Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in the horse population of northern Serbia

Strahinja Medić; Rene van den Hoven; Tamaš Petrović; Diana Lupulović; Norbert Nowotny

doi:10.3855/jidc.3885

Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in the horse population of northern Serbia

Authors

Strahinja Medić University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Rene van den Hoven University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Tamaš Petrović Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Diana Lupulović Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Norbert Nowotny College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.3885

Keywords:

West Nile virus, Seroprevalence, Serbia, Horse, ELISA, Plaque reduction neutralization test

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) in the horse population of northern Serbia. Furthermore, it aimed to provide insight and an updated overview on the circulation of this re-emerging pathogen in this part of southeastern Europe. At the time of manuscript preparation, no clinical cases of WNV infection in horses were reported in this area.

Methodology: Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 252 equine serum samples were collected from seven different locations in northern Serbia. The presence of WNV-reactive IgG antibodies was examined by using commercial and in-house ELISAs. Selected ELISA-positive samples were re-tested by a WNV lineage 2 plaque reduction neutralization test 90% (PRNT-90).

Results: In 28.6% of the 252 tested equine serum samples antibodies against WNV were detected. The results obtained with the in-house ELISA corresponded to the outcome of the commercial kit in 90% of the samples. All selected WNV antibody ELISA-positive samples were confirmed by PRNT-90 with neutralizing antibody titers of 1:23 to > 1:512.

Conclusion: This study confirms the circulation of WNV in northern Serbia. No striking regional differences in seroprevalences were identified suggesting WNV circulation also in other parts of Serbia. Distances between wetlands or forests and stud farms do not appear to have an influence on WNV seroprevalence.

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Published

2014-07-14

How to Cite

Medić S, van den Hoven R, Petrović T, Lupulović D, Nowotny N (2014) Serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in the horse population of northern Serbia. J Infect Dev Ctries 8:914–918. doi: 10.3855/jidc.3885

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Issue

Vol. 8 No. 07: July 2014

Section

Brief Original Articles

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