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Published on: June 9, 2011
Increasing Seroprevalence In Horses Evidences Widespread Circulation Of West Nile Virus In Albania
Liljana Lufo1, Kujtim Mersini2, Francisco Llorente3
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture University of Tirana. llufo@ubt.edu.al.
Veterinaria Italiana
|August 7, 2026
Summary
West Nile virus (WNV) seroprevalence in Albanian horses increased significantly between 2010-2011 and 2017-2020. This indicates widespread WNV circulation and highlights the need for ongoing surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- West Nile virus (WNV) is a globally significant zoonotic flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Horses serve as crucial sentinel animals for monitoring WNV activity due to their susceptibility.
- Serological assays are vital for assessing WNV exposure in horses, given transient viraemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of West Nile virus antibodies in horses across Albania.
- To assess recent WNV infections using IgM detection.
- To compare current WNV exposure levels with previous findings.
Main Methods:
- Collected 509 serum samples from unvaccinated horses nationwide (2017-2020).
- Utilized commercial ELISA kits for total WNV antibodies and WNV-specific IgM.
- Confirmed positive samples using the gold-standard virus neutralization test (VNT).
Main Results:
- Overall WNV seroprevalence was 30.5% (155/509), with 2.35% (12/509) showing recent IgM-positive infections.
- The virus neutralization test confirmed WNV antibodies in 94.6% (35/37) of ELISA-positive samples.
- Seropositivity was higher than in 2010-2011 and detected in new regions.
Conclusions:
- Widespread West Nile virus circulation is confirmed in Albania.
- Increased seroprevalence suggests expanding WNV presence.
- Integrated veterinary and public health surveillance is essential for managing WNV risks.
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