Serological evidence of Flaviviruses infection among acute febrile illness patients in Afghanistan

Authors

  • Diaa Salman Elyan U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
  • Lais Moustafa Afghanistan Public Health Institute (APHI) - MoPH, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
  • Bashir Noormal Afghanistan Public Health Institute (APHI) - MoPH, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
  • Jolanta S Jacobs MRIGlobal, Kansas City, MO, United States
  • Mustafa Abdel Aziz U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
  • Khaled S Hassan U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
  • Momtaz O Wasfy U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
  • Jesse H Monestersky U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
  • Buhari A Oyofo U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.4183

Keywords:

Flaviviruses, ELISA, acute febrile illness, Afghanistan

Abstract

Introduction: Current published reports on the causative agents of acute febrile illness (AFI) in Afghanistan are scarce, and the burden of disease due to flaviviruses is unknown.

Methodology: A hospital-based surveillance study for AFI was established in 2008 through 2010 to determine the seroepidemiology of West Nile virus (WNV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and dengue viruses (DENV) using commercial ELISA kits. Due to major logistical challenges, only acute sera were collected.

Results: Serological analysis for IgG were as follows: WNV 30.4% (277/913); TBEV 23.4% (214/913); DENV 19.7% (180/913). Single positive IgG reactions for WNV, TBEV and DENV were noted in 11% (100/913), 7.2% (66/913), and 5% (47/913), respectively. Reactivity for all three screened flaviviruses was detected in 44.5% (406/913) of sera. IgM positivity was uncommon, with only 0.5% (5/913), 2.2% (20/913) and 2.6% (8/312) of samples positive for WNV, TBEV, and DENV, respectively. Serological findings were confirmed in random positive samples by neutralization assay.

Conclusions: These serological results suggest circulation of WNV, TBEV, and DENV within Afghanistan, with evidence of current or prior infection noted in a significant proportion of patients seeking care for AFI. Obtaining additional information on the prevalence of these and other causes of AFI is paramount for improving the distribution of available limited syndromic treatment and improving the existing health protection policy in Afghanistan.

Author Biographies

Diaa Salman Elyan, U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt

Research Scientist

Vector Biology Research Program

Lais Moustafa, Afghanistan Public Health Institute (APHI) - MoPH, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Epidemiologist

Afghanistan Public Health Institute (APHI)

Bashir Noormal, Afghanistan Public Health Institute (APHI) - MoPH, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Director General

Afghanistan Public Health Institute

Jolanta S Jacobs, MRIGlobal, Kansas City, MO, United States

Technical Advisor

Mustafa Abdel Aziz, U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt

Virologist

Virology and Zoonotic Diseases Research Program

Khaled S Hassan, U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt

Biostatician

Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases Research Program

Momtaz O Wasfy, U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt

Laboratory Supervisor

Global Diseases Detection and Response Program

 

Jesse H Monestersky, U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt

Public Health Officer

Research Science Directorate

Buhari A Oyofo, U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt

Commanding Officer

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Published

2014-09-12

How to Cite

1.
Elyan DS, Moustafa L, Noormal B, Jacobs JS, Aziz MA, Hassan KS, Wasfy MO, Monestersky JH, Oyofo BA (2014) Serological evidence of Flaviviruses infection among acute febrile illness patients in Afghanistan. J Infect Dev Ctries 8:1176–1180. doi: 10.3855/jidc.4183

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 09: September 2014

Section

Original Articles

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