WEST NILE VIRUS – A NEW INFECTION IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC?

Dorko, Erik and Busová, Andrea and Csank, Tomas and Feketeová, Eva and Rimárová, Kvestoslava and Diabelková, Jana and Cellár, Robert and Beres, Matus and Gyuranecz, Miklós and Pistl, Juraj and Bakonyi, Tamás and Jenca, Andrej and Jencová, Janka and Petrasová, Adriána (2018) WEST NILE VIRUS – A NEW INFECTION IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC? Central European Journal of Public Health, 26 (Suppl). pp. 551-555. ISSN 1210-7778

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) among the variable population of Eastern Slovakia. Methods: A serologic survey was conducted using 464 serum samples. The basic demographic, epidemiologic and clinical information was obtained for each serum sample at the time of specimen collection. The presence of antibodies against WNV was investigated using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the ELISA positive samples were further analysed by a neutralization test with WNV and Usutu virus. Results: Three serum samples (0.65%) from the participants (N = 464) were considered positive for antibodies to WNV. A 29-year-old female was repeatedly exposed to mosquito bites working as a shepherdess and participating in many outdoor activities. Two other females (61 and 76 years old) were treated at the Department of Neurology due to monoparesis of the upper extremity, vertigo; both had a significant epidemiological history with frequent tick and mosquito bites and stay in an endemic region. Conclusions: Although there was no evidence of WNV infection in the Slovak Republic, the epidemiological situation in the neighbouring countries warrants vigilance and appropriate measures, including the introduction of specific diagnostic tools into clinical practice. The constant monitoring of birds and mosquitoes also seems necessary.

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