A nationwide seroprevalence screening for West Nile virus and Tick-borne encephalitis virus in the population of Bulgaria

Abstract

To assess local circulation and risk for human infections with West Nile virus (WNV) and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in Bulgaria, a nationwide seroprevalence study was conducted. In total, 1451 residents of all 28 districts in Bulgaria were tested for WNV-specific and TBEV-specific IgG antibodies. The survey found overall seroprevalence of 1.5% and 0.6%, respectively. The highest WNV seroprevalence was found in Sofia Province and districts near the river Danube. TBEV circulation was detected among residents of 6 districts. The results showed that the two virus infections seem to be more wide-spread in the country as has been described.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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