[Detection of West Nile virus RNA and specific antibodies in blood donors of Volgograd region].

AIM: Study infection level by West Nile virus (WNV) of donors living on the territory of West Nile fever (WNF) foci with long-term activity, and evaluate the possibility of non-transmissible transfer of the causative agent during use of donor blood.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Blood sera (432) collected in August and September 2012 in Volgograd and Volzhsky cities were studied by PCR and EIA.

RESULTS

Antibodies to WNV were detected in 16.2% (70/432); 8.8% (38/432) donors had IgG; 0.93% (4/432)--IgM and 6.5% (28/432)--IgG and IgM antibodies simultaneously. WNV RNA was detected in one of the samples in the last group. Thus, 5 donors (1.1%, 5/432) were at the early stages after infection.

CONCLUSION

The data obtained give evidence on the necessity to execute control of donor blood by PCR and EIA in WNF foci with long-term activity.