Development and field evaluation of the sentinel mosquito arbovirus capture kit (SMACK).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although sentinel animals are used successfully throughout the world to monitor arbovirus activity, ethical considerations and cross-reactions in serological assays highlight the importance of developing viable alternatives. Here we outline the development of a passive sentinel mosquito arbovirus capture kit (SMACK) that allows for the detection of arboviruses on honey-baited nucleic acid preservation cards (Flinders Technology Associates; FTA®) and has a similar trap efficacy as standard light traps in our trials.

Methods

The trap efficacy of the SMACK was assessed against Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light traps (standard and ultraviolet) and the Encephalitis Vector Survey (EVS) trap in a series of Latin square field trials conducte

SUBMITTER: Johnson BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4595114 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature