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Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay
Published on: June 9, 2011
Eastern equine encephalitis in Tennessee: 2002-2008
Sudeshna Mukherjee1, Erin E Moody, Kenneth Lewokzco
1Vector-Borne Disease Section, Communicable and Environmental Diseases, Tennessee Department of Health, 630 Hart Lane, Nashville, TN 37216, USA.
Journal of Medical Entomology
|June 12, 2012
Summary
Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV) outbreaks in Tennessee are linked to Culex erraticus mosquitoes, not the traditional Culiseta melanura vector. This suggests a novel transmission cycle for EEEV emergence.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Arbovirology
- Disease Ecology
Background:
- Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) is an emerging disease in Tennessee, with equine cases first recorded in 2002.
- Human and equine EEE outbreaks are typically associated with coastal wetlands and Culiseta melanura mosquitoes in North America.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mosquito vectors responsible for EEEV transmission in western Tennessee hardwood swamps.
- To identify the mosquito species involved in the 2005 and 2008 EEE outbreaks in Tennessee.
Main Methods:
- Mosquitoes were trapped and tested for EEEV from 2000 to 2008 in Tennessee swamps.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and VecTest were used to detect EEEV in mosquito pools.
- EEEV was isolated from a horse during the 2008 outbreak.
Main Results:
- Over 74,000 mosquitoes were tested; Culiseta melanura was found in low numbers.
- Culex erraticus was consistently found in high numbers and was the only species positive for EEEV.
- EEEV was detected in Cx. erraticus pools from 2003 and 2004 in a county near the 2005 outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Culex erraticus may play a significant role in maintaining EEEV transmission through a non-traditional cycle in Tennessee.
- This finding is crucial for understanding EEEV adaptation and emergence in new regions.
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