Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Equine influenza imposed itself strongly and wounded a number of horses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2009. It is known that horses are sensitive animals that weaken immunity easily where they are infected with the virus through inhalation. There are many procedures and precautions under way to tackle the disease before it turns into a epidemic between horses could extend its risks for citizens in light of the ease of transmission to humans especially that caused by the virus species that infect humans, pigs and here lies the danger.Equine influenza virus (EIV) surveillance is important in the management of equine influenza. It provides data on circulating and newly emerging strains for vaccine strain selection. To this end, antigenic characterization by haemaggluttination inhibition assay (HI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa test) was carried out on 507 equine influenza samples collected in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during 2009 and 2010. 493 Samples were isolated that tested positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by haemaggluttination inhibition assay.

Biography

Faten Ahmad Al-Sulaimany has obtained her postgraduate studies (PhD and Mastersdegrees) from King Abdul-Aziz University (KAU henceforth), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She currently works as an assistant professor at the department of Biology, College of Sciences at KAU. As for her research interests, she is interested in: Micro-Biology, Virology, and Bio-Technology. She has published a number of papers related to the said field. She has also attended a number of conferences, and has been a member of some recognized scientific associations.