Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:35
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
LABORATORY TRANSMISSION OF ST. LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS BY THREE GENERA OF MOSQUITOES
1The George Williams Hooper Foundation, University of California, San Francisco.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Nine mosquito species can transmit St. Louis virus in laboratory settings. Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, feeding on infected fowl, proved to be effective vectors, establishing birds as natural reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Arbovirology
- Medical Entomology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- St. Louis virus (SLV) is a significant public health concern.
- Mosquitoes are known vectors of various arboviruses.
- Understanding SLV transmission dynamics is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify mosquito species capable of transmitting St. Louis virus.
- To investigate the role of avian species as potential reservoirs for SLV.
- To confirm the vector competence of specific mosquito species for SLV.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory transmission experiments using various mosquito species and avian hosts.
- Infection and incubation studies with St. Louis virus in mosquitoes.
- Demonstration of virus presence in avian blood after mosquito feeding.
Main Results:
- Nine mosquito species from three genera successfully transmitted St. Louis virus.
- St. Louis virus survived for several days in four additional mosquito species without demonstrated transmission.
- Culex tarsalis mosquitoes infected by feeding on inoculated chickens and ducks subsequently transmitted the virus to naive chickens, confirming avian reservoirs and vector competence.
Conclusions:
- Avian species, specifically fowl, serve as reservoirs for St. Louis virus in nature.
- Culex tarsalis is confirmed as a primary vector for St. Louis virus.
- Multiple mosquito species exhibit varying degrees of competence in transmitting and/or sustaining St. Louis virus.
