibitor with broad-spectrum activity against Ambler class A, C and D β-lactamases that restores SUL activity in vitro against MDR Ab. SUL-DUR is an antibiotic designed to treat serious infections caused by Acinetobacter, including multidrug-resistant strains, that is currently in Phase 3 clinical development. In global surveillance studies of >3600 isolates from 2012-2017, the MIC90 of SUL-DUR was 2 mg/L. Although surveillance systems to monitor MDR infections in the Middle East are currently being established, quantitative, prevalence-based data are not yet available. Therefore, the potency of SUL-DUR was determined against 190 recent, diverse Ab clinical isolates from this region. Methods 190 Ab isolates were collected between 2016 - 2018 from medical centers located in Israel (N = 47), Jordan (N = 36), Qatar (N = 13), Kuwait (N = 42), Lebanon (N = 8), Saudi Arabia (N = 24) and United Arab Emirates (N = 20). Seventy-five percent and 20.5% of these isolates were from respiratory and blood stream infections, respectively. Susceptibility to SUL-DUR and comparator agents was performed according to CLSI guidelines, and data analysis was performed using CLSI and EUCAST breakpoint criteria where available. Results This collection of isolates was 86% carbapenem-resistant and 90% sulbactam-resistant (based on a breakpoint of 4 mg/L). The addition of SUL-DUR (fixed at 4 mg/L) decreased the sulbactam MIC90 from 64 mg/L to 4 mg/L. Only 3 isolates (1.6%) had SUL-DUR MIC values of > 4 mg/L. This potency was consistent across countries, sources of infection and subsets of resistance phenotypes. Conclusion SUL-DUR demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against recent clinical isolates of Ab from the Middle East, including MDR isolates. These data support the global development of SUL-DUR for the treatment of MDR Ab infections. Disclosures Alita Miller, PhD, Entasis Therapeutics (Employee) Sarah McLeod, PhD, Entasis Therapeutics (Employee) Samir Moussa, PhD, Entasis Therapeutics (Employee)

scholarly journals May Measurement Month 2017: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from the United Arab Emirates—Northern Africa and Middle East

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_D) ◽  
pp. D118-D120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afzalhussein Yusufali ◽  
Nooshin Bazargani ◽  
Amrish Agrawal ◽  
Khalifa Muhammed ◽  
Hanan Obaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Middle East ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Northern Africa ◽  
Blood Pressure Screening

scholarly journals Limited Genetic Diversity Detected in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus Variants Circulating in Dromedary Camels in Jordan

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Stephanie N. Seifert ◽  
Jonathan E. Schulz ◽  
Stacy Ricklefs ◽  
Michael Letko ◽  
Elangeni Yabba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Middle East ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Full Genome Sequence ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Dromedary Camels

Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a persistent zoonotic pathogen with frequent spillover from dromedary camels to humans in the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in limited outbreaks of MERS with a high case-fatality rate. Full genome sequence data from camel-derived MERS-CoV variants show diverse lineages circulating in domestic camels with frequent recombination. More than 90% of the available full MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from camels are from just two countries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, we employ a novel method to amplify and sequence the partial MERS-CoV genome with high sensitivity from nasal swabs of infected camels. We recovered more than 99% of the MERS-CoV genome from field-collected samples with greater than 500 TCID50 equivalent per nasal swab from camel herds sampled in Jordan in May 2016. Our subsequent analyses of 14 camel-derived MERS-CoV genomes show a striking lack of genetic diversity circulating in Jordan camels relative to MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from large camel markets in KSA and UAE. The low genetic diversity detected in Jordan camels during our study is consistent with a lack of endemic circulation in these camel herds and reflective of data from MERS outbreaks in humans dominated by nosocomial transmission following a single introduction as reported during the 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea. Our data suggest transmission of MERS-CoV among two camel herds in Jordan in 2016 following a single introduction event.

scholarly journals Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Infection in Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) and Cattle in Asturias, Spain

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1294
Author(s):  
Cristina Blanco Blanco Vázquez ◽  
Thiago Doria Barral ◽  
Beatriz Romero ◽  
Manuel Queipo ◽  
Isabel Merediz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Meles Meles ◽  
Interspecies Transmission ◽  
Tuberculosis Complex ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Infection Pressure

The present work investigated the prevalence, spatial distribution, and temporal distribution of tuberculosis (TB) in free-ranging Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and cattle in Asturias (Atlantic Spain) during a 13-year follow-up. The study objective was to assess the role of badgers as a TB reservoir for cattle and other sympatric wild species in the region. Between 2008 and 2020, 673 badgers (98 trapped and 575 killed in road traffic accidents) in Asturias were necropsied, and their tissue samples were cultured for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) isolation. Serum samples were tested in an in-house indirect P22 ELISA to detect antibodies against the MTC. In parallel, data on MTC isolation and single intradermal tuberculin test results were extracted for cattle that were tested and culled as part of the Spanish National Program for the Eradication of Bovine TB. A total of 27/639 badgers (4.23%) were positive for MTC based on bacterial isolation, while 160/673 badgers (23.77%) were found to be positive with the P22 ELISA. The rate of seropositivity was higher among adult badgers than subadults. Badger TB status was spatially and temporally associated with cattle TB status. Our results cannot determine the direction of possible interspecies transmission, but they are consistent with the idea that the two hosts may exert infection pressure on each other. This study highlights the importance of the wildlife monitoring of infection and disease during epidemiological interventions in order to optimize outcomes.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Disease Severity and Death in Relation to Vitamin D Status among SARS-CoV-2-Positive UAE Residents

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1714
Author(s):  
Habiba AlSafar ◽  
William B. Grant ◽  
Rafiq Hijazi ◽  
Maimunah Uddin ◽  
Nawal Alkaabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Hospital Visit ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Multiethnic Population ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

Insufficient blood levels of the neurohormone vitamin D are associated with increased risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Despite the global rollout of vaccinations and promising preliminary results, the focus remains on additional preventive measures to manage COVID-19. Results conflict on vitamin D’s plausible role in preventing and treating COVID-19. We examined the relation between vitamin D status and COVID-19 severity and mortality among the multiethnic population of the United Arab Emirates. Our observational study used data for 522 participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at one of the main hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Only 464 of those patients were included for data analysis. Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Serum samples immediately drawn at the first hospital visit were used to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations through automated electrochemiluminescence. Levels < 12 ng/mL were significantly associated with higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection and of death. Age was the only other independent risk factor, whereas comorbidities and smoking did not contribute to the outcomes upon adjustment. Sex of patients was not an important predictor for severity or death. Our study is the first conducted in the UAE to measure 25(OH)D levels in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients and confirm the association of levels < 12 ng/mL with COVID-19 severity and mortality.

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