Transovarial transmission of Rio Grande virus (Bunyaviridae: Phlebovirus) by the sand fly, Lutzomyia anthophora

R. G. Endris, R. B. Tesh, D. G. Young

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

The growth of Rio Grande (RG) virus, the only phlebovirus known to occur in the United States, was studied in Lutzomyia anthophora, its suspected sand fly vector. RG viral titers in infected flies increased more than 10,000-fold within 7 days after intrathoracic inoculation. Experimentally infected female L. anthophora transmitted virus transovarially (vertically) to 54.8% of their F1 progeny. This is the first virologically confirmed demonstration of transovarial transmission of a phlebovirus by sand flies. It indicates one mechanism by which RG, and possibly other phleboviruses, may be maintained in nature.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)862-864
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1983
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

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