Filter paper confetti in a serological Rift Valley fever survey.

In order to collect epidemiological data about the Rift Valley fever epidemic in Mauritania, we decided to use the filter paper method. The mean recovery level of specific antibodies from filter paper, tested using an immunoenzymatic method, is around one fourth. Taking the mean haematocrit into account, we estimated the extract square with a 1/300 dilution. This method was very useful for epidemiological studies, we observed few patient refusals, but it is necessary to know the exact specificity of the antibodies.