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PLoS neglected tropical diseases2014; 8(7); e3028; doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003028

Serological, molecular and entomological surveillance demonstrates widespread circulation of West Nile virus in Turkey.

Abstract: West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus with significant impact on human and animal health, has recently demonstrated an expanded zone of activity globally. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and distribution of WNV infections in potential vectors and several mammal and avian species in Turkey, where previous data indicate viral circulation. The study was conducted in 15 provinces across Turkey during 2011-2013. In addition, the entomological study was extended to 4 districts of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. WNV exposure was determined in humans, horses, sheep and ducks from Mersin, Sanliurfa, Van and Kars provinces of Turkey, via the detection of neutralizing antibodies. WNV RNA was sought in human and equine samples from Mersin, Adana and Mugla provinces. Field-collected mosquitoes from 92 sites at 46 locations were characterized morphologically and evaluated for viral RNA. Neutralizing antibodies were identified in 10.5% of the 1180 samples studied and detected in all species evaluated. Viral nucleic acids were observed in 5.9% of 522 samples but only in horses. A total of 2642 mosquito specimens belonging to 15 species were captured, where Ochlerotatus caspius (52.4%), Culex pipiens sensu lato (24.2%) comprise the most frequent species. WNV RNA was detected in 4 mosquito pools (1.9%), that comprise Oc. caspius Cx. pipiens s.l. and DNA barcoding revealed the presence of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. perexiguus mosquitoes in infected Culex pools. All WNV partial sequences were characterized as lineage 1 clade 1a. These findings indicate a widespread WNV activity in Turkey, in Eastern Thrace and Mediterranean-Aegean regions as well as Southeastern and Northeastern Anatolia.
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Publication Date: 2014-07-24 PubMed ID: 25058465PubMed Central: PMC4109882DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003028Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • 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.

The research article is about the widespread occurrence of the West Nile Virus (WNV), a disease mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, in Turkey; it was detected in multiple types of animals and human beings in various parts of the country.

Research Overview

  • The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and spread of West Nile Virus (WNV) infections in potential vectors (organisms that transmit diseases), and several mammal and bird species in Turkey. The study was conducted because previous data indicated the presence of the virus in Turkey.
  • The research was carried out in 15 provinces throughout Turkey over a course of two years (2011 – 2013), with extension into Northern Cyprus. The geographical diversity covered in the study provides a comprehensive overview of the WNV situation in the country.

Research Methodology

  • Researchers collected samples from humans, horses, sheep, and ducks. The presence of WNV was determined by looking for detection of neutralizing antibodies (type of proteins the immune system uses to neutralize harmful pathogens) in these samples.
  • WNV RNA was also sought in human and equine (horse) samples. This was to determine if there was a replicating viral infection present in these samples.
  • Field-collected mosquitoes from 92 sites were characterized based on their morphological features and evaluated for any presence of viral RNA.

Findings

  • Among the 1180 samples studied, 10.5% had neutralizing antibodies, indicating previous exposure to WNV in all sampled species. This suggested that the virus was indeed circulating in the wildlife in the region.
  • Viral nucleic acids were found in 5.9% of 522 samples, but only in horses. This may mean horses could be potential higher risk hosts for the virus to replicate.
  • Among the 2642 mosquito samples collected, the species Ochlerotatus caspius and Culex pipiens sensu lato were identified to carry the most WNV RNA. DNA barcoding confirmed the presence of other mosquito species in the infected pools.
  • All WNV sequences were identified as part of lineage 1 clade 1a, a classification denoting a specific genetic strain or type of WNV.

Conclusion

  • The study confirmed a widespread activity of WNV across Turkey, from the Mediterranean-Aegean regions to Southeastern and Northeastern Anatolia.
  • This finding helps in understanding the epidemiology of WNV in the region, making it possible to develop targeted measures for disease prevention.

Cite This Article

APA
Ergunay K, Gunay F, Erisoz Kasap O, Oter K, Gargari S, Karaoglu T, Tezcan S, Cabalar M, Yildirim Y, Emekdas G, Alten B, Ozkul A. (2014). Serological, molecular and entomological surveillance demonstrates widespread circulation of West Nile virus in Turkey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 8(7), e3028. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0003028

Publication

PLoS neglected tropical diseases
ISSN: 1935-2735
NlmUniqueID: 101291488
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 7
Pages: e3028

Researcher Affiliations

Ergunay, Koray
  • Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology Unit, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Gunay, Filiz
  • Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, Division of Ecology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Erisoz Kasap, Ozge
  • Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, Division of Ecology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Oter, Kerem
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Gargari, Sepandar
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
Karaoglu, Taner
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
Tezcan, Seda
  • Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
Cabalar, Mehmet
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Harran University, Ankara, Turkey.
Yildirim, Yakup
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Kafkas University, Ankara, Turkey.
Emekdas, Gürol
  • Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
Alten, Bulent
  • Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, Division of Ecology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Ozkul, Aykut
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Birds / virology
  • Culicidae / virology
  • Horses / virology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Public Health Surveillance
  • Turkey / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / veterinary
  • West Nile Fever / virology
  • West Nile virus

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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