Where does bluetongue virus sleep in the winter?
2008
Where Does Bluetongue Virus Sleep in the Winter?
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Anthony Wilson, Karin Darpel, Philip Scott Mellor
Primary Institution: Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright Laboratory
Hypothesis
Where might bluetongue virus sleep in the winter?
Conclusion
Bluetongue virus may persist in various ways during winter, including in vectors, hosts, or through alternative transmission cycles.
Supporting Evidence
- Bluetongue virus has been recognized to overwinter for decades.
- Adult Culicoides may survive longer in mild winter conditions.
- Chronic infections in ruminants could allow the virus to persist.
- Transplacental transmission of BTV has been documented.
Takeaway
Bluetongue virus can hide during the winter months in different ways, like in insects or animals, so it can come back when it's warmer.
Limitations
The study discusses potential mechanisms without definitive evidence for all proposed routes of overwintering.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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