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Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
INFECTIVITY OF BLOOD DURING THE COURSE OF EXPERIMENTAL YELLOW FEVER
1West African Yellow Fever Commission, International Health Division of the Rockefeller Foundation, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Yellow fever virus circulates rapidly in rhesus monkeys, with mosquitoes becoming infectious during the incubation period. This explains insidious epidemic spread and aids yellow fever control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Yellow fever is a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical regions.
- Understanding the early stages of yellow fever virus infection in animal models is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the kinetics of yellow fever virus (YFV) replication and dissemination in Macaca rhesus monkeys.
- To determine the periods of viraemia and infectivity for mosquitoes and via blood transmission.
Main Methods:
- Infection of rhesus monkeys with YFV.
- Daily feeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes on infected monkeys.
- Blood subinoculation into susceptible animals to assess viraemia.
- Monitoring of clinical signs, fever onset, and mortality.
Main Results:
- YFV was detected in peripheral blood 1-2 days post-infection, preceding fever onset.
- Mosquitoes became infectious as early as 12 hours post-infection and remained infectious during the febrile period and one day after.
- Blood transmissions were successful as early as 12 hours post-infection, with irregular fatality post-febrile period.
- Rapid virus multiplication was evident, with successful transmission via blood 24 hours after minimal mosquito exposure.
Conclusions:
- YFV replicates rapidly in rhesus monkeys, leading to early viraemia and infectivity.
- Mosquitoes can acquire YFV during the incubation period, before clinical symptoms appear.
- This early infectivity explains the rapid spread of yellow fever epidemics and informs control strategies.
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