Aserological survey on antibodies against West Nile virus in horses of Khuzestan province
نویسندگان
1 Graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahid Chamran, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahid Chamran, Ahvaz, Iran
3 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahid Chamran, Ahvaz, Iran
4 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahid Chamran, Ahvaz, Iran
doi
10.22059/ijvm.2013.35969چکیده
BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is a vector-borneagent that is maintained within a bird-mosquito cycle. In humansand equids, infection by this agent is usually asymptomatic, orcharacterized by a mild febrile illness. However, fatal meningoencephalitisor encephalitis may occur. OBJECTIVES:The aim ofthis study was to evaluate the prevalence of WNVinfection andcorrelation of this organism with host and environmentaldeterminants in horses in Khuzestan province. METHODS: In2011-2012, serum samples of 155 horses were randomly collectedfrom 7 zones of Khuzestan province and were examined byELISAassay. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of WNVinfection was70.3% (95% CI: 63.1-77.5%). Statistical analysis showed thatage, zone, presence of lake, type of bed, time of sampling, stayingout of the stable after sunset and the method of insect control aresignificantly associated with infection (p<0.05) but sex, presenceof river, wall condition, presence of rubbish dump and history ofdisease are not significantly associated with infection (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study confirm that theWNV infection exists in Khuzestan province. Considering thelocal weather conditions and the facility of vector-bornetransmission, the health authorities should take measures toprevent and control the infection.
