Viruses, Vol. 12, Pages 10: Exposure of Wild Ungulates to the Usutu and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Viruses in France in 2009 –2014: Evidence of Undetected Flavivirus Circulation a Decade Ago

Viruses, Vol. 12, Pages 10: Exposure of Wild Ungulates to the Usutu and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Viruses in France in 2009–2014: Evidence of Undetected Flavivirus Circulation a Decade Ago Viruses doi: 10.3390/v12010010 Authors: Bournez Umhang Faure Boucher Boué Jourdain Sarasa Llorente Jiménez-Clavero Moutailler Lacour Lecollinet Beck Abstract: Flaviviruses have become increasingly important pathogens in Europe over the past few decades. A better understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of flaviviruses in France is needed to better define risk areas and to gain knowledge of the dynamics of virus transmission cycles. Serum samples from 1014 wild boar and 758 roe deer from 16 departments (administrative units) in France collected from 2009 to 2014 were screened for flavivirus antibodies using a competitive ELISA (cELISA) technique. Serum samples found to be positive or doubtful by cELISA were then tested for antibodies directed against West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), Bagaza virus (BAGV), and tick-borne encephalitis/Louping ill viruses (TBEV/LIV) by microsphere immunoassays (except BAGV) and micro-neutralization tests. USUV antibodies were detected only in southeastern and southwestern areas. TBEV/LIV antibodies were detected in serum samples from eastern, southwestern and northern departments. The results indicate continuous circulation of USUV in southern France from 2009 to 2014, which was unnoticed by the Fre...
Source: Viruses - Category: Virology Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research