Neglected Australian arboviruses: quam gravis?

Narayan Gyawali1, Richard S Bradbury2, John G Aaskov3

  • 1School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia; Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia.

Insights

Australia harbors over 75 arboviruses, primarily transmitted via arthropod vectors to animals. Key viruses like Ross River and dengue fever pose public health risks, necessitating further investigation into less common arboviruses.

Area of Science:

  • Arbovirology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Australia has identified over 75 arboviruses, many with zoonotic transmission cycles involving arthropod vectors and animal hosts.
  • Primary arboviruses causing human disease include Ross River, Barmah Forest, Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, and dengue.
  • Several other arboviruses are linked to human illness, but their clinical aspects and diagnostic availability are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the public health threat posed by arboviruses in Australia.
  • To emphasize the need for investigating arboviruses beyond the commonly known ones.
  • To address the gap in knowledge regarding less prevalent arboviruses and their clinical significance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of identified arboviruses in Australia.
  • Analysis of known arbovirus transmission cycles and associated human diseases.
  • Assessment of the prevalence of undifferentiated febrile illness in Australia.

Main Results:

  • Over 75 arboviruses are present in Australia, with established zoonotic cycles.
  • Ross River, Barmah Forest, Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, and dengue are the main arboviruses of concern for human health.
  • Limited data exists on the clinical presentation and diagnostics for numerous other arboviruses.

Conclusions:

  • The significant presence of arboviruses in Australia warrants attention.
  • Further research is crucial to understand the full spectrum of arboviral diseases and their public health impact.
  • Investigating understudied arboviruses is necessary for comprehensive public health preparedness.

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