Does reservoir host mortality enhance transmission of West Nile virus?
Author Information
Author(s): Ivo M. Foppa, Andrew Spielman
Primary Institution: University of South Carolina; Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Reservoir host mortality may intensify transmission of West Nile virus by concentrating vector mosquitoes on remaining hosts and preventing herd immunity.
Conclusion
Under certain conditions, host mortality may enhance transmission of West Nile virus and facilitate its emergence and spread.
Supporting Evidence
- Computer simulations indicated that higher virulence is associated with more infectious mosquitoes at the end of an epizootic.
- Mortality among reservoir hosts may prevent mosquitoes from wasting infectious blood meals on immune hosts.
- Local host die-off can lead to increased immigration of susceptible birds, facilitating transmission.
Takeaway
When birds that carry West Nile virus die, it can help the virus spread more easily because there are fewer birds for mosquitoes to bite, which means more mosquitoes can get infected.
Methodology
The study used computer simulations to model the impact of reservoir host mortality on West Nile virus transmission dynamics.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the assumptions regarding the spatial association of mosquitoes and reservoir hosts.
Limitations
The assumptions about mosquito behavior and host availability may not reflect real-world conditions.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on birds and mosquitoes, specifically corvids and Culex mosquitoes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website