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Related Experiment Videos

Alligators as West Nile virus amplifiers.

Kaci Klenk1, Jamie Snow, Katrina Morgan

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. kaci.klenk@aphis.usda.gov

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 25, 2005
PubMed
Summary

American alligators can get infected with West Nile virus (WNV) and spread it to others. Juvenile alligators may be important in WNV transmission, especially in high-density populations.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Wildlife Ecology

Background:

  • West Nile virus (WNV) is a significant public health concern.
  • Evidence suggests American alligators may play a role in WNV transmission cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally determine if juvenile American alligators can be infected with WNV.
  • To assess the potential for WNV transmission among alligators.

Main Methods:

  • 24 juvenile American alligators were experimentally exposed to WNV via parenteral and oral routes.
  • Viremia titers were monitored to determine infectiousness thresholds for mosquitoes.
  • Transmission to non-inoculated cage-mates was assessed.

Main Results:

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  • All experimentally infected alligators developed WNV infections.
  • Most alligators sustained viremia titers infectious to mosquitoes for 1-8 days.
  • WNV transmission occurred to non-inoculated alligators within the same enclosure.

Conclusions:

  • Juvenile American alligators are susceptible to WNV infection through multiple routes.
  • Alligators can achieve and maintain viremia titers sufficient for mosquito transmission.
  • Alligators may serve as a significant reservoir and vector for WNV, particularly in areas with high juvenile densities.