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Phlebovirus infection in Greece: a case report

A Papa1, Ch Kesisidou2, A Kontana1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, , Greece.

Hippokratia
|July 16, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Toscana virus (TOSV) caused a severe febrile illness in a Greek man. Early diagnosis of phleboviruses is crucial for understanding their Mediterranean epidemiology.

Area of Science:

  • Arbovirology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurovirology

Background:

  • Sandfly-transmitted phleboviruses cause a spectrum of human illnesses, from mild febrile conditions to severe neurological diseases like meningitis and encephalitis.
  • Phleovirus infections are endemic in Mediterranean regions, particularly during summer months when sandfly vectors are active.
  • A significant number of phlebovirus infections may go undiagnosed, complicating epidemiological assessments.

Observation:

  • A 45-year-old Greek male presented with acute febrile illness, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, and hemorrhagic rash.
  • Initial testing ruled out West Nile virus infection.
  • Serological analysis revealed high IgM and IgG antibody titers against Toscana virus (TOSV), with lower titers against sandfly fever Naples virus and no reactivity to other tested phleboviruses.

Findings:

  • The patient's clinical presentation and serological profile strongly indicated Toscana virus (TOSV) as the causative agent.
  • The findings suggest TOSV or antigenically similar phleboviruses are responsible for acute summer febrile illnesses in the region.
  • The diagnostic window for viral detection, particularly via molecular or isolation methods, appears to be early in the disease course.

Implications:

  • Phleboviruses, including TOSV, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute summer febrile illnesses, especially those with neurological manifestations.
  • Timely diagnosis through early sample testing is essential for accurate etiological determination and understanding phlebovirus epidemiology in the Mediterranean.
  • Enhanced surveillance and diagnostic capabilities are needed to effectively manage and study phlebovirus infections.
Keywords:
GreeceToscana virusphlebovirus

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