Epidemiological and clinical aspects on West Nile virus, a globally emerging pathogen

• Published in: Infectious diseases (London, England) Vol. 48; no. 8; pp. 571 - 586
• Main Authors: David, Shoba, Abraham, Asha Mary
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 02.08.2016
• Subjects: Animals; Birds; Communicable Diseases, Emerging - epidemiology; Communicable Diseases, Emerging - physiopathology; Communicable Diseases, Emerging - transmission; Communicable Diseases, Emerging - virology; Culex; Disease Reservoirs; Horses; Humans; Insect Vectors; West Nile Fever - epidemiology; West Nile Fever - physiopathology; West Nile Fever - transmission; West Nile Fever - virology; West Nile virus - genetics; West Nile virus - pathogenicity; West Nile virus review; West Nile virus review
• ISSN: 2374-4235; 2374-4243
• DOI: 10.3109/23744235.2016.1164890

Background: Since the isolation of West Nile virus (WNV) in 1937, in Uganda, it has spread globally, causing significant morbidity and mortality. While birds serve as amplifier hosts, mosquitoes of the Culex genus function as vectors. Humans and horses are dead end hosts. The clinical manifestations of West Nile infection in humans range from asymptomatic illness to West Nile encephalitis. Methods: The laboratory offers an array of tests, the preferred method being detection of RNA and serum IgM for WNV, which, if detected, confirms the clinical diagnosis. Although no definitive antiviral therapy and vaccine are available for humans, many approaches are being studied. Study: This article will review the current literature of the natural cycle, geographical distribution, virology, replication cycle, molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, clinical manifestations, blood donor screening for WNV, treatment, prevention and vaccines.