Sindbis virus is detected for the first time in Spain


  • 27-01-2025
  • National
  • Canarian Weekly
  • Photo Credit: GCiencia
Sindbis virus is detected for the first time in Spain

The Sindbis virus (VSIN) has been detected for the first time in Spain, according to researchers from the Carlos III Health Institute and the Doñana Biological Station, which offers new insights into the presence of zoonotic viruses in southern Europe.

Jordi Figuerola, a researcher at the Doñana Biological Station and leader of the Zoonosis Ecology and Evolution Group at the CIBER for Epidemiology and Public Health, confirmed that this marks the first detection of the virus on the Iberian Peninsula. Previously, the Sindbis virus had been identified in regions such as Scandinavia and Algeria, where there have been notable outbreaks.

Sindbis virus, part of the Alphavirus genus, is primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes which are common in Spain. While the virus typically circulates among birds, it can affect humans through mosquito bites. Human infections are often asymptomatic but can lead to symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, joint pain, and headaches. Outbreaks of Sindbis fever have been reported in South Africa and northern Europe.

During the study, researchers analysed 31,920 mosquitoes collected in 2022 across Andalusia, grouping them into 1,149 batches. The virus was detected in 137 of these batches, spanning five mosquito species, with Culex perexiguus showing the highest infection rate. The virus was identified in locations across the provinces of Málaga, Seville, Huelva, and Cádiz.

Sindbis virus is detected for the first time in Spain

Genetic analysis revealed that all identified strains in Spain belong to Genotype I, previously detected in Europe and Africa. The Spanish strains exhibit low genetic variation and are closely related to strains found in Algeria and Kenya, suggesting a recent introduction of the virus to Spain via migratory birds from Africa.

Although no human cases of Sindbis virus infection have been reported in Spain to date, researchers emphasise the importance of further studies to assess its potential public health implications. Ana Vázquez and Rafael Gutiérrez of the National Centre for Microbiology note that this discovery provides an opportunity to investigate possible human infections and refine differential diagnoses for other mosquito-borne diseases.

 

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