Molecular Epidemiology of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in New York
Author Information
Author(s): Young David S., Kramer Laura D., Maffei Joseph G., Dusek Robert J., Backenson P. Bryon, Mores Christopher N., Bernard Kristen A., Ebel Gregory D.
Primary Institution: New York State Department of Health
Hypothesis
Does Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) overwinter locally in New York or is it periodically reintroduced?
Conclusion
The study provides molecular evidence that EEEV has overwintered in New York, with southern strains being introduced and amplified locally.
Supporting Evidence
- Phylogenetic analyses indicated that southern strains of EEEV were isolated before genetically similar northern strains.
- Strong clustering among strains isolated during epizootics in New York demonstrates that EEEV has overwintered in this focus.
- EEEV was detected in mosquito pools during specific years, indicating localized epizootics.
- Genetic conservation among strains collected from taxonomically diverse hosts suggests minimal sequence changes.
Takeaway
Scientists studied a virus that affects horses and humans to see if it survives the winter in New York. They found that it does, and it can come from southern areas.
Methodology
Sequenced the E2 and partial NSP3 coding regions of 42 EEEV isolates from New York and the Eastern Seaboard.
Limitations
Limited number of samples from the Eastern Seaboard restricts definitive conclusions about the virus's introduction.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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