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THE DETECTION OF POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS IN FLIES COLLECTED DURING EPIDEMICS OF POLIOMYELITIS : I. METHODS, RESULTS, AND
J D Trask1, J R Paul, J L Melnick
1Department of Pediatrics and the Section of Preventive Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven.
Abstract:
1. A series of 19 different samples of flies collected within epidemic areas during and after the onset of nearby human cases of poliomyelitis have been tested for the virus of poliomyelitis. Four of these samples proved positive. 2. Methods used in collecting the flies, preparing the inocula, and examining the inoculated monkeys (and other animals) are described. 3. All of the positive tests were obtained by the intranasal and intra-abdominal inoculation of Java (cynomolgus) monkeys. Green African and rhesus monkeys represented the smaller number of other monkeys used in which only negative results were obtained. 4. All of the positive samples (as well as nearly all the negative ones) contained "blow flies," and green bottle flies.
Insights
Poliomyelitis virus was detected in four of 19 fly samples collected near human polio cases. These positive samples, containing blow flies and green bottle flies, suggest a potential role for flies in polio transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious infectious disease.
- Understanding potential vectors for poliovirus transmission is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of poliovirus in fly populations within poliomyelitis epidemic areas.
- To identify potential fly species that may harbor the poliovirus.
Main Methods:
- Collected 19 fly samples from areas with recent human poliomyelitis cases.
- Prepared inocula from fly samples for inoculation into monkeys.
- Inoculated Java (cynomolgus) monkeys via intranasal and intra-abdominal routes; also used Green African and rhesus monkeys.
Main Results:
- Poliovirus was detected in four out of 19 tested fly samples.
- Positive samples predominantly contained "blow flies" and green bottle flies.
- Java (cynomolgus) monkeys showed positive results, while other monkey species did not.
Conclusions:
- Flies, particularly blow flies and green bottle flies, may carry the poliovirus.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the role of these flies in poliovirus transmission.
