The scientists at Maximum Containment Laboratory in Pune, along with the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), have discovered the presence of antibodies to the Cat Que virus (CQV) in two human serum samples. This raises concerns that the CQV could develop into a significant public health situation, perhaps even leading to a new pandemic if allowed to spread.
Key Findings
The detection of positivity in human serum samples and the demonstration of CQV’s ability to replicate in mosquitoes suggest a potential disease-causing capacity in the Indian scenario. This has resulted from the fact that arthropods, a group of invertebrate animals encompassing insects and spiders, can transmit the CQV.
The Cat Que virus belongs to the Simbu serogroup of Orthobunyavirus genus and was initially found in mosquitoes in northern Vietnam in 2004. Since then, it has also been reported in China.
CQV and Arthropod-Borne Viruses
The Cat Que virus is categorized under Arthropod-borne viruses, also known as arboviruses. These are a vast range of viruses carried by arthropods like mosquitoes and ticks. The arthropods ingest the virus when they feed on an infected host and then transmit it to others through bites. In addition to Culex mosquitoes and pigs, avian hosts such as the Jungle Myna may be carriers of the CQV.
Interestingly, the Culex species of mosquitoes are also notorious for causing Japanese Encephalitis, a severe infection of the brain affecting humans and livestock species.
Infection Mechanism and Similar Viruses
Humans usually contract the CQV through mosquito bites. Once infected, the disease can manifest in several different ways, with symptoms ranging from mild fever to serious neurological issues.
Other viruses belonging to the same Orthobunyavirus genus rely on a similar transmission mechanism via mosquitoes. These include the Cache valley virus, known to cause meningitis; the La Crosse virus, which is often responsible for pediatric encephalitis; the Jamestown Canyon virus, leading to Jamestown Canyon encephalitis; and the Guaroa virus, resulting in febrile illness.
Implication of these Findings
The detection of Cat Que virus antibodies in human samples is a significant development that emphasizes the importance of expanding surveillance for zoonotic infections. These findings highlight the critical need for ongoing monitoring and control strategies for arboviral diseases, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of vector-borne diseases.
Future Perspectives
The presence of CQV antibodies implies that the virus has made its way into the human population at some point. However, the risk of a widespread outbreak or pandemic remains uncertain at this time. More research is required to understand the virus’s epidemiology, its potential for human-to-human transmission, the full spectrum of the disease it could cause, and the most effective methods for controlling its spread.