Venter, Marietjie2023-08-172023-08-172023-09-082023*S2023http://hdl.handle.net/2263/91954DOI: https://doi.org/10.25403/UPresearchdata.23968620.v1Dissertation (MSc (Medical Virology))--University of Pretoria, 2023.The burden of WNV and association with neurological disease was identified through syndromic surveillance in animals and humans using available serological tools. WSLB virus was identified in two samples (an equine and a bird) in South Africa for the first time since 2008. Additionally, ELISA’s were developed testing for IgG and IgM antibodies in equines, humans, cattle, and a species-independent assay for WNV and WSLB using the NS1 antigen, which differs from the commercial ELISA’s available that targets the E protein. The human WNV IgM and IgG ELISA showed very promising results, while the equine WNV ELISA’s had quite high background and this could be due to the different target antigen or the use of a baculovirus expressed protein with commercial antibodies. The cattle WNV IgM ELISA also showed good results and can possibly be implemented in the lab. The WSLB ELISA’s were only developed and optimized with rabbit sera, since a clinical sample lacked neutralizing antibodies for use in the assay. Unfortunately, the baculovirus expression of the NS1 protein was unsuccessful.en© 2023 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.UCTDSurveillance of arbovirusesNeurological diseasesEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)Serological assaysAntibodiesHealth sciences theses SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingHealth sciences theses SDG-08SDG-08: Decent work and economic growthHealth sciences theses SDG-17SDG-17: Partnerships for the goalsHealth sciences theses SDG-15SDG-15: Life on landDissertation1700813210.25403/UPresearchdata.23968620