Genotype III Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus Outbreak, Argentina, 2005.

DIAZ, L. A; V. RÉ; W. R. ALMIRÓN; A. FARÍAS; A. VÁZQUEZ; M. P. SÁNCHEZ-SECO; J. AGUILAR; L. SPINSANTI; B. KONIGHEIM; A. VISINTIN; J. GARCÍA; M. A. MORALES; A. TENORIO; M. CONTIGIANI

EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

CENTERS DISEASE CONTROL

Año: 2006 vol. 12 p. 1752 - 1754

1080-6040

Twenty-six years after it was last detected, Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) genotype III reemerged in 2005 in Córdoba, Argentina, where it caused an outbreak. Two genotype III SLEV strains were isolated from Culex quinquefasciatus. A 71.43% prevalence for neutralizing antibodies was found in domestic fowl in the homestead of a patient with encephalitis. Culex interfor mosquitoes were found naturally infected with SLEV. The Cordoba outbreak in 2005 represents the first reported SLE outbreak in Central and South America. The finding of genotype III SLEV strains in Cordoba province indicates an extension of the distribution of this genotype to the central region of Argentina. Eared doves are competent amplifying hosts. Further studies are needed on vector competence for local strains of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. interfor and on the reservoir competence of the bird species.