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Updated: May 15, 2026
Mosquito-Associated Virus Isolation from Field-Collected Mosquitoes
Published on: August 31, 2022
West nile virus infection in Xinjiang, China
Xin-Lan Li1, Shi-Hong Fu, Wei-Bin Liu
1Xinjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xinjiang, China.
Abstract:
An outbreak of fever and meningitis/encephalitis occurred in Xinjiang, China, from August 5 to September 3, 2004. In preliminary diagnostic testing, several cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples showed positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to Japanese encephalitis virus. Here, the CSF and serum samples of 6 cases collected at that time were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization assay (PRNT) for the existence of IgM antibody or neutralization antibody against West Nile virus (WNV) or other arboviruses. The results demonstrate the evidence of West Nile infection in Xinjiang, China.
Insights
West Nile virus (WNV) caused a fever and meningitis outbreak in Xinjiang, China. Testing confirmed WNV infection, distinguishing it from Japanese encephalitis virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- An outbreak of fever and meningitis/encephalitis occurred in Xinjiang, China, in 2004.
- Preliminary tests suggested Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) as a potential cause.
- Arboviral infections pose significant public health concerns, especially in endemic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causative agent of the 2004 outbreak in Xinjiang.
- To differentiate between Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus (WNV) infections.
- To confirm the presence of WNV in the affected human population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from six patients.
- Utilized immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect IgM antibodies.
- Employed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and plaque reduction neutralization assay (PRNT) for antibody detection and virus characterization.
Main Results:
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against West Nile virus (WNV) were detected in patient samples.
- Neutralization assays confirmed the presence of WNV, ruling out JEV as the primary cause.
- The findings provide serological evidence of WNV infection during the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- The 2004 outbreak in Xinjiang was caused by West Nile virus (WNV), not Japanese encephalitis virus.
- This study confirms the circulation of WNV in Xinjiang, China.
- Highlights the importance of differential diagnosis in arboviral encephalitis outbreaks.
