Transmission of West Nile virus by Culex quinquefasciatus say infected with Culex Flavivirus Izabal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The natural history and potential impact of mosquito-specific flaviviruses on the transmission efficiency of West Nile virus (WNV) is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not prior infection with Culex flavivirus (CxFV) Izabal altered the vector competence of Cx. quinquefasciatus Say for transmission of a co-circulating strain of West Nile virus (WNV) from Guatemala.

Methods and findings

CxFV-negative Culex quinquefasciatus and those infected with CxFV Izabal by intrathoracic inoculation were administered WNV-infectious blood meals. Infection, dissemination, and transmission of WNV were measured by plaque titration on Vero cells of individual mosquito bodies, legs, or saliva, respectively, two weeks following WNV exposure. Additional gr

SUBMITTER: Kent RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2864301 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature