Characterization of Culex Flavivirus (Flaviviridae) strains isolated from mosquitoes in the United States and Trinidad

Dal Y. Kim, Hilda Guzman, Rudy Bueno, James A. Dennett, Albert J. Auguste, Christine V F Carrington, Vsevolod L. Popov, Scott C. Weaver, David W C Beasley, Robert B. Tesh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

92 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent reports indicate that flaviviruses similar to the cell fusing agent virus (CFAV) naturally infect a wide variety of mosquito species. These newly recognized insect-specific viruses comprise a distinct CFAV complex within the genus Flavivirus. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of nine strains of Culex flavivirus (Cx FV), a member of the CFAV complex, from mosquitoes collected in the United States (East Texas) and Trinidad. Phylogenetic analyses of the envelope protein gene sequences of these nine mosquito isolates with those of other CFAV complex flaviviruses in GenBank indicate that the U.S. isolates group with CxFV isolates from Asia (Japan and Indonesia), while the Trinidad isolates are more similar to CxFV isolates from Central America. A discussion follows on the possible biological significance of the CFAV complex flaviviruses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)154-159
Number of pages6
JournalVirology
Volume386
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 30 2009

Keywords

  • Cell fusing agent virus
  • Culex flavivirus
  • Culex quinquefasciatus
  • Flavivirus
  • Flavivirus phylogenetics
  • Mosquito viruses

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology

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