Detection of PCR-Amplified Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus RNA by Calorimetric Enzymatic Immunoassay

Sandfly fever Sicilian (SFS) virus (genus Phlebovirus , family Bunyaviridae ) is a member of the sandfly fever virus serogroup, which also includes sandfly fever Naples and Toscana viruses. These viruses are transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies in the Mediterranean and the Middle Eastern regions (1 ,2 ) and are associated with large epidemics with significant morbidity and mortality (3 ). The prevalence of sandfly fever (SF) disease appeared to decline during the 1950s and 60s following insecticidal campaigns, but recent seroepidemiological data indicate that the disease still occurs in endemic areas (4 –9 ).