Assessment of vector competence of UK mosquitoes for Usutu virus of African origin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic virus originally from sub-Saharan Africa. It has been introduced into Europe on multiple occasions, causing substantial mortality within the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) population. It is transmitted by the mosquito species Culex pipiens in Europe and Africa. Vector competence studies indicate that European strains of USUV are readily transmitted by indigenous Cx. pipiens. However, there is limited information on the ability of an African strain to infect European mosquitoes.

Methods

We evaluated the ability of African strain SAAR-1776 to infect two lines of Cx. pipiens colonised within the United Kingdom (UK). Mosquitoes were fed blood meals containing this virus and maintained at 25 °C for up to 21 days. Individua

SUBMITTER: Hernandez-Triana LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6029037 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature