[Use of monoclonal antibodies for the antigenic analysis of West Nile viral strains isolated in Madagascar. Contribution to the understanding of the epidemiological cycle].

The antigenic relationship of 53 MADAGASCAR West Nile isolates to each other and to the two prototype viruses (Eg 101 and G 2266) was assessed using monoclonal antibodies. In MADAGASCAR exist 5 antigenic groups: 4 which are much closer to the Egyptian strain Eg 101 than to the Indian, and antigenically distinct from South african H 442 strain. One other is closely related to Indian strain G 2266. Antigenic variations are observed in every periods of transmission cycle. Some differences between strains isolated in a same region are also observed. MADAGASCAR is an exchange place for West Nile virus through the instrumentality of migratory birds.