Abstract
We previously reported evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) circulation in UK birds, probably introduced by migratory birds from overseas. We now demonstrate WNV-specific seroconversion in sentinel chickens raised on an English farm. Maternal neutralizing antibodies to WNV in hatchlings declined within three weeks. During the following months, healthy chickens developed WNV neutralizing antibodies that were confirmed by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence tests using WNV antigens. The proportion of seropositive chickens was higher for WNV than for Usutu virus or Sindbis virus. Attempts to isolate infectious virus or to detect viral RNA in the sera, failed.
Highlights
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are antigenically closely related mosquito-borne members of the genus Flavivirus
Previous serological studies on sera collected from UK resident and migratory birds demonstrated the presence of WNV-specific neutralizing antibodies and small fragments of RNA with sequence corresponding to WNV
In view of the need for additional proof of the presence of WNV circulating amongst birds in the UK, albeit apparently harmlessly, we have looked for evidence of seroconversion to WNV, USUV and Sindbis virus (SINV) in sentinel chickens
Summary
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are antigenically closely related mosquito-borne members of the genus Flavivirus. Sindbis virus (SINV) is an unrelated mosquito-borne member of the genus Alphavirus. These arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), and many others, are known to circulate globally as pathogens amongst birds and mammalian species [1,2,3,4]. During their natural life cycles, they infect ornithophilic Culex spp. mosquitoes that replicate and transmit the viruses to birds and/or mammals when they feed on them. We previously demonstrated the presence of WNV-reactive envelope and non-structural protein (NS1) antibodies by western blot analysis and by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) tests using WNV-infected tissue culture cells as the substrate for the IF tests. In view of the need for additional proof of the presence of WNV circulating amongst birds in the UK, albeit apparently harmlessly, we have looked for evidence of seroconversion to WNV, USUV and SINV in sentinel chickens
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