EUROWESTNILE

European West Nile collaborative research project

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most evident examples of emerging/re-emerging pathogens one can nominate, which is characterized by occasional virulent epizootic outbreaks. Despite intensive research done since its first appearance in the Americas in 1999, many aspects of its molecular biology, epidemiology, ecology, pathogenesis and life cycle are still poorly understood. Being a generalist pathogen par excellence, its eco-epidemiology is extraordinarily complex, involving hundreds of different vectors and hosts, which differ between locations. In addition, as other RNA viruses lacking proofreading replication, its genome is highly variable and consequently of extraordinary plasticity. As a result, many WNV variants have evolved independently in different parts of the world. As the virus moves from one area to another, either by nature, through migrating birds, or by human influence (commerce and/or other activities), different WNV variants (lineages) from different origins can coexist and co-evolve in a particular area. This is the case in Europe, with at least five of seven WNV lineages identified to date. This situation is clearly different from that of North America. However, most studies on WNV currently come from the USA, biasing the knowledge available not only toward the virus there -a serious bias with important consequences influencing, for instance, diagnostic methods- but also to the WNV ecology in hosts and vectors. In the present Project we propose to conduct comprehensive studies on the WNV situation in Europe and affected surrounding countries that accounting for the peculiarities of WNV eco-epidemiology in this region. Moreover we will strive to cover knowledge gaps regarding its ecology, epidemiology and pathogenesis in Europe. Finally, the Project aims to develop new tools and strategies for research on treatment and prevention of WNV disease, as well as to produce new diagnostic methods, taking Euro-Mediterranean peculiarities into account'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Researchers have shed light on the ecology, genomic diversity, pathogenicity, diagnosis and modelling of West Nile virus (WNV), a disease-causing pathogen that infects both humans and domestic animals.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Several aspects of the transmission cycle of WNV, from its introduction into new areas to the spillover events, are still poorly understood. This RNA virus has a variable genome (at least five WNV lineages have been identified in Europe), making it a generalist pathogen adaptable to new vectors and host species which can varies among geographic areas and thus very difficult to control. The co-circulation of different lineages with variable pathogenicity represents a challenge for public health also in relation to the need to guarantee the safety of blood transfusions and organs transplantation.

The EU-funded 'European West Nile collaborative research project' (http://www.eurowestnile.org (EUROWESTNILE)) studied WNV variants in Europe to address knowledge gaps in the ecology, pathogenicity, diagnostic and modelling. Project members collaborated closely with the EU-funded project EDENext and other projects to streamline EU research on WNV.

A WNV database and biobanks were successfully established by collecting and characterising the major WNV strains circulating in Europe and neighbouring countries. A recombinant live-attenuated virus that can be used in future vaccine efforts was also produced. Novel animal models for WNV were standardised to assess pathogenicity of WNV variants. Mosquitoes from Austria, Spain, Italy, Israel, Russia and Senegal were captured to identify species involved in NV transmission and collect blood-fed females that help in identifying the host species most preferred by mosquitoes for their blood meal. Additionally, colonies of Culex pipiens were established in the Italian National Institute of Health to assess vector competence for various lineages.

EUROWESTNILE researchers characterised the virome of mosquitoes and analysed viral interactions between WNV and other viruses as well as its commonly detected vectors. Innovative prototype kits for WNV diagnostics and surveillance, able to discriminate various WNV lineages, were also developed.

Climatic and land-use change maps have been generated for the study sites and models developed to predict mosquito abundance in relation to climate change.

EUROWESTNILE will shed light on the virulence and emergence of WNV in new territories by considering the most probable driving factors. Understanding the mechanisms of viral replication and transmission will help scientists to find novel treatment solutions to prevent or treat WNV infections.