Gouleako virus isolated from West African mosquitoes constitutes a proposed novel genus in the family Bunyaviridae.

The family Bunyaviridae is the most diversified family of RNA viruses. We describe a novel prototypic bunyavirus, tentatively named Gouléako virus, isolated from various mosquito species trapped in Côte d'Ivoire. The S segment comprised 1,087 nucleotides (nt), the M segment 3,188 nt, and the L segment 6,358 nt, constituting the shortest bunyavirus genome known so far. The virus had shorter genome termini than phleboviruses and showed no evidence of encoded NSs and NSm proteins. An uncharacterized 105-amino-acid (aa) putative open reading frame (ORF) was detected in the S segment. Genetic equidistance to other bunyaviruses (74 to 88% aa identity) and absence of serological cross-reactivity with phleboviruses suggested a proposed novel Bunyaviridae genus.

Neovascularisation after surgery for recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence: does surgical dissection technique matter?

BACKGROUND: The effect of the type of surgery on neovascularisation in the groin is unknown. The aim of the present study was to compare three different surgical techniques used for recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence in view of their effect on neovascularisation in the groin at short- and long-term follow-up after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 36 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence were randomised. 12 patients underwent sharp dissection with knife or scissors and excision and ligation of scar tissue using absorbable suture material; 12 had dissection with electrocoagulation and 12 dissection with ultrasound (Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel). Clinical outcome was assessed using the venous clinical severity score and venous disability score, and the saphenofemoral junction was evaluated by means of duplex sonography three months and seven years after the operation respectively. If neovascularisation was present, the maximal diameter of new refluxing veins in the groin was measured. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the three surgical techniques. Duplex ultrasound showed neovascularisation with an average maximal diameter (± standard error) of the newly formed refluxing vessel of respectively 2.00 (± 0.63) mm, 1.00 (± 0.45) mm and 0.50 (± 0.50) mm after three months and 4.29 (± 1.41) mm, 3.32 (± 0.90) mm and 3.00 (0.83) mm after seven years (no significant difference between groups). After seven years no reflux was detected in 8/36 patients, no varicose veins were found in 14/36 patients. The patients were less symptomatic than before our redo operation and no one needed reoperation within the seven years. CONCLUSIONS: Dissection techniques in the groin did not influence the clinical and sonographic result at 3 months and at 7 years after redo surgery for recurrent varicose veins.