The detection of antibodies against Shuni virus in cattle from Western Kenya

Abstract

A serological survey was done to detect antibodies against Shuni virus (SHUV) from cattle in Western Kenya. In Kenya the disease status of SHUV in cattle has never been established. It is a zoonotic virus and even though studies have been carried out as early as the 1960s, little research has been published and SHUV is still not a well-recognised Orthobunyavirus. One hundred serum samples were collected from healthy cattle in Kenya and tested for antibodies against SHUV by a serum neutralization assay. All antibody titre values were greater than 1:160, with most of the samples greater than 1:320. Of the samples tested, 87 % had titres greater than 1:320, 12 % had a titre of 1:320 and 2 % had a titre of 1:160. Samples were classified as positive if the antibody titre was ? 1:10 and negative if < 1:10. This study suggests that cattle are exposed commonly to SHUV, which may be endemic in Kenya.