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1.
J Am Mosq Control Assoc ; 40(2): 92-101, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38587266

ABSTRACT

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) causes the most clinically severe neuroinvasive arboviral disease in the United States. The virus is endemic in eastern and Gulf Coast states and the Great Lakes region, causing cases annually. To detect EEEV circulation in its enzootic cycle before the virus infects humans and other mammals, mosquito control agencies in New Jersey have conducted mosquito surveillance using a series of permanent wooden resting box sites since 1975. We conducted 2 field studies, 1 evaluating resting traps and 1 evaluating efficacy of CO2 lures, to optimize collection of Culiseta melanura, the primary enzootic vector of EEEV. Resulting mosquito samples were subjected to molecular analysis to determine EEEV infection rates. Corrugated plastic boxes trapped more bloodfed Cs. melanura than other resting trap types (resting boxes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] resting traps, or fiber pots) and were similar to resting boxes in total number of female Cs. melanura caught. Further, non-baited CDC light traps were more successful in trapping host-seeking Cs. melanura than those baited with dry ice, a CO2 lure. The EEEV RNA was identified in Cs. melanura, Aedes vexans, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Uranotaenia sapphirina. Our findings indicate that corrugated plastic boxes and non-CO2 baited traps could improve detection of Cs. melanura. Mosquito control agencies are encouraged to periodically assess their surveillance strategy for EEEV.


Subject(s)
Culicidae , Encephalitis Virus, Eastern Equine , Mosquito Control , Animals , Encephalitis Virus, Eastern Equine/isolation & purification , New Jersey/epidemiology , Culicidae/virology , Female , Mosquito Vectors/virology
2.
J Med Entomol ; 2024 Mar 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38533824

ABSTRACT

The recovery of a Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae) tick from a dog in Benton County, Arkansas, in 2018 triggered a significant environmental sampling effort in Hobbs State Park Conservation Area. The objective of the investigation was to assess the tick population density and diversity, as well as identify potential tick-borne pathogens that could pose a risk to public health. During a week-long sampling period in August of 2018, a total of 6,154 ticks were collected, with the majority identified as Amblyomma americanum (L), (Acari: Ixodidae) commonly known as the lone star tick. No H. longicornis ticks were found despite the initial detection of this species in the area. This discrepancy highlights the importance of continued monitoring efforts to understand the dynamics of tick populations and their movements. The investigation also focused on pathogen detection, with ticks being pooled by species, age, and sex before being processed with various bioassays. The results revealed the presence of several tick-borne pathogens, including agents associated with ehrlichiosis (n = 12), tularemia (n = 2), and Bourbon virus (BRBV) disease (n = 1), as well as nonpathogenic rickettsial and anaplasmosis organisms. These findings emphasize the importance of public health messaging to raise awareness of the risks associated with exposure to tick-borne pathogens. Prevention measures, such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and conducting regular tick checks, should be emphasized to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases. Continued surveillance efforts and research are also essential to improve our understanding of tick-borne disease epidemiology and develop effective control strategies.

3.
Epidemics ; 44: 100697, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37348378

ABSTRACT

Ivermectin (IVM)-treated birds provide the potential for targeted control of Culex mosquitoes to reduce West Nile virus (WNV) transmission. Ingestion of IVM increases mosquito mortality, which could reduce WNV transmission from birds to humans and in enzootic maintenance cycles affecting predominantly bird-feeding mosquitoes and from birds to humans. This strategy might also provide an alternative method for WNV control that is less hampered by insecticide resistance and the logistics of large-scale pesticide applications. Through a combination of field studies and modeling, we assessed the feasibility and impact of deploying IVM-treated birdfeed in residential neighborhoods to reduce WNV transmission. We first tracked 105 birds using radio telemetry and radio frequency identification to monitor their feeder usage and locations of nocturnal roosts in relation to five feeder sites in a neighborhood in Fort Collins, Colorado. Using these results, we then modified a compartmental model of WNV transmission to account for the impact of IVM on mosquito mortality and spatial movement of birds and mosquitoes on the neighborhood level. We found that, while the number of treated lots in a neighborhood strongly influenced the total transmission potential, the arrangement of treated lots in a neighborhood had little effect. Increasing the proportion of treated birds, regardless of the WNV competency status, resulted in a larger reduction in infection dynamics than only treating competent birds. Taken together, model results indicate that deployment of IVM-treated feeders could reduce local transmission throughout the WNV season, including reducing the enzootic transmission prior to the onset of human infections, with high spatial coverage and rates of IVM-induced mortality in mosquitoes. To improve predictions, more work is needed to refine estimates of daily mosquito movement in urban areas and rates of IVM-induced mortality. Our results can guide future field trials of this control strategy.


Subject(s)
Culex , Culicidae , West Nile Fever , West Nile virus , Animals , Humans , West Nile Fever/prevention & control , West Nile Fever/veterinary , Ivermectin/pharmacology , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Birds
4.
Clin Case Rep ; 11(1): e6777, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36694643

ABSTRACT

Laryngeal angiomyolipoma is a rare tumor with few reported cases in the literature. The case report explains a 62-year-old man who presents with dyspnea and found to have a laryngeal angiomyolipoma staining CD34 positive, but HMB45 and Melan-A negative.

5.
Diseases ; 10(4)2022 Dec 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36547207

ABSTRACT

The reservoir for zoonotic o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) has remained unknown since this virus was first recognized in Uganda in 1959. Building on existing evidence for mosquito blood-feeding on various frugivorous bat species in Uganda, and seroprevalence for arboviruses among bats in Uganda, we sought to assess if serum samples collected from bats in Uganda demonstrated evidence of exposure to ONNV or the closely related zoonotic chikungunya virus (CHIKV). In total, 652 serum samples collected from six bat species were tested by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) for neutralizing antibodies against ONNV and CHIKV. Forty out of 303 (13.2%) Egyptian rousettes from Maramagambo Forest and 1/13 (8%) little free-tailed bats from Banga Nakiwogo, Entebbe contained neutralizing antibodies against ONNV. In addition, 2/303 (0.7%) of these Egyptian rousettes contained neutralizing antibodies to CHIKV, and 8/303 (2.6%) contained neutralizing antibodies that were nonspecifically reactive to alphaviruses. These data support the interepidemic circulation of ONNV and CHIKV in Uganda, although Egyptian rousette bats are unlikely to serve as reservoirs for these viruses given the inconsistent occurrence of antibody-positive bats.

6.
Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis ; 22(8): 443-448, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35877087

ABSTRACT

In the past few decades, reported human cases of Colorado tick fever in the western United States have decreased dramatically. The goal of this study was to conduct surveillance for Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV) in Dermacentor ticks in recreational sites in Colorado, Wyoming, and California to determine whether the virus is still present in Dermacentor ticks from these states. Surveillance focused on regions where surveys had been conducted in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Adult Rocky Mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni), Pacific Coast ticks (Dermacentor occidentalis), and winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) were tested by PCR. A subset of PCR-positive D. andersoni ticks (n = 7) were cultured in Vero cells. CTFV-positive Rocky Mountain wood ticks were found in all states: Colorado (58% prevalence), Wyoming (21%), and California (4%). Although no winter ticks tested positive, Pacific Coast ticks tested positive in one county (Siskiyou County, 15% prevalence) and were positive only in a location that also maintained Rocky Mountain wood ticks and golden mantled ground squirrels, a known CTFV host. In summary, CTFV is prevalent in D. andersoni and D. occidentalis in regions where they are sympatric in California and in D. andersoni in Colorado and Wyoming. Although the number of human CTFV cases has declined dramatically, this decrease in reported disease does not appear to be due to the disappearance or even the decline in prevalence of this virus in ticks in historically endemic regions of the country.


Subject(s)
Colorado Tick Fever , Colorado tick fever virus , Dermacentor , Viruses , Animals , Chlorocebus aethiops , Colorado Tick Fever/epidemiology , Colorado Tick Fever/veterinary , Humans , Vero Cells
7.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 26(5): 881-890, 2020 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32310079

ABSTRACT

In 2016, four clusters of local mosquitoborne Zika virus transmission were identified in Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA, generating "red zones" (areas into which pregnant women were advised against traveling). The Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control Division initiated intensive control activities, including property inspections, community education, and handheld sprayer applications of larvicides and adulticides. For the first time, the Mosquito Control Division used a combination of areawide ultralow-volume adulticide and low-volume larvicide spraying to effectively control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary Zika virus vector within the county. The number of mosquitoes rapidly decreased, and Zika virus transmission was interrupted within the red zones immediately after the combination of adulticide and larvicide spraying.


Subject(s)
Aedes , Zika Virus Infection , Zika Virus , Animals , Female , Florida/epidemiology , Humans , Mosquito Control , Mosquito Vectors , Pregnancy , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/prevention & control
8.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 25(9): 1752-1753, 2019 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31441752

ABSTRACT

Since its recent discovery, Bourbon virus has been isolated from a human and ticks. To assess exposure of potential vertebrate reservoirs, we assayed banked serum and plasma samples from wildlife and domestic animals in Missouri, USA, for Bourbon virus-neutralizing antibodies. We detected high seroprevalence in raccoons (50%) and white-tailed deer (86%).


Subject(s)
Disease Reservoirs , Thogotovirus/isolation & purification , Animals , Animals, Domestic/virology , Animals, Wild/virology , Missouri
9.
Viruses ; 11(12)2019 12 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31888285

ABSTRACT

Zika virus (ZIKV) was first discovered in 1947 in Uganda but was not considered a public health threat until 2007 when it found to be the source of epidemic activity in Asia. Epidemic activity spread to Brazil in 2014 and continued to spread throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Despite ZIKV being zoonotic in origin, information about transmission, or even exposure of non-human vertebrates and mosquitoes to ZIKV in the Americas, is lacking. Accordingly, from February 2017 to March 2018, we sought evidence of sylvatic ZIKV transmission by sampling whole blood from approximately 2000 domestic and wild vertebrates of over 100 species in West-Central Brazil within the active human ZIKV transmission area. In addition, we collected over 24,300 mosquitoes of at least 17 genera and 62 species. We screened whole blood samples and mosquito pools for ZIKV RNA using pan-flavivirus primers in a real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in a SYBR Green platform. Positives were confirmed using ZIKV-specific envelope gene real-time RT-PCR and nucleotide sequencing. Of the 2068 vertebrates tested, none were ZIKV positive. Of the 23,315 non-engorged mosquitoes consolidated into 1503 pools tested, 22 (1.5%) with full data available showed some degree of homology to insect-specific flaviviruses. To identify previous exposure to ZIKV, 1498 plasma samples representing 62 species of domestic and sylvatic vertebrates were tested for ZIKV-neutralizing antibodies by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90). From these, 23 (1.5%) of seven species were seropositive for ZIKV and negative for dengue virus serotype 2, yellow fever virus, and West Nile virus, suggesting potential monotypic reaction for ZIKV. Results presented here suggest no active transmission of ZIKV in non-human vertebrate populations or in alternative vector candidates, but suggest that vertebrates around human populations have indeed been exposed to ZIKV in West-Central Brazil.


Subject(s)
Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/virology , Zika Virus , Animals , Brazil/epidemiology , Culicidae , Geography, Medical , Humans , Mosquito Vectors , Neutralization Tests , Public Health Surveillance , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Zika Virus Infection/transmission , Zoonoses
10.
J Vector Ecol ; 43(2): 220-234, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30408295

ABSTRACT

To explain the patchy distribution of West Nile virus (WNV), we propose that avian immunity encountered by Culex vectors regulates WNV transmission, particularly at communal bird roosts. To test this hypothesis, we selected two test sites with communally roosting American robins (Turdus migratorius) and two control sites that lacked communal roosts. The density of vector-vertebrate contacts, represented by engorged Culex pipiens, was 23-fold greater at test sites compared to control sites, and the density of blood-engorged Cx. pipiens measured in resting mosquito traps correlated positively with the presence of robins and negatively with the presence of other birds, confirming an attraction to robins for blood feeding. WNV transmission was alternately up-regulated (amplification) and down-regulated (suppression) at both test sites. At one test site, infection in resting Cx. pipiens surged from zero to 37.2 per thousand within four weeks, and robin immunity rose from 8.4% to 64% before reducing to 33%. At this site, ten potentially infectious contacts between vector and vertebrates (including nine robins and a mourning dove [Zenaida macroura]) were documented. Infectious vector-vertebrate contacts were absent from control sites. The use of infectious vector-vertebrate contacts, rather than infected mosquitoes, to evaluate a transmission focus is novel.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases/transmission , Columbidae/virology , Culex/virology , Songbirds/virology , West Nile Fever/veterinary , West Nile virus/physiology , Animals , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Bird Diseases/virology , Colorado/epidemiology , Female , Host-Pathogen Interactions , Mosquito Vectors/virology , West Nile Fever/epidemiology , West Nile Fever/transmission , West Nile Fever/virology
11.
Arch Virol ; 163(12): 3351-3356, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30159683

ABSTRACT

Flanders virus (FLAV; family Rhabdoviridae) is a mosquito-borne hapavirus with no known pathology that is frequently isolated during arbovirus surveillance programs. Here, we document the presence of FLAV in Culex tarsalis mosquitoes and a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) collected in western North America, outside of the currently recognized range of FLAV. Until now, FLAV-like viruses detected in the western United States were assumed to be Hart Park virus (HPV, family Rhabdoviridae), a closely related congener. A re-examination of archived viral isolates revealed that FLAV was circulating in California as early as 1963. FLAV also was isolated in Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Saskatchewan, Canada. Phylogenetic analysis of the U1 pseudogene for 117 taxa and eight nuclear genes for 15 taxa demonstrated no distinct clustering between western FLAV isolates. Assuming the range of FLAV has been expanding west, these results indicate that FLAV likely spread west following multiple invasion events. However, it remains to be determined if the detection of FLAV in western North America is due to expansion or is a result of enhanced arbovirus surveillance or diagnostic techniques. Currently, the impact of FLAV infection remains unknown.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases/virology , Culex/virology , Geese/virology , Mosquito Vectors/virology , Rhabdoviridae Infections/veterinary , Rhabdoviridae/isolation & purification , Animals , Bird Diseases/transmission , North America , Phylogeny , Rhabdoviridae/classification , Rhabdoviridae/genetics , Rhabdoviridae Infections/transmission , Rhabdoviridae Infections/virology , Seasons
12.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg ; 159(5): 908-913, 2018 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29966483

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe patient characteristics, audiometric outcomes, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal patterns in patients with suspected labyrinthine hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Radiology database was queried for terms related to labyrinth hemorrhage or labyrinthitis and then selected for patients in which labyrinthine hemorrhage was suspected in the report. Eleven patients were identified and all treated at our institution. Blinded assessment of temporal bone MRI by 2 experienced neuroradiologists was performed and interrater reliability assessed. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and audiometric outcomes are described. RESULTS: Of the 11 patients identified, the median patient age was 60 years; 7 were female and 4 male. Ten of 11 patients presented with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and 8 of 11 had associated vertigo. One patient experienced vertigo without hearing loss. Of those presenting with sudden SNHL, 82% were left with nonserviceable American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery class D hearing. Interrater reliability for detecting T1 signal abnormalities was moderate but very good for detecting fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal abnormalities. Most patients had existing hypertension. Average follow-up was 13.3 months. CONCLUSION: We present the largest cohort of patients with radiographic diagnosis of labyrinthine hemorrhage using T1 and FLAIR signal abnormalities on MRI. Most patients presented with a profound unilateral sudden SNHL that did not recover. Our findings are consistent with prior reports that abnormal FLAIR signal on MRI is a reliable marker for detecting inner ear injury and can potentially be used as a marker for poor prognosis.


Subject(s)
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/etiology , Hearing Loss, Sudden/etiology , Hemorrhage/diagnostic imaging , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Age Distribution , Aged , Audiometry/methods , Cohort Studies , Databases, Factual , Female , Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/epidemiology , Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/physiopathology , Hearing Loss, Sudden/diagnostic imaging , Hearing Loss, Sudden/epidemiology , Hemorrhage/complications , Hemorrhage/physiopathology , Humans , Incidence , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Observer Variation , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Sex Distribution , Tertiary Care Centers
13.
J Med Entomol ; 55(6): 1613-1616, 2018 10 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29947778

ABSTRACT

In June 2016, we continued surveillance for tick-borne viruses in eastern Kansas following upon a larger surveillance program initiated in 2015 in response to a fatal human case of Bourbon virus (BRBV) (Family Orthomyxoviridae: Genus Thogotovirus). In 4 d, we collected 14,193 ticks representing four species from four sites. Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) accounted for nearly all ticks collected (n = 14,116, 99.5%), and the only other species identified were Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae), Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) and Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae). All ticks were tested for both BRBV and Heartland virus (Family Bunyaviridae: Genus Phlebovirus) in 964 pools. Five Heartland virus positive tick pools were detected and confirmed by real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR), while all pools tested negative for BRBV. Each Heartland positive pool was composed of 25 A. americanum nymphs with positive pools collected at three different sites in Bourbon County. A. americanum is believed to be the primary vector of both Heartland and BRBVs to humans based upon multiple detections of virus in field-collected ticks, its abundance, and its aggressive feeding behavior on mammals including humans. However, it is possible that A. americanum encounters viremic vertebrate hosts of BRBV less frequently than viremic hosts of Heartland virus, or that BRBV is less efficiently passed among ticks by co-feeding, or less efficiently passed vertically from infected female ticks to their offspring resulting in lower field infection rates.


Subject(s)
Ixodidae/virology , Phlebovirus/isolation & purification , Animals , Female , Kansas , Male
14.
Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis ; 18(9): 485-490, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29920164

ABSTRACT

Culex quinquefasciatus is the principal vector of West Nile virus (WNV) in the South Central United States, yet limited data on host utilization are available. We evaluated host utilization over a 3-month period in 2013 in a residential landscape in College Station, Texas. PCR sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene permitted molecular identification of vertebrate bloodmeals to the species level. Forage ratio analysis identified bird species that were overutilized and underutilized by comparing community feeding index values to expected relative abundance values of bird species, derived from eBird data. Community feeding index values were also used in conjunction with reservoir competence data from the literature to generate reservoir capacity index values, a means of identifying relative importance of vertebrate reservoir hosts. Of 498 blood-engorged Cx. quinquefasciatus, 313 (62.9%) were identified to vertebrate species. The majority (95.5%) of bloodmeals originated from avian species with the remainder from mammals, but not humans. Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was the principal host for mosquito feeding in June and July, but northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) became primary host in August. Forage ratio analysis revealed the overutilization of house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), American robin (Turdus migratorius), northern mockingbird, northern cardinal, white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) were under-utilized relative to availability. Reservoir capacity calculations suggested that northern mockingbird and northern cardinal were the principal amplifiers in the study area. These data identify the primary avian species contributing to the enzootic amplification of WNV in East-Central Texas and reveal that the heavy feeding on moderately competent hosts and no feeding on humans likely limit epidemics in this region.


Subject(s)
Birds/blood , Culex/physiology , Feeding Behavior , Mammals/blood , Animals , Species Specificity , Texas
15.
J Wildl Dis ; 54(3): 528-533, 2018 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29617186

ABSTRACT

Raptors are a target sentinel species for West Nile virus (WNV) because many are susceptible to WNV disease, they are easily sighted because of their large size, and they often occupy territories near human settlements. Sick and dead raptors accumulate at raptor and wildlife rehabilitation clinics. However, investigations into species selection and specimen type for efficient detection of WNV are lacking. Accordingly, we evaluated dead raptors from north-central Colorado, US and southeast Wyoming, US over a 4-yr period. Nonvascular mature feathers ("quill"), vascular immature feathers ("pulp"), oropharyngeal swabs, cloacal swabs, and kidney samples were collected from raptor carcasses at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program in Colorado from 2013 through 2016. We tested the samples using real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR. We found that 11% (53/482) of raptor carcasses tested positive for WNV infection. We consistently detected positive specimens during a 12-wk span between the second week of July and the third week of September across all years of the study. We detected WNV RNA most frequently in vascular feather pulp from Cooper's Hawk ( Accipiter cooperii). North American avian mortality surveillance for WNV using raptors can obviate necropsies by selecting Cooper's Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis) as sentinels and targeting feather pulp as a substrate for viral detection.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases/virology , Raptors/virology , West Nile Fever/veterinary , West Nile virus/isolation & purification , Animals , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Colorado/epidemiology , West Nile Fever/virology , Wyoming/epidemiology
16.
Infect Ecol Epidemiol ; 8(1): 1439215, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29511459

ABSTRACT

Introduction: A number of arboviruses have previously been isolated from naturally-infected East African bats, however the role of bats in arbovirus maintenance is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure history of Ugandan bats to a panel of arboviruses. Materials and methods: Insectivorous and fruit bats were captured from multiple locations throughout Uganda during 2009 and 2011-2013. All serum samples were tested for neutralizing antibodies against West Nile virus (WNV), yellow fever virus (YFV), dengue 2 virus (DENV-2), Zika virus (ZIKV), Babanki virus (BBKV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Sera from up to 626 bats were screened for antibodies against each virus. Results and Discussion: Key findings include the presence of neutralizing antibodies against RVFV in 5/52 (9.6%) of little epauletted fruit bats (Epomophorus labiatus) captured from Kawuku and 3/54 (5.6%) Egyptian rousette bats from Kasokero cave. Antibodies reactive to flaviviruses were widespread across bat taxa and sampling locations. Conclusion: The data presented demonstrate the widespread exposure of bats in Uganda to arboviruses, and highlight particular virus-bat associations that warrant further investigation.

17.
J Med Entomol ; 55(3): 701-705, 2018 05 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29365128

ABSTRACT

Bourbon virus (Family Orthomyxoviridae: Genus Thogotovirus) was first isolated from a human case-patient residing in Bourbon County, Kansas, who subsequently died. Before becoming ill in late spring of 2014, the patient reported several tick bites. In response, we initiated tick surveillance in Bourbon County and adjacent southern Linn County during spring and summer of 2015. We collected 20,639 host-seeking ticks representing four species from 12 sites. Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) and Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) accounted for nearly all ticks collected (99.99%). Three tick pools, all composed of adult A. americanum ticks collected in Bourbon County, were virus positive. Two pools were Heartland virus (Family Bunyaviridae: Genus Phlebovirus) positive, and one was Bourbon virus positive. The Bourbon virus positive tick pool was composed of five adult females collected on a private recreational property on June 5. Detection of Bourbon virus in the abundant and aggressive human-biting tick A. americanum in Bourbon County supports the contention that A. americanum is a vector of Bourbon virus to humans. The current data combined with virus detections in Missouri suggest that Bourbon virus is transmitted to humans by A. americanum ticks, including both the nymphal and adult stages, that ticks of this species become infected as either larvae, nymphs or both, perhaps by feeding on viremic vertebrate hosts, by cofeeding with infected ticks, or both, and that Bourbon virus is transstadially transmitted. Multiple detections of Heartland virus and Bourbon virus in A. americanum ticks suggest that these viruses share important components of their transmission cycles.


Subject(s)
Arachnid Vectors/virology , Ixodidae/virology , Tick-Borne Diseases/transmission , Animals , Female , Ixodidae/growth & development , Kansas , Larva/growth & development , Larva/virology , Male , Nymph/growth & development , Nymph/virology , Phlebovirus/isolation & purification , Thogotovirus/isolation & purification
18.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 23(12): 2017-2022, 2017 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29148395

ABSTRACT

Bourbon virus (BRBV) was first isolated in 2014 from a resident of Bourbon County, Kansas, USA, who died of the infection. In 2015, an ill Payne County, Oklahoma, resident tested positive for antibodies to BRBV, before fully recovering. We retrospectively tested for BRBV in 39,096 ticks from northwestern Missouri, located 240 km from Bourbon County, Kansas. We detected BRBV in 3 pools of Amblyomma americanum (L.) ticks: 1 pool of male adults and 2 pools of nymphs. Detection of BRBV in A. americanum, a species that is aggressive, feeds on humans, and is abundant in Kansas and Oklahoma, supports the premise that A. americanum is a vector of BRBV to humans. BRBV has not been detected in nonhuman vertebrates, and its natural history remains largely unknown.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , Arachnid Vectors/virology , Influenza, Human/virology , Ixodidae/virology , Nymph/virology , RNA, Viral/genetics , Thogotovirus/genetics , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/isolation & purification , Epidemiological Monitoring , Humans , Influenza, Human/diagnosis , Influenza, Human/immunology , Kansas , Male , Missouri , Phylogeny , Phylogeography , Thogotovirus/classification , Thogotovirus/isolation & purification , Viral Plaque Assay
19.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol ; 126(3): 241-244, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27831514

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently described fibroinflammatory condition with a characteristic histology. While IgG4-RD can affect a great variety of anatomical sites, it has been seldom described in the temporal bone. METHODS: Herein, a case IgG4-RD occurring in the temporal bone of a 35-year-old woman is reported. DISCUSSION: This case of IgG4-RD of the temporal bone proved a uniquely challenging diagnosis due to slightly atypical histology falling outside of "highly suggestive" criteria. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that IgG4-RD remains a challenging diagnosis to reach despite increased awareness of the condition. We further suggest that clinicopathologic correlation remain the cornerstone of diagnosis as the spectrum of presentations of this newly described disease may be wider than previously anticipated.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/diagnosis , Bone Diseases/diagnosis , Hearing Loss/etiology , Immunoglobulin G , Temporal Bone , Adult , Autoimmune Diseases/complications , Autoimmune Diseases/therapy , Bone Diseases/complications , Bone Diseases/therapy , Female , Humans
20.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol ; 125(10): 862-5, 2016 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27440066

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to report a case of otopolyposis and middle ear allergic mucin in a patient with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and no history of middle ear disease and introduce these as possible otologic manifestations of the AFRS. METHODS: A case of a 31-year-old female with the aforementioned findings is reported. A review of the pertinent literature was performed. RESULTS: We report a case of a 31-year-old female with a history of AFRS but no history of middle ear disease or hearing loss who presented to our institution complaining of aural fullness. Physical exam was significant for middle ear masses of unknown etiology. Surgical exploration revealed the presence of allergic mucin and middle ear polyposis histologically identical to tissue sampled during prior sinonasal surgeries at the same institution. Aspiration of the middle ear space did not resolve the otologic symptoms. CONCLUSION: Otopolyposis and middle ear allergic mucin are extremely rare but possible otologic manifestations of AFRS. We encourage otolaryngologists to consider this in the clinical differential diagnosis of patients with a history of AFRS with new onset otologic symptoms.


Subject(s)
Ear Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Ear, Middle/diagnostic imaging , Mucus/diagnostic imaging , Mycoses/diagnostic imaging , Polyps/diagnostic imaging , Rhinitis, Allergic/complications , Sinusitis/complications , Adult , Ear Diseases/complications , Ear Diseases/pathology , Ear Diseases/surgery , Ear, Middle/pathology , Ear, Middle/surgery , Female , Humans , Mucins , Mycoses/complications , Mycoses/pathology , Mycoses/surgery , Polyps/complications , Polyps/pathology , Polyps/surgery
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