Federal Ministry of Defence

The Balkan Peninsula is a hotspot for sand fly-borne phleboviruses (SbPVs), yet Kosovo had no confirmed viral detection invectors despite serological evidence of human and animal exposure. This study reports the discovery, genetic characterization, and seroprevalence of a novel phlebovirus, Grapi virus (GRPV), in Kosovo. Entomological surveys (2022-2023) collected 3,575 sand flies across seven districts. Morphological and molecular identification revealed Phlebotomus perfiliewi as the dominant species. Pan-phlebovirus RT-PCR screening identified GRPV in seven pools. Complete genome sequencing confirmed its tripartite genome, sharing 97.55-98.70% nucleotide identity with Bregalaka virus, classifying it within the Phlebovirus adanaense species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed segment-specific ancestry, suggesting recombination events between Bregalaka virus, Adana virus, and Medjerda Valley virus. Seroprevalence studies using neutralization assays detected GRPV-specific antibodies in 13.0% of humans and 2.7% of dogs. Human seropositivity peaked in adolescents and declined with age, while dogs showed higher rates in purebred and unhealthy ones. No cross-reactivity with Toscana or Sicilian viruses was observed, indicating distinct immunological responses. GRPV replicated efficiently in Vero cells and more slowly in mosquito cells, suggesting mammalian adaptation. GRPV detection in Kosovo underscores the role of the Balkan region in SbPV emergence. GRPV zoonotic potential is supported by the anthropophilic feeding behaviour of Ph. perfiliewi and by the significant seroprevalence rates in dogs and humans. Limitations include biased human/dog sampling and sparse northern Kosovo coverage. Investigating GRPV pathogenicity and ecology; integrated surveillance and diagnostics are essential for the future.

Background: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are important vectors of human and animal pathogens. Balkan countries in the southeastern part of Europe exhibit a diverse mosquito fauna and can act as a crossway for both natural and anthropogenic introduction. Some countries however lack data on mosquito fauna distribution, diversity, and pathogen circulation. Methods: mosquitoes were trapped in all seven districts of Kosovo in July and August of both 2022 and 2023, then were investigated for the presence of pathogens using PCR-based methods. A total of 144 different locations were surveyed using up to three CDC miniature light traps. Individual trapped mosquitoes were morphologically identified, then pooled, and DNA/RNA was isolated. Identification was confirmed by cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcoding, and PCR-based pathogen screening was performed, targeting the medically relevant Filarioidea, Plasmodium and trypanosomatid protozoans as well as arboviruses (West Nile, Dengue and Zika virus). Results: Altogether 6491 mosquitoes belonging to 18 species in six genera were trapped, identified, and screened in 1122 pools. Of 986 female pools, 21 pools (2.1%) tested positive for DNA of filarioid helminths (Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens), 52 pools (5.3%) tested positive for avian Plasmodium DNA, and 82 (8.3%) tested positive for trypanosomatid DNA. Conclusion: This study thus presents the most extensive survey of mosquitoes and their parasites in Kosovo to date, providing data on the prevalence of the animal and human pathogens, Filarioidea, Plasmodium and Trypanosoma.

The military profession is highly challenging because soldiers are exposed to potentially traumatic stressors which cannot be avoided. Given that these stressors are associated with psychological health risks, the need for resilience has become crucial within the military. Although research has recognized the importance of a multilevel consideration of resilience in military populations, little research has been done on this so far. Hence, we aimed to systematically review individual (micro-level) and organizational (meso- and macro-level) resilience factors among active-duty soldiers. During our search, we identified nine studies for inclusion, of which two used qualitative and seven applied quantitative methods. We identified 82 resilience factors on all levels. Most studies focused on micro-level factors, such as adaptive coping or individual characteristics, whereas meso- (e.g., leadership behavior) and macro-level factors (e.g., structural conditions) remain underrepresented. Moreover, no included study investigated multilevel factors with nested data. We discuss these findings from a systemic perspective, shifting the responsibility for building a resilient environment from the individual to the organization. Thus, we highlight that resilience should be promoted through significant organizational practices that ensure access to resources, enhance a sense of belonging, and reduce stigma. Moreover, we recommend that military organizations first address structural conditions and cultural barriers to resilience. Our findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how resilience can be developed across micro, meso, and macro levels within military organizations and offer new perspectives for sustainable resilience building in the military.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier [CRD42021254629].

In Europe, phleboviruses are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, which are widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin, including the Balkan peninsula. We report the identification and isolation of Mirusha virus (MRSHV), a novel member of the Phlebovirus corfouense species within the Phenuiviridae family, based on a > 95% genetic identity at the aminoacid level for Large segment between MRSHV and Corfou virus. MRSHV was isolated from a Phlebotomus perfiliewi sand fly specimen collected in Kosovo in 2022. Whole genome sequencing of MRSHV the characteristic trisegmented genome architecture of phleboviruses. Mammalian cells, including green monkey cell lines, were susceptible to MRSHV, with limited replication in dog macrophage cells, whereas no replication was observed in mosquito cell lines, suggesting a vector-specific adaptation. Specific neutralizing antibodies were detected in dogs (2.0%) and in humans (0.8%) from various regions of Kosovo, indicating a broader geographic circulation. Our findings describe a previously uncharacterized phlebovirus and underscore the importance of considering sand fly-borne phlebovirus infections in cases of undiagnosed febrile illness during the vector-active season, as well as expanding arbovirus surveillance to include hematophagous arthropods beyond mosquitoes.