Serological detection of akabane virus in dairy cows from selected farms in malaysia

This thesis presents an serological detection of the Akabane virus in dairy cows from selected farms in Malaysia. Akabane virus (AKAV) is known as a significant pathogen that causes Akabane disease (AD), which is an important arthropod-borne viral disease of ruminants. Various studies have been carried out on the Akabane virus, including detection, genetic analysis and case reports in Asia, such as in China, Thailand and Indonesia, suggesting the distribution of the virus reached Southeast Asia. Hence, this study was carried out to investigate the exposed Akabane virus infection in serum samples of dairy cattle from selected states in Malaysia and to determine the seroprevalence of the antibody titre against AKAV. A hundred twenty (n=120) bovine serum archived samples were obtained from previous research projects. The serum samples are collected from four selected states: Sabah, Perak, Pahang, and Johor, which have high-producing dairy
cow farms in Malaysia. The samples were then tested using a commercial Competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) kit for the detection of antibodies against AKAV. The steps were followed carefully and according to the manufacturer’s instructions (IDVET). All ELISA results’ optical densities (ODs) were then determined using an ELISA plate reader and read at 450 nm. The results were then calculated using the formula given and interpreted as positive or negative based on the manufacturer guideline. Of the 120 tested serum samples, 43 were positive for AKAV antibodies, indicating a total prevalence of 35.83%. The seroprevalence findings showed Perak has the highest percentage of positive samples, with 12 positive samples out of 20, compared to other states with a state prevalence of 60%. This was followed by Sabah, which had a state prevalence of 45% with 9 positive samples out of 20. Meanwhile, Johor is recorded with a state prevalence
of 35%, with 14 positive samples out of 40. Pahang can be observed to record the lowest state prevalence of 20%, with only 8 positive samples out of 40 samples. Overall, the results indicate the presence and extensive distribution of AKAV across the selected states and Perak has the highest state prevalence compared to other states.

Keywords: Akabane virus, Akabane disease, c-ELISA, Antibody titre, Seroprevalence