A Serological Survey on Antibodies against Akabane Virus in Sheep in Southwest of Iran

Abstract

Background and Aims: Akabane disease causes epidemics of abortions, stillbirths and congenital malformations manifested as arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly or microanencephaly in sheep, goats and cattle. Akabane virus replicates in arthropods and is transmitted by either mosquitoes or midges. Outbreaks of the Akabane virus have been reported from many countries in Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa and Australia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Akabane virus infection and correlation of this infection with host and environmental determinants in sheep in Khouzestan province, the Southwest of Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, serum samples of 360 sheep were randomly collected from 6 cities of Khouzestan province and were examined by ELISA assay. Results: Seroprevalence of Akabane virus infection was 39.72% (95% CI: 34.67-44.78%). Statistical analysis showed history of recently abortion and breed of sheep are significantly associated with infection (p<0.05) but sex and age of sheep are not significantly associated with infection (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study confirm that the Akabane virus infection exists in Khouzestan province, Iran. Considering the local weather conditions and the facility of vector-borne transmission, the health authorities should take measures to prevent and control the infection.

Seroprevalence and Risk factors of Akabane Virus Infection in cattle from Khouzestan Province of Iran

“…The present study showed that the odds of infection was increased with increase of age. This result confirmed reports of Oluwayelu et al (2016) and Elhassan et al (2014), who reported a significant difference but didn't confirm recently records of Ahi et al (2015). Whereas infection in adult cattle is common in endemic areas, reports of clinical disease are rare but neurological disease associated with infection in cattle 2 to 7 years of age has been observed (29).…”

“…The present study revealed that prevalence rates were associated with sex. This result confirmed reports of Elhassan et al in 2014 but didn't confirm recently records of Ahi et al (2015) and Oluwayelu et al (2016). There is no sex predilection for this virus and affects both sex.…”

“…The prevalence rates of Akabane virus infection in cattle and sheep have been reported in surveys conducted in many countries or areas and vary among different geographical areas (3,9,22). Recently Oluwayelu et al (2016) reported 70.1% of examined cattle in Nigeria were seropositive to Akabane virus.…”

“…The optical density (OD) of the samples was measured at 450 nm. S/N percentage was calculated for each sample and Samples with the S/N Less than or equal to 30% , Less than or equal to 40% and greater than 30% and More than 40% were considered positive, doubtful and negative respectively (22). Statistical analysis.…”

Congenital abnormalities and arthrogryposis in newly born lambs in Al Muthanna province Iraq. Suspicion of Akabane virus infection

“…Akabane virus infection is distributed in Middle Eastern countries such as Cyprus, Iran (Ahi et al, 2015), Israel (Stram et al, 2004), Saudi Arabia (Abu Elzein et al, 1998), Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey (Taylor & Mellor, 1994). Geographically, Iraq is bordered by a vast area of these endemic countries such as Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, and Turkey.…”