Transmission of Venezuelan encephalitis virus by naturally infected Culex (Melanoconion) opisthopus
Cupp, E.W.; Scherer, W.F.; Ordonez, J.V.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 28(6): 1060-1063
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 507283 Document Number: 142677
During August 1977, two of 975 examples of Culex opisthopus Komp collected from an enzootic marsh habitat on the Pacific coast of Guatemala transmitted Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus to hamsters. Eight strains were isolated from C. opisthopus. The minimal level of infection in this species during July-August 1977 at La Avellana, Guatemala was 1/128 (8/1021), and the prevalence of C. opisthopus transmitting the virus was 1/487 (2/975). This mosquito was the predominant species attacking humans at that time, suggesting that C. opisthopus is a vector of VEE virus to man as well as a vector in enzootic cycles in Guatemala. These studies establish C. opisthopus as the third proved enzootic vector of VEE virus.