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Thomas C Mettenleiter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the recently discovered Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus insights into its genetic heterogeneity and spatial distribution in europe and the population genetics of its primary host
Advances in Virus Research, 2017Co-Authors: Elisa Eggerbauer, Dirk Hoper, Thomas C Mettenleiter, Cecile Troupin, Karsten Passior, Florian Pfaff, Antonie Neubauerjuric, Stephanie Haberl, Christiane Bouchier, Herve BourhyAbstract:Abstract In 2010, a novel Lyssavirus named Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) was isolated from a Natterer's Bat (Myotis nattereri) in Germany. Two further viruses were isolated in the same country and in France in recent years, all from the same Bat species and all found in moribund or dead Bats. Here we report the description and the full-length genome sequence of five additional BBLV isolates from Germany (n = 4) and France (n = 1). Interestingly, all of them were isolated from the Natterer's Bat, except one from Germany, which was found in a common Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), a widespread and abundant Bat species in Europe. The latter represents the first case of transmission of BBLV to another Bat species. Phylogenetic analysis clearly demonstrated the presence of two different lineages among this Lyssavirus species: lineages A and B. The spatial distribution of these two lineages remains puzzling, as both of them comprised isolates from France and Germany; although clustering of isolates was observed on a regional scale, especially in Germany. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (CYTB) gene from positive Natterer's Bat did not suggest a circulation of the respective BBLV sublineages in specific Natterer's Bat subspecies, as all of them were shown to belong to the M. nattereri sensu stricto clade/subspecies and were closely related (German and French positive Bats). At the Bat host level, we demonstrated that the distribution of BBLV at the late stage of the disease seems large and massive, as viral RNA was detected in many different organs.
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comparative studies on the genetic antigenic and pathogenic characteristics of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus
Journal of General Virology, 2014Co-Authors: Tobias Nolden, Dennis Hanke, Dirk Hoper, Ashley C Banyard, Stefan Finke, Anthony R Fooks, Daniel L Horton, Thomas C MettenleiterAbstract:Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV), a novel Lyssavirus, was isolated from a Natterer’s Bat (Myotis nattererii), a chiropteran species with a widespread and abundant distribution across Europe. As a novel Lyssavirus, the risks of BBLV to animal and human health are unknown and as such characterization both in vitro and in vivo was required to assess pathogenicity and vaccine protection. Full genome sequence analysis and antigenic cartography demonstrated that the German BBLV isolates are most closely related to European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) and Khujand virus and can be characterized within phylogroup I. In vivo characterization demonstrated that BBLV was pathogenic in mice when inoculated peripherally causing clinical signs typical for rabies encephalitis, with higher pathogenicity observed in juvenile mice. A limited vaccination-challenge experiment in mice was conducted and suggested that current vaccines would afford some protection against BBLV although further studies are warranted to determine a serological cut-off for protection.
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Enhanced Passive Bat Rabies Surveillance in Indigenous Bat Species from Germany - A Retrospective Study
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Juliane Schatz, Conrad Martin Freuling, Thomas C Mettenleiter, Ernst Auer, Hooman Goharriz, Christine Harbusch, Nicholas Johnson, Ingrid Kaipf, Kristin Mühldorfer, Ralf-udo MühleAbstract:In Germany, rabies in Bats is a notifiable zoonotic disease, which is caused by European Bat Lyssaviruses type 1 and 2 (EBLV-1 and 2), and the recently discovered new Lyssavirus species Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV). As the understanding of Bat rabies in insectivorous Bat species is limited, in addition to routine Bat rabies diagnosis, an enhanced passive surveillance study, i.e. the retrospective investigation of dead Bats that had not been tested for rabies, was initiated in 1998 to study the distribution, abundance and epidemiology of Lyssavirus infections in Bats from Germany. A total number of 5478 individuals representing 21 Bat species within two families were included in this study. The Noctule Bat (Nyctalus noctula) and the Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) represented the most specimens submitted. Of all investigated Bats, 1.17% tested positive for Lyssaviruses using the fluorescent antibody test (FAT). The vast majority of positive cases was identified as EBLV-1, predominately associated with the Serotine Bat (Eptesicus serotinus). However, rabies cases in other species, i.e. Nathusius' pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus nathusii), P. pipistrellus and Brown long-eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) were also characterized as EBLV-1. In contrast, EBLV-2 was isolated from three Daubenton's Bats (Myotis daubentonii). These three cases contribute significantly to the understanding of EBLV-2 infections in Germany as only one case had been reported prior to this study. This enhanced passive surveillance indicated that besides known reservoir species, further Bat species are affected by Lyssavirus infections. Given the increasing diversity of Lyssaviruses and Bats as reservoir host species worldwide, Lyssavirus positive specimens, i.e. both Bat and virus need to be confirmed by molecular techniques.
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molecular diagnostics for the detection of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus in a Bat from bavaria germany
Virus Research, 2013Co-Authors: Conrad Martin Freuling, Bjorn Abendroth, Martin Beer, Melina Fischer, Dennis Hanke, Bernd Hoffmann, Dirk Hoper, F Just, Thomas C Mettenleiter, Juliane SchatzAbstract:A brain sample of a Natterer's Bat tested positive for rabies with classical virological techniques. Molecular techniques confirmed the presence of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) in Germany for the second time. Sequence analysis revealed a close genetic relationship to the initial German BBLV case. Using a TaqMan RT-PCR specific for BBLV viral RNA was detected in various other organs albeit with differences in the relative viral load.
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Novel Lyssavirus in Natterer’s Bat, Germany
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Conrad Martin Freuling, Martin Beer, Bernd Hoffmann, Thomas C Mettenleiter, Stefan Finke, Franz Josef Conraths, Barbara Keller, Jeannette Kliemt, Elke Mühlbach, Jens Peter TeifkeAbstract:A virus isolated from a Natterer’s Bat (Myotis nattererii) in Germany was differentiated from other Lyssaviruses on the basis of the reaction pattern of a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Phylogenetic analysis supported the assumption that the isolated virus, Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus, may represent a new member of the genus Lyssavirus.
Conrad Martin Freuling - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus isolation in a natterer s Bat poland
Zoonoses and Public Health, 2018Co-Authors: M Smreczak, Anna Orlowska, Anna Marzec, P Trebas, Thomas Muller, Conrad Martin Freuling, Jan F żmudzinskiAbstract:: In recent years, Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV), a member of the novel Lyssavirus genus Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus in the family Rhabdoviridae, has been detected in Germany (five cases) and France (two cases). Here, we report the isolation of BBLV in a Natterer's Bat (Myotis nattereri) in Poland. The Bat brain tested positive for rabies using classical diagnostics tests (FAT and RTCIT) and then subsequently confirmed by molecular techniques. Viral RNA was found in all peripheral organs tested, and the highest viral loads were detected in brain, the salivary gland and bladder. Phylogenetic analysis performed on complete viral genome sequences revealed the closest homology to representatives of BBLV lineage B, isolated previously in southern Germany. This case provides further evidence that BBLV is widespread in Europe.
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Cross-neutralization of antibodies induced by vaccination with Purified Chick Embryo Cell Vaccine (PCECV) against different Lyssavirus species.
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2014Co-Authors: Claudius Malerczyk, Conrad Martin Freuling, Dieter Gniel, Alexandra Giesen, Thomas Selhorst, Thomas MullerAbstract:Background: Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by viruses belonging to the genus Lyssavirus. In endemic countries of Asia and Africa, where the majority of the estimated 60,000 human rabies deaths occur, it is mainly caused by the classical rabies virus (RABV) transmitted by dogs. Over the last decade new species within the genus Lyssavirus have been identified. Meanwhile 15 (proposed or classified) species exist, including Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV-1 and -2), Duvenhage virus (DUVV), as well as Lagos Bat virus (LBV) and Mokola virus (MOKV) and recently identified novel species like Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV), Ikoma Bat Lyssavirus (IKOV) or Lleida Bat Lyssavirus (LLBV). The majority of these Lyssavirus species are found in Bat reservoirs and some have caused human infection and deaths. Previous work has demonstrated that Purified Chick Embryo Cell Rabies Vaccine (PCECV) not only induces immune responses against classical RABV, but also elicits cross-neutr...
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Enhanced Passive Bat Rabies Surveillance in Indigenous Bat Species from Germany - A Retrospective Study
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Juliane Schatz, Conrad Martin Freuling, Thomas C Mettenleiter, Ernst Auer, Hooman Goharriz, Christine Harbusch, Nicholas Johnson, Ingrid Kaipf, Kristin Mühldorfer, Ralf-udo MühleAbstract:In Germany, rabies in Bats is a notifiable zoonotic disease, which is caused by European Bat Lyssaviruses type 1 and 2 (EBLV-1 and 2), and the recently discovered new Lyssavirus species Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV). As the understanding of Bat rabies in insectivorous Bat species is limited, in addition to routine Bat rabies diagnosis, an enhanced passive surveillance study, i.e. the retrospective investigation of dead Bats that had not been tested for rabies, was initiated in 1998 to study the distribution, abundance and epidemiology of Lyssavirus infections in Bats from Germany. A total number of 5478 individuals representing 21 Bat species within two families were included in this study. The Noctule Bat (Nyctalus noctula) and the Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) represented the most specimens submitted. Of all investigated Bats, 1.17% tested positive for Lyssaviruses using the fluorescent antibody test (FAT). The vast majority of positive cases was identified as EBLV-1, predominately associated with the Serotine Bat (Eptesicus serotinus). However, rabies cases in other species, i.e. Nathusius' pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus nathusii), P. pipistrellus and Brown long-eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) were also characterized as EBLV-1. In contrast, EBLV-2 was isolated from three Daubenton's Bats (Myotis daubentonii). These three cases contribute significantly to the understanding of EBLV-2 infections in Germany as only one case had been reported prior to this study. This enhanced passive surveillance indicated that besides known reservoir species, further Bat species are affected by Lyssavirus infections. Given the increasing diversity of Lyssaviruses and Bats as reservoir host species worldwide, Lyssavirus positive specimens, i.e. both Bat and virus need to be confirmed by molecular techniques.
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Molecular double-check strategy for the identification and characterization of European Lyssaviruses.
Journal of Virological Methods, 2014Co-Authors: Melina Fischer, Thomas Muller, Conrad Martin Freuling, Anthony R Fooks, Anne Wegelt, Engbert A. Kooi, Thomas Bruun Rasmussen, Katja Voller, Denise A. Marston, Martin BeerAbstract:The “gold standard” for post-mortem rabies diagnosis is the direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT). However, in the case of ante-mortem non-neural sample material or decomposed tissues, the FAT reaches its limit, and the use of molecular techniques can be advantageous. In this study, we developed and validated a reverse transcription PCR cascade protocol feasible for the classification of samples, even those for which there is no epidemiological background knowledge. This study emphasises on the most relevant European Lyssaviruses. In a first step, two independent N- and L-gene based pan-Lyssavirus intercalating dye assays are performed in a double-check application to increase the method's diagnostic safety. For the second step, characterization of the Lyssavirus positive samples via two independent multiplex PCR-systems was performed. Both assays were probe-based, species-specific multiplex PCR-systems for Rabies virus, European Bat Lyssavirus type 1 and 2 as well as Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus. All assays were validated successfully with a comprehensive panel of Lyssavirus positive samples, as well as negative material from various host species. This double-check strategy allows for both safe and sensitive screening, detection and characterization of all Lyssavirus species of humans and animals, as well as the rapid identification of currently unknown Lyssaviruses in Bats in Europe.
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molecular diagnostics for the detection of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus in a Bat from bavaria germany
Virus Research, 2013Co-Authors: Conrad Martin Freuling, Bjorn Abendroth, Martin Beer, Melina Fischer, Dennis Hanke, Bernd Hoffmann, Dirk Hoper, F Just, Thomas C Mettenleiter, Juliane SchatzAbstract:A brain sample of a Natterer's Bat tested positive for rabies with classical virological techniques. Molecular techniques confirmed the presence of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) in Germany for the second time. Sequence analysis revealed a close genetic relationship to the initial German BBLV case. Using a TaqMan RT-PCR specific for BBLV viral RNA was detected in various other organs albeit with differences in the relative viral load.
Florence Cliquet - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Cross-Protection of Inactivated Rabies Vaccines for Veterinary Use against Bat Lyssaviruses Occurring in Europe.
Viruses, 2019Co-Authors: Alexandre Servat, Marine Wasniewski, Florence CliquetAbstract:Human rabies vaccines have been shown to induce partial protection against members of phylogroup I Bat Lyssaviruses. Here, we investigated the capacity of a widely used rabies inactivated vaccine (Rabisin, Boehringer-Ingelheim) for veterinary use to cross-protect mice experimentally infected with European Bat Lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1b), European Bat Lyssavirus 2 (EBLV-2), and Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) occurring in Europe. For each Lyssavirus, we investigated the efficacy of two different doses of vaccine against two viral doses administrated by either central or peripheral routes. In parallel, seroconversion following pre-exposure vaccination was investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that the three investigated Bat isolates were pathogenic, even at low dose, when inoculated by the central route but were not/less pathogenic when administrated peripherally. The Rabisin vaccine was capable of significantly cross-protecting mice inoculated intramuscularly with EBLV-1b and EBLV-2 and intracerebrally with BBLV. The level of rabies neutralizing antibodies induced by the Rabisin was quite high against the Bat Lyssaviruses, but with no significant differences between immunization with 1 and 5 IU/dose. The study emphasizes that the quality of rabies-inactivated vaccines for veterinary use is of utmost importance to optimize the cross-protection of pets against phylogroup I Bat Lyssaviruses occurring in Europe.
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An inter-laboratory comparison to evaluate the technical performance of rabies diagnosis Lateral Flow Assays
Journal of Virological Methods, 2019Co-Authors: Alexandre Servat, Emmanuelle Robardet, Florence CliquetAbstract:Abstract As in previous years, the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for rabies organised in 2018 an Inter-laboratory trial (ILT) on rabies diagnosis. Contrarily to past years, the 2018 ILT did not aim to evaluate the performance of participating laboratories, but the technical performance of new rapid tests. Two lateral Flow Assays (LFA), namely the Anigen® and the CDIA™ Rabies Virus Antigen Rapid Test” (commercialized by Bionote and Creative Diagnostics Cie respectively), were evaluated together with the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT). One panel of virus samples (including RABV as well as EBLV1a, EBLV-1b, and EBLV2 strains) was sent to participating laboratories to compare results obtained with these different techniques. The study revealed that the FAT provided a good agreement toward expected results for both negative/positive samples (99.1%). The Anigen® test produced similar results to the FAT, with only one false negative result (0.5%) reported by all participants and a concordance of 100% for all but one sample demonstrating a good inter-laboratory reproducibility of the Anigen® Batch. The CDIA™ test produced reproducible results for Rabies Virus (RABV) samples only. However, it hardly detected the Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) and the European Bat Lyssaviruses types 1b and 2 (EBLV-1b and EBLV-2) in most laboratories resulting in a moderate inter-laboratory concordance (58.4%–82.7%) for these Lyssaviruses. The two LFAs provided reliable and reproducible results on all RABV samples (100%) but lead to heterogeneous performances with other Lyssaviruses leading to different levels of diagnostic/analytical sensitivity, specificity. The study confirmed that LFAs should be used with caution and that their validation are of upmost importance before any use in laboratories.
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Molecular and serological survey of Lyssaviruses in Croatian Bat populations.
BMC Veterinary Research, 2018Co-Authors: Ivana Šimić, Evelyne Picard-meyer, Florence Cliquet, Ivana Lojkić, Nina Krešić, Marine Wasniewski, Anđela Ćukušić, Vida Zrnčić, Tomislav BedekovićAbstract:Rabies is the only known zoonotic disease of Bat origin in Europe. The disease is caused by species belonging to the genus Lyssavirus. Five Lyssavirus species, i.e., European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV)-1, EBLV-2, Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus, Lleida Bat Lyssavirus, and West Caucasian Bat virus, have been identified in European Bats. More recently, a proposed sixth species, Kotalahti Bat Lyssavirus, was detected. Thus, in this study, active surveillance was initiated in order to obtain insights into the prevalence of Lyssaviruses in Croatian Bat populations and to improve our understanding of the public health threat of infected Bats. In total, 455 Bats were caught throughout Continental and Mediterranean Croatia. Antibodies were found in 20 of 350 Bats (5.71%, 95% confidence interval 3.73–8.66). The majority of seropositive Bats were found in Trbusnjak cave (Continental Croatia, Eastern part), and most seropositive Bats belonged to Myotis myotis (13/20). All oropharyngeal swabs were negative for the presence of Lyssavirus. The presence of Lyssaviruses in Bat populations was confirmed for the first time in Croatia and Southeastern Europe. The results of this study suggest the need for further comprehensive analyses of Lyssaviruses in Bats in this part of Europe.
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Molecular and serological survey of Lyssaviruses in Croatian Bat populations
BMC Veterinary Research, 2018Co-Authors: Ivana Šimić, Evelyne Picard-meyer, Florence Cliquet, Ivana Lojkić, Nina Krešić, Marine Wasniewski, Anđela Ćukušić, Vida Zrnčić, Tomislav BedekovićAbstract:Background Rabies is the only known zoonotic disease of Bat origin in Europe. The disease is caused by species belonging to the genus Lyssavirus . Five Lyssavirus species, i.e., European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV)-1, EBLV-2, Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus, Lleida Bat Lyssavirus, and West Caucasian Bat virus, have been identified in European Bats. More recently, a proposed sixth species, Kotalahti Bat Lyssavirus, was detected. Thus, in this study, active surveillance was initiated in order to obtain insights into the prevalence of Lyssaviruses in Croatian Bat populations and to improve our understanding of the public health threat of infected Bats. Results In total, 455 Bats were caught throughout Continental and Mediterranean Croatia. Antibodies were found in 20 of 350 Bats (5.71%, 95% confidence interval 3.73–8.66). The majority of seropositive Bats were found in Trbušnjak cave (Continental Croatia, Eastern part), and most seropositive Bats belonged to Myotis myotis (13/20). All oropharyngeal swabs were negative for the presence of Lyssavirus . Conclusions The presence of Lyssaviruses in Bat populations was confirmed for the first time in Croatia and Southeastern Europe. The results of this study suggest the need for further comprehensive analyses of Lyssaviruses in Bats in this part of Europe.
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Isolation of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus in Myotis nattereri in France
Archives of Virology, 2013Co-Authors: Evelyne Picard-meyer, Alexandre Servat, Emmanuelle Robardet, Marie Moinet, Christophe Borel, Florence CliquetAbstract:Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) was found in Myotis nattereri for the first time in northeastern France in July 2012. The complete genome sequence of the virus from the infected Natterer’s Bat was determined by whole-genome sequencing and compared to that of the first BBLV strain isolated in 2010 in Germany and with those of all currently identified Lyssaviruses. The French isolate [KC169985] showed 98.7 % nucleotide sequence identity to the German BBLV strain [JF311903]. Several organs of the infected French Bat were examined by classical rabies diagnostic methods: fluorescent antibody test, cell culture inoculation test and RT-qPCR. Antigen, infectious virus and high viral RNA levels were found in both the brain and salivary glands. Traces of genomic RNA were detected in the bladder, kidney and lung tissue. The results of an investigation of the distribution of Lyssaviruses with the detection of infectious virus in the salivary glands suggest a possible mode of transmission of the virus.
Dirk Hoper - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the recently discovered Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus insights into its genetic heterogeneity and spatial distribution in europe and the population genetics of its primary host
Advances in Virus Research, 2017Co-Authors: Elisa Eggerbauer, Dirk Hoper, Thomas C Mettenleiter, Cecile Troupin, Karsten Passior, Florian Pfaff, Antonie Neubauerjuric, Stephanie Haberl, Christiane Bouchier, Herve BourhyAbstract:Abstract In 2010, a novel Lyssavirus named Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) was isolated from a Natterer's Bat (Myotis nattereri) in Germany. Two further viruses were isolated in the same country and in France in recent years, all from the same Bat species and all found in moribund or dead Bats. Here we report the description and the full-length genome sequence of five additional BBLV isolates from Germany (n = 4) and France (n = 1). Interestingly, all of them were isolated from the Natterer's Bat, except one from Germany, which was found in a common Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), a widespread and abundant Bat species in Europe. The latter represents the first case of transmission of BBLV to another Bat species. Phylogenetic analysis clearly demonstrated the presence of two different lineages among this Lyssavirus species: lineages A and B. The spatial distribution of these two lineages remains puzzling, as both of them comprised isolates from France and Germany; although clustering of isolates was observed on a regional scale, especially in Germany. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (CYTB) gene from positive Natterer's Bat did not suggest a circulation of the respective BBLV sublineages in specific Natterer's Bat subspecies, as all of them were shown to belong to the M. nattereri sensu stricto clade/subspecies and were closely related (German and French positive Bats). At the Bat host level, we demonstrated that the distribution of BBLV at the late stage of the disease seems large and massive, as viral RNA was detected in many different organs.
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comparative studies on the genetic antigenic and pathogenic characteristics of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus
Journal of General Virology, 2014Co-Authors: Tobias Nolden, Dennis Hanke, Dirk Hoper, Ashley C Banyard, Stefan Finke, Anthony R Fooks, Daniel L Horton, Thomas C MettenleiterAbstract:Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV), a novel Lyssavirus, was isolated from a Natterer’s Bat (Myotis nattererii), a chiropteran species with a widespread and abundant distribution across Europe. As a novel Lyssavirus, the risks of BBLV to animal and human health are unknown and as such characterization both in vitro and in vivo was required to assess pathogenicity and vaccine protection. Full genome sequence analysis and antigenic cartography demonstrated that the German BBLV isolates are most closely related to European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) and Khujand virus and can be characterized within phylogroup I. In vivo characterization demonstrated that BBLV was pathogenic in mice when inoculated peripherally causing clinical signs typical for rabies encephalitis, with higher pathogenicity observed in juvenile mice. A limited vaccination-challenge experiment in mice was conducted and suggested that current vaccines would afford some protection against BBLV although further studies are warranted to determine a serological cut-off for protection.
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molecular diagnostics for the detection of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus in a Bat from bavaria germany
Virus Research, 2013Co-Authors: Conrad Martin Freuling, Bjorn Abendroth, Martin Beer, Melina Fischer, Dennis Hanke, Bernd Hoffmann, Dirk Hoper, F Just, Thomas C Mettenleiter, Juliane SchatzAbstract:A brain sample of a Natterer's Bat tested positive for rabies with classical virological techniques. Molecular techniques confirmed the presence of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) in Germany for the second time. Sequence analysis revealed a close genetic relationship to the initial German BBLV case. Using a TaqMan RT-PCR specific for BBLV viral RNA was detected in various other organs albeit with differences in the relative viral load.
Evelyne Picard-meyer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Monitoring of a French Bat colony shown naturally infected by EBLV-1 from 2009-2012. Discovery of a new infection case in the colony three years after the first positive rabies diagnostic
2020Co-Authors: Evelyne Picard-meyer, Alexandre Servat, Christophe Borel, Marine Wasniewski, D. Jouan, F. BouéAbstract:The passive surveillance of Bat rabies was improved in France since 2000, thanks to a National Bat rabies network constituted by Veterinary Services and Bat handlers from the Chiroptera group (Societe Francaise pour l’Etude et la Protection des Mammiferes). To date,59 Eptesicus serotinus were shown infected by the European Bat Lyssavirus type 1 (EBLV-1) in France out of 950 cases reported throughout Europe. In the context of the passive surveillance, we reported for the first time in June 2009 in France, in the village of Ancy sur Moselle (located in the north east of the country), six positive cases in a colony of Eptesicus serotinus naturally shown infected by EBLV-1. The field studies, carried out from 2009-2012 on 186 tested Bats with vaccinated Bat specialists showed a fall of the seroprevalence by 5. In 2009, 45% blood samples were shown positive with a modified FAVNt adapted for Bat micro-samples for the presence of neutralizing EBLV-1 antibodies against 8% in 2011. Three years after the first report of the EBLV-1 infection in the colony of Ancy Sur Moselle, a new positive case was reported into the reproduction colony at the end of July 2012. The colony was constituted by 80 Bats in May and by 46 animals at the end of July. Similarly to 2009, the case was reported on a juvenile female and the isolated virus was EBLV-1b. Thanks to the education of Bat workers to the risks of Bat rabies, a new positive case was detected on July 23, 2012 in Eastern France on a Myotis naterreri . This species was recently shown infected by BBLV (Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus) in Germany. To date, this is the first case reported in France on the species Myotis naterreri . This case was found in a village distant of 40 km from Ancy sur Moselle. The monitoring of the colony from Ancy sur Moselle with the results of field studies investigated from 2009- 2012 will be presented and discussed as well as the new case of infection diagnosed on Myotis naterreri .
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Molecular and serological survey of Lyssaviruses in Croatian Bat populations.
BMC Veterinary Research, 2018Co-Authors: Ivana Šimić, Evelyne Picard-meyer, Florence Cliquet, Ivana Lojkić, Nina Krešić, Marine Wasniewski, Anđela Ćukušić, Vida Zrnčić, Tomislav BedekovićAbstract:Rabies is the only known zoonotic disease of Bat origin in Europe. The disease is caused by species belonging to the genus Lyssavirus. Five Lyssavirus species, i.e., European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV)-1, EBLV-2, Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus, Lleida Bat Lyssavirus, and West Caucasian Bat virus, have been identified in European Bats. More recently, a proposed sixth species, Kotalahti Bat Lyssavirus, was detected. Thus, in this study, active surveillance was initiated in order to obtain insights into the prevalence of Lyssaviruses in Croatian Bat populations and to improve our understanding of the public health threat of infected Bats. In total, 455 Bats were caught throughout Continental and Mediterranean Croatia. Antibodies were found in 20 of 350 Bats (5.71%, 95% confidence interval 3.73–8.66). The majority of seropositive Bats were found in Trbusnjak cave (Continental Croatia, Eastern part), and most seropositive Bats belonged to Myotis myotis (13/20). All oropharyngeal swabs were negative for the presence of Lyssavirus. The presence of Lyssaviruses in Bat populations was confirmed for the first time in Croatia and Southeastern Europe. The results of this study suggest the need for further comprehensive analyses of Lyssaviruses in Bats in this part of Europe.
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Molecular and serological survey of Lyssaviruses in Croatian Bat populations
BMC Veterinary Research, 2018Co-Authors: Ivana Šimić, Evelyne Picard-meyer, Florence Cliquet, Ivana Lojkić, Nina Krešić, Marine Wasniewski, Anđela Ćukušić, Vida Zrnčić, Tomislav BedekovićAbstract:Background Rabies is the only known zoonotic disease of Bat origin in Europe. The disease is caused by species belonging to the genus Lyssavirus . Five Lyssavirus species, i.e., European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV)-1, EBLV-2, Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus, Lleida Bat Lyssavirus, and West Caucasian Bat virus, have been identified in European Bats. More recently, a proposed sixth species, Kotalahti Bat Lyssavirus, was detected. Thus, in this study, active surveillance was initiated in order to obtain insights into the prevalence of Lyssaviruses in Croatian Bat populations and to improve our understanding of the public health threat of infected Bats. Results In total, 455 Bats were caught throughout Continental and Mediterranean Croatia. Antibodies were found in 20 of 350 Bats (5.71%, 95% confidence interval 3.73–8.66). The majority of seropositive Bats were found in Trbušnjak cave (Continental Croatia, Eastern part), and most seropositive Bats belonged to Myotis myotis (13/20). All oropharyngeal swabs were negative for the presence of Lyssavirus . Conclusions The presence of Lyssaviruses in Bat populations was confirmed for the first time in Croatia and Southeastern Europe. The results of this study suggest the need for further comprehensive analyses of Lyssaviruses in Bats in this part of Europe.
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Isolation of Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus in Myotis nattereri in France
Archives of Virology, 2013Co-Authors: Evelyne Picard-meyer, Alexandre Servat, Emmanuelle Robardet, Marie Moinet, Christophe Borel, Florence CliquetAbstract:Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) was found in Myotis nattereri for the first time in northeastern France in July 2012. The complete genome sequence of the virus from the infected Natterer’s Bat was determined by whole-genome sequencing and compared to that of the first BBLV strain isolated in 2010 in Germany and with those of all currently identified Lyssaviruses. The French isolate [KC169985] showed 98.7 % nucleotide sequence identity to the German BBLV strain [JF311903]. Several organs of the infected French Bat were examined by classical rabies diagnostic methods: fluorescent antibody test, cell culture inoculation test and RT-qPCR. Antigen, infectious virus and high viral RNA levels were found in both the brain and salivary glands. Traces of genomic RNA were detected in the bladder, kidney and lung tissue. The results of an investigation of the distribution of Lyssaviruses with the detection of infectious virus in the salivary glands suggest a possible mode of transmission of the virus.
