Human seroprevalence of Toscana virus and Sicilian phlebovirus in the southwest of Portugal

Toscana virus (TOSV) is emergent in the Mediterranean region and responsible for outbreaks of encephalitis or meningoencephalitis. Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV) cause epidemics of febrile illness during the summer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of antibodies against TOSV and SFSV in humans in the southwest of Portugal. Neutralizing antibodies to TOSV and SFSV were respectively detected in 5.3% and 4.3% out of 400 human sera tested highlighting the need to increase public health awareness regarding phleboviruses and to include them in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with fever of short duration and neurological manifestations.

Automated summary

This study found that 5.3% of individuals tested in southwest Portugal had neutralizing antibodies against Toscana virus (TOSV), while 4.3% had antibodies against Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV). Therefore, there is a need to raise public awareness about phleboviruses and include them in differential diagnosis for patients presenting with fever and neurological symptoms.