A sero-epidemiological survey for certain arboviruses (Togaviridae) in Pakistan

Abstract

Complement-fixation test reactions to eight viruses of the family Togaviridae were studied in 372 serum samples (157 rodents, 172 domestic animals, 43 humans) from Pakistan. Antibodies to each tested virus were detected. The highest over-all prevalence rates were for West Nile (WN) (7.8%), Japanese encephalitis (JE) (3.2%) and Zika (ZIKA) (2.4%) viruses, followed by Sindbis (SIN), Chikungunya (CHIK), Uganda S (UGS) and Royal Farm (RF) viruses (1.6 to 1.3%). One human serum (male, age 58 years) reacted with Dengue-1 (DEN) virus antigen (titre 1:32). Antibodies to each virus except RF were detected in human sera; antibodies to RF virus were detected only in rodent and domestic animal sera. The roles of rodents in the epidemiology of WN, JE and ZIKA viruses should be investigated. At least six of these eight viruses cause fevers in humans (fevers of unknown origin comprise about one third of the febrile episodes recorded in Pakistan).

Zika Virus

“…In human sera, antibodies were detected to all viruses except for RF that was detected in domestic animals and rodent sera. Studies in the epidemiology of Zika, JE, and WN viruses should include the role of rodents [ 62 ].…”

Epidemiology, Transmission, Complications, Laboratory Diagnosis & Management of Zika Virus Infection: A Systematic Review

“…After 5-10 days, ZIKV can be found in the mosquito's saliva which can then infect human. 20,30,31 If the mosquito's saliva is inoculated into human skin, the virus infect epidermal keratinocytes, skin fibroblasts in the skin and the Langerhans cells 32 . The pathogenesis of the virus is hypothesized to continue with a spread to lymph nodes and the bloodstream.…”

Le virus Zika

“…Ce cycle de transmission est responsable de la majorité des cas sporadiques. Il n'y a, à ce jour, pas d'évidence de l'existence de réservoirs non primates pour le virus même si une étude a montré l'existence d'anticorps 6 anti-ZIKV notamment chez de nombreux mammifères dont les rongeurs [12]. Le second cycle est de type urbain.…”