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West Nile virus: A re-emerging pathogen revisited
Miguel A Martín-Acebes1, Juan-Carlos Saiz
1Miguel A Martín-Acebes, Juan-Carlos Saiz, Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
World Journal of Virology
|November 1, 2013
Summary
West Nile virus (WNV) causes neurological illness in humans and horses, with increasing outbreaks in Europe and the Americas. Research is ongoing for WNV diagnosis, control, and prevention, as human vaccines are unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- West Nile virus (WNV), a flavivirus, cycles between birds and mosquitoes, occasionally infecting other vertebrates.
- WNV outbreaks cause neurological disease in horses and humans, with increasing frequency and severity globally.
- Despite equine vaccines, no specific human treatments or vaccines exist, highlighting a critical public health gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent WNV research, covering its life cycle, transmission, and host range.
- To update on WNV clinical presentations, epidemiology, and ecology.
- To highlight areas needing further investigation for WNV control and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific investigations on West Nile virus.
- Synthesis of data on WNV molecular virology, transmission dynamics, and host range.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, epidemiology, ecology, diagnosis, and control strategies.
Main Results:
- WNV outbreaks have increased in frequency and severity, particularly in Europe and the Americas.
- Neuroinvasive WNV disease has caused significant epidemics in the Americas.
- Incidence and impact of WNV vary significantly between North, Central, and South America, with unknown reasons.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial for understanding WNV, especially regarding its varied impact in Central and South America.
- Development of specific treatments and vaccines for human use against WNV is urgently needed.
- Comprehensive strategies for WNV diagnosis, control, and prevention require continued investigation.
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