Screening of West Nile Virus, Herpesvirus, and Parvovirus in Rattus spp. in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Free-roaming and scavenging lifestyles of Rattus spp. in densely populated urban areas expose them to multiple pathogens that facilitate the transmission infection human population more rapidly, raising public health concerns. There is limited information on status rat susceptibility virus infection, particularly West Nile (WNV), herpesvirus, parvovirus, prepare for emerging zoonosis. A total 23 (n = 23) blood samples collected from wet market Klang Valley, Malaysia, were subjected molecular assay using a one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detect highly conserved region WNV capsid pre-membrane protein via nested polymerase (PCR) targeting amino acid motifs within herpesviral DNA-directed DNA gene (DPOL) parvovirus non-structural (NS) protein. As result, 4 out (17.39%) rats positive herpesvirus DNA, but none RNA DNA. The PCR amplicons partial sequencing analysis, 100% identical Acomys SVMS 226,222 Betaherpesvirinae, which suggestive cytomegalovirus (RCMV). This study has successfully demonstrated presence RCMV Valley. potentially crosses species barriers establishes non-viraemic state or low sample size, niche distribution emphasise need expansion this future.