Vector Competence of Swedish Mosquitoes for Usutu Virus

Overview

Journal One Health

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2024 Mar 19

PMID 38500563

Authors

Janina Krambrich

Emma Bole-Feysot

Patrick Holler

Ake Lundkvist

Jenny C Hesson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus with increasing prevalence in Europe. Understanding the role of mosquito species in USUV transmission is crucial for predicting and controlling potential outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the vector competence of Swedish for USUV. The mosquitoes were orally infected with an Italian strain of USUV (Bologna 2009) and infection rates (IR), dissemination rates (DR), and transmission rates (TR) were evaluated over 7 to 28 days post-infection. The study revealed that Swedish are susceptible to USUV infection, with a gradual decrease in IR over time. However, the percentage of mosquitoes with the ability to transmit the virus remained consistent across all time points, indicating a relatively short extrinsic incubation period. Overall, this research highlights the potential of Swedish as vectors for USUV and emphasizes the importance of surveillance and monitoring to prevent future outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

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