Prevalence of Toscana virus antibodies in residents of two Ionian islands, Greece

Abstract

The prevalence of Toscana virus (TOSV) IgG antibodies was determined among 128 residents of two Greek islands in the Ionian Sea, Corfu and Cephalonia. In total, 47.7% of tested persons had TOSV IgG antibodies; 51.7% among residents of Corfu and 39% among residents of Cephalonia. The prevalence was higher among persons older than 60 years, who were living in the coastal areas, while no relation with occupation was observed. The high seroprevalence, combined with the high antibody titers observed, suggest that TOSV, or an antigenically-related virus, circulates or has been circulating extensively in the region.