Serological evidence of hidden circulation of three arthropod-borne diseases (Rift Valley fever, West Nile fever, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever) in dromedary camels from the Eastern Algerian Sahara

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Several arthropod vectors, including ticks, sand flies, and mosquitoes, play a prominent role in the introduction and spread of numerous viral diseases. Despite Algeria being at high risk of arbovirus emergence, data on the circulation of arboviruses remain limited, except for some reports on West Nile virus (WNV). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of antibodies against three arboviruses in several regions of the Algerian Sahara in order to document previous viral exposure. Serum samples collected from dromedaries between May and November 2023 were tested for IgG antibodies against the mosquito-borne viruses Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and West Nile virus (WNV), as well as the tick-borne Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), using commercial ELISA kits. A total of 224, 79, and 73 serum samples were tested for RVFV, WNV, and CCHFV, respectively. The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was 2.68% for RVFV, 50.63% for WNV, and 75.34% for CCHFV. Co-seropositivity was most frequently observed for WNV and CCHFV (20.55%, 15/73). Place of residence and sex were significantly associated with CCHFV seropositivity in dromedaries (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest widespread circulation of the studied arboviruses in the eastern Algerian Sahara and indicate the possible presence of these pathogens in camels from previously unexplored regions of the country. The results also highlight the imminent risk facing Algeria, particularly from haemorrhagic viruses, and underscore the importance of strengthening arbovirus surveillance and expanding diagnostic panels to include additional arboviruses.

Veterinaria Italiana

Serological evidence of hidden circulation of three arthropod-borne diseases (Rift Valley fever, West Nile fever, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever) in dromedary camels from the Eastern Algerian Sahara