A molecular and serological survey on akabane virus infection in small ruminants in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Abstract This study was carried out to explore serological and molecular features of akabane virus (AKAV) in flocks with abortion problems and potential role of the Culicoides spp. in the transmission of AKAV. For this purpose, EDTA whole blood (n = 301), sera (n = 301) and aborted foetuses samples (n = 87) were obtained from epidemiologically independent flocks (n = 87) in the Mediterranean region of Turkey during the months of October 2015 and January 2016. Culicoides spp. were trapped from October to November 2015. A commercial competitive ELISA kit was used for the detection of AKAV anti-G1 antibodies in sera samples. Real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR was used to detect viral RNA in EDTA whole blood, aborted foetuses and Culicoides samples. Genetic characterization of the local AKAV field isolates was conducted by sequencing S segment of AKAV. Antibodies against AKAV were detected in 135 (44.9%) of 301 animals. Among 87 flocks, 68 flocks (78.2%) had one or more seropositive animals. Viral RNA was detected in 11 of the 87 aborted foetuses and Culicoides midges. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the field isolates in this study were clustered within genogroup Ib. The sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene showed that the species of Culicoides in AKAV-positive pools was Culicoides imicola . Results of this study showed that AKAV infection plays a role in abortion cases of small ruminants in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Therefore, a control program is needed against to AKAV infection.