Some Virological Studies on Rift Valley Fever Virus in Camels

Abstract

1. Abstract 1.1. Background: Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) infected camels plays certain roles in transmitting pathogens to a new land. Egypt imports camels from the African countries. The camels arrive in Egypt by sea and border crossings with the Sudan and Libya. The present study performed on imported, non-vaccinated camels. This research aims to help in protection of camel from diseases. 1.2. <span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif=>Materials and Methods: Blood, sera, portal blood and tissue specimens were collected and examined by virology techniques [Agar Gel Precipitation Tests (AGPT), Immune Fluorescence tests (IF), Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent Assays (ELISA)] and histopathology. SNT (serum neutralization test) was applied. 1.3. Results: <span style=font-size: 10.0pt;color:black> RVFV antigen was detected in imported camels by AGPT and IF. IF test showed the inclusions and apoptotic bodies were giving special fluorescence that identical to histopathology changes. ELISA and SNT showing the presence of neutralizing antibodies against RVFV. 1.4. Conclusions: Camel plays certain roles in transmitting RVFV, but immune system weaken the virus under ordinary conditions. So that, other environmental factors needed to convert the weak virus into its virulence status. 2. Keywords: <span style=font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold>Rift Valley Fever Virus; RVFV; RVF in Camels