Browsing by Subject "zoonosis"

The emergence of zoonotic viruses has been a great concern and threat for global public health. It is important to be aware of the persistence and circulation of zoonoses and their natural hosts in their habitants where wildlife-human interaction can more likely occur. Not many studies have been published regarding the situation in Ireland. In this study, we concentrated in three viral zoonoses, poxviruses, hantaviruses, and arenaviruses, that were screened and detected from Irish rodents specifically bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) collected in spring and fall 2021 and spring 2022. By using serological approach such as indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), 683 rodent heart samples were screened. Based on serological screening, molecular assays were performed to detect each virus from tissue samples. As a result of the serological screening, 34 antibody-positives either for pox- (CPXV), hanta- (PUUV, DOBV), and arenaviruses (LCMV) were found from which 15 were CXPV, five PUUV, 11 DOBV and three LCMV. The seroprevalence was ranging from 0.4% to 2.2%. When it comes to molecular detection, no viral genome was identified in any of the tissue samples. Although the seroprevalences were low, this study presents the first evidence of CXPV, PUUV, DOBV and LCMV exposures found in Ireland. These findings suggest that there is a possibility of circulation of these viruses among wild rodents and therefore novel risks for viral transmission should be considered. Further research requires increased effort to monitor these viruses and their wildlife hosts in Ireland.