Evidence of an autochthonous Toscana virus strain in Croatia

Abstract

Background: Phleboviruses are large and widespread group of viruses that are transmitted by arthropods and they have been reported to circulate in endemic regions of Mediterranean Basin, including Croatia.

Objectives: To investigate the role of Toscana virus, as a cause of the aseptic meningitis, in summer months in Croatia.

Study design: Samples from 30 patients with aseptic meningitis were retrospectively tested by serology and RT-PCR for TOSV.

Results: TOSV RNA was detected in 2/30 and TOSV IgM antibodies were found in 4/30 of patients. Phylogenetic analysis of partial L and S segments suggests that TOSV from Croatia represents an autochthonous strain.

Conclusions: The study has confirmed the role of TOSV as an agent that causes aseptic meningitis in Croatia, therefore it should be considered by physicians when encountering meningitis or febrile illness among indigenous population or travellers during the summer months.