Rocio virus: An updated view on an elusive flavivirus

Marielena Vogel Saivish, Vivaldo Gomes da Costa, Gabriela de Lima Menezes, Roosevelt Alves da Silva, Gislaine Celestino Dutra da Silva, Marcos Lázaro Moreli, Livia Sacchetto, Carolina Colombelli Pacca, Nikos Vasilakis, Maurício Lacerda Nogueira

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rocio virus (ROCV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and human pathogen. The virus is indigenous to Brazil and was first detected in 1975 in the Sao Paulo State, and over a period of two years was responsible for several epidemics of meningoencephalitis in coastal communities leading to over 100 deaths. The vast majority of ROCV infections are believed to be subclinical and clinical manifestations can range from uncomplicated fever to fatal meningoencephalitis. Birds are the natural reservoir and amplification hosts and ROCV is maintained in nature in a mosquito-bird-mosquito transmission cycle, primarily involving Psorophora ferox mosquitoes. While ROCV has remained mostly undetected since 1976, in 2011 it re-emerged in Goiás State causing a limited outbreak. Control of ROCV outbreaks depends on sustainable vector control measures and public education. To date there is no specific treatment or licensed vaccine available. Here we provide an overview of the ecology, transmission cycles, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment options, aiming to improve our ability to understand, predict, and ideally avert further ROCV emergence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2293
JournalViruses
Volume13
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2021

Keywords

  • Clinical manifestations
  • Epidemiology
  • Pathogenesis
  • Rocio virus
  • Transmission cycles

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

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