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Emerging infectious diseases2007; 12(12); 1958-1960; doi: 10.3201/eid1212.060042

West Nile Virus in horses, sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract: To evaluate the presence and extension of West Nile virus where French soldiers are stationed in Africa, specific antibody prevalence was determined by using ELISA and Western blot. Among 245 horses living in close proximity to the soldiers, seroprevalence was particularly high in Chad (97%) and Senegal (92%).
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Publication Date: 2007-03-01 PubMed ID: 17326952PubMed Central: PMC3291339DOI: 10.3201/eid1212.060042Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research study investigates the prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) among horses located near where French soldiers are posted in sub-Saharan Africa. Using antibody tests, high rates of the virus were found particularly in Chad and Senegal.

Study Purpose

  • The main objective of this research was to assess the presence and spread of the West Nile virus in regions of sub-Saharan Africa where French soldiers are based.

Methodology

  • The researchers used two types of antibody prevalence tests – ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and Western blot – to detect the virus.
  • The study was conducted on 245 horses living close to the soldiers’ bases as horses are considered one of the most susceptible species to WNV.

Findings

  • The findings revealed a surprisingly high seroprevalence – the level of a pathogen in a population, as measured in blood serum – of West Nile virus in these regions.
  • The prevalence was particularly high in Chad, with 97% of the sampled horses testing positive, and Senegal with a prevalence rate of 92%.

Implications

  • This study’s findings indicate a pressing concern for the presence and spread of West Nile virus in these areas of Africa.
  • The high prevalence rates suggest there may be substantial risk of transmission to humans, particularly the French soldiers based in these regions.
  • Further studies could be necessary to assess this potential risk and devise appropriate public health strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Cabre O, Grandadam M, Marié JL, Gravier P, Prangé A, Santinelli Y, Rous V, Bourry O, Durand JP, Tolou H, Davoust B. (2007). West Nile Virus in horses, sub-Saharan Africa. Emerg Infect Dis, 12(12), 1958-1960. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1212.060042

Publication

Emerging infectious diseases
ISSN: 1080-6040
NlmUniqueID: 9508155
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 12
Pages: 1958-1960

Researcher Affiliations

Cabre, Olivier
  • Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, Paris, France. sertemarco.restco@orange.fr
Grandadam, Marc
    Marié, Jean-Lou
      Gravier, Patrick
        Prangé, Aurélie
          Santinelli, Yan
            Rous, Vincent
              Bourry, Olivier
                Durand, Jean-Paul
                  Tolou, Hugues
                    Davoust, Bernard

                      MeSH Terms

                      • Africa South of the Sahara / epidemiology
                      • Animals
                      • Antibodies, Viral / blood
                      • Blotting, Western / veterinary
                      • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
                      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
                      • Horse Diseases / virology
                      • Horses
                      • Humans
                      • Neutralization Tests / veterinary
                      • Seroepidemiologic Studies
                      • West Nile Fever / epidemiology
                      • West Nile Fever / veterinary
                      • West Nile Fever / virology
                      • West Nile virus / isolation & purification

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