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Arboviruses causing human disease in the Australasian zoogeographic region
J S Mackenzie1, M D Lindsay, R J Coelen
1Department of Microbiology, University of Western Australia, QU II Medical Centre, Nedlands.
Abstract:
Over 65 arboviruses have been reported from countries in the Australasian zoogeographic region, but only a few have been implicated in human disease. These include the flaviviruses Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin (KUN), Kokobera (KOK), and dengue, particularly types 1 and 2; the alphaviruses Ross River (RR), Barmah Forest (BF), and Sindbis (SIN); and the bunyaviruses, Gan Gan and Trubanaman. In this paper recent epidemiological and clinical results pertaining to these viruses are reviewed, with major emphasis on MVE and RR viruses. The extensive early studies of Australian arboviruses have been reviewed by Doherty [49, 50], and their ecology and vectors more recently by Kay and Standfast [87]. In addition, the biology of MVE and KUN [113] and RR [87, 114] viruses have been the subjects of more detailed reviews. The Australasian zoogeographic region is defined as countries east of the Wallace and Weber lines, two hypothetical lines in the Indo-Australian archipelago where the fauna of the Australasian and Oriental regions meet. Seroepidemiological studies of human arboviral infections have suggested that the Japanese encephalitis flavivirus and the chikungunya alphavirus occur only in the Oriental region, whereas the related MVE and RR viruses, respectively, are restricted to the Australasian region [85, 148]. Serological results from Wallacea, the zone between the Wallace and Weber lines, are not so clear-cut [85]. This review is therefore restricted to countries east of Wallacea, specifically New Guinea and Australia.
Insights
Over 65 arboviruses exist in Australasia, but few cause human illness. This review focuses on recent findings for key viruses like Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Ross River (RR) viruses in Australia and New Guinea.
Area of Science:
- Arbovirology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Australasian region hosts over 65 arboviruses, with a subset linked to human diseases.
- Key arboviruses implicated in human illness include flaviviruses (Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, Kokobera, dengue) and alphaviruses (Ross River, Barmah Forest, Sindbis).
- Bunyaviruses such as Gan Gan and Trubanaman are also present.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent epidemiological and clinical data on arboviruses in the Australasian zoogeographic region.
- To emphasize findings related to Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Ross River (RR) viruses.
- To define the study scope to New Guinea and Australia, east of the Wallace and Weber lines.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing epidemiological and clinical studies.
- Synthesis of data on arbovirus prevalence and impact.
- Focus on studies published after previous comprehensive reviews.
Main Results:
- While numerous arboviruses are reported, only a limited number, including MVE, Kunjin, Kokobera, dengue, Ross River, and Barmah Forest viruses, are associated with human disease.
- MVE and RR viruses are significant public health concerns in Australia.
- Seroepidemiological data suggest distinct distributions of certain arboviruses between the Oriental and Australasian regions.
Conclusions:
- Arboviruses pose a notable, albeit selective, threat to human health in the Australasian region.
- Continued surveillance and research are crucial for understanding and managing arboviral diseases, particularly MVE and RR.
- The geographical distribution of arboviruses highlights the importance of regional specificity in disease ecology.