BACKGROUND In this study, we evaluated the role of free-living domestic pigeons (
Columba livia) as a reservoir of arboviruses
in the city of Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. We investigated the presence of antibodies against the most prevalent arboviruses.
OBJECTIVES This study was aimed at evaluating some clinical and physical parameters of domestic pigeons, including the
presence of antibodies to Amazon-endemic arboviruses.
METHODS Eighty-five healthy pigeons were captured in Mangal das Garças Park, in Belém, and were bled. Upon capture, the
birds were subjected to a clinical examination in search of alterations that could indicate the presence of arboviruses. Blood
samples were converted to serum and tested using the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) technique with a panel of 19 antigens of
arboviruses circulating in the Amazon. The confirmation assay for the positive reactions to the viral species tested by HI was a
neutralisation test in new-born Swiss albino mice (
Mus musculus
) [mouse neutralisation test (MNT)].
FINDINGS A total of 10 (11.8%) serum samples tested positive for antiflavivirus antibodies by HI. All the samples positive for
the HI test were subjected to MNT for detection of viruses and yielded negative results (logarithmic neutralisation index < 1.7).
MAIN CONCLUSION The results represent the first serological detection of antiarbovirus antibodies in domestic pigeons as
potential hosts of arboviruses in Brazil. The detection of haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies against genus Flavivirus
indicated that there was recent contact between the analysed domestic pigeons and these arboviruses. Further studies are needed
to evaluate the role of free-living pigeons in the maintenance cycle and spread of arboviruses in the Amazon.
