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Vladimir Stevanovic
Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

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Review
Published: 24 July 2021 in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
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West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most widely distributed (re-)emerging arboviruses. In Croatia, acute WNV infections as well as seropositivity were detected in humans, horses, birds and poultry. Although serologic evidence of WNV human infections dates back to the 1970s, no clinical cases were reported until 2012. WNV outbreaks, as well as sporadic infections, were continuously recorded in continental Croatian counties from 2012 to 2018. In addition, acute asymptomatic infections (IgM antibodies) in horses have been regularly notified in continental regions since 2012, while seropositive horses (seroprevalence rates 3.7–21.4%) were detected in both continental and coastal regions. Moreover, WNV seropositivity in poultry (1.8–22.9%) was reported from 2013 to 2020. During the largest WNV outbreak in 2018, WNV RNA was detected for the first time in two dead goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) from the same aviary in North-West Croatia, while WNV antibodies were found in one buzzard (Butteo butteo) from the same region. In addition, WNV RNA was detected in a dead blackbird (Turdus merula) at the Croatian littoral. The phylogenetic analysis of 11 strains detected in urine samples of patients with neuroinvasive disease and 1 strain detected in a goshawk showed circulation of WNV lineage 2. Thus far, WNV has not been detected in mosquitoes in Croatia.

ACS Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Vladimir Savic; Ana Klobucar; Thomas Ferenc; Maja Ilic; Maja Bogdanic; Irena Tabain; Vladimir Stevanovic; Marija Santini; Marcela Curman Posavec; Suncica Petrinic; Iva Benvin; Ivana Ferencak; Vlatko Rozac; Ljubo Barbic. Emerging Trends in the West Nile Virus Epidemiology in Croatia in the ‘One Health’ Context, 2011–2020. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 2021, 6, 140 .

AMA Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Vladimir Savic, Ana Klobucar, Thomas Ferenc, Maja Ilic, Maja Bogdanic, Irena Tabain, Vladimir Stevanovic, Marija Santini, Marcela Curman Posavec, Suncica Petrinic, Iva Benvin, Ivana Ferencak, Vlatko Rozac, Ljubo Barbic. Emerging Trends in the West Nile Virus Epidemiology in Croatia in the ‘One Health’ Context, 2011–2020. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; 6 (3):140.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Vladimir Savic; Ana Klobucar; Thomas Ferenc; Maja Ilic; Maja Bogdanic; Irena Tabain; Vladimir Stevanovic; Marija Santini; Marcela Curman Posavec; Suncica Petrinic; Iva Benvin; Ivana Ferencak; Vlatko Rozac; Ljubo Barbic. 2021. "Emerging Trends in the West Nile Virus Epidemiology in Croatia in the ‘One Health’ Context, 2011–2020." Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 6, no. 3: 140.

Journal article
Published: 22 July 2021 in Viruses
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Over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infections among dogs are more common than previously thought. In this study, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was investigated in two dog populations. The first group was comprised of 1069 dogs admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for any given reason. The second group included dogs that shared households with confirmed COVID-19 cases in humans. This study group numbered 78 dogs. In COVID-19 infected households, 43.9% tested ELISA positive, and neutralising antibodies were detected in 25.64% of dogs. Those data are comparable with the secondary attack rate in the human population. With 14.69% of dogs in the general population testing ELISA positive, there was a surge of SARS-CoV-2 infections within the dog population amid the second wave of the pandemic. Noticeably seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the dog and the human population did not differ at the end of the study period. Male sex, breed and age were identified as significant risk factors. This study gives strong evidence that while acute dog infections are mostly asymptomatic, they can pose a significant risk to dog health. Due to the retrospective nature of this study, samples for viral isolation and PCR were unavailable. Still, seropositive dogs had a 1.97 times greater risk for developing central nervous symptoms.

ACS Style

Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Maja Mauric Maljkovic; Iva Benvin; Zeljka Hruskar; Snjezana Kovac; Iva Smit; Gorana Miletic; Suzana Hadina; Vilim Staresina; Lada Radin; Valentina Plichta; Branimir Skrlin; Zoran Vrbanac; Mirna Brkljacic; Marija Cvetnic; Josipa Habus; Kresimir Martinkovic; Iva Zecevic; Gabrijela Jurkic; Ivana Ferencak; Zinka Stritof; Matko Perharic; Lovro Bucic; Ljubo Barbic. The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 within the Dog Population in Croatia: Host Factors and Clinical Outcome. Viruses 2021, 13, 1430 .

AMA Style

Vladimir Stevanovic, Irena Tabain, Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Maja Mauric Maljkovic, Iva Benvin, Zeljka Hruskar, Snjezana Kovac, Iva Smit, Gorana Miletic, Suzana Hadina, Vilim Staresina, Lada Radin, Valentina Plichta, Branimir Skrlin, Zoran Vrbanac, Mirna Brkljacic, Marija Cvetnic, Josipa Habus, Kresimir Martinkovic, Iva Zecevic, Gabrijela Jurkic, Ivana Ferencak, Zinka Stritof, Matko Perharic, Lovro Bucic, Ljubo Barbic. The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 within the Dog Population in Croatia: Host Factors and Clinical Outcome. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1430.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Maja Mauric Maljkovic; Iva Benvin; Zeljka Hruskar; Snjezana Kovac; Iva Smit; Gorana Miletic; Suzana Hadina; Vilim Staresina; Lada Radin; Valentina Plichta; Branimir Skrlin; Zoran Vrbanac; Mirna Brkljacic; Marija Cvetnic; Josipa Habus; Kresimir Martinkovic; Iva Zecevic; Gabrijela Jurkic; Ivana Ferencak; Zinka Stritof; Matko Perharic; Lovro Bucic; Ljubo Barbic. 2021. "The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 within the Dog Population in Croatia: Host Factors and Clinical Outcome." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1430.

Journal article
Published: 20 June 2021 in Pathogens
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus with a pandemic spread. So far, a total of 349,910 SARS-CoV-2 cases and 7687 deaths were reported in Croatia. We analyzed the seroprevalence and neutralizing (NT) antibody response in the Croatian general population after the first (May–July 2020) and second (December 2020–February 2021) pandemic wave. Initial serological testing was performed using a commercial ELISA, with confirmation of reactive samples by a virus neutralization test (VNT). A significant difference in the overall seroprevalence rate was found after the first (ELISA 2.2%, VNT 0.2%) and second waves (ELISA 25.1%, VNT 18.7%). Seropositive individuals were detected in all age groups, with significant differences according to age. The lowest prevalence of NT antibodies was documented in the youngest (<10 years; 16.1%) and the oldest (60–69/70+ years; 16.0% and 12.8%, respectively) age groups. However, these age groups showed the highest median NT titers (32–64). In other groups, seropositivity varied from 19.3% to 21.5%. A significant weak positive correlation between binding antibody level as detected by ELISA and VNT titer (rho = 0.439, p< 0.001) was observed. SARS-CoV-2 NT antibody titers seem to be age-related, with the highest NT activity in children under 10 years and individuals above 50 years.

ACS Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Vladimir Stevanovic; Maja Ilic; Ljubo Barbic; Krunoslav Capak; Irena Tabain; Jasna Krleza; Thomas Ferenc; Zeljka Hruskar; Renata Topic; Vanja Kaliterna; Arlen Antolovic-Pozgain; Jasmina Kucinar; Iva Koscak; Dijana Mayer; Mario Sviben; Ljiljana Antolasic; Ljiljana Milasincic; Lovro Bucic; Ivana Ferencak; Bernard Kaic. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Neutralizing Antibody Response after the First and Second COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Croatia. Pathogens 2021, 10, 774 .

AMA Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Vladimir Stevanovic, Maja Ilic, Ljubo Barbic, Krunoslav Capak, Irena Tabain, Jasna Krleza, Thomas Ferenc, Zeljka Hruskar, Renata Topic, Vanja Kaliterna, Arlen Antolovic-Pozgain, Jasmina Kucinar, Iva Koscak, Dijana Mayer, Mario Sviben, Ljiljana Antolasic, Ljiljana Milasincic, Lovro Bucic, Ivana Ferencak, Bernard Kaic. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Neutralizing Antibody Response after the First and Second COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Croatia. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (6):774.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Vladimir Stevanovic; Maja Ilic; Ljubo Barbic; Krunoslav Capak; Irena Tabain; Jasna Krleza; Thomas Ferenc; Zeljka Hruskar; Renata Topic; Vanja Kaliterna; Arlen Antolovic-Pozgain; Jasmina Kucinar; Iva Koscak; Dijana Mayer; Mario Sviben; Ljiljana Antolasic; Ljiljana Milasincic; Lovro Bucic; Ivana Ferencak; Bernard Kaic. 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Neutralizing Antibody Response after the First and Second COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Croatia." Pathogens 10, no. 6: 774.

Preprint
Published: 09 June 2021
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Over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infections among dogs are more common than previously thought. In this study, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was investigated in two dog population. The first group was comprised of 1069 dogs admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for any given reason. The second group included dogs that shared households with confirmed COVID-19 cases in humans. This study group numbered 78 dogs. In COVID-19 infected households, 43.9% tested ELISA positive, and neutralisation antibodies were detected in 25.64% of dogs. Those data are comparable with the secondary attack rate in the human population. With 14.69% of dogs in the general population testing ELISA positive, there was a surge of SARS-CoV-2 infections within the dog population amid the second wave of the pandemic. Noticeably seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the dog and the human population did not differ at the end of the study period. Male sex, breed and age were identified as significant risk factors. This study gives strong evidence that while acute dog infections are mostly asymptomatic, they can pose a significant risk to dog health. Seropositive dogs had a 1.97 times greater risk for developing central nervous symptoms.

ACS Style

Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Maja Mauric Maljkovic; Iva Benvin; Zeljka Hruskar; Snjezana Kovac; Iva Smit; Gorana Miletic; Suzana Hadina; Vilim Staaresina; Lada Radin; Valentina Plichta; Branimir Skrlin; Zoran Vrbanac; Mirna Brkljacic; Marija Cvetnic; Josipa Habus; Kresimir Martinkovic; Iva Zecevic; Gabrijela Jurkic; Ivana Ferencak; Zrinka Stritof; Matko Perharic; Lovro Bucic; Ljubo Barbic. The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Within the Dog Population in Croatia: Host Factors and Clinical Outcome. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Vladimir Stevanovic, Irena Tabain, Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Maja Mauric Maljkovic, Iva Benvin, Zeljka Hruskar, Snjezana Kovac, Iva Smit, Gorana Miletic, Suzana Hadina, Vilim Staaresina, Lada Radin, Valentina Plichta, Branimir Skrlin, Zoran Vrbanac, Mirna Brkljacic, Marija Cvetnic, Josipa Habus, Kresimir Martinkovic, Iva Zecevic, Gabrijela Jurkic, Ivana Ferencak, Zrinka Stritof, Matko Perharic, Lovro Bucic, Ljubo Barbic. The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Within the Dog Population in Croatia: Host Factors and Clinical Outcome. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Maja Mauric Maljkovic; Iva Benvin; Zeljka Hruskar; Snjezana Kovac; Iva Smit; Gorana Miletic; Suzana Hadina; Vilim Staaresina; Lada Radin; Valentina Plichta; Branimir Skrlin; Zoran Vrbanac; Mirna Brkljacic; Marija Cvetnic; Josipa Habus; Kresimir Martinkovic; Iva Zecevic; Gabrijela Jurkic; Ivana Ferencak; Zrinka Stritof; Matko Perharic; Lovro Bucic; Ljubo Barbic. 2021. "The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Within the Dog Population in Croatia: Host Factors and Clinical Outcome." , no. : 1.

Review
Published: 25 May 2021 in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
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Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected rodent-borne zoonotic virus distributed worldwide. Since serologic assays are limited to several laboratories, the disease has been underreported, often making it difficult to determine incidence and seroprevalence rates. Although human clinical cases are rarely recorded, LCMV remains an important cause of meningitis in humans. In addition, a fatal donor-derived LCMV infection in several clusters of solid organ transplant recipients further highlighted a pathogenic potential and clinical significance of this virus. In the transplant populations, abnormalities of the central nervous system were also found, but were overshadowed by the systemic illness resembling the Lassa hemorrhagic fever. LCMV is also an emerging fetal teratogen. Hydrocephalus, periventricular calcifications and chorioretinitis are the predominant characteristics of congenital LCMV infection, occurring in 87.5% of cases. Mortality in congenitally infected children is about 35%, while 70% of them show long-term neurologic sequelae. Clinicians should be aware of the risks posed by LCMV and should consider the virus in the differential diagnosis of aseptic meningitis, especially in patients who reported contact with rodents. Furthermore, LCMV should be considered in infants and children with unexplained hydrocephalus, intracerebral calcifications and chorioretinitis. Despite intensive interdisciplinary research efforts, efficient antiviral therapy for LCMV infection is still not available.

ACS Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Vladimir Savic; Thomas Ferenc; Anna Mrzljak; Ljubo Barbic; Maja Bogdanic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Ivana Ferencak; Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis—Emerging Trends of a Neglected Virus: A Narrative Review. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 2021, 6, 88 .

AMA Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Vladimir Savic, Thomas Ferenc, Anna Mrzljak, Ljubo Barbic, Maja Bogdanic, Vladimir Stevanovic, Irena Tabain, Ivana Ferencak, Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis—Emerging Trends of a Neglected Virus: A Narrative Review. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; 6 (2):88.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Vladimir Savic; Thomas Ferenc; Anna Mrzljak; Ljubo Barbic; Maja Bogdanic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Ivana Ferencak; Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej. 2021. "Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis—Emerging Trends of a Neglected Virus: A Narrative Review." Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 6, no. 2: 88.

Journal article
Published: 29 April 2021 in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
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Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected human pathogen associated with aseptic meningitis, severe systemic infections in immunocompromised persons, and congenital anomalies. Data on the prevalence of LCMV infections are scarce. We analyzed the seroprevalence of LCMV in continental Croatian regions. A total of 338 serum samples of professionally exposed (forestry workers, hunters, agriculture workers in contact with rodents) and non-exposed populations (general population, pregnant women) were tested for the presence of LCMV antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assay. No participants reported recent febrile disease. LCMV IgG antibodies were detected in 23/6.8% of participants: 9.8% exposed persons and 5.1% non-exposed persons (6.1% in the general population and 3.9% in pregnant women). No participants were LCMV IgM positive. Although higher seropositivity was found in males compared to females (8.9% vs. 4.7%), inhabitants of suburban/rural areas compared to inhabitants of urban areas (9.2% vs. 4.6%), and persons who used well as a source of water compared to those who used tap (11.4% vs. 5.6%), these differences did not reach statistical significance. Results of logistic regression showed that the presence of rodents in the house/yard and cleaning rodent nests were associated with an elevated risk for LCMV infection (OR = 2.962, 95% CI = 1.019–8.607).

ACS Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Tena Oreski; Misa Korva; Branko Kolaric; Vladimir Stevanovic; Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej; Irena Tabain; Pavle Jelicic; Bozana Miklausic-Pavic; Vladimir Savic; Ljubo Barbic; Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection in Continental Croatian Regions. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 2021, 6, 67 .

AMA Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Tena Oreski, Misa Korva, Branko Kolaric, Vladimir Stevanovic, Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej, Irena Tabain, Pavle Jelicic, Bozana Miklausic-Pavic, Vladimir Savic, Ljubo Barbic, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection in Continental Croatian Regions. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; 6 (2):67.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Tena Oreski; Misa Korva; Branko Kolaric; Vladimir Stevanovic; Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej; Irena Tabain; Pavle Jelicic; Bozana Miklausic-Pavic; Vladimir Savic; Ljubo Barbic; Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc. 2021. "Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection in Continental Croatian Regions." Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 6, no. 2: 67.

Journal article
Published: 22 February 2021 in Viruses
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Data on the immune response to West Nile virus (WNV) are limited. We analyzed the antiviral cytokine response in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with WNV fever and WNV neuroinvasive disease using a multiplex bead-based assay for the simultaneous quantification of 13 human cytokines. The panel included cytokines associated with innate and early pro-inflammatory immune responses (TNF-α/IL-6), Th1 (IL-2/IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-4/IL-5/IL-9/IL-13), Th17 immune response (IL-17A/IL-17F/IL-21/IL-22) and the key anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Elevated levels of IFN-γ were detected in 71.7% of CSF and 22.7% of serum samples (p = 0.003). Expression of IL-2/IL-4/TNF-α and Th1 17 cytokines (IL-17A/IL-17F/IL-21) was detected in the serum but not in the CSF (except one positive CSF sample for IL-17F/IL-4). While IL-6 levels were markedly higher in the CSF compared to serum (CSF median 2036.71, IQR 213.82–6190.50; serum median 24.48, IQR 11.93–49.81; p < 0.001), no difference in the IL-13/IL-9/IL-10/IFN-γ/IL-22 levels in serum/CSF was found. In conclusion, increased concentrations of the key cytokines associated with innate and early acute phase responses (IL-6) and Th1 type immune responses (IFN-γ) were found in the CNS of patients with WNV infection. In contrast, expression of the key T-cell growth factor IL-2, Th17 cytokines, a Th2 cytokine IL-4 and the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α appear to be concentrated mainly in the periphery.

ACS Style

Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej; Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Ljubo Barbic; Maja Ilic; Vladimir Savic; Irena Tabain; Thomas Ferenc; Ivana Grgic; Lana Gorenec; Maja Bogdanic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Dario Sabadi; Ljiljana Peric; Tanja Potocnik-Hunjadi; Elizabeta Dvorski; Tamara Butigan; Krunoslav Capak; Eddy Listes; Giovanni Savini. Antiviral Cytokine Response in Neuroinvasive and Non-Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Infection. Viruses 2021, 13, 342 .

AMA Style

Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej, Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Ljubo Barbic, Maja Ilic, Vladimir Savic, Irena Tabain, Thomas Ferenc, Ivana Grgic, Lana Gorenec, Maja Bogdanic, Vladimir Stevanovic, Dario Sabadi, Ljiljana Peric, Tanja Potocnik-Hunjadi, Elizabeta Dvorski, Tamara Butigan, Krunoslav Capak, Eddy Listes, Giovanni Savini. Antiviral Cytokine Response in Neuroinvasive and Non-Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Infection. Viruses. 2021; 13 (2):342.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej; Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Ljubo Barbic; Maja Ilic; Vladimir Savic; Irena Tabain; Thomas Ferenc; Ivana Grgic; Lana Gorenec; Maja Bogdanic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Dario Sabadi; Ljiljana Peric; Tanja Potocnik-Hunjadi; Elizabeta Dvorski; Tamara Butigan; Krunoslav Capak; Eddy Listes; Giovanni Savini. 2021. "Antiviral Cytokine Response in Neuroinvasive and Non-Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Infection." Viruses 13, no. 2: 342.

Review
Published: 15 January 2021 in Pathogens
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Several arboviruses have emerged in Croatia in recent years. Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic in continental counties; however, new natural micro-foci have been detected. Two autochthonous dengue cases were reported in 2010. West Nile virus emerged in 2012, followed by emergence of Usutu virus in 2013. Although high seroprevalence rates of Toscana virus have been detected among residents of Croatian littoral, the virus remains neglected, with only a few clinical cases of neuroinvasive infections reported. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus is a neglected neuroinvasive rodent-borne virus. So far, there are no reports on human clinical cases; however, the seroprevalence studies indicate the virus presence in the Croatian mainland. Puumala and Dobrava hantaviruses are widely distributing rodent-borne viruses with sporadic and epidemic occurrence. Hepatitis E virus is an emerging food-borne virus in Croatia. After the emergence in 2012, cases were regularly recorded. Seropositivity varies greatly by region and population group. Rotaviruses represent a significant healthcare burden since rotavirus vaccination is not included in the Croatian national immunization program. Additionally, rotaviruses are widely distributed in the Croatian ecosystem. A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in February 2020 and spread rapidly throughout the country. This review focuses on emerging and neglected viruses of zoonotic importance detected in Croatia.

ACS Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Ljubo Barbic; Anna Mrzljak; Dragan Brnic; Ana Klobucar; Maja Ilic; Natasa Janev-Holcer; Maja Bogdanic; Lorena Jemersic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Stjepan Krcmar; Marko Vucelja; Jelena Prpic; Marko Boljfetic; Pavle Jelicic; Josip Madic; Ivana Ferencak; Vladimir Savic. Emerging and Neglected Viruses of Zoonotic Importance in Croatia. Pathogens 2021, 10, 73 .

AMA Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Ljubo Barbic, Anna Mrzljak, Dragan Brnic, Ana Klobucar, Maja Ilic, Natasa Janev-Holcer, Maja Bogdanic, Lorena Jemersic, Vladimir Stevanovic, Irena Tabain, Stjepan Krcmar, Marko Vucelja, Jelena Prpic, Marko Boljfetic, Pavle Jelicic, Josip Madic, Ivana Ferencak, Vladimir Savic. Emerging and Neglected Viruses of Zoonotic Importance in Croatia. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (1):73.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Ljubo Barbic; Anna Mrzljak; Dragan Brnic; Ana Klobucar; Maja Ilic; Natasa Janev-Holcer; Maja Bogdanic; Lorena Jemersic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Irena Tabain; Stjepan Krcmar; Marko Vucelja; Jelena Prpic; Marko Boljfetic; Pavle Jelicic; Josip Madic; Ivana Ferencak; Vladimir Savic. 2021. "Emerging and Neglected Viruses of Zoonotic Importance in Croatia." Pathogens 10, no. 1: 73.

Rapid communication
Published: 15 November 2020 in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged in late 2019 and has since caused a global pandemic. Experimental studies and sporadic reports have confirmed susceptibility of dogs and cats to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. However, the importance of pet animals in the epidemiology of this infection is unclear. This study reports on a first large‐scale serosurvey of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in dogs and cats in Europe. From 26 February 2020, just one day after the first confirmed human case of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in Croatia, to 15 June 2020 dog and cat serum samples were collected from animals admitted to three veterinary facilities in Croatia. Additionally, on 25 May 2020, a total of 122 serum samples from employees of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb were collected. Total of 656 dogs and 131 cat serum samples were tested using an in‐house microneutralisation test (MNT). Human serum samples, as well as 172 randomly selected, dog sera were tested using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA positive human sera were subsequently tested using MNT. Neutralising antibodies were confirmed in 0.76% cats and 0.31% dogs. ELISA reactivity was recorded in 7.56% tested dog sera. On the other hand, 5.19% of administrative, basic and pre‐clinical sciences department personnel and 5.13% of animal health service providers and laboratory personnel tested ELISA positive. Neutralising antibodies were not confirmed in any of the human samples. In conclusion, seropositivity among pet animals in Croatia is low, especially when compared to results from China. A small number of seropositive animals with a low titre of neutralising antibodies suggests infections are rare and are following infections in the human population. Additionally, contact with animals does not seem to be an occupational risk for veterinary practitioners.

ACS Style

Vladimir Stevanovic; Tatjana Vilibic‐Cavlek; Irena Tabain; Iva Benvin; Snjezana Kovac; Zeljka Hruskar; Maja Mauric; Ljiljana Milasincic; Ljiljana Antolasic; Alenka Skrinjaric; Vilim Staresina; Ljubo Barbic. Seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among pet animals in Croatia and potential public health impact. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Vladimir Stevanovic, Tatjana Vilibic‐Cavlek, Irena Tabain, Iva Benvin, Snjezana Kovac, Zeljka Hruskar, Maja Mauric, Ljiljana Milasincic, Ljiljana Antolasic, Alenka Skrinjaric, Vilim Staresina, Ljubo Barbic. Seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among pet animals in Croatia and potential public health impact. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vladimir Stevanovic; Tatjana Vilibic‐Cavlek; Irena Tabain; Iva Benvin; Snjezana Kovac; Zeljka Hruskar; Maja Mauric; Ljiljana Milasincic; Ljiljana Antolasic; Alenka Skrinjaric; Vilim Staresina; Ljubo Barbic. 2020. "Seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among pet animals in Croatia and potential public health impact." Transboundary and Emerging Diseases , no. : 1.

Case report
Published: 14 September 2020 in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
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Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus, transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sandflies. Although the majority of infections are asymptomatic, neuroinvasive disease may occur. We report three cases of neuroinvasive TOSV infection detected in Croatia. Two patients aged 21 and 54 years presented with meningitis, while a 22-year old patient presented with meningoencephalitis and right-sided brachial plexitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, and urine samples were collected and tested for neuroinvasive arboviruses: tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, Usutu, TOSV, Tahyna, and Bhanja virus. In addition, CSF and serum samples were tested for the anti-viral cytokine response. High titers of TOSV IgM (1000–3200) and IgG (3200−10,000) antibodies in serum samples confirmed TOSV infection. Antibodies to other phleboviruses (sandfly fever Sicilian/Naples/Cyprus virus) were negative. CSF samples showed high concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6; range 162.32−2683.90 pg/mL), interferon gamma (IFN-γ; range 110.12−1568.07 pg/mL), and IL-10 (range 28.08−858.91 pg/mL), while significantly lower cytokine production was observed in serum. Two patients recovered fully. The patient with a brachial plexitis improved significantly at discharge. The presented cases highlight the need of increasing awareness of a TOSV as a possible cause of aseptic meningitis/meningoencephalitis during summer months. Association of TOSV and brachial plexitis with long-term sequelae detected in one patient indicates the possibility of more severe disease, even in young patients.

ACS Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej; Dragan Ledina; Samira Knezevic; Vladimir Savic; Irena Tabain; Ivo Ivic; Irena Slavuljica; Maja Bogdanic; Ivana Grgic; Lana Gorenec; Vladimir Stevanovic; Ljubo Barbic. Clinical, Virological, and Immunological Findings in Patients with Toscana Neuroinvasive Disease in Croatia: Report of Three Cases. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 2020, 5, 144 .

AMA Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej, Dragan Ledina, Samira Knezevic, Vladimir Savic, Irena Tabain, Ivo Ivic, Irena Slavuljica, Maja Bogdanic, Ivana Grgic, Lana Gorenec, Vladimir Stevanovic, Ljubo Barbic. Clinical, Virological, and Immunological Findings in Patients with Toscana Neuroinvasive Disease in Croatia: Report of Three Cases. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2020; 5 (3):144.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej; Dragan Ledina; Samira Knezevic; Vladimir Savic; Irena Tabain; Ivo Ivic; Irena Slavuljica; Maja Bogdanic; Ivana Grgic; Lana Gorenec; Vladimir Stevanovic; Ljubo Barbic. 2020. "Clinical, Virological, and Immunological Findings in Patients with Toscana Neuroinvasive Disease in Croatia: Report of Three Cases." Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 5, no. 3: 144.

Review
Published: 26 August 2020 in Pathogens
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Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging arbovirus isolated in 1959 (Usutu River, Swaziland). Previously restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, the virus was introduced in Europe in 1996. While the USUV has received little attention in Africa, the virus emergence has prompted numerous studies with robust epidemiological surveillance programs in Europe. The natural transmission cycle of USUV involves mosquitoes (vectors) and birds (amplifying hosts) with humans and other mammals considered incidental (“dead-end”) hosts. In Africa, the virus was isolated in mosquitoes, rodents and birds and serologically detected in horses and dogs. In Europe, USUV was detected in bats, whereas antibodies were found in different animal species (horses, dogs, squirrels, wild boar, deer and lizards). While bird mortalities were not reported in Africa, in Europe USUV was shown to be highly pathogenic for several bird species, especially blackbirds (Turdus merula) and great gray owls (Strix nebulosa). Furthermore, neurotropism of USUV for humans was reported for the first time in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Epizootics and genetic diversity of USUV in different bird species as well as detection of the virus in mosquitoes suggest repeated USUV introductions into Europe with endemization in some countries. The zoonotic potential of USUV has been reported in a growing number of human cases. Clinical cases of neuroinvasive disease and USUV fever, as well as seroconversion in blood donors were reported in Europe since 2009. While most USUV strains detected in humans, birds and mosquitoes belong to European USUV lineages, several reports indicate the presence of African lineages as well. Since spreading trends of USUV are likely to continue, continuous multidisciplinary interventions (“One Health” concept) should be conducted for monitoring and prevention of this emerging arboviral infection.

ACS Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Tamas Petrovic; Vladimir Savic; Ljubo Barbic; Irena Tabain; Vladimir Stevanovic; Ana Klobucar; Anna Mrzljak; Maja Ilic; Maja Bogdanic; Iva Benvin; Marija Santini; Krunoslav Capak; Federica Monaco; Eddy Listes; Giovanni Savini. Epidemiology of Usutu Virus: The European Scenario. Pathogens 2020, 9, 699 .

AMA Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Tamas Petrovic, Vladimir Savic, Ljubo Barbic, Irena Tabain, Vladimir Stevanovic, Ana Klobucar, Anna Mrzljak, Maja Ilic, Maja Bogdanic, Iva Benvin, Marija Santini, Krunoslav Capak, Federica Monaco, Eddy Listes, Giovanni Savini. Epidemiology of Usutu Virus: The European Scenario. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (9):699.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Tamas Petrovic; Vladimir Savic; Ljubo Barbic; Irena Tabain; Vladimir Stevanovic; Ana Klobucar; Anna Mrzljak; Maja Ilic; Maja Bogdanic; Iva Benvin; Marija Santini; Krunoslav Capak; Federica Monaco; Eddy Listes; Giovanni Savini. 2020. "Epidemiology of Usutu Virus: The European Scenario." Pathogens 9, no. 9: 699.

Review
Published: 21 November 2019 in Current Infectious Disease Reports
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In this review, we present the overview of emerging and neglected viruses associated with liver involvement. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) emerged in the last two decades, causing hepatitis in many parts of the world. Moreover, liver involvement was also described in some emerging arboviral infections. Many reports showed dengue-associated liver injury; however, chikungunya, West Nile, tick-borne encephalitis, and Zika virus are rarely associated with clinically manifest liver disease. In addition, some neglected highly prevalent viruses such as adenoviruses and parvovirus B19 are capable of causing hepatitis in specific population groups. Anelloviruses (torque teno virus/torque teno mini virus/torque teno midi virus, SEN virus), human bocavirus, pegiviruses, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus have shown a little potential for causing hepatitis, but their role in the etiology of liver disease remains to be determined. In addition to the well-known hepatotropic viruses, many emerging and neglected viruses have been associated with liver diseases. The number of emerging zoonotic viruses has been increasingly recognized. While zoonotic potential of HEV is well documented, the recent identification of new hepatitis-related animal viruses such as HEV strains from rabbits and camels, non-primate hepaciviruses in domestic dogs and horses, as well as equine and porcine pegivirus highlights the possible zoonotic transmission in the context of “One Health.” However, zoonotic potential and hepatotropism of animal hepatitis viruses remain to be determined.

ACS Style

Anna Mrzljak; Irena Tabain; Hrvoje Premac; Maja Bogdanic; Ljubo Barbic; Vladimir Savic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Ana Jelic; Danko Mikulic; Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek. The Role of Emerging and Neglected Viruses in the Etiology of Hepatitis. Current Infectious Disease Reports 2019, 21, 51 .

AMA Style

Anna Mrzljak, Irena Tabain, Hrvoje Premac, Maja Bogdanic, Ljubo Barbic, Vladimir Savic, Vladimir Stevanovic, Ana Jelic, Danko Mikulic, Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek. The Role of Emerging and Neglected Viruses in the Etiology of Hepatitis. Current Infectious Disease Reports. 2019; 21 (12):51.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anna Mrzljak; Irena Tabain; Hrvoje Premac; Maja Bogdanic; Ljubo Barbic; Vladimir Savic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Ana Jelic; Danko Mikulic; Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek. 2019. "The Role of Emerging and Neglected Viruses in the Etiology of Hepatitis." Current Infectious Disease Reports 21, no. 12: 51.

Journal article
Published: 05 September 2017 in The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
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In the last few years, several imported cases of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection were reported in European countries. We report the first imported ZIKV infection case in a Croatian traveler returning from Brazil. The patient presented with a low-grade fever, pruritic rash, general weakness, myalgia, arthralgia and edema of the legs and recovered completely within a week. ZIKV infection was confirmed by detection of IgM/IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT). ZIKV IgM antibodies cross-reacted with dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ELISA. In indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), IgM cross-reactivity was found only with DENV-3. ZIKV IgG antibodies cross-reacted with DENV in both ELISA and IFA. PRNT for DENV was negative. Control serology performed on days 64 and 98 after disease onset showed a decline in cross-reactive heterologous DENV IgG antibodies compared to persistently high titer of homologous ZIKV IgG antibodies.

ACS Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Ljiljana Betica Radic; Giulietta Venturi; Claudia Fortuna; Stjepan Djuricic; Antonella Salvia-Milos; Irena Tabain; Ljubo Barbic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Eddy Listes; Giovanni Savini. First detection of Zika virus infection in a Croatian traveler returning from Brazil, 2016. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 2017, 11, 662 -667.

AMA Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Ljiljana Betica Radic, Giulietta Venturi, Claudia Fortuna, Stjepan Djuricic, Antonella Salvia-Milos, Irena Tabain, Ljubo Barbic, Vladimir Stevanovic, Eddy Listes, Giovanni Savini. First detection of Zika virus infection in a Croatian traveler returning from Brazil, 2016. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries. 2017; 11 (8):662-667.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek; Ljiljana Betica Radic; Giulietta Venturi; Claudia Fortuna; Stjepan Djuricic; Antonella Salvia-Milos; Irena Tabain; Ljubo Barbic; Vladimir Stevanovic; Eddy Listes; Giovanni Savini. 2017. "First detection of Zika virus infection in a Croatian traveler returning from Brazil, 2016." The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 11, no. 8: 662-667.