Emerging Vectors in the Culex pipiens Complex
Abstract
In the Old World, some mosquitoes in the Culex pipiens complex are excellent enzootic vectors of West Nile virus, circulating the virus among birds, whereas others bite mainly humans and other mammals. Here we show that, in northern Europe, such forms differing in behavior and physiology have unique microsatellite fingerprints with no evidence of gene flow between them, as would be expected from distinct species. In the United States, however, hybrids between these forms are ubiquitous. Such hybrids between human-biters and bird-biters may be the bridge vectors contributing to the unprecedented severity and range of the West Nile virus epidemic in North America.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA605535
Entities
People
- Ceylan Mehmet
- Colin A. Malcolm
- Dina M. Fonseca
- Francis Schaffner
- Motoyoshi Mogi
- Nusha Keyghobadi
- Richard Charles Wilkerson
- Robert C. Fleischer
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research