Editorial

3 pages, 202 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Bats—The Magnificent Virus Player: SARS, MERS, COVID-19 and Beyond

by Kenneth S. M. Li, Susanna K. P. Lau and Patrick C. Y. Woo

Viruses 2023, 15(12), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15122342 - 29 Nov 2023

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Irrespective of whether COVID-19 originated from a natural or a genetically engineered virus, the ultimate source of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is bats [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)

Research

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21 pages, 3665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genotype and Phenotype Characterization of Rhinolophus sp. Sarbecoviruses from Vietnam: Implications for Coronavirus Emergence

by Sarah Temmam, Tran Cong Tu, Béatrice Regnault, Massimiliano Bonomi, Delphine Chrétien, Léa Vendramini, Tran Nhu Duong, Tran Vu Phong, Nguyen Thi Yen, Hoang Ngoc Anh, Tran Hai Son, Pham Tuan Anh, Faustine Amara, Thomas Bigot, Sandie Munier, Vu Dinh Thong, Sylvie van der Werf, Vu Sinh Nam and Marc Eloit

Viruses 2023, 15(9), 1897; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15091897 - 08 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Bats are a major reservoir of zoonotic viruses, including coronaviruses. Since the emergence of SARS-CoV in 2002/2003 in Asia, important efforts have been made to describe the diversity of Coronaviridae circulating in bats worldwide, leading to the discovery of the precursors of epidemic [...] Read more.

Bats are a major reservoir of zoonotic viruses, including coronaviruses. Since the emergence of SARS-CoV in 2002/2003 in Asia, important efforts have been made to describe the diversity of Coronaviridae circulating in bats worldwide, leading to the discovery of the precursors of epidemic and pandemic sarbecoviruses in horseshoe bats. We investigated the viral communities infecting horseshoe bats living in Northern Vietnam, and report here the first identification of sarbecoviruses in Rhinolophus thomasi and Rhinolophus siamensis bats. Phylogenetic characterization of seven strains of Vietnamese sarbecoviruses identified at least three clusters of viruses. Recombination and cross-species transmission between bats seemed to constitute major drivers of virus evolution. Vietnamese sarbecoviruses were mainly enteric, therefore constituting a risk of spillover for guano collectors or people visiting caves. To evaluate the zoonotic potential of these viruses, we analyzed in silico and in vitro the ability of their RBDs to bind to mammalian ACE2s and concluded that these viruses are likely restricted to their bat hosts. The workflow applied here to characterize the spillover potential of novel sarbecoviruses is of major interest for each time a new virus is discovered, in order to concentrate surveillance efforts on high-risk interfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)

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11 pages, 1791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adipose Tissues from Human and Bat-Derived Cell Lines Support Ebola Virus Infection

by Lauren Garnett, Kaylie N. Tran, Zachary Schiffman, Kristina A. Muise, Quinn E. Fletcher, Yvonne A. Dzal, Anders Leung, Alix Albietz, Bryce M. Warner, Bryan D. Griffin, Darwyn Kobasa, Craig K. R. Willis and James E. Strong

Viruses 2023, 15(9), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15091827 - 29 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1203

Abstract

Ebola virus is a zoonotic pathogen with a geographic range covering diverse ecosystems that are home to many potential reservoir species. Although researchers have detected Ebola virus RNA and serological evidence of previous infection in different rodents and bats, the infectious virus has [...] Read more.

Ebola virus is a zoonotic pathogen with a geographic range covering diverse ecosystems that are home to many potential reservoir species. Although researchers have detected Ebola virus RNA and serological evidence of previous infection in different rodents and bats, the infectious virus has not been isolated. The field is missing critical knowledge about where the virus is maintained between outbreaks, either because the virus is rarely encountered, overlooked during sampling, and/or requires specific unknown conditions that regulate viral expression. This study assessed adipose tissue as a previously overlooked tissue capable of supporting Ebola virus infection. Adipose tissue is a dynamic endocrine organ helping to regulate and coordinate homeostasis, energy metabolism, and neuroendocrine and immune functions. Through in vitro infection of human and bat (Eptesicus fuscus) brown adipose tissue cultures using wild-type Ebola virus, this study showed high levels of viral replication for 28 days with no qualitative indicators of cytopathic effects. In addition, alterations in adipocyte metabolism following long-term infection were qualitatively observed through an increase in lipid droplet number while decreasing in size, a harbinger of lipolysis or adipocyte browning. The finding that bat and human adipocytes are susceptible to Ebola virus infection has important implications for potential tissue tropisms that have not yet been investigated. Additionally, the findings suggest how the metabolism of this tissue may play a role in pathogenesis, viral transmission, and/or zoonotic spillover events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)

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22 pages, 4056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surveillance, Isolation, and Genetic Characterization of Bat Herpesviruses in Zambia

by Hayato Harima, Yongjin Qiu, Junya Yamagishi, Masahiro Kajihara, Katendi Changula, Kosuke Okuya, Mao Isono, Tomoyuki Yamaguchi, Hirohito Ogawa, Naganori Nao, Michihito Sasaki, Edgar Simulundu, Aaron S. Mweene, Hirofumi Sawa, Kanako Ishihara, Bernard M. Hang’ombe and Ayato Takada

Viruses 2023, 15(6), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061369 - 13 Jun 2023

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Abstract

Bats are of significant interest as reservoirs for various zoonotic viruses with high diversity. During the past two decades, many herpesviruses have been identified in various bats worldwide by genetic approaches, whereas there have been few reports on the isolation of infectious herpesviruses. [...] Read more.

Bats are of significant interest as reservoirs for various zoonotic viruses with high diversity. During the past two decades, many herpesviruses have been identified in various bats worldwide by genetic approaches, whereas there have been few reports on the isolation of infectious herpesviruses. Herein, we report the prevalence of herpesvirus infection of bats captured in Zambia and genetic characterization of novel gammaherpesviruses isolated from striped leaf-nosed bats (Macronycteris vittatus). By our PCR screening, herpesvirus DNA polymerase (DPOL) genes were detected in 29.2% (7/24) of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), 78.1% (82/105) of Macronycteris vittatus, and one Sundevall’s roundleaf bat (Hipposideros caffer) in Zambia. Phylogenetic analyses of the detected partial DPOL genes revealed that the Zambian bat herpesviruses were divided into seven betaherpesvirus groups and five gammaherpesvirus groups. Two infectious strains of a novel gammaherpesvirus, tentatively named Macronycteris gammaherpesvirus 1 (MaGHV1), were successfully isolated from Macronycteris vittatus bats, and their complete genomes were sequenced. The genome of MaGHV1 encoded 79 open reading frames, and phylogenic analyses of the DNA polymerase and glycoprotein B demonstrated that MaGHV1 formed an independent lineage sharing a common origin with other bat-derived gammaherpesviruses. Our findings provide new information regarding the genetic diversity of herpesviruses maintained in African bats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)

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6 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Detection and Phylogenetic Characterization of a Novel Adenovirus Found in Lesser Mouse-Eared Bat (Myotis blythii) in South Kazakhstan

by Kobey Karamendin, Aidyn Kydyrmanov, Temirlan Sabyrzhan, Sardor Nuralibekov, Yermukhammet Kasymbekov and Yelizaveta Khan

Viruses 2023, 15(5), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15051139 - 10 May 2023

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Abstract

Bats are an important natural reservoir of various pathogenic microorganisms, and regular monitoring is necessary to track the situation of zoonotic infections. When examining samples from bats in South Kazakhstan, nucleotide sequences of putative novel bat adenovirus (AdV) species were found. Estimates of [...] Read more.

Bats are an important natural reservoir of various pathogenic microorganisms, and regular monitoring is necessary to track the situation of zoonotic infections. When examining samples from bats in South Kazakhstan, nucleotide sequences of putative novel bat adenovirus (AdV) species were found. Estimates of amino acid identities of the hexon protein have shown that potentially novel Bat mastadenovirus BatAdV-KZ01 shared higher similarity with monkey Rhesus adenovirus 59 (74.29%) than with Bat AdVs E and H (74.00%). Phylogenetically, BatAdV-KZ01 formed a separate clade, distant from Bat AdVs and other mammalian AdVs. Since adenoviruses are essential pathogens for many mammals, including humans and bats, this finding is of interest from both scientific and epidemiological points of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)

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27 pages, 7004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Recombinant Chimeric Cedar Virus-Based Surrogate Neutralization Assay Platform for Pathogenic Henipaviruses

by Moushimi Amaya, Randy Yin, Lianying Yan, Viktoriya Borisevich, Bishwo N. Adhikari, Andrew Bennett, Francisco Malagon, Regina Z. Cer, Kimberly A. Bishop-Lilly, Antony S. Dimitrov, Robert W. Cross, Thomas W. Geisbert and Christopher C. Broder

Viruses 2023, 15(5), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15051077 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

The henipaviruses, Nipah virus (NiV), and Hendra virus (HeV) can cause fatal diseases in humans and animals, whereas Cedar virus is a nonpathogenic henipavirus. Here, using a recombinant Cedar virus (rCedV) reverse genetics platform, the fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoprotein genes of [...] Read more.

The henipaviruses, Nipah virus (NiV), and Hendra virus (HeV) can cause fatal diseases in humans and animals, whereas Cedar virus is a nonpathogenic henipavirus. Here, using a recombinant Cedar virus (rCedV) reverse genetics platform, the fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoprotein genes of rCedV were replaced with those of NiV-Bangladesh (NiV-B) or HeV, generating replication-competent chimeric viruses (rCedV-NiV-B and rCedV-HeV), both with and without green fluorescent protein (GFP) or luciferase protein genes. The rCedV chimeras induced a Type I interferon response and utilized only ephrin-B2 and ephrin-B3 as entry receptors compared to rCedV. The neutralizing potencies of well-characterized cross-reactive NiV/HeV F and G specific monoclonal antibodies against rCedV-NiV-B-GFP and rCedV-HeV-GFP highly correlated with measurements obtained using authentic NiV-B and HeV when tested in parallel by plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT). A rapid, high-throughput, and quantitative fluorescence reduction neutralization test (FRNT) using the GFP-encoding chimeras was established, and monoclonal antibody neutralization data derived by FRNT highly correlated with data derived by PRNT. The FRNT assay could also measure serum neutralization titers from henipavirus G glycoprotein immunized animals. These rCedV chimeras are an authentic henipavirus-based surrogate neutralization assay that is rapid, cost-effective, and can be utilized outside high containment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)

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24 pages, 3139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One Health Surveillance Highlights Circulation of Viruses with Zoonotic Potential in Bats, Pigs, and Humans in Viet Nam

by Alice Latinne, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, Nguyen Van Long, Pham Thi Bich Ngoc, Hoang Bich Thuy, PREDICT Consortium, Nguyen Van Long, Pham Thanh Long, Nguyen Thanh Phuong, Le Tin Vinh Quang, Nguyen Tung, Vu Sinh Nam, Vu Trong Duoc, Nguyen Duc Thinh, Randal Schoepp, Keersten Ricks, Ken Inui, Pawin Padungtod, Christine K. Johnson, Jonna A. K. Mazet, Chris Walzer, Sarah H. Olson and Amanda E. Fine Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2023, 15(3), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15030790 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6762

Abstract

A One Health cross-sectoral surveillance approach was implemented to screen biological samples from bats, pigs, and humans at high-risk interfaces for zoonotic viral spillover for five viral families with zoonotic potential in Viet Nam. Over 1600 animal and human samples from bat guano [...] Read more.

A One Health cross-sectoral surveillance approach was implemented to screen biological samples from bats, pigs, and humans at high-risk interfaces for zoonotic viral spillover for five viral families with zoonotic potential in Viet Nam. Over 1600 animal and human samples from bat guano harvesting sites, natural bat roosts, and pig farming operations were tested for coronaviruses (CoVs), paramyxoviruses, influenza viruses, filoviruses and flaviviruses using consensus PCR assays. Human samples were also tested using immunoassays to detect antibodies against eight virus groups. Significant viral diversity, including CoVs closely related to ancestors of pig pathogens, was detected in bats roosting at the human–animal interfaces, illustrating the high risk for CoV spillover from bats to pigs in Viet Nam, where pig density is very high. Season and reproductive period were significantly associated with the detection of bat CoVs, with site-specific effects. Phylogeographic analysis indicated localized viral transmission among pig farms. Our limited human sampling did not detect any known zoonotic bat viruses in human communities living close to the bat cave and harvesting bat guano, but our serological assays showed possible previous exposure to Marburg virus-like (Filoviridae), Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus-like (Bunyaviridae) viruses and flaviviruses. Targeted and coordinated One Health surveillance helped uncover this viral pathogen emergence hotspot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)

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23 pages, 3595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marburg and Ebola Virus Infections Elicit a Complex, Muted Inflammatory State in Bats

by Anitha D. Jayaprakash, Adam J. Ronk, Abhishek N. Prasad, Michael F. Covington, Kathryn R. Stein, Toni M. Schwarz, Saboor Hekmaty, Karla A. Fenton, Thomas W. Geisbert, Christopher F. Basler, Alexander Bukreyev and Ravi Sachidanandam

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020350 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2290

Abstract

The Marburg and Ebola filoviruses cause a severe, often fatal, disease in humans and nonhuman primates but have only subclinical effects in bats, including Egyptian rousettes, which are a natural reservoir of Marburg virus. A fundamental question is why these viruses are highly [...] Read more.

The Marburg and Ebola filoviruses cause a severe, often fatal, disease in humans and nonhuman primates but have only subclinical effects in bats, including Egyptian rousettes, which are a natural reservoir of Marburg virus. A fundamental question is why these viruses are highly pathogenic in humans but fail to cause disease in bats. To address this question, we infected one cohort of Egyptian rousette bats with Marburg virus and another cohort with Ebola virus and harvested multiple tissues for mRNA expression analysis. While virus transcripts were found primarily in the liver, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed coordinated changes across multiple tissues. Gene signatures in kidney and liver pointed at induction of vasodilation, reduction in coagulation, and changes in the regulation of iron metabolism. Signatures of immune response detected in spleen and liver indicated a robust anti-inflammatory state signified by macrophages in the M2 state and an active T cell response. The evolutionary divergence between bats and humans of many responsive genes might provide a framework for understanding the differing outcomes upon infection by filoviruses. In this study, we outline multiple interconnected pathways that respond to infection by MARV and EBOV, providing insights into the complexity of the mechanisms that enable bats to resist the disease caused by filoviral infections. The results have the potential to aid in the development of new strategies to effectively mitigate and treat the disease caused by these viruses in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses and Bats 2023)

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