Investigations on the presence of antibodies to several alphaviruses in humans and domestic animals of a region with elevated epidemiological potential.

This research article investigates the occurrence of antibodies against various alphaviruses in humans and domestic animals in areas with high epidemiological risk, presented through serological tests.

Objective of the Study

• The research focuses on studying the presence of antibodies against multiple alphaviruses, including eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), western equine encephalitis (WEE), Chikungunya, Middlebourg, Semliki Forest, Sindbis, and Ilheus viruses.
• The tests were conducted on both humans and domestic animals within a region that is known to have a high number of migrating birds – an essential factor as birds are a prime vector for these alphaviruses.

Findings in Humans

• The study detected antibodies for EEE, WEE, and Sindbis viruses in humans, indicating a previous exposure to these viruses.
• However, the presence of these antibodies was extremely low in the populations tested, with proportions of 1.8%, 0.4%, and 0.6% for EEE, WEE, and Sindbis, respectively.

Findings in Animals

• The results were even less encouraging with animals. The research found antibodies for the EEE virus in just one out of the 93 horses tested, indicating a minimal infection rate among the studied animal population.

Conclusions

• Overall, the serological results highlighted low levels of antibodies against the investigated alphaviruses in both human and animal populations from the selected high-risk area.
• This outcome could either suggest a low prevalence of these viruses in the region or limited susceptibility of these populations to the specified alphaviruses.