Seroprevalence of arboviruses in Nasua nasua (Mammalia, Carnivora, Procyonidae) of synanthropic habitats in the Iguaçu National Park, Brazilian Atlantic Forest

A serological investigation of free-living coatis (Nasua nasua) in Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, revealed a 23.6% seroprevalence of antibodies against multiple arboviruses, including Alphavirus, Flavivirus, Orthobunyavirus, and Phlebovirus. The study used the Hemagglutination Inhibition test to detect total antibodies in serum samples from 72 coatis, identifying potential silent circulation of these viruses in the park's synanthropic habitats. Coatis may serve as amplifying hosts for arboviruses, posing a risk of establishing transmission cycles involving vector arthropods and other wild animals, including humans. The findings highlight the need for further research into the role of wildlife in arbovirus ecology and public health.

Rodrigues, J. C. P., Parry, I. d. S., Lopes, T. d. C. M., Santos, É. B. d., Martins, L. C., Fonseca, A. H. d., & Magalhães-Matos, P. C. (2023). Seroprevalence of arboviruses in Nasua nasua (Mammalia, Carnivora, Procyonidae) of synanthropic habitats in the Iguaçu National Park, Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Ciência Rural, 53(2). https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20210713