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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)2023; 13(1); 41; doi: 10.3390/pathogens13010041

Evidence of West Nile Virus Circulation in Horses and Dogs in Libya.

Abstract: West Nile virus (WNV) is a globally significant mosquito-borne Flavivirus that causes West Nile disease (WND). In Libya, evidence of WNV circulation has been reported in humans but never in animals. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of WNV infection in horses and dogs in Libya. In total, 574 and 63 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy, unvaccinated horses and dogs, respectively, between 2016 and 2019. A commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) kit was initially used to test the collected samples for the presence of WNV Ig-G antibodies. Positive and doubtful sera were also tested using a more specific virus neutralisation assay to confirm whether the ELISA-positive results were due to WNV or other Flavivirus antibodies. The seroprevalence of WNV IgG antibodies according to ELISA was 13.2% out of 574 of total horses' samples and 30.2% out of 63 of total dogs' samples. The virus neutralisation test (VNT) confirmed that 10.8% (62/574) and 27% (17/63) were positive for WNV-neutralising titres ranging from 1:10 to 1:640. Univariable analysis using chi-square tests was conducted to measure the statistical significance of the association between the hypothesized risk factors including city, sex, breed, and age group and were then analyzed using the subsequent multivariable logistic regression model for horse samples. Age group was found to be the only significant risk factor in this study. The results of the present study provide new evidence about WNV circulation in Libya.
Publication Date: 2023-12-31 PubMed ID: 38251348PubMed Central: PMC10820222DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010041Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study investigated the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) antibodies in horses and dogs in Libya, revealing that the virus is circulating among these animal populations for the first time in the country.

Background

  • West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus belonging to the Flavivirus genus that causes West Nile Disease (WND), affecting various species including humans, horses, and dogs.
  • Prior to this study, WNV circulation had been reported in humans in Libya but not in animals.

Aim of the Study

  • The primary goal was to determine the seroprevalence—presence of antibodies indicating past infection—of WNV in horses and dogs across Libya.

Methodology

  • Sample Collection:
    • Serum samples were collected from 574 apparently healthy and unvaccinated horses.
    • 63 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy and unvaccinated dogs.
    • Samples were collected during the years 2016 to 2019.
  • Testing for Antibodies:
    • A commercially available competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) was used initially to detect WNV IgG antibodies in serum samples.
    • Samples that were positive or doubtful by ELISA were further tested with the virus neutralisation test (VNT), a more specific assay to confirm WNV infection and to differentiate from other Flaviviruses.
  • Statistical Analysis:
    • Univariable analysis using chi-square tests evaluated associations between potential risk factors (city, sex, breed, and age group) and WNV seropositivity.
    • Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze significant variables from the univariable analysis for horse samples.

Key Findings

  • Seroprevalence by ELISA:
    • 13.2% of horse samples (76 out of 574) tested positive for WNV IgG antibodies.
    • 30.2% of dog samples (19 out of 63) tested positive for WNV IgG antibodies.
  • Confirmation by Virus Neutralisation Test (VNT):
    • 10.8% of horses (62 out of 574) showed WNV-neutralizing antibodies, confirming previous infection. Antibody titers ranged from 1:10 to 1:640.
    • 27% of dogs (17 out of 63) also had confirmed neutralizing antibodies.
  • Risk Factor Analysis for Horses:
    • Among city, sex, breed, and age group, only age group was identified as a statistically significant risk factor for WNV seropositivity.
    • This suggests that older horses may be at higher risk or have longer exposure leading to higher antibody prevalence.

Implications

  • This research provides the first documented evidence of WNV circulation in horses and dogs in Libya.
  • Understanding seroprevalence in animals is important for public health because it reflects the presence and circulation of the virus within the local ecosystem and potential risk of transmission to humans.
  • The finding that age is a significant risk factor in horses may help in targeting monitoring and prevention efforts.
  • The use of both ELISA and VNT in testing confirms the reliability of the data by differentiating WNV from other related Flaviviruses.

Conclusion

  • The study confirmed that West Nile Virus is present among Libyan horses and dogs, contributing important epidemiological information for veterinary and public health sectors.
  • Monitoring animal populations could serve as an early warning for WNV activity and help in designing strategies to reduce transmission risk to humans and animals.

Cite This Article

APA
(2023). Evidence of West Nile Virus Circulation in Horses and Dogs in Libya. Pathogens, 13(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13010041

Publication

ISSN: 2076-0817
NlmUniqueID: 101596317
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
PII: 41

Researcher Affiliations

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Dogs
  • Horses / virology
  • Libya / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / veterinary
  • West Nile Fever / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / blood
  • West Nile Fever / virology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / virology
  • Horse Diseases / blood
  • Horse Diseases / immunology
  • West Nile virus / immunology
  • West Nile virus / isolation & purification
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Male
  • Female
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology
  • Dog Diseases / virology
  • Dog Diseases / immunology
  • Dog Diseases / blood
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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