Prevalence of West Nile Virus Infection in the Cities of Neka and Shiraz, Iran

Abstract Background and Objective: West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the genus Flavivirus that can cause viral infections in human. This study aimed at detecting IgG antibodies against WNV in patients of two cities of Neka and Shiraz. Material and Methods: the participants were 46 possible WNV case from Neka (13 women and 10 men) and Shiraz (10 women and 13 men).&nbsp; IgG assay was carried out using the Elisa method. Results: Immune Status Ratio (ISR) in Neka was negative for WNV IgG, but 12 from Shiraz, including 2 women and 10 men, were positive for WNV IgG that was changed from 3.12 to 38.6. Considering ISR, there was significant variation between Neka and Shiraz (p<0.05). In addition, results showed that there was significant variation in WNV infection rate between men (39.19%) and women (13.04%) from Neka and Shiraz cities (p<0.05). Conclusion: Because Shiraz has hot and semi-dry climate, whereas Neka temperate climate, the results were affected by climate variation. &nbsp;Given the outdoor job of men compared to women, they are exposed to the bite of mosquito vectors that transmit WNV. Keywords: West Nile Virus; Elisa; IgG Antibody; Iran.