West Nile Virus Surveillance in Connecticut, 2000
Author Information
Author(s): Theodore G. Andreadis, John F. Anderson, Charles R. Vossbrinck
Primary Institution: Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Hypothesis
Culex pipiens and Culex restuans are important vectors for West Nile virus transmission.
Conclusion
The study found that West Nile virus was isolated from mosquitoes in coastal Fairfield and New Haven counties, indicating local reemergence and transmission of the virus.
Supporting Evidence
- Fourteen isolates of West Nile virus were obtained from four mosquito species.
- Most isolates were from densely populated areas where dead crows were reported.
- Minimum field infection rates ranged from 0.5 to 76.9 per 1,000 mosquitoes.
Takeaway
Scientists caught a lot of mosquitoes to see if they had a virus called West Nile, and they found it in some of them, especially in areas where sick birds were seen.
Methodology
Mosquito trapping was conducted at 148 locations statewide, and virus isolation was performed using Vero cells and RT-PCR.
Limitations
The study did not determine the overwintering mechanism of the virus or the full range of mosquito vectors.
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