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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay
Published on: June 9, 2011
Detection of West Nile virus RNA from the louse fly Icosta americana (Diptera: Hippoboscidae)
Ary Farajollahi1, Wayne J Crans, Diane Nickerson
1Mosquito Research and Control, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
Abstract:
West Nile virus (WNV) was detected by Taqman reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 4 of 85 (4.7%) blood-engorged (n = 2) and unengorged (n = 2) Icosta americana (Leach) hippoboscid flies that were collected from wild raptors submitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Mercer County, NJ, in 2003. This report represents an additional detection of WNV in a nonculicine arthropod in North America and the first documented detection of the virus in unengorged hippoboscid flies, further suggesting a possible role that this species may play in the transmission of WNV in North America.
Insights
West Nile virus (WNV) was found in Icosta americana flies from wild raptors. This finding suggests a potential role for these flies in WNV transmission in North America.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Arthropod-borne Viruses
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- West Nile virus (WNV) is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding WNV transmission cycles is crucial for effective control strategies.
- Non-culicine arthropods are increasingly recognized for their potential role in WNV ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect West Nile virus in Icosta americana (hippoboscid flies) collected from wild raptors.
- To investigate the potential role of Icosta americana in WNV transmission.
- To document WNV presence in a non-culicine arthropod species.
Main Methods:
- Detection of WNV using Taqman reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Collection of hippoboscid flies (Icosta americana) from wild raptors.
- Analysis of both blood-engorged and unengorged flies.
Main Results:
- West Nile virus was detected in 4.7% (4 of 85) of Icosta americana flies.
- WNV was identified in both blood-engorged and unengorged flies.
- This marks the first documented WNV detection in unengorged hippoboscid flies.
Conclusions:
- Icosta americana flies may play a role in the transmission of West Nile virus.
- The detection of WNV in unengorged flies suggests potential for vertical or other non-blood-feeding transmission routes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific role of hippoboscid flies in WNV ecology.
