R. Domrow

Bio: R. Domrow is an academic researcher from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ross River virus & Virus. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 4 publications receiving 202 citations.

Studies of the epidemiology of arthropod-borne virus infections at Mitchell River Mission, Cape York Peninsula, North Queensland. IV. Arbovirus infections of mosquitoes and mammals, 1967-1969.

Abstract: 19 strains of 6 viruses (Kunjin, Kokobera, MRM3929, Koongol, Kowanyama and MRM3630) were isolated from 40,508 mosquitoes collected on 8 occasions from March 1963 to November 1966, at Mitchell River Mission in Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Isolation rates were lower than in earlier collections in the same area, varied markedly between years, and were very low in each dry season (October–November) when only 4 strains were isolated, all from Anopheline mosquitoes. One virus isolated, Kowanyama, appears to be unrelated to all agents with which it has been compared; one, MRM3630, is related to but easily distinguishable from Mapputta virus; one, MRM3929, was previously isolated from a bird from the same area, but the isolation reported is the first from mosquitoes. Serological tests of children and domestic fowls gave supporting evidence of the occurrence of infections with Group B arboviruses, and also demonstrated infections with Sindbis and Ross River virus. The findings do not indicate the mode of survival of arboviruses in the markedly seasonal environment in this area.

Rickettsioses in Australia: isolation of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi and R. australis from naturally infected arthropods.

Abstract: The vectors of scrub typhus and Queensland tick typhus have not previously been positively identified in Australia. Small mammals were trapped at Mossman (north Queensland) and 4 strains of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi were isolated in mice inoculated with suspensions of Leptotrombidium deliense removed from bandicoots. No strains were isolated from unfed, larval L. deliense collected from the forest floor, but 21 further strains were obtained from tissues of 141 animals of 5 species. A focus of infected ticks was defined when cases of Queensland tick typhus were identified in soldiers at Canungra (S.E. Queensland). Rickettsia australis was subsequently isolated in suckling mice from 2 pools of scrub ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) and 1 pool of I. tasmani.

Isolation of arboviruses (Kemerovo group, Sakhalin group) from Ixodes uriae collected at Macquarie Island, Southern ocean.

Abstract: Eighty-nine pools of ticks (Ixodes [Ceratixodes] uriae White) collected at Macquarie Island (54 degrees 30' S, 159 degrees E) in the Southern Ocean yielded 16 strains of 2 viruses, 1 a "new" member of the Kemerovo group and 1 a "new" member of the Sakhalin group. The names "Nugget" and "Taggert" are proposed for them. Antigenically-related viruses have therefore now been isolated from I. uriae in both subarctic and subantarctic regions.

Studies of the epidemiology of arthropod-borne virus infections at Mitchell River Mission, Cape York Peninsula, North Queensland. 3. Virus studies of wild birns, 1964-1967.

Abstract: 8 strains of 4 arboviruses were isolated from blood and organs from 775 birds captured at Mitchell River Mission in 6 collections from October 1964 to March 1967. 3 strains of Ross River virus (from Grallina cyanoleuca, Microeca fascinans and Poephila personata) and 1 strain of Corriparta virus (from Charadrius melanops were isolated in March-April 1965; 3 strains of a Group B virus (from Centropus phasianinus) and 1 strain of Kunjin virus (from Oriolus flavocinctus) were isolated in March-April 1966. The Group B virus was found antigenically distinct from those previously isolated in Australia, and has tentatively been named Alfuy virus. No viruses were isolated from birds collected during the dry seasons. Serological tests on bird serum or blood gave additional evidence of infection with Group B arboviruses, Sindbis, Corriparta and Koongolg Group viruses. The isolation of Ross River virus from birds was at some variance with the results of previous serological surveys and is discussed.

Tick-Borne Rickettsioses around the World: Emerging Diseases Challenging Old Concepts

Abstract: During most of the 20th century, the epidemiology of tick-borne rickettsioses could be summarized as the occurrence of a single pathogenic rickettsia on each continent. An element of this paradigm suggested that the many other characterized and noncharacterized rickettsiae isolated from ticks were not pathogenic to humans. In this context, it was considered that relatively few tick-borne rickettsiae caused human disease. This concept was modified extensively from 1984 through 2005 by the identification of at least 11 additional rickettsial species or subspecies that cause tick-borne rickettsioses around the world. Of these agents, seven were initially isolated from ticks, often years or decades before a definitive association with human disease was established. We present here the tick-borne rickettsioses described through 2005 and focus on the epidemiological circumstances that have played a role in the emergence of the newly recognized diseases.

Rickettsioses as paradigms of new or emerging infectious diseases.

Abstract: Rickettsioses are caused by species of Rickettsia, a genus comprising organisms characterized by their strictly intracellular location and their association with arthropods. Rickettsia species are difficult to cultivate in vitro and exhibit strong serological cross-reactions with each other. These technical difficulties long prohibited a detailed study of the rickettsiae, and it is only following the recent introduction of novel laboratory methods that progress in this field has been possible. In this review, we discuss the impact that these practical innovations have had on the study of rickettsiae. Prior to 1986, only eight rickettsioses were clinically recognized; however, in the last 10 years, an additional six have been discovered. We describe the different steps that resulted in the description of each new rickettsiosis and discuss the influence of factors as diverse as physicians' curiosity and the adoption of molecular biology-based identification in helping to recognize these new infections. We also assess the pathogenic potential of rickettsial strains that to date have been associated only with arthropods, and we discuss diseases of unknown etiology that may be rickettsioses.

Insect Seasonality: Why?

Abstract: Etude comparative de la duree des differents stades de developpement en fonction des saisons en zone tropicale et en zone temperee

Ross River Virus Transmission, Infection, and Disease: a Cross-Disciplinary Review

Abstract: Ross River virus (RRV) is a fascinating, important arbovirus that is endemic and enzootic in Australia and Papua New Guinea and was epidemic in the South Pacific in 1979 and 1980. Infection with RRV may cause disease in humans, typically presenting as peripheral polyarthralgia or arthritis, sometimes with fever and rash. RRV disease notifications in Australia average 5,000 per year. The first well-described outbreak occurred in 1928. During World War II there were more outbreaks, and the name epidemic polyarthritis was applied. During a 1956 outbreak, epidemic polyarthritis was linked serologically to a group A arbovirus (Alphavirus). The virus was subsequently isolated from Aedes vigilax mosquitoes in 1963 and then from epidemic polyarthritis patients. We review the literature on the evolutionary biology of RRV, immune response to infection, pathogenesis, serologic diagnosis, disease manifestations, the extraordinary variety of vertebrate hosts, mosquito vectors, and transmission cycles, antibody prevalence, epidemiology of asymptomatic and symptomatic human infection, infection risks, and public health impact. RRV arthritis is due to joint infection, and treatment is currently based on empirical anti-inflammatory regimens. Further research on pathogenesis may improve understanding of the natural history of this disease and lead to new treatment strategies. The burden of morbidity is considerable, and the virus could spread to other countries. To justify and design preventive programs, we need accurate data on economic costs and better understanding of transmission and behavioral and environmental risks.

An annotated checklist of pathogenic microorganisms associated with migratory birds

Abstract: The potential for transport and dissemination of certain pathogenic microorganisms by migratory birds is of concern. Migratory birds might be involved in dispersal of microorganisms as their biological carriers, mechanical carriers, or as carriers of infected hematophagous ecto- parasites (e.g., ixodid ticks). Many species of microorganisms pathogenic to homeothermic ver- tebrates including humans have been associated with free-living migratory birds. Migratory birds of diverse species can play significant roles in the ecology and circulation of some arboviruses (e.g., eastern and western equine encephalomyelitis and Sindbis alphaviruses, West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis flaviviruses), influenza A virus, Newcastle disease virus, duck plague herpes- virus, Chlamydophila psittaci, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enterica, Pasteurella multocida, Mycobacterium avium, Candida spp., and avian hematozoans. The efficiency of dispersal of pathogenic microorganisms depends on a wide variety of biotic and abiotic factors affecting the survival of the agent in, or disap- pearance from, a habitat or ecosystem in a new geographic area.