Serological evidence of West Nile Virus infection among humans in the southern Provinces of Morocco

J Infect Dev Ctries. 2013 Dec 15;7(12):999-1002. doi: 10.3855/jidc.3399.

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of West Nile Virus infection in the southern provinces of Morocco.

Methodology: A total of 250 sera, collected during 2012 in the province of Dakhla, were analyzed by microneutralisation assay.

Results: WNV-neutralizing antibodies were detected in 13 samples (5.2%). The participants with WNV-specific antibodies were significantly younger than the rest of the population (p = 0.009). The positivity rate was higher among women (6.3%) than men (3.6%) (p = 0.26).

Conclusions: This is the first serological evidence of WNV infection among humans in the southern provinces of Morocco.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / blood
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morocco / epidemiology
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Factors
  • West Nile Fever / epidemiology*
  • West Nile virus / immunology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral