Serological Determination Of West Nile Virus In Domestic Birds From Rapa Nui, Chile

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Flaviviruses are agents with high zoonotic potential of importance to human health. They are transmitted by mosquitoes of the Culicidae family, and birds act as host-amplifiers. Birds, mammals, and humans are susceptible hosts to infection. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this study, West Nile virus (WNV), flavivirus, infection was studied in 37 serum samples from 22 hens on Easter Island, Chile. <b><i>Results:</i></b> WNV was detected by ELISA (ID Screen® West Nile Competition Multi-Species). We report absence of antibodies to WNV, and to related viruses of the Japanese Encephalitis Virus serocomplex, and, therefore, absence of infection across the sample. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This is the first evaluation of its type carried out in Chile, and represents a positive result for public health at Easter Island.