Prevalence of Simbu serogroup viruses antibodies in cattle in Sudan

Abstract Background Simbu serogroup are arbo-viruses which are mainly transmitted by Culicoides. It is one of the largest serogroups within the genus Orthobunyavirus of the family Peribunyaviridae, includes at least 24 antigenically diverse, albeit serologically related viruses. Meager information is available on Simbu serogroup viruses infection in ruminants outside of Europe. Therefore, in this study, serological surveillance of Simbu serogroup viruses in cattle in seven States in Sudan was conducted during the period May, 2015 – March, 2016. Results Using a cross-sectional design, 184 cattle sera were collected and tested by a commercial SBV ELISA kit which enables the detection of antibodies against various Simbu serogroup viruses. The results showed an overall 86.4% prevalence of Simbu serogroup viruses antibodies in cattle in Sudan. Univariate analysis showed significant association (p= 0.007) between ELISA seropositivity and state where samples were collected. Conclusion This is study suggests that Simbu serogroup viruses infection can be present in cattle in Sudan. Further epizootiological investigations on Simbu serogroup viruses infection are warranted.