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Australian veterinary journal1978; 54(1); 1-3; doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1978.tb00256.x

Antibodies to Akabane virus in Australia.

Abstract: Neutralising antibody to Akabane virus was shown to develop in cattle in northern Australia throughout the year and also on the east coast of New South Wales in the summer during 1975/1976. Other species found to have antibody to Akabane virus were buffaloes, horses, camels and sheep, but no antibody was found in domestic chickens, ducks, wallabies or man. The biting midge Culicoides brevitarsis has been detected in all the major areas where antibody was demonstrated in this study.
Publication Date: 1978-01-01 PubMed ID: 655964DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1978.tb00256.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research illustrates that the Akabane virus, which causes abnormalities in calves, induces a neutralising antibody primarily in cattle found in northern Australia no matter the time of year, and on the east coast of New South Wales during the summer period of 1975/1976. The presence of these antibodies was also found in buffaloes, horses, camels, and sheep, but not in specific species including domestic chickens, ducks, wallabies, or humans. The study suggests a relationship with the Culicoides brevitarsis biting midge species, present across all the regions where the antibodies were found.

Detailed Explanation of the Research Paper

Introduction and Overview

  • The research investigates the presence of neutralising antibodies to the Akabane virus, a pathogen known to infect cattle, causing congenital abnormalities in the offspring.

Akabane Virus Antibodies in Different Species

  • Although best known as a cattle-infecting virus, the presence of Akabane virus was tested in different species.
  • Buffaloes, horses, camels, and sheep were found to have the neutralising antibody, thus suggesting that these species could be possible hosts or carriers of the virus too.

No Antibody Detection in Some Species

  • No antibodies were detected in domestic chickens, ducks, wallabies or humans, indicating they may be less susceptible to Akabane virus infection, or their immune response may not involve producing detectable antibodies.

Seasonal and Geographic Variations

  • The paper highlights a seasonal variation in the development of antibodies in animals, with cattle on the east coast of New South Wales developing antibodies only in the summer.
  • This could have implications for preventive measures, potentially indicating the time of year when the virus is most likely to be circulating in the animal population.

Association with Culicoides brevitarsis

  • The biting midge, Culicoides brevitarsis, was found in all areas where antibodies to the Akabane virus were detected. This could suggest that this insect acts a vector, possibly transmitting the virus among different animal species.
  • This kind of finding can be crucial for disease control and developing strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Cite This Article

APA
Cybinski DH, St George TD, Paull NI. (1978). Antibodies to Akabane virus in Australia. Aust Vet J, 54(1), 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1978.tb00256.x

Publication

ISSN: 0005-0423
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-3

Researcher Affiliations

Cybinski, D H
    St George, T D
      Paull, N I

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
        • Arboviruses / immunology
        • Australia
        • Buffaloes / immunology
        • Camelus / immunology
        • Cattle / immunology
        • Ceratopogonidae
        • Horses / immunology
        • Humans
        • Insect Vectors
        • Sheep / immunology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 11 times.
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