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The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene2007; 76(3); 417-423;

Mosquito feeding patterns and natural infection of vertebrates with Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses in Brisbane, Australia.

Abstract: Host feeding patterns of mosquitoes were assessed through the identification of 865 blood meals collected from Brisbane during 2000-2001. Under natural conditions, mosquito feeding (including that of Culex annulirostris, Aedes vigilax, and Aedes notoscriptus) was primarily on dogs (37.4%), but also on birds (18.4%), horses (16.8%), brushtail possums (13.3%), humans (11.6%), and cats, flying foxes, and macropods, depending on site. From 1997 to 1999, sera (N=1706) were collected from dogs, cats, horses, flying foxes, and brushtail possums in the Brisbane area and were analyzed by microneutralization assay for antibodies to Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV). For RRV, all vertebrate species tested had been naturally infected, and seroprevalence varied from 10.5% to 25.5%, whereas for BFV, rates varied between 0% and 11.3%. Brushtail possums were often infected in the field, with 17.6% and 10.7% of wild individuals having antibodies to RRV and BFV, respectively. Horses and flying foxes also had a relatively high prevalence of antibodies to RRV. This study, therefore, provides data to indicate that brushtail possums play a role in the urban transmission of RRV in Brisbane and that horses, when they occur, also fill the same role.
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Publication Date: 2007-03-16 PubMed ID: 17360861
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the feeding patterns of mosquitoes in Brisbane, Australia and their role in the transmission of Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses to various vertebrate hosts like dogs, birds, horses, humans, etc. The study highlights the prevalence of these viruses in local fauna and specifically emphasizes the role of brushtail possums and horses in the urban transmission of these viruses.

Study Objectives and Methodology

  • The research aimed to understand the feeding patterns of mosquitoes in Brisbane from 2000-2001 and their role in spreading Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV).
  • The research involved the analysis of 865 blood meals taken by the mosquitoes. These blood meals were used to identify the vertebrate hosts primarily targeted by these mosquitoes.
  • From 1997 to 1999, sera (the clear portion of the blood that can contain antibodies) were collected from various animals within the Brisbane region. This sera, totalling 1706 samples, was analyzed to check for the presence of antibodies against RRV and BFV.

Findings on Mosquito Feeding Patterns

  • The research indicates that mosquitoes, including Culex annulirostris, Aedes vigilax, and Aedes notoscriptus, primarily feed on dogs (37.4%). Other significant hosts include birds (18.4%), horses (16.8%), brushtail possums (13.3%), and humans (11.6%), with some feeding also observed on cats, flying foxes, and macropods.

Findings on Virus Transmission

  • All vertebrate species tested showed natural infection with Ross River virus (RRV), with the prevalence of the virus ranging from 10.5% to 25.5%.
  • The prevalence of Barmah Forest virus (BFV) varied more substantially among the tested species, ranging between 0% and 11.3%.
  • Particular attention was paid to the infection rate among brushtail possums found in the wild, with 17.6% having antibodies to RRV and 10.7% to BFV, indicating a significant role of these animals in the transmission of these viruses.
  • Horses and flying foxes also demonstrated a relatively high prevalence of antibodies to RRV, suggesting they too play a role in virus transmission.

Conclusion

  • The patterns observed in this study suggest that brushtail possums play a significant role in the urban transmission of RRV in Brisbane. Horses are also implicated in the transmission cycle, especially when they are present in the urban locales.

Cite This Article

APA
Kay BH, Boyd AM, Ryan PA, Hall RA. (2007). Mosquito feeding patterns and natural infection of vertebrates with Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses in Brisbane, Australia. Am J Trop Med Hyg, 76(3), 417-423.

Publication

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
ISSN: 0002-9637
NlmUniqueID: 0370507
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 76
Issue: 3
Pages: 417-423

Researcher Affiliations

Kay, Brian H
  • Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Post Office Royal Brisbane Hospital, School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. brian.kay@qimr.edu.au
Boyd, Ann Marie
    Ryan, Peter A
      Hall, Roy A

        MeSH Terms

        • Alphavirus / immunology
        • Alphavirus / isolation & purification
        • Alphavirus Infections / transmission
        • Animals
        • Antibodies, Viral / blood
        • Birds
        • Cats
        • Culicidae / virology
        • Dogs
        • Horses
        • Humans
        • Insect Vectors / virology
        • Ross River virus / immunology
        • Ross River virus / isolation & purification
        • Seroepidemiologic Studies

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