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Published on: July 4, 2007
Experimental infection and transmission of Barmah Forest virus by Aedes vigilax (Diptera: Culicidae)
1Mosquito Control Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia.
Abstract:
Aedes vigilax (Skuse) mosquitoes colonized from Townsville, Queensland, Australia, were fed on blood containing Barmah Forest virus (BF) isolated from the same species. The colony was susceptible to infection, with an ID50 of 10(2.6) CCID50 per mosquito. Infection and transmission rates for mosquitoes fed 10(3.5) CCID50 virus per mosquito varied from 58 to 100% and 36 to 100%, respectively, between days 3 and 13 after infection. Titers in infected mosquitoes were high by 5 d after infection and did not vary substantially thereafter. Virus transmission to suckling mice occurred from 3 d after infection. This work establishes that Ae. vigilax is a competent vector of BF.
Insights
Aedes vigilax mosquitoes can transmit Barmah Forest virus (BF). This study confirms Ae. vigilax as a competent vector, crucial for understanding BF transmission dynamics in Australia.
Area of Science:
- Arbovirology
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Barmah Forest virus (BF) is an emerging arbovirus in Australia.
- Understanding mosquito vector competence is vital for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Aedes vigilax mosquitoes are competent vectors of Barmah Forest virus.
- To quantify the infection and transmission rates of BF in Ae. vigilax.
Main Methods:
- Colonized Ae. vigilax mosquitoes from Townsville, Australia were orally fed BF.
- Infection rates were assessed by virus titration.
- Transmission efficiency was evaluated using suckling mice.
Main Results:
- Ae. vigilax showed susceptibility to BF infection with an ID50 of 10(2.6) CCID50.
- Infection rates ranged from 58-100% and transmission rates from 36-100% between days 3 and 13 post-infection.
- Virus transmission to mice occurred as early as 3 days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Aedes vigilax is confirmed as a competent vector of Barmah Forest virus.
- This finding has significant implications for public health and arbovirus surveillance in Australia.
