West Nile virus in Algeria: a comprehensive overview

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus, related to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus is maintained in a mosquito–bird–mosquito transmission cycle. WNV has recently dramatically expanded its geographical range and is now considered the most widespread arbovirus in the world, including the Americas, Europe and countries facing the Mediterranean Basin. In Algeria, West Nile disease (WND) infections with human meningoencephalitis cases have been reported in 1994 in Tinerkouk (southwest Sahara. In autumn 2012, one fatal clinical case of WNV neuroinvasive infection was reported in Jijel (coastal east). During the same year, a retrospective serosurvey performed in Algiers and bordering areas highlighted specific anti-WNV IgG in local population. Between 2013 and 2014 two clinical cases were reported, in Timimoune (south) and Guelma (northeast) respectively. Although no case was reported in equids, serosurveys demonstrated its presence: an animal serosurvey was conducted in Djanet (south) in 1975, and in 2014 a seroprevalence of equids in the northeast part of Algeria highlighted a virus circulation. This review aims to evaluate the global epidemiologic situation of West Nile disease in Algeria, with an updated situation based on human cases, equine reports and entomologic investigations. Our study reinforces the need for building the capacity for surveillance in this region to prevent future emergence of WNV and other arboviruses.

West Nile and Usutu Virus Introduction via Migratory Birds: A Retrospective Analysis in Italy

“…However, due to the geographically huge non-breeding areas for the species which might cover most of sub-Saharan Africa, it is difficult to exactly assess the place where the infection originated. As the infected bird species, while on migration, might spend some time in Northern Africa [54], in stop-over sites where WNV has been previously detected [68,69], the possibility of these birds to get infected with WNV while they were there cannot be discarded [70].…”

Detection and Isolation of Sindbis Virus from Field Collected Mosquitoes in Timimoun, Algeria

“…Previously in this region, the West Nile virus has been detected in Cx. perexiguus [ 23 ], and WNV human cases were reported [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Assessment of mosquitoes larvae and their predatory aquatic insects in Taksebt Dam, Algeria

“…Culex was the most species-rich genus, with Culex pipiens being the dominant species in the temporary sites and Culex perexiguus in the permanent sites (Table 2). A high plasticity of the Culex pipiens complex to a wide range of ecological conditions in Algeria was demonstrated (Amara Korba et al 2016), and according to Lafri et al (2019), these two species are potential vectors of West Nile Virus in the area.…”