Molecular Identification of Limited Cases of Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection and Associated Oxidative Stress Status as Sequential Steps in Ewes in Egypt

Molecular Identification of Limited Cases of Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection and Associated Oxidative Stress Status as Sequential Steps in Ewes in Egypt

Rift valley fever is caused by a virus of the family Bunyaviridae and the genus Phlebovirus, affects domestic ruminant and human, causing severe economic losses. In the present study, venous blood samples were obtained from 30 randomly selected clinically healthy ewes (control group) and another 30 ewes suspected to be infected with rift valley fever virus in Egypt. Diseased ewes showed fever without abortion and some ewes exhibit respiratory and/or digestive disorders. Reverse transcription-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for molecular identification of rift valley fever virus. Viral RNA was detected in 9 samples by RT-PCR. Oxidative stress status was evaluated in rift valley fever infected ewes. In the diseased ewes, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and activity of reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase as well as level of zinc and iron. However, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, the oxidative stress index was significantly (p<0.05) increased in ewes with rift valley fever compared with control group. In conclusion, rift valley fever virus infection is confirmed in limited cases of ewes in Egypt. RT-PCR is rapid and specific method for laboratory diagnosis of the disease. Furthermore, oxidative stress, with alteration of antioxidant enzymes activity, antioxidant trace element levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, is a feature of rift valley fever virus infection in diseased ewes.