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Validating Whole Genome Nanopore Sequencing, using Usutu Virus as an Example
Published on: March 11, 2020
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Usutu virus disease: a potential problem for North America?
Christine M Gill1, Ronak K Kapadia1, J David Beckham1
1Neuro-Infectious Diseases Group, Department of Neurology and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Mail Stop B182, Research Complex 2, 12700 East 19th Ave., Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
Journal of Neurovirology
|December 21, 2019
Summary
Usutu virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is spreading globally and can cause mild to severe human illness. Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites as no antiviral treatments exist.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus first identified in South Africa in 1959.
- USUV is now circulating in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with similar vectors and bird hosts to West Nile virus.
- Human infections with USUV can range from asymptomatic to systemic (fever, rash, hepatitis) or neuroinvasive (meningitis, encephalitis) disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of Usutu virus epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and potential risks.
- To highlight the public health implications of Usutu virus emergence and spread.
- To discuss the potential for Usutu virus introduction to North America.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Usutu virus.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on Usutu virus distribution.
- Assessment of clinical case reports and disease spectrum.
Main Results:
- Usutu virus has a wide geographic distribution and is closely related to West Nile virus.
- Human Usutu virus infection presents with diverse clinical outcomes, with the full spectrum not yet fully elucidated.
- Effective prevention strategies primarily involve avoiding mosquito bites due to the lack of antiviral therapies.
Conclusions:
- Usutu virus poses a growing public health concern due to its expanding range and potential for human disease.
- The close epidemiological parallels with West Nile virus suggest a significant risk for Usutu virus establishment in new regions.
- Continued surveillance and public health awareness are crucial for managing Usutu virus and preventing potential outbreaks, particularly in areas like North America with suitable ecological factors.
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