Survey of Japanese encephalitis reactor on pigs in north Sulawesi

Abstract

Several studies have shown that pigs are considered as the main reservoir of Japanese encephalitis virus transmission in Indonesia, in addition to having isolated Japanese encephalitis virus in pigs, pigs are also the type of livestock that is most often reported to contain Japanese encephalitis antibodies with a relatively high infection rate. This study aims to determine the spread and magnitude of Japanese encephalitis virus infection in pigs by detecting the presence of Japanese encephalitis antibodies using the Competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno Assay (C-ELISA). By knowing the spread of Japanese encephalitis virus infection in pigs in North Sulawesi Province, it can indirectly be used as an indicator of the possible threat of Japanese encephalitis virus transmission to humans, especially if the location of pig farms is close to residential areas. The results of serological examination using the Competitive ELISA method on 50 samples of porcine serum in 3 districts/cities, 30% of Japanese encephalitis reactors (15 samples were positive). The JE reactor in pigs in Minahasa Regency is the highest (43.8%) compared to Tomohon City (29.4%) and South Minahasa Regency (17.6%). The proximity of pigs to humans can be seen from the location of the settlements adjacent to the location of pig farms. Pigs located in Minahasa Regency which are close to settlements are the highest risk factors for the transmission of the Japanese Encephalitis virus.