Circulation of a Meaban-like virus in yellow-legged gulls and seabird ticks in the western Mediterranean basin.

ABSTRACT: In recent years, a number of zoonotic flaviviruses have emerged worldwide, and wild birds serve as their major reservoirs. Epidemiological surveys of bird populations at various geographical scales can clarify key aspects of the eco-epidemiology of these viruses. In this study, we aimed at exploring the presence of flaviviruses in the western Mediterranean by sampling breeding populations of the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), a widely distributed, anthropophilic, and abundant seabird species. For 3 years, we sampled eggs from 19 breeding colonies in Spain, France, Algeria, and Tunisia. First, ELISAs were used to determine if the eggs contained antibodies against flaviviruses. Second, neutralization assays were used to identify the specific flaviviruses present. Finally, for coloni

SUBMITTER: Arnal A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3953012 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature