West Nile Encephalitis

The West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes belonging to the genus Flavivirus of the Flaviviridae family. The genus Flavivirus includes the Japanese encephalitis virus, the virus of St. Louis encephalitis and Kunjin virus, among others. It is thought that migratory birds are responsible for the spread of viruses, including the reintroduction of WNV from endemic areas to areas experiencing sporadic outbreaks. WNV is maintained by a transmission cycle of mosquito-bird-mosquito, whereas humans and horses are considered final hosts. (1, 2)
Birds are the primary host of the virus entering them in a similar way as in humans through a mosquito exposed. Although many species of birds, including chickens, are resistant to the disease, the outcome of infection is usually fatal in susceptible birds. The birds may show neurological symptoms before death.
Bioingentech can detect West Nile virus using the following techniques, supported by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) (2, 3):

Bibliography

1. Gyure KA. West Nile virus infections. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2009 Oct;68(10):1053-60.
2. OIE, Código Sanitario para los Animales Terrestres 2010, vols. I & II, 19a ed., 2010.
3. Sambrook J, Frisch EF, Maniatis T. Molecular Cloning, A laboratory manual, 2a ed. 1990.