First Serological Evidence of West Nile Virus Among Equines and Birds in Kosovo, 2018-2019.

The research article discusses a study carried out to identify the presence of the West Nile virus in Kosovo by testing the local horses, free-range chicken, birds, and mosquitoes. The researchers found West Nile Virus antibodies in horses and domestic birds, suggesting that the virus is circulating within the country.

Methodology

• Within the period of January 2018 to June 2019, the researchers collected samples from several sources. These included 260 equine serum samples, 580 adult mosquitoes grouped into four genera, 50 domestic birds, and 51 wild birds from various regions in Kosovo.
• The collection of mosquitoes involved individual from four species: Culex, Aedes, Anopheles, and Coquillettidia.

Testing and Results

• The samples collected were then tested for the presence of the West Nile virus (WNV). The equine serum samples and the domestic bird samples were subjected to a flavivirus IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• The researchers also performed RT-qPCR tests on the mosquitoes and bird viscera to try and detect WNV RNA.
• All the ELISA results that came out positive were examined further through a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Eight of these were confirmed by a virus neutralization test.
• The findings showed the presence of WNV antibodies in 27 out of 260 equine sera (10.38%) and one out of the 50 samples in domestic birds as per the ELISA and PRNT. Eight of the 27 positive equine serum samples had a high titer that neutralized WNV but not Usutu virus.
• However, no WNV RNA was detected in either the birds or the mosquitoes tested.

Implications and Recommendations

• The detection of WNV antibodies in local equines from all regions of Kosovo indicates that the virus is prevalent within the country. This is the first serological evidence of the West Nile virus in Kosovo.
• This findings call for the public health authorities to conduct a risk assessment and implement a disease control program to manage the potential spread of the virus among the population.