California encephalitis virus activity in mosquitoes and horses in southern Ontario, 1975.

This research was conducted on the activity of the California encephalitis virus in mosquitoes and horses in Southern Ontario in the year 1975. The study revealed the widespread presence of the virus and suggested that horses could serve as good indicators for monitoring the virus.

Research Method

• The researchers collected 3061 mosquitoes, primarily of the Aedes species. These were then divided into 104 separate groups, known as pools.
• The segmented groups were then individually inoculated into mice that were still nursing.

Virus Isolation

• The team successfully isolated the California encephalitis virus, specifically the snowshoe hare variant, from one set each of Aedes fitchii and A. triseriatus mosquitoes.
• These particular mosquitoes were gathered from the Guelph area in Southern Ontario.

Serological Testing

• Serological testing was undertaken on horse sera (the liquid part of the blood that carries cells and proteins throughout the body).
• This testing works by detecting antibodies in the blood serum which are created by the immune system in response to an infection.

Findings

• The serological testing suggested widespread prevalence of the California encephalitis virus in the southern region of Ontario.
• The investigation’s results revealed that horses potentially act as effective monitors for the California encephalitis virus. This is due to their sensitivity and noticeable reaction to the virus, making it easier for researchers to track and study the virus’s evolution.