Biology subjects

Oude Munnink, B. B.

Publications and source records attributed to Oude Munnink, B. B..

7 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Andes virus from the MV Hondius outbreak is highly pathogenic in hamsters and airborne shed

In May 2026, an outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) caused by Andes virus (ANDV) was detected aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, sparking public health measures in multiple countries. ANDV infections in humans are mostly sporadic, most often linked to exposure to infected rodents in South America, although small clusters of human cases, like the 2026 outbreak on the MV Hondius occur as well. It is not known whether virological factors may contribute to this distinct epidemiology, and no phenotypic characterisation of the newly emerged ANDV (ANDV2026) has been carried out to date. Here, using an ANDV isolate from a presymptomatic patient from the MV Hondius, we studied pathogenesis, identified sites of viral replication, characterized innate and adaptive immune responses, and quantified shedding in golden Syrian hamsters. ANDV2026 proved to be highly pathogenic in hamsters, causing severe pulmonary disease reminiscent of HPS. ANDV2026 triggered a delayed type-I IFN response and inflammatory response in the lungs consistent with the key pathological features of HPS, and we detected viral replication in both respiratory and extra-respiratory tissues, including the brain. Infected animals mounted neutralising antibodies and T cell responses, the latter directed predominantly against the L and N proteins. Importantly, ANDV2026-infected animals shed virus through multiple routes, and we detected infectious virus in air samplers connected to cages housing ANDV2026-infected hamsters. In contrast, control hamsters infected with a rodent-derived ANDV isolate (ANDV9717869) shed little virus and air samples were consistently negative. These findings consolidate established features of ANDV pathogenesis, while revealing properties not previously described. Phenotypic characterisation of patient-derived ANDV isolates in animal models can strengthen outbreak preparedness, identify markers of disease severity, and support the development of medical countermeasures.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2024

Emergence and Dynamics of Usutu and West Nile Viruses in the Netherlands, 2016-2022

BackgroundMosquito-borne arboviruses, including Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV), are emerging threats in Europe, with changes in climate, land use, and increased travel and trade influencing their dynamics. Understanding the emergence and establishment of these viruses in new regions is critical for informing targeted mitigation of drivers of emergence and enhancing public and wildlife health preparedness. MethodsSeven years (2016-2022) of interconnected studies were conducted in the Netherlands. Live birds were sampled by volunteer bird ringers, dead birds were referred for sampling by citizen-scientists and zoological institutions, and mosquitoes were trapped. Samples were tested for USUV and WNV using RT-PCR and screened for Orthoflavivirus antibodies using protein microarray and neutralization assays. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed. FindingsUSUV was first detected in the Netherlands in 2016, caused large outbreaks in birds until 2018, and resurged in 2022. One dominant, enzootic lineage, co-circulated alongside several limited introductions of a second lineage. A localized WNV lineage 2 outbreak occurred in live birds and mosquitoes in 2020, with another positive bird in 2022 and serological evidence of continued circulation. InterpretationWe provide the first comprehensive, multi-year documentation of two emerging arboviruses in the Netherlands. USUV was enzootically maintained over seven years and was associated with substantial bird mortality. WNV is in an early stage of establishment with no bird mortality observed. Our integrated wildlife sampling was crucial in detecting a human WNV outbreak, bringing this emerging threat to public health attention. FundingZonMw, Dutch Research Council (NWO), European Union, Government of the Netherlands

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Dissecting the neurotropism and neurovirulence of MPXV using human stem cell-based models

Mpox is a zoonotic illness of international concern that can lead to severe disease including neurological sequelae. However, the neurotropism of monkeypox virus (MPXV) and the mechanisms regulating cell-intrinsic antiviral immunity within the central nervous system (CNS) remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the neurotropism of MPXV using astrocytes, cortical neurons, and microglia derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and ex vivo human brain tissue to demonstrate that MPXV infects and replicates more efficiently in astrocytes and microglia compared to cortical neurons. Upon MPXV exposure, glial cells, in contrast to cortical neurons, inhibit type I IFN antiviral programs potentially conferring differential susceptibility to MPXV. Furthermore, we demonstrate that treatment using either IFN-beta or tecovirimat inhibits MPXV infection. Together, our results suggest that MPXV has a broad tropism within the CNS and that differential type I IFN signaling underpins cell type-specific susceptibility to MPXV infection.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Adaptation, spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed minks and related humans in the Netherlands

In the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020), SARS-CoV-2 was detected in farmed minks and genomic sequencing was performed on mink farms and farm personnel. Here, we describe the outbreak and use sequence data with Bayesian phylodynamic methods to explore SARS-CoV-2 transmission in minks and related humans on farms. High number of farm infections (68/126) in minks and farm related personnel (>50% of farms) were detected, with limited spread to the general human population. Three of five initial introductions of SARS-CoV-2 lead to subsequent spread between mink farms until November 2020. The largest cluster acquired a mutation in the receptor binding domain of the Spike protein (position 486), evolved faster and spread more widely and longer. Movement of people and distance between farms were statistically significant predictors of virus dispersal between farms. Our study provides novel insights into SARS-CoV-2 transmission between mink farms and highlights the importance of combing genetic information with epidemiological information at the animal-human interface.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Jumping back and forth: anthropozoonotic and zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on mink farms

The zoonotic origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is still unknown. Animal experiments have shown that non-human primates, cats, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits and bats can be infected by SARS-CoV-2. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in felids, mink and dogs in the field. Here, we describe an in-depth investigation of outbreaks on 16 mink farms and humans living or working on these farms, using whole genome sequencing. We conclude that the virus was initially introduced from humans and has evolved, most likely reflecting widespread circulation among mink in the beginning of the infection period several weeks prior to detection. At the moment, despite enhanced biosecurity, early warning surveillance and immediate culling of infected farms, there is ongoing transmission between mink farms with three big transmission clusters with unknown modes of transmission. We also describe the first animal to human transmissions of SARS-CoV-2 in mink farms. One sentence summarySARS-CoV-2 transmission on mink farms.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2020

SARS-CoV2 infection in farmed mink, Netherlands, April 2020

In April 2020, respiratory disease and increased mortality were observed in farmed mink on two farms in the Netherlands. In both farms, at least one worker had been found positive for SARS-CoV-2. Necropsies of the mink revealed interstitial pneumonia, and organ and swab samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by qPCR. Variations in viral genomes point at between-mink transmission on the farms and lack of infection link between the farms. Inhalable dust in the mink houses contained viral RNA, indicating possible exposure of workers.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing for informed public health decision making in the Netherlands

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that has rapidly spread across the globe. In the Netherlands, the first case of SARS-CoV-2 has been notified on the 27th of February. Here, we describe the first three weeks of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the Netherlands, which started with several different introductory events from Italy, Austria, Germany and France followed by local amplification in, and later also, outside the South of the Netherlands. The timely generation of whole genome sequences combined with epidemiological investigations facilitated early decision making in an attempt to control local transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Netherlands.

genomics↗