Impact of temperature on vector competence of Culex pipiens molestus: implications for Usutu virus transmission in temperate regions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Usutu virus (USUV) has been detected annually in the southeast of England since 2020. USUV RNA has been identified in wild birds and mosquito populations, and exposure of captive birds to USUV has also been confirmed in the UK. Since its first detection in London, USUV's distribution has expanded across the South East, highlighting necessity to understand USUV transmission dynamics in the UK. The primary vectors of USUV in the UK are likely Culex pipiens mosquitoes. Culex pipiens molestus is one biotype which shows no restriction in host preference and may play an important role in transmitting USUV from birds to humans.

Methods

A laboratory colony of Cx. pipiens molestus mosquitoes were orally infected with the London strain of USUV and incubated at 22 ℃, 20 ℃ an

SUBMITTER: Seechurn N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12309054 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature