Emergence of a new epidemic/epizootic Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus in South America.
Abstract: One of the most important questions in arbovirology concerns the origin of epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) viruses; these viruses caused periodic, extensive epidemics/epizootics in the Americas from 1938-1973 (reaching the United States in 1971) but had recently been presumed extinct. We have documented the 1992 emergence of a new epidemic/epizootic VEE virus in Venezuela. Phylogenetic analysis of strains isolated during two outbreaks indicated that the new epidemic/epizootic virus(es) evolved recently from an enzootic VEE virus in northern South America. These results suggest continued emergence of epizootic VEE viruses; surveillance of enzootic viruses and routine vaccination of equines should therefore be resumed.
Publication Date: 1995-06-06 PubMed ID: 7777497PubMed Central: PMC41677DOI: 10.1073/pnas.92.12.5278Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
Summary
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This research article examines the reemergence of epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus in South America in the 1990s, which had been believed to be extinct previously. The study outlines how the new epidemic virus evolved from an enzootic VEE virus in the region and underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and routine vaccination.
Background and Purpose of the Study
- The researchers were investigating the reintroduction of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus in South America after previously being considered extinct.
- The VEE virus had caused significant epidemics and equine health crises across America between 1938-1973.
- The primary objective of the study was to understand the origin of the newly emerged VEE virus and the implications for equine health.
Findings of the Study
- This study reports the reappearance of the VEE virus in 1992 in Venezuela.
- Through phylogenetic analysis of the virus strains from two outbreaks, the researchers concluded that the re-emerged epidemic VEE virus evolved from an enzootic (localized) VEE virus present in northern South America.
- This discovery suggests that the virus was not eradicated but had instead evolved, resurfacing as a new epidemic strain.
Implications of the Research
- The results indicate a continued threat of VEE epidemics, contradicting the virus’ earlier presumed extinction.
- The researchers recommend continued surveillance of enzootic viruses, recognizing the possibility of these viruses evolving into epidemic/epizootic forms.
- The research strongly advocates for the resumption of routine vaccination of equines, implying that this measure is vital for preventive care in facing potential VEE outbreaks.
Cite This Article
APA
Rico-Hesse R, Weaver SC, de Siger J, Medina G, Salas RA.
(1995).
Emergence of a new epidemic/epizootic Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus in South America.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 92(12), 5278-5281.
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.92.12.5278 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biological Evolution
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine / classification
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine / genetics
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine / isolation & purification
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine / epidemiology
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine / veterinary
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine / virology
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / virology
- Horses
- Humans
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- South America
- Species Specificity
- Venezuela / epidemiology
Grant Funding
- AI10984 / NIAID NIH HHS
- AI27779 / NIAID NIH HHS
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