Serological survey for viral pathogens in Turkish rodents

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
• Wildlife Health

Background:

• Rodents are known reservoirs for various zoonotic viruses.
• Understanding virus circulation in wildlife populations is crucial for public health.
• Turkey's diverse geography hosts numerous rodent species, potentially harboring novel pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first serologic survey for arenavirus, hantavirus, and cowpox virus (CPXV) in wild rodents in Turkey.
• To assess the presence and prevalence of antibodies against these viruses in rodent populations.
• To identify potential zoonotic virus reservoirs in selected Turkish provinces.

Main Methods:

• Wild rodents (n=330) were trapped in northeastern and western Turkey.
• Sera were tested for antibodies against arenavirus, hantavirus (Puumala virus - PUUV, Saaremaa virus - SAAV), and cowpox virus (CPXV) using immunofluorescence assays (IFAs).

Main Results:

• Antibodies against arenaviruses were detected in 2.4% (8/330) of rodents across all study sites.
• Four of 65 tested Microtus voles were positive for Puumala virus (PUUV) antibodies.
• One Apodemus sylvaticus tested seropositive for cowpox virus (CPXV), a prevalence of 0.3%.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first serological evidence of arenavirus, hantavirus (PUUV), and cowpox virus (CPXV) in wild rodents in Turkey.
• The findings suggest the presence of several virus groups with zoonotic potential in Turkish rodent populations.
• Further research is necessary to identify specific circulating viruses and assess their public health implications.