Experimental transmission of Mayaro virus by Aedes aegypti

Kanya C. Long, Sarah A. Ziegler, Saravanan Thangamani, Nicole L. Hausser, Tadeusz J. Kochel, Stephen Higgs, Robert B. Tesh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

166 Scopus citations

Abstract

Outbreaks of Mayaro fever have been associated with a sylvatic cycle of Mayaro virus (MAYV) transmission in South America. To evaluate the potential for a common urban mosquito to transmit MAYV, laboratory vector competence studies were performed with Aedes aegypti from Iquitos, Peru. Oral infection in Ae. aegypti ranged from 0% (0/31) to 84% (31/37), with blood meal virus titers between 3.4 log 10 and 7.3 log 10 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL. Transmission of MAYV by 70% (21/30) of infected mosquitoes was shown by saliva collection and exposure to suckling mice. Amount of viral RNA in febrile humans, determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, ranged from 2.7 to 5.3 log 10 PFU equivalents/mL. Oral susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to MAYV at titers encountered in viremic humans may limit opportunities to initiate an urban cycle; however, transmission of MAYV by Ae. aegypti shows the vector competence of this species and suggests potential for urban transmission.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)750-757
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume85
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

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