Abstract
Wesselsbron virus (WSLV) is a neglected, mosquito-borne flavivirus that is endemic to the African continent. The virus is teratogenic to ruminants and causes a self-limiting febrile illness in humans. Wesselsbron disease manifests with similar clinical signs and occurs in the same areas under the same climatic conditions as Rift Valley fever, which is therefore included in the differential diagnosis. Although the gross pathology of WSLV infection in pregnant ewes is reported in literature, the pathogenesis that leads to stillbirths, congenital malformations and abortion has remained undescribed. In the present study, pregnant ewes were inoculated with WSLV and subjected to detailed clinical- and histopathology 8 days later. The virus was mainly detected in foetal trophoblasts of the placenta and in neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, oligodendrocytes, microglia and astrocytes. Our study demonstrates that WSLV efficiently crosses the maternal–foetal interface and is highly neuroinvasive in the ovine foetus.
Highlights
In the past two decades, the world has experienced a remarkable increase in the emergence and re-emergence of arthropod-borne viruses, several of which belong to the familyFlaviviridae, genus Flavivirus
After a week of acclimatisation, at day 61 of gestation, one group was inoculated with Wesselsbron virus (WSLV) (106.7 TCID50 ) and the other group was mock-inoculated with medium
As WSLV showed to be neurotropic, we further studied its zoonotic potential by investigating the possible capability of WSLV to infect human brain cells
Summary
In the past two decades, the world has experienced a remarkable increase in the emergence and re-emergence of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), several of which belong to the familyFlaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. In the past two decades, the world has experienced a remarkable increase in the emergence and re-emergence of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), several of which belong to the family. Whereas the impact of WNV and ZIKV on human health is currently well recognized, it is important to remember that both viruses were largely neglected until two decades ago. The (re)emergence of arboviruses is stimulated by rapidly growing human and animal populations, intensified travel, trade and climate change. Increase in temperature and humidity may stimulate arthropod vectors to slowly move into new territories [5]. Due to their ability to affect both animals and humans, arboviruses with zoonotic potential require special attention
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
