Characterization of Aedes (Stegomyia) Aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) AIbopictus Populations and Chikungunya Virus Prevalence in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala
Abstract
Chikungunya virus has rapidly spread throughout tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere since making the transoceanic leap into the Caribbean in late 2013. Aedesaegypti and Aedes albopictus are competent vectors of chikungunya (RNA alphavirus) and the geographical range of both species has been expanding. Formal documentation of Aedes albopictus as an established species has been difficult to obtain for several Central American countries due to the lack of adequate surveillance and ability to conduct field research in austere environments; thus, the prevalence and distribution of Aedes albopictus in many Central American countries is largely unknown and it has not been formally implicated in transmitting chikungunya virus in Guatemala. Adult mosquitoes were collected from 25-30 September 2015 in the port city of Puerto Barrios utilizing BG-Sentine (trademark) traps to determine the presence of chikungunya virus infection in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus populations. Multiple sampling points were randomly selected in categorized urban or rural sites and collected mosquitoes were placed in sterile collection tubes and preserved using RNA Later. Sample pools were homogenized and RNA was extracted for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1127809
Entities
People
- Jefferson M. Moody
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences