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Quantification of Tick-Borne Flaviviruses Using Focus Forming Assays
Allen T Esterly1, Erin S Reynolds2,3,4, Saravanan Thangamani5,6
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 13, 2025
Summary
Accurate quantification of Powassan virus (POWV) and Deer tick virus (DTV) is crucial for understanding these tick-borne flaviviruses. This study presents a repeatable methodology for quantifying POWV or DTV in a Biosafety Level 3 setting.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Arthropod-borne Viruses
Background:
- Tick-borne flaviviruses, including Powassan virus (POWV), represent significant public health threats.
- POWV and its lineage Deer tick virus (DTV) are emerging North American arboviruses causing neurotropic disease.
- Accurate quantification of POWV/DTV is essential for research into their biology, pathogenesis, and transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and describe a repeatable methodology for quantifying POWV or DTV.
- To enable accurate measurement of these viruses within a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) environment.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a standardized quantification process for POWV/DTV.
- Utilizing a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory setting for safe handling and analysis.
- Focus on establishing a repeatable methodology for consistent results.
Main Results:
- A defined process for quantifying POWV or DTV has been established.
- The methodology is designed for repeatability and accuracy within a BSL-3 setting.
- This work facilitates further research on these significant tick-borne viruses.
Conclusions:
- The described methodology provides a reliable means to quantify POWV and DTV.
- This advancement supports critical research on tick-borne flaviviruses impacting human health.
- Accurate quantification is key to understanding and combating POWV/DTV infections.
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