[The evaluation of serum presence of antibodies reacting with West Nile Fever virus (WNV) antigens among inhabitants from Podlaskie and Swietokrzyskie region].

Up to now there was no information about WNV infection of humans in Poland. Although specific diagnostic procedure has not been used and uncharacteristic clinical picture of infection might be mislead with other viral infections. 75 patient with acute febrile episodes were diagnosed for serum IgM antibodies reacting with WNV antigens. 93 sera of forestry workers (52 from świetokrzyskie region and 41 from podlaskie region) were tested for IgG antibodies reacting with WNV. All sera weretested using ELISA method, and all positive results were examined by immunofluorescent assay (IFA) based on virus stains isolated in Hungary. The analysis of both methods confirmed presence of IgG antibodies reacting with WNV antigens among 5 (17.24%) of 29 sera showing positive results in ELISA method. It can be presumed that Poland is the country where West Nile virus might be present and transmitted by mosquitos. WNV infection might be considered in diagnosis of fevers and meningitis.