scholarly journals Eight Years of Collaboration on Biosafety and Biosecurity Issues Between Kazakhstan and Germany as Part of the German Biosecurity Programme and the G7 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Peintner ◽  
Edith Wagner ◽  
Anna Shin ◽  
Nur Tukhanova ◽  
Nurkeldi Turebekov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Great Success ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Global Partnership ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Foreign Office ◽  
Warfare Agents ◽  
Genetic Clusters ◽  
Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus

In 2013, the German Federal Foreign Office launched the German Biosecurity Programme with the aim to minimise risks associated with biological substances and pathogens. In this context, the German-Kazakh Network for Biosafety and Biosecurity was established in 2013 and constitutes a successful collaboration between Kazakh and German biomedical organisations, under the co-management of the Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Ever since then, a network of scientists, stake holders and policymakers has been established, aiming to work on highly pathogenic, potential biological warfare agents with the focus on biosafety and biosecurity, surveillance, detection and diagnostics, networking and awareness raising of these agents in Kazakhstan. Over the past 8 years, the project members trained four PhD candidates, organised over 30 workshops and trainings with more than 250 participants and conducted more than 5,000 PCR assays and 5,000 serological analyses for surveillance. A great success was the description of new endemic areas for Orthohantaviruses, the mixture of two Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus genetic clusters, new foci and genetic information on tick-borne encephalitis virus and rickettsiae in Kazakh oblasts. The latter even led to the description of two new genogroups. Furthermore, joint contributions to international conferences were made. In this report, we summarise the evolution of the German-Kazakh Network for Biosafety and Biosecurity and critically reflect on the strengths and possible weaknesses. We were able to establish a viable network of biosafety and biosecurity shareholders and to accomplish the aims of the German Biosecurity Programme to lower biosecurity risks by increased awareness, improved detection and diagnostic methods and surveillance. Further, we reflect on forthcoming aspects to lead this interstate endeavour into a sustainable future.

scholarly journals Structured RNA Markers for Genotyping of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-37
Author(s):  
V.D. Gusev ◽  
L.A. Miroshnichenko ◽  
T.N. Titkova ◽  
Yu.P. Dzhioev ◽  
I.V. Kozlova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Correct Identification ◽  
Disease Treatment ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Rna Fragments ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus

Tick-borne encephalitis is one of the most dangerous natural focal infections. The causative agent of the disease is tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV ) transmitted by ticks . There are three main subtypes of TBEV with different clinical manifestations of the disease, but existence of other subtypes is also possible. Effectiveness of the disease treatment can largely depend on the correct identification of TBEV genotype. Comprehensive information about the genotype is contained in the full coding sequence of TBEV genome. А limited number of genotyping markers can be extracted from it in the form of relatively short structured RNA fragments. In this paper, a rather general approach to the isolation of structured RNA markers for the genotyping of TBEV is formulated. Three types of structures are considered: periodicity, fractal-like constructs and compactly localized combinations of different types of repetitions. The choice of these structures for the purposes of genotyping and their possible role in the formation of the pathogenic potential of the virus is substantiated. The approach was tested on the full coding sequences of TBEV (161 strains). Examples of the most characteristic markers of each of the three types are given.

scholarly journals Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) Infection in Two Horses

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1775
Author(s):  
Theresa Maria Conze ◽  
Zoltán Bagó ◽  
Sandra Revilla-Fernández ◽  
Jürgen Schlegel ◽  
Lutz S. Goehring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Hybridization Technique ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus

A final diagnosis in a horse with clinical signs of encephalopathy can be challenging despite the use of extensive diagnostics. Clinical signs are often not pathognomonic and need to be interpreted in combination with (specific) laboratory results and epidemiological data of the geographical region of the origin of the case(s). Here we describe the diagnostic pathway of tick-borne encephalitis virus infection in two horses using established molecular diagnostic methods and a novel in situ hybridization technique to differentiate between regionally important/emerging diseases for central Europe: (i) hepatoencephalopathy, (ii) Borna disease virus, and (iii) West Nile virus infections.

Could Australian ticks harbour emerging viral pathogens?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 185
Author(s):  
Caitlin A O'Brien ◽  
Roy A Hall ◽  
Ala Lew-Tabor
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
The Us ◽  
Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Severe Fever

Tick-borne viruses contribute significantly to the disease burden in Europe, Asia and the US. Historically, some of the most well-known viruses from this group include the human pathogens, tick-borne encephalitis virus and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus. More recently multiple emerging tick-borne viruses have been associated with severe disease in humans with Bourbon virus and Heartland virus isolated from patients in the US and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus reported from China, Japan, and South Korea. Such examples highlight the need for broader approaches to survey arthropod pathogens, to encompass not only known but novel pathogens circulating in Australian tick populations.

Characteristics of tick-borne encephalitis in vaccinated patients and criteria for specific laboratory diagnostics

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 94-104
Author(s):  
V.V. Pogodina ◽  
◽  
M.S. Shcherbinina ◽  
V.A. Semenov ◽  
N.G. Bochkova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Humoral Immunity ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Original Method ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Laboratory Diagnostics ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Antibody Dynamics

Currently available vaccines against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are highly effective; however, they do not ensure 100% protection. Laboratory diagnostics of TBE in vaccinated patients remains poorly developed. Objective. To compare the dynamics of humoral immunity in unvaccinated and vaccinated patients and to develop an algorithm of specific laboratory diagnostics of TBE. Patients and methods. We have tested 276 unvaccinated and 59 vaccinated patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of IgG and IgM against antigens of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In hemagglutination inhibition assay, we used dry TBEV reagent. TBEV RNA was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results. We have identified three types of humoral immunity dynamics in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients: seroconversion, stable antibody titers, and negative (reverse) antibody dynamics with an at least 4-fold decrease in antibody levels. Among 39 vaccinated individuals, 18 patients demonstrated seroconversion, while 16 patients had stable antibody titers and 4 patients had negative dynamics. Patients with chronic TBE demonstrated different variants of humoral immunity dynamics. Discussion. We discuss the variants of antibody dynamics described above and diagnostic methods on the example of vaccinated patients. In individuals with stable antibody titers, we used an original method for detecting the dynamics of antibodies against Siberian strain of TBEV. Conclusion. In case of seroconversion, the level of specific immunity in vaccinated patients was higher than that in unvaccinated patients and healthy individuals vaccinated against TBE. Negative antibody dynamics is the rarest variant of humoral immunity development. The diagnosis of TBE in patients with stable antibody titers is confirmed by the detection of TBEV antigen, increasing serum levels of IgM, detection of TBEV RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid, and isolation of the virus. Keywords: vaccinated patients, humoral immunity, diagnosis, tick-borne encephalitis

scholarly journals Emerging zoonoses and vector-borne infections affecting humans in Europe

2007 ◽  
Vol 135 (8) ◽  
pp. 1231-1247 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. VOROU ◽  
V. G. PAPAVASSILIOU ◽  
S. TSIODRAS
Keyword(s):  
Sindbis Virus ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Emerging Zoonoses ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Jakob Disease ◽  
Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus

SUMMARYThe purpose of this study was to assess and describe the current spectrum of emerging zoonoses between 2000 and 2006 in European countries. A computerized search of the Medline database from January 1966 to August 2006 for all zoonotic agents in European countries was performed using specific criteria for emergence. Fifteen pathogens were identified as emerging in Europe from 2000 to August 2006:Rickettsiaespp.,Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Borrelia burgdorferi,Bartonellaspp.,Francisella tularensis, Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus,Hantavirus, Toscana virus, Tick-borne encephalitis virus group, West Nile virus, Sindbis virus, Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza, variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease,Trichinellaspp., andEchinococus multilocularis. Main risk factors included climatic variations, certain human activities as well as movements of animals, people or goods. Multi-disciplinary preventive strategies addressing these pathogens are of public health importance. Uniform harmonized case definitions should be introduced throughout Europe as true prevalence and incidence estimates are otherwise impossible.

Tick-borne viruses

Parasitology ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 129 (S1) ◽  
pp. S221-S245 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. LABUDA ◽  
P. A. NUTTALL
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
African Swine Fever Virus ◽  
African Swine Fever ◽  
Fever Virus ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
The Family ◽  
Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Virus Survival

At least 38 viral species are transmitted by ticks. Virus–tick–vertebrate host relationships are highly specific and less than 10% of all tick species (Argasidae and Ixodidae) are known to play a role as vectors of arboviruses. However, a few tick species transmit several (e.g.Ixodes ricinus,Amblyomma variegatum) or many (I. uriae) tick-borne viruses. Tick-borne viruses are found in six different virus families (Asfarviridae, Reoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Bunyaviridae, Flaviviridae) and at least 9 genera. Some as yet unassigned tick-borne viruses may belong to a seventh family, theArenaviridae. With only one exception (African swine fever virus, family Asfarviridae) all tick-borne viruses (as well as all other arboviruses) are RNA viruses. Tick-borne viruses are found in all the RNA virus families in which insect-borne members are found, with the exception of the family Togaviridae. Some tick-borne viruses pose a significant threat to the health of humans (Tick-borne encephalitis virus,Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus) or livestock (African swine fever virus,Nairobi sheep disease virus). Key challenges are to determine the molecular adaptations that allow tick-borne viruses to infect and replicate in both tick and vertebrate cells, and to identify the principal ecological determinants of tick-borne virus survival.

scholarly journals A trans-Complementing Recombination Trap Demonstrates a Low Propensity of Flaviviruses for Intermolecular Recombination

2009 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 599-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Taucher ◽  
Angelika Berger ◽  
Christian W. Mandl
Keyword(s):  
Experimental System ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Wild Type Virus ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Infectious Clones ◽  
Growth Properties ◽  
Spiking Experiment ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus

ABSTRACT Intermolecular recombination between the genomes of closely related RNA viruses can result in the emergence of novel strains with altered pathogenic potential and antigenicity. Although recombination between flavivirus genomes has never been demonstrated experimentally, the potential risk of generating undesirable recombinants has nevertheless been a matter of concern and controversy with respect to the development of live flavivirus vaccines. As an experimental system for investigating the ability of flavivirus genomes to recombine, we developed a “recombination trap,” which was designed to allow the products of rare recombination events to be selected and amplified. To do this, we established reciprocal packaging systems consisting of pairs of self-replicating subgenomic RNAs (replicons) derived from tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) that could complement each other in trans and thus be propagated together in cell culture over multiple passages. Any infectious viruses with intact, full-length genomes that were generated by recombination of the two replicons would be selected and enriched by end point dilution passage, as was demonstrated in a spiking experiment in which a small amount of wild-type virus was mixed with the packaged replicons. Using the recombination trap and the JEV system, we detected two aberrant recombination events, both of which yielded unnatural genomes containing duplications. Infectious clones of both of these genomes yielded viruses with impaired growth properties. Despite the fact that the replicon pairs shared approximately 600 nucleotides of identical sequence where a precise homologous crossover event would have yielded a wild-type genome, this was not observed in any of these systems, and the TBEV and WNV systems did not yield any viable recombinant genomes at all. Our results show that intergenomic recombination can occur in the structural region of flaviviruses but that its frequency appears to be very low and that therefore it probably does not represent a major risk in the use of live, attenuated flavivirus vaccines.

TBE in South Korea

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joon Young Song
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Human Case ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Surveillance Studies ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus

Although no human case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been documented in South Korea to date, surveillance studies have been conducted to evaluate the prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in wild ticks.

TBE in Slovakia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Kerlik
Keyword(s):  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus

The former Czechoslovak Republic was one of the first countries in Europe where the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was identified.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document