ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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Seroprevalence study of Toscana virus in Yafran area, Libya
Walid K Saadawi1, Faraj Dhu Abozaid1, Muteia Almukhtar1, Badereddin B Annajar2, Taher Shaibi3
1 National Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Tripoli 2 National Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health; Public Health Department, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Tripoli, Tripoli 3 National Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health; Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, Tripoli
Correspondence Address:
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.335728
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Background & objectives: In Mediterranean countries, infection of Toscana virus is public health problem during the summer season, related to sandflies activity; it may cause aseptic meningitis and mild meningoencephalitis. To investigate the presence of antibodies (IgG) against the Toscana Virus in the sera of individuals living in the area of Yafran, Libya.
Methods: During the period from December 2013 to February 2014, a total of 232 sera samples were collected from Yefran hospital. Demographic information of participants collected in a questionnaire; samples were analyzed by the serological method of enzyme-linked immunoassays specific for Toscana IgG antibodies.
Results: Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies among samples was 25% (n = 232), Seroprevalence varied among genders, age groups, etc. Differences were not statically significant.
Interpretation & conclusion: Our findings indicate and confirm local circulation of the Toscana virus, it also indicates that TOSV infection is neglected, and needs to be considered as one of the causes of meningitis or meningoencephalitis. |
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