Browsing by Author "Nowotny, Norbert"

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2020 taxonomic update for phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales
(2020) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: In March 2020, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. At the genus rank, 20 new genera were added, two were deleted, one was moved, and three were renamed. At the species rank, 160 species were added, four were deleted, ten were moved and renamed, and 30 species were renamed. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.
2021 Taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales
(2021) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: In March 2021, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratifcation vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by four families (Aliusviridae, Crepuscuviridae, Myriaviridae, and Natareviridae), three subfamilies (Alpharhabdovirinae, Betarhabdovirinae, and Gammarhabdovirinae), 42 genera, and 200 species. Thirty-nine species were renamed and/ or moved and seven species were abolished. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.
2022 taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales
(2022-11) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: In March 2022, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratifcation vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by two new families (bunyaviral Discoviridae and Tulasviridae), 41 new genera, and 98 new species. Three hundred forty-nine species were renamed and/or moved. The accidentally misspelled names of seven species were corrected. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.
African Swine Fever, the forgotten pandemic
(2021) Nowotny, Norbert
Summary: African Swine Fever (ASF) is one of the most important diseases prevalent in swine populations. In recent times, it has devasted the pork industry—both commercial and backyard—throughout much of the world. ASF virus (ASFV) is highly contagious, and its persistence in pig meat, feed, fomites and the environment has facilitated its transboundary spread. Despite the global spread and impact of ASF, this pandemic has not garnered the widespread attention or alarm that has human diseases. Outside of the animal health community, in many respects it is the forgotten pandemic.
Antibody prevalence to avian influenza virus subtypes H5, H7 and H9 in falcons, captive and wild birds, United Arab Emirates, 2003–2006
(2023) Nowotny, Norbert
Background: Avian influenza viruses (AIV) may cause enormous economic losses in the poultry industry and sporadically severe disease in humans. Falconry is a tradition of great importance in the Arabian Peninsula. Falcons may catch AIV through contact with infected quarry species. Objectives: Falcons together with other bird species are the focus of this seroprevalence study, carried out on sera collected in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). AIV with the haemagglutinin subtypes H5, H7 and possibly H9 may infect humans. Methods: We investigated the antibody prevalence to these subtypes in falcons and other birds by haemagglutination inhibition test. 617 sera of falcons and 429 sera of 46 wild/captive bird species were tested. Results: From the falcons, only one was positive for H5 antibodies (0.2%), none contained antibodies to H7, but 78 had antibodies to H9 (13.2%). Regarding other birds, eight were positive for antibodies to H5 (2.1%), none had antibodies to H7, but 55 sera from 17 species contained antibodies to H9 (14.4%). Conclusions: In contrast to H5 and H7 infections, H9N2 is widespread worldwide. Its ability to reassort, thereby creating possibly pathogenic strains for humans, should remind us of the potential risk that close contact with birds entails.
Association of Dromedary Camels and Camel Ticks with Reassortant Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, United Arab Emirates
(2021) Ramaswamy, Sathiskumar; Karuvantevida, Noushad; Tayoun, Ahmad Abou; Loney, Tom; Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: We previously detected a potentially novel reassortant of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in camels at the largest livestock market in the United Arab Emirates. A broader survey of large mammals at the site indicated zoonotic transmission is associated with dromedaries and camel ticks. Seroprevalence in cattle, sheep, and goats is minimal.
Autochthonous Transmission of West Nile Virus by a New Vector in Iran, Vector-Host Interaction Modeling and Virulence Gene Determinants
(2020) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: Using molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools, we studied the vector-host interactions and the molecular epidemiology of West Nile virus (WNV) in western Iran. Mosquitoes were collected during 2017 and 2018. DNA typing assays were used to study vector host interactions. Mosquitoes were screened by RT-PCR for the genomes of five virus families. WNV-positive samples were fully sequenced and evolutionary tree and molecular architecture were constructed by Geneious software and SWISS-MODEL workspace, respectively. A total of 5028 mosquito specimens were collected and identified. The most prevalent species was Culex (Cx.) pipiens complex (57.3%). Analysis of the blood-feeding preferences of blood-fed mosquitoes revealed six mammalian and one bird species as hosts. One mosquito pool containing non-blood-fed Cx. theileri and one blood-fed Culex pipiens pipiens (Cpp.) biotype pipiens were positive for WNV. A phylogram indicated that the obtained WNV sequences belonged to lineage 2, subclade 2 g. Several amino acid substitutions suspected as virulence markers were observed in the Iranian WNV strains. The three-dimensional structural homology model of the E-protein identified hot spot domains known to facilitate virus invasion and neurotropism. The recent detection of WNV lineage 2 in mosquitoes from several regions of Iran in consecutive years suggests that the virus is established in the country.
Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) as a Cause of Asymptomatic Liver Mass
(2021) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a parasitic nematode of rodents, rarely infecting humans. An asymptomatic Israeli adult male with extensive travel history was diagnosed with a liver mass on routine postthymectomy follow-up. Imaging and computer tomography (CT) guided biopsy were inconclusive. Surgical excision revealed an eosinophilic granuloma with fragments of a nematode suspected to be C. hepatica. Molecular methods verified the diagnosis, and the patient was treated empirically. This is the first case of hepatic capillariasis described in Israel, and the first to be diagnosed using molecular methods.
Co-circulation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus strains Asia 1 and 2 between the border of Iran and Pakistan
(2017-10-25) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral disease that is transmitted by numerous species of ticks, which serve both as a reservoir and vector of CCHF virus (CCHFV). Molecular and serological tests were undertaken on hard ticks (Ixodidae spp.) and samples from livestock were collected in 2015 from Chabahar County in South east Iran. Using RT-PCR, the ticks were tested for the presence of CCHFV. In addition, seven livestock were serologically tested for the presence of IgG antibodies using an ELISA test. IgG antibodies against CCHFV were detected in one of 7 of the livestock that were tested. In total, 49 ticks including five species: Rhipicephalus sanguineus,Hyalomma anatolicum,Hy. asiaticum, Hy. dromedarii and Hy. marginatum with a prevalence of 46.9%, 32.7%, 4.1%, 4.1% and 2.1% respectively were identified. CCHFV was detected in three ticks among 49 collected ticks. The ticks infected with CCHFV belonged to the genus Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that two sequences clustered in clade IV (Asia-1) and one sequence was located within clade IV (Asia-2). Most of the animal and human CCHF cases of the country are reported from Sistan and Baluchistan provinces. Regular monitoring programs in the tick population and livestock are needed in the future.
Correction to: 2021 Taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales
(2021) Nowotny, Norbert
Correction to: 2021 Taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases in the North of Iran have three distinct origins
(2017-01-19) Nowotny, Norbert
An on-going surveillance program on Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Iran has been launched since 2000. An outbreak of CCHF occurred in northern Iran between June and July 2015. Three cases were involved in this outbreak. One patient died after admission to hospital, and the others were treated successfully. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three sequences obtained from Iranian patients grouped within clade IV (Asia-1), clade V (Europe) and clade VI (Greece). The partial sequence of the strain Noshahr59 (KT588642) showed the highest similarity with other strains isolated from Russia, Kosovo and Turkey (Clade V, Europe). The genome sequence of the strain Chalous65 (KT588640) showed 100% homology to the strain AP29 isolated from Greece (DQ211638). The genome sequence of the strain Noshahr43 (KT588641) showed 88% similarity to the Pakistani and previously reported Iranian strains (AF527810, AJ538198, AY366379 and AY366373). These data support previous studies, which showed a distinct similarity between Iranian S segments of CCHFV strains with other strains within clade IV (Asia-1) and clade V (Europe). In addition, clade VI was detected for the first time in Iran. Moreover, strain Chalous65 with similar genetic characteristics to strain AP29 from Greece was isolated from a fatal human case.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Endemicity in United Arab Emirates, 2019
(2020) Karuvantevida, Noushad; Loney, Tom; Nowotny, Norbert
Background: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in dromedary camels and attached ticks at 3 locations in the United Arab Emirates. Results revealed a high prevalence of CCHFV-reactive antibodies in camels and viral RNA in ticks and camel serum, suggesting the virus is endemic in this country.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Asia, Africa and Europe
(2021) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: The global spread of ticks and various tick-borne viruses (TBVs) suggests the possibility of new tick-borne diseases emerging. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging TBV of the Nairoviridae family that causes serious disease that can be fatal in humans. CCHFV endemic foci can be found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South-Eastern Europe, and has spread to previously unaffected regions and nations, such as Spain, over the last two decades. In this review, we discuss the current situation of CCHFV in Asia, Africa and Europe based on existing knowledge, and we discuss driving factors in the distribution and transmission of the virus, such as the spread of tick vector species and host reservoirs.
Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Past Infections Are Associated with Two Innate Immune Response Candidate Genes in Dromedaries
(2022) Loney, Tom; Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: Dromedaries are an important livestock, used as beasts of burden and for meat and milk production. However, they can act as an intermediate source or vector for transmitting zoonotic viruses to humans, such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) or Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). After several outbreaks of CCHFV in the Arabian Peninsula, recent studies have demonstrated that CCHFV is endemic in dromedaries and camel ticks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There is no apparent disease in dromedaries after the bite of infected ticks; in contrast, fever, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, and petechial hemorrhaging are common symptoms in humans, with a case fatality ratio of up to 40%. We used the in-solution hybridization capture of 100 annotated immune genes to genotype 121 dromedaries from the UAE tested for seropositivity to CCHFV. Through univariate linear regression analysis, we identified two candidate genes belonging to the innate immune system: FCAR and CLEC2B. These genes have important functions in the host defense against viral infections and in stimulating natural killer cells, respectively. This study opens doors for future research into immune defense mechanisms in an enzootic host against an important zoonotic disease.
Different dynamics of Usutu virus infections in Austria and Hungary, 2017–2018
(2019) Nowotny, Norbert
Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito‐borne flavivirus closely related to West Nile virus, emerged in Austria in 2001, when it caused a considerable mass‐mortality of Eurasian blackbirds. Cases in birds increased until 2003 and quickly declined thereafter, presumably due to developing herd immunity. Since 2006, no further cases were recorded, until two blackbirds were tested positive in 2016. In Hungary, USUV first appeared in 2005 and has caused only sporadic infections since then. Initially, the only genetic USUV lineage found across both countries was Europe 1. This changed in 2015/2016, when Europe 2 emerged, which has since then become the prevalent lineage. Due to dispersal of these strains and introduction of new genetic lineages, USUV infections are now widespread across Europe. In 2009, the first cases of USUV‐related encephalitis were described in humans, and the virus has been frequently detected in blood donations since 2016. To monitor USUV infections among the Austrian wild bird population in 2017/2018, 86 samples were investigated by RT‐PCR. In 67 of them, USUV nucleic acid was detected (17 in 2017, 50 in 2018). The majority of succumbed birds were blackbirds, found in Vienna and Lower Austria. However, the virus also spread westwards to Upper Austria and southwards to Styria and Carinthia. In Hungary, 253 wild birds were examined, but only six of them were infected with USUV (five in 2017, one in 2018). Thus, in contrast to the considerable increase in USUV‐associated bird mortality in Austria, the number of infections in Hungary declined after a peak in 2016. Except for one case of USUV lineage Africa 3 in Austria in 2017, Europe 2 remains the most prevalent genetic lineage in both countries. Since USUV transmission largely depends on temperature, which affects vector populations, climate change may cause more frequent USUV outbreaks in the future.
Diversity of West Nile and Usutu virus strains in mosquitoes at an international airport in Austria
(2021) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: Increased globalization and international transportation have resulted in the inadvertent introduction of exotic mosquitoes and new mosquito-borne diseases. International airports are among the possible points of entry for mosquitoes and their pathogens. We established a mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases monitoring programme at the largest international airport in Austria and report the results for the first two years, 2018 and 2019. This included weekly monitoring and sampling of adult mosquitoes, and screening them for the presence of viral nucleic acids by standard molecular diagnostic techniques. Additionally, we surveyed the avian community at the airport, as birds are potentially amplifying hosts. In 2018, West Nile virus (WNV) was detected in 14 pools and Usutu virus (USUV) was detected in another 14 pools of mosquitoes (minimum infection rate [MIR] of 6.8 for each virus). Of these 28 pools, 26 consisted of female Culex pipiens/torrentium, and two contained male Culex sp. mosquitoes. Cx. pipiens/torrentium mosquitoes were the most frequently captured mosquito species at the airport. The detected WNV strains belonged to five subclusters within the sub-lineage 2d-1, and all detected USUV strains were grouped to at least seven sub-clusters among the cluster Europe 2; all strains were previously shown to be endemic in Austria. In 2019, all mosquito pools were negative for any viral nucleic acids tested. Our study suggests that airports may serve as foci of arbovirus activity, particularly during epidemic years, and should be considered when designing mosquito control and arbovirus monitoring programmes.
Emergence of West Nile virus lineage 2 in Europe: Characteristics of the first seven cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease in horses in Austria
(2019) Nowotny, Norbert
Abstract: We report details of the first seven equine cases of confirmed West Nile neuroinvasive disease in Austria. The cases presented during summer and autumn of 2016 (n = 2), 2017 (n = 3) and 2018 (n = 2). All horses showed gait abnormalities and 6 of 7 horses exhibited fasciculations and/or tremors, and we provide video recordings of these. Three horses also showed cranial nerve involvement. Following rapid improvement, three horses were discharged. Four horses were euthanized due to the severity of clinical signs and subjected to neuropathological examination. West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 nucleic acid was detected in 5 of 7 horses, and WNV-specific neutralizing antibodies in all 7 horses. In addition, serologic evidence of WNV infection was found in two out of fourteen in-contact horses. Horses may be considered a sentinel species for human WNV infections, integrating human and veterinary medicine and thus contributing to the one health concept.
Factors Affecting Transmission of Crimean - Congo Hemorrhagic Fever among Slaughterhouse Employees: A Serosurvey in Mashhad, Iran
(2018-02-12) Nowotny, Norbert
Background: Crimean - Congohemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe viral disease. Slaughterhouses are potentially high risk working environments for CCHF infection due to close contact of livestock and humans. Objectives: The current study aimed at conducting a serosurvey among abattoir workers and evaluating different factors affecting the transmission of CCHF. Methods: A serosurvey was conducted to determine the frequency of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) IgG antibodies among abattoir workers in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran. Sera were collected from 136 slaughterhouse workers and assessed by the enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG CCHFV antibodies. In addition, a questionnaire was used to evaluate the risk factors involving in the transmission of the virus to the workers. Results: Serological evidence was observed in 39 out of 136 (29%) participants. The infection rate did not correlate with the work experience, type of livestock, and the permanent use of available personal protection equipment (PPE). However, standard hand disinfectants had a significant role in decreasing CCHFV IgG seropositivity (OR = 0.2, P = 0.004). Two out of 39 seropositive cases reported the history of hospitalization and CCHF infection diagnosis. Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrated that almost one-third of the investigated slaughterhouse workers were exposed to CCHFV, though the clinical manifestations were less than those of nosocomial transmissions. The currently used PPE could not protect workers against CCHFV infection; therefore, the need for effective preventive strategies for workers in the livestock industry should be emphasized.
First record of the Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus japonicus, in Italy: invasion from an established Austrian population
(2016-05-16) Nowotny, Norbert
Background: In 2011 we identified the Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) (Diptera: Culicidae) for the first time in northern Slovenia and in the bordering Austrian federal state of Styria. Between May and July 2012 the distribution area of Ae. j. japonicus was already found to be extended westwards into Carinthia and eastwards towards Burgenland and bordering Hungary. In August 2012 the species was first detected in a western province of Hungary. In subsequent years, follow-up field studies demonstrated an active spread westwards throughout Carinthia, reaching the border to northern Italy. Findings: In July 2015 several aquatic-stage specimens of the species were discovered at three different sites in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, north-eastern Italy. In September 2015, co-occurrence of Ae. j. japonicus and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) was observed in the same sample in that region. Conclusions: Ae. j. japonicus actively extended its geographic range from an established population in Carinthia (Austria) southwards to northern Italy by crossing Alpine ranges. Since Ae. albopictus and Aedes koreicus (Edwards, 1917) are already well established in northern Italy, it will be pivotal to monitor the consequences of a third invasive mosquito species trying to populate the same geographic region.
Genetic analysis of imported dengue virus strains by Iranian travelers
(2016-09-26) Nowotny, Norbert
Dengue virus sequences used in this study were obtained from two Iranian patients who were both with a history of traveling to Malaysia. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree demonstrated that two sequences were grouped into dengue virus 1. Specifically, strains Iran- DF1 and Iran-DF2 clustered in genotype I and III, respectively.