Sindbis virus isolations from Saudi Arabian mosquitoes

Area of Science:

• Arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) research
• Medical entomology
• Virology

Background:

• Arbovirus activity in Saudi Arabia was largely uncharacterized prior to this study.
• The Eastern Province is a key region for potential arbovirus transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess arbovirus activity in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
• To identify potential mosquito vectors and associated viruses.

Main Methods:

• Mosquitoes were collected from three locations between late 1979 and early 1980.
• A total of 38,245 mosquitoes were processed for virus isolation.

Main Results:

• Sixteen isolations of Sindbis virus were identified.
• The majority of isolations (13) were from Culex univittatus.
• Sindbis virus was also isolated from Cx tritaeniorhynchus, Cx pipiens complex, and Culex spp.

Conclusions:

• This study marks the first record of a mosquito-borne virus in the Gulf of Arabia.
• Culex univittatus is implicated as the principal vector for Sindbis virus in the region.
• Sindbis virus poses a potential risk for human diseases in Saudi Arabia.