West Nile Virus in Birds, Argentina
Author Information
Author(s): Diaz Luis Adrián, Komar Nicholas, Visintin Andres, Juri María Julia Dantur, Stein Marina, Allende Rebeca Lobo, Spinsanti Lorena, Konigheim Brenda, Aguilar Javier, Laurito Magdalena, Almirón Walter, Contigiani Marta
Primary Institution: Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba City, Argentina
Hypothesis
WNV was introduced into Argentina before 2005 and maintained naturally in enzootic foci.
Conclusion
The study provides evidence that West Nile virus was established in Argentina as early as January 2005.
Supporting Evidence
- 474 out of 1,845 serum specimens tested positive for flavivirus antibodies.
- WNV infections were confirmed in 43 birds.
- Seroconversion in birds indicated recent WNV activity.
- WNV was detected in various ecosystems across Argentina.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a virus called West Nile virus was in birds in Argentina, showing it arrived there earlier than they thought.
Methodology
Serum samples from free-ranging birds were collected and screened for flavivirus antibodies using ELISA and PRNT.
Limitations
The study could not definitively identify all flavivirus-positive samples, and the exact introduction route of WNV remains unclear.
Participant Demographics
Birds from 117 species across various ecological regions in Argentina.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website