Size alters susceptibility of vectors to dengue virus infection and dissemination
Autor(es): Alto Barry W,Reiskind Michael H,Lounibos L Philip
Resumo: The size of arthropod vectors may affect their ability to transmit pathogens. Here we test the hypothesis that body size alters the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes to dengue virus (DENV) infection and subsequent dissemination throughout the body of the mosquito. After feeding on blood containing known quantities of virus, smaller-sized females were significantly more likely to become infected and to disseminate virus than larger individuals. The effects of size were stronger for Ae. aegypti and independent of rearing conditions. Ae. albopictus was more susceptible to DENV infection and had higher virus titer in the body than Ae. aegypti, yet infected Ae. aegypti disseminated DENV more readily than infected Ae. albopictus. These results are consistent with the concept that Ae. aegypti is a more competent vector of DENV and emphasize the importance of body size in determining adult infection parameters.
Imprenta: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, v. 79, n. 5, p. 688-695, 2008
Identificador do objeto digital: 10.4269/ajtmh.2008.79.688
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - DNA ; Aedes aegypti - Flaviviridae ; Aedes aegypti - Molecular Structure ; Aedes aegypti - Pathogenesis ; Aedes aegypti - Viral infections ; Aedes aegypti - RT-PCR ; Aedes aegypti - virus ; Aedes aegypti - Transmission ; Aedes aegypti - Dengue ; Aedes aegypti - Public health
Data de publicação: 2008
