This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Oropouche virus (OROV), a vector-borne Orthobunyavirus circulating in South and Central America, causes a febrile illness with high rates of morbidity but with no documented fatalities. Oropouche virus is transmitted by numerous vectors, including multiple genera of mosquitoes and Culicoides biting midges in South America. This study investigated the vector competence of three North American vectors, Culex tarsalis, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Culicoides sonorensis, for OROV. Cohorts of each species were fed an infectious blood meal containing 6.5 log10 PFU/mL OROV and incubated for 10 or 14 days. Culex tarsalis demonstrated infection (3.13%) but not dissemination or transmission potential at 10 days post infection (DPI). At 10 and 14 DPI, Cx. quinquefasciatus demonstrated 9.71% and 19.3% infection, 2.91% and 1.23% dissemination, and 0.97% and 0.82% transmission potential, respectively. Culicoides sonorensis demonstrated 86.63% infection, 83.14% dissemination, and 19.77% transmission potential at 14 DPI. Based on these data, Cx. tarsalis is unlikely to be a competent vector for OROV. Culex quinquefasciatus demonstrated infection, dissemination, and transmission potential, although at relatively low rates. Culicoides sonorensis demonstrated high infection and dissemination but may have a salivary gland barrier to the virus. These data have implications for the spread of OROV in the event of a North American introduction.
Bethany McGregor; C. Connelly; Joan Kenney. Infection, Dissemination, and Transmission Potential of North American Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tarsalis, and Culicoides sonorensis for Oropouche Virus. Viruses 2021, 13, 226 .
AMA StyleBethany McGregor, C. Connelly, Joan Kenney. Infection, Dissemination, and Transmission Potential of North American Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tarsalis, and Culicoides sonorensis for Oropouche Virus. Viruses. 2021; 13 (2):226.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBethany McGregor; C. Connelly; Joan Kenney. 2021. "Infection, Dissemination, and Transmission Potential of North American Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tarsalis, and Culicoides sonorensis for Oropouche Virus." Viruses 13, no. 2: 226.
The area in and around Chicago, IL, is a hotspot of West Nile virus activity. The discovery of a Culex pipiens form molestus Forskӓl population in Chicago in 2009 added to speculation that offspring from hybridization between Cx. pipiens f. pipiens L. and f. molestus could show a preference for feeding on humans. We collected blood-fed female mosquitoes (N = 1,023) from eight residential sites and one public park site in Chicago in July and August 2012. Bloodmeal analysis using the COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) gene was performed to ascertain host choice. Almost all (99%) bloodmeals came from birds, with American Robins (Turdus migratorius L.) and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus L.) making up the largest percentage (74% combined). A forage ratio analysis comparing bird species fed upon and available bird species based on point count surveys indicated Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and American Robins (Turdus migratorius) appeared to be over-utilized, whereas several species were under-utilized. Two human bloodmeals came from Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes. Admixture and population genetic analyses were conducted with 15 microsatellite loci on head and thorax DNA from the collected blood-fed mosquitoes. A modest amount of hybridization was detected between Cx. pipiens f. pipiens and f. molestus, as well as between f. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus Say. Several pure Cx. quinquefasciatus individuals were noted at the two Trumbull Park sites. Our data suggest that Cx. pipiens complex mosquitoes in the Chicago area are not highly introgressed with f. molestus and appear to utilize avian hosts.
Linda Kothera; John-Paul Mutebi; Joanie Kenney; Kali Saxton-Shaw; Michael P Ward; Harry M Savage. Bloodmeal, Host Selection, and Genetic Admixture Analyses of Culex pipiens Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in Chicago, IL. Journal of Medical Entomology 2019, 57, 78 -87.
AMA StyleLinda Kothera, John-Paul Mutebi, Joanie Kenney, Kali Saxton-Shaw, Michael P Ward, Harry M Savage. Bloodmeal, Host Selection, and Genetic Admixture Analyses of Culex pipiens Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in Chicago, IL. Journal of Medical Entomology. 2019; 57 (1):78-87.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLinda Kothera; John-Paul Mutebi; Joanie Kenney; Kali Saxton-Shaw; Michael P Ward; Harry M Savage. 2019. "Bloodmeal, Host Selection, and Genetic Admixture Analyses of Culex pipiens Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in Chicago, IL." Journal of Medical Entomology 57, no. 1: 78-87.
In response to the 2016 Zika outbreak, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from 38 locations across Puerto Rico were screened using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassays for sensitivity to insecticides used for mosquito control. All populations were resistant to pyrethroids. Naled, an organophosphate, was the most effective insecticide, killing all mosquitoes tested.
Ryan R. Hemme; Lucrecia Vizcaino; Angela F. Harris; Gilberto Felix; Michael Kavanaugh; Joanie Kenney; Nicole M. Nazario; Marvin S. Godsey; Roberto Barrera; JulieAnne Miranda; Audrey Lenhart. Rapid Screening of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Susceptibility to Insecticides as Part of Zika Emergency Response, Puerto Rico. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2019, 25, 1959 -1961.
AMA StyleRyan R. Hemme, Lucrecia Vizcaino, Angela F. Harris, Gilberto Felix, Michael Kavanaugh, Joanie Kenney, Nicole M. Nazario, Marvin S. Godsey, Roberto Barrera, JulieAnne Miranda, Audrey Lenhart. Rapid Screening of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Susceptibility to Insecticides as Part of Zika Emergency Response, Puerto Rico. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019; 25 (10):1959-1961.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRyan R. Hemme; Lucrecia Vizcaino; Angela F. Harris; Gilberto Felix; Michael Kavanaugh; Joanie Kenney; Nicole M. Nazario; Marvin S. Godsey; Roberto Barrera; JulieAnne Miranda; Audrey Lenhart. 2019. "Rapid Screening of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Susceptibility to Insecticides as Part of Zika Emergency Response, Puerto Rico." Emerging Infectious Diseases 25, no. 10: 1959-1961.
The rapid expansion of Zika virus (ZIKV), following the recent outbreaks of Chikungunya virus, overwhelmed the public health infrastructure in many countries and alarmed many in the scientific community. Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) have previously been incriminated as the vectors of these pathogens in addition to dengue virus. In our study, we challenged low generation Ae. aegypti (Chiapas, Mexico) and Ae. albopictus (North Carolina, Mississippi), with three strains of ZIKV, Puerto Rico (GenBank: KU501215), Honduras (GenBank: KX694534), and Miami (GenBank: MF988743). Following an oral challenge with 107.5 PFU/ml of the Puerto Rico strain, we observed high infection and dissemination rates in both species (95%). We report estimated transmission rates for both species (74 and 33%, for Ae. aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Ae. albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), respectively), and the presence of a probable salivary gland barrier in Ae. albopictus to Zika virus. Finally, we calculated vectorial capacity for both species and found that Ae. albopictus had a slightly lower vectorial capacity when compared with Ae. aegypti. Second Language La rápida expansión del virus Zika, poco después de las epidemias de chikungunya, rebaso la infraestructura de salud pública en muchos países y sorprendió a muchos en la comunidad científica. Notablemente, Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus transmiten estos patógenos además del virus del dengue. En este estudio se expusieron con tres cepas americanas de virus Zika a grupos de Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus de generación reciente. Encontramos altos porcentajes de infección y diseminación en ambas especies (95%). Se reporta, la transmisión viral en ambas especies (74 y 33%, para Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, respectivamente) y una probable barrera a nivel de glándulas salivarías. Finalmente, calculamos la capacidad vectorial para ambas especies.
Saul Lozano-Fuentes; Joanie Kenney; Wendy Varnado; Brian D Byrd; Kristen L Burkhalter; Harry M Savage. Susceptibility and Vectorial Capacity of AmericanAedes albopictusandAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) to American Zika Virus Strains. Journal of Medical Entomology 2018, 56, 233 -240.
AMA StyleSaul Lozano-Fuentes, Joanie Kenney, Wendy Varnado, Brian D Byrd, Kristen L Burkhalter, Harry M Savage. Susceptibility and Vectorial Capacity of AmericanAedes albopictusandAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) to American Zika Virus Strains. Journal of Medical Entomology. 2018; 56 (1):233-240.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSaul Lozano-Fuentes; Joanie Kenney; Wendy Varnado; Brian D Byrd; Kristen L Burkhalter; Harry M Savage. 2018. "Susceptibility and Vectorial Capacity of AmericanAedes albopictusandAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) to American Zika Virus Strains." Journal of Medical Entomology 56, no. 1: 233-240.
The Flavivirus genus comprises a diverse group of viruses that utilize a wide range of vertebrate hosts and arthropod vectors. The genus includes viruses that are transmitted solely by mosquitoes or vertebrate hosts as well as viruses that alternate transmission between mosquitoes or ticks and vertebrates. Nevertheless, the viral genetic determinants that dictate these unique flaviviral host and vector specificities have been poorly characterized. In this report, a cDNA clone of a flavivirus that is transmitted between ticks and vertebrates (Powassan lineage II, deer tick virus [DTV]) was generated and chimeric viruses between the mosquito/vertebrate flavivirus, West Nile virus (WNV), were constructed. These chimeric viruses expressed the prM and E genes of either WNV or DTV in the heterologous nonstructural (NS) backbone. Recombinant chimeric viruses rescued from cDNAs were characterized for their capacity to grow in vertebrate and arthropod (mosquito and tick) cells as well as for in vivo vector competence in mosquitoes and ticks. Results demonstrated that the NS elements were insufficient to impart the complete mosquito or tick growth phenotypes of parental viruses; however, these NS genetic elements did contribute to a 100- and 100,000-fold increase in viral growth in vitro in tick and mosquito cells, respectively. Mosquito competence was observed only with parental WNV, while infection and transmission potential by ticks were observed with both DTV and WNV-prME/DTV chimeric viruses. These data indicate that NS genetic elements play a significant, but not exclusive, role for vector usage of mosquito- and tick-borne flaviviruses.
Joanie Kenney; Michael Anishchenko; Meghan Hermance; Hannah Romo; Ching-I Chen; Saravanan Thangamani; Aaron C. Brault. Generation of a Lineage II Powassan Virus (Deer Tick Virus) cDNA Clone: Assessment of Flaviviral Genetic Determinants of Tick and Mosquito Vector Competence. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 2018, 18, 371 -381.
AMA StyleJoanie Kenney, Michael Anishchenko, Meghan Hermance, Hannah Romo, Ching-I Chen, Saravanan Thangamani, Aaron C. Brault. Generation of a Lineage II Powassan Virus (Deer Tick Virus) cDNA Clone: Assessment of Flaviviral Genetic Determinants of Tick and Mosquito Vector Competence. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 2018; 18 (7):371-381.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanie Kenney; Michael Anishchenko; Meghan Hermance; Hannah Romo; Ching-I Chen; Saravanan Thangamani; Aaron C. Brault. 2018. "Generation of a Lineage II Powassan Virus (Deer Tick Virus) cDNA Clone: Assessment of Flaviviral Genetic Determinants of Tick and Mosquito Vector Competence." Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 18, no. 7: 371-381.
We isolated a strain of Zika virus, MB16-23, from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected in Miami Beach, Florida, USA, on September 2, 2016. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that MB16-23 most likely originated from the Caribbean region.
John-Paul Mutebi; Holly R. Hughes; Kristen L. Burkhalter; Linda Kothera; Chalmers Vasquez; Joanie Kenney. Zika Virus MB16-23 in Mosquitoes, Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2018, 24, 808 -810.
AMA StyleJohn-Paul Mutebi, Holly R. Hughes, Kristen L. Burkhalter, Linda Kothera, Chalmers Vasquez, Joanie Kenney. Zika Virus MB16-23 in Mosquitoes, Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2018; 24 (4):808-810.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohn-Paul Mutebi; Holly R. Hughes; Kristen L. Burkhalter; Linda Kothera; Chalmers Vasquez; Joanie Kenney. 2018. "Zika Virus MB16-23 in Mosquitoes, Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA, 2016." Emerging Infectious Diseases 24, no. 4: 808-810.
In late 2014, Zika virus (ZIKV; Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) emerged as a significant arboviral disease threat in the Western hemisphere. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have been considered the principal vectors of ZIKV in the New World due to viral isolation frequency and vector competence assessments. Limited reports of Culex transmission potential have highlighted the need for additional vector competence assessments of North American Culex species. Accordingly, North American Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus were orally exposed and intrathoracically inoculated with the African prototype ZIKV strain and currently circulating Asian lineage ZIKV strains to assess infection, dissemination, and transmission potential. Results indicated that these two North American Culex mosquito species were highly refractory to oral infection with no dissemination or transmission observed with any ZIKV strains assessed. Furthermore, both Culex mosquito species intrathoracically inoculated with either Asian or African lineage ZIKVs failed to expectorate virus in saliva. These in vivo results were further supported by the observation that multiple mosquito cell lines of Culex species origin demonstrated significant growth restriction of ZIKV strains compared with Aedes-derived cell lines. In summation, no evidence for the potential of Cx. pipiens or Cx. quinquefasciatus to serve as a competent vector for ZIKV transmission in North America was observed.
Joanie Kenney; Hannah Romo; Nisha K. Duggal; Wen-Pin Tzeng; Kristen L. Burkhalter; Aaron C. Brault; Harry M. Savage. Transmission Incompetence of Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens pipiens from North America for Zika Virus. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2017, 96, 1235 -1240.
AMA StyleJoanie Kenney, Hannah Romo, Nisha K. Duggal, Wen-Pin Tzeng, Kristen L. Burkhalter, Aaron C. Brault, Harry M. Savage. Transmission Incompetence of Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens pipiens from North America for Zika Virus. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2017; 96 (5):1235-1240.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanie Kenney; Hannah Romo; Nisha K. Duggal; Wen-Pin Tzeng; Kristen L. Burkhalter; Aaron C. Brault; Harry M. Savage. 2017. "Transmission Incompetence of Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens pipiens from North America for Zika Virus." The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 96, no. 5: 1235-1240.
The intent of this study was to assess passerine eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEv) seroprevalence during the breeding season in southern Maine by testing songbird species identified in the literature as amplifying hosts of this virus. In 2013 and 2014, we collected serum samples from songbirds at a mainland site and an offshore island migratory stopover site, and screened samples for EEEv antibodies using plaque reduction neutralization tests. We compared seasonal changes in EEEv antibody seroprevalence in young (hatched in year of capture) and adult birds at the mainland site, and also compared early season seroprevalence in mainland versus offshore adult birds. EEEv seroprevalence did not differ significantly between years at either site. During the early season (May), EEEv antibody seroprevalence was substantially lower (9.6%) in the island migrant adults than in mainland adults (42.9%), 2013–2014. On the mainland, EEEv antibody seroprevalence in young birds increased from 12.9% in midseason (June–August) to 45.6% in late season (September/October), 2013–2014. Seroprevalence in adult birds did not differ between seasons (48.8% vs. 53.3%). EEEv activity in Maine has increased in the past decade as measured by increased virus detection in mosquitoes and veterinary cases. High EEEv seroprevalence in young birds—as compared to that of young birds in other studies—corresponded with two consecutive active EEEv years in Maine. We suggest that young, locally hatched songbirds be sampled as a part of long-term EEEv surveillance, and provide a list of suggested species to sample, including EEEv “superspreaders.”
Susan P. Elias; Patrick Keenan; Joanie Kenney; Sara R. Morris; Kristen M. Covino; Sara Robinson; Kimberly A. Foss; Peter W. Rand; Charles Lubelczyk; Eleanor H. Lacombe; John-Paul Mutebi; David Evers; Robert P. Smith. Seasonal Patterns in Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Antibody in Songbirds in Southern Maine. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 2017, 17, 325 -330.
AMA StyleSusan P. Elias, Patrick Keenan, Joanie Kenney, Sara R. Morris, Kristen M. Covino, Sara Robinson, Kimberly A. Foss, Peter W. Rand, Charles Lubelczyk, Eleanor H. Lacombe, John-Paul Mutebi, David Evers, Robert P. Smith. Seasonal Patterns in Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Antibody in Songbirds in Southern Maine. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 2017; 17 (5):325-330.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSusan P. Elias; Patrick Keenan; Joanie Kenney; Sara R. Morris; Kristen M. Covino; Sara Robinson; Kimberly A. Foss; Peter W. Rand; Charles Lubelczyk; Eleanor H. Lacombe; John-Paul Mutebi; David Evers; Robert P. Smith. 2017. "Seasonal Patterns in Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Antibody in Songbirds in Southern Maine." Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 17, no. 5: 325-330.
During the 2014 chikungunya (CHIK) outbreak in the Caribbean, we performed entomological surveys on 3 United States Virgin Islands (USVI): St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. We aimed to evaluate the potential for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmission in the USVI. The surveys took place between June 19, 2014, and June 29, 2014, during the dry season in USVI. A total of 1,929 adult mosquitoes belonging to 4 species- Culex quinquefasciatus (68.4%), Aedes aegypti (29.7%), Ae. mediovittatus (1.3%), and Ae. sollicitans (<1%)-were detected. Environmental investigations showed that between 73% and 87% of the homes had containers that could serve as mosquito larval habitats. In addition, 47% of the homes did not have air conditioning and between 69% and 79% of homes showed evidence of frequent outdoor activity exhibited by residents. Taken together, these observations suggest a high potential for CHIKV transmission in USVI. The relative abundance of Ae. aegypti on St. John's, St. Thomas, and St. Croix was 21.0, 11.0, and 3.0 mosquitoes/trap per day, respectively, suggesting that the former 2 islands were at the highest risk of CHIKV outbreaks. Insecticide resistance testing detected high levels of resistance to malathion and permethrin in several local populations of Ae. aegypti on St. Croix Island, which suggested that these 2 insecticides should not be used during CHIK outbreaks.
Joanie Kenney; Kristen L. Burkhalter; Mariah L. Scott; Janet McAllister; Francine E. Lang; Stevie Webster; Dwayne J. Maduro; Juanita Johannes; Alistair Liburd; John-Paul Mutebi. Entomological Investigations During Early Stages of A Chikungunya Outbreak In the United States Virgin Islands, 2014. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 2017, 33, 8 -15.
AMA StyleJoanie Kenney, Kristen L. Burkhalter, Mariah L. Scott, Janet McAllister, Francine E. Lang, Stevie Webster, Dwayne J. Maduro, Juanita Johannes, Alistair Liburd, John-Paul Mutebi. Entomological Investigations During Early Stages of A Chikungunya Outbreak In the United States Virgin Islands, 2014. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 2017; 33 (1):8-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanie Kenney; Kristen L. Burkhalter; Mariah L. Scott; Janet McAllister; Francine E. Lang; Stevie Webster; Dwayne J. Maduro; Juanita Johannes; Alistair Liburd; John-Paul Mutebi. 2017. "Entomological Investigations During Early Stages of A Chikungunya Outbreak In the United States Virgin Islands, 2014." Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 33, no. 1: 8-15.
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important agent of human encephalitis that has quickly become endemic across much of the United States since its identification in North America in 1999. While the majority (∼75%) of infections are subclinical, neurologic disease can occur in a subset of cases, with outcomes including permanent neurologic damage and death. Currently, there are no WNV vaccines approved for use in humans. This study introduces a novel vaccine platform for WNV to reduce viral replication in the central nervous system while maintaining peripheral replication to elicit strong neutralizing antibody titers. Vaccine candidates were engineered to incorporate microRNA (miRNA) target sequences for a cognate miRNA expressed only in neurons, allowing the host miRNAs to target viral transcription through endogenous RNA silencing. To maintain stability, these targets were incorporated in multiple locations within the 3′-untranslated region, flanking sequences essential for viral replication without affecting the viral open reading frame. All candidates replicated comparably to wild type WNV in vitro within cells that did not express the cognate miRNA. Insertional control viruses were also capable of neuroinvasion and neurovirulence in vivo in CD-1 mice. Vaccine viruses were safe at all doses tested and did not demonstrate mutations associated with a reversion to virulence when serially passaged in mice. All vaccine constructs were protective from lethal challenge in mice, producing 93–100% protection at the highest dose tested. Overall, this is a safe and effective attenuation strategy with broad potential application for vaccine development.
Terza Brostoff; Patricia A. Pesavento; Christopher Barker; Joanie Kenney; Elizabeth Dietrich; Nisha K. Duggal; Angela M. Bosco-Lauth; Aaron C. Brault. MicroRNA reduction of neuronal West Nile virus replication attenuates and affords a protective immune response in mice. Vaccine 2016, 34, 5366 -5375.
AMA StyleTerza Brostoff, Patricia A. Pesavento, Christopher Barker, Joanie Kenney, Elizabeth Dietrich, Nisha K. Duggal, Angela M. Bosco-Lauth, Aaron C. Brault. MicroRNA reduction of neuronal West Nile virus replication attenuates and affords a protective immune response in mice. Vaccine. 2016; 34 (44):5366-5375.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTerza Brostoff; Patricia A. Pesavento; Christopher Barker; Joanie Kenney; Elizabeth Dietrich; Nisha K. Duggal; Angela M. Bosco-Lauth; Aaron C. Brault. 2016. "MicroRNA reduction of neuronal West Nile virus replication attenuates and affords a protective immune response in mice." Vaccine 34, no. 44: 5366-5375.
Nhumirim virus (NHUV) is an insect-specific virus that phylogenetically affiliates with dual-host mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Previous in vitro co-infection experiments demonstrated prior or concurrent infection of Aedes albopictus C6/36 mosquito cells with NHUV resulted in a 10,000-fold reduction in viral production of West Nile virus (WNV). This interference between WNV and NHUV was observed herein in an additional Ae. albopictus mosquito cell line, C7-10. A WNV 2K peptide (V9M) mutant capable of superinfection with a pre-established WNV infection demonstrated a comparable level of interference from NHUV as the parental WNV strain in C6/36 and C7-10 cells. Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens mosquitoes intrathoracically inoculated with NHUVandWNV, or solely withWNVas a control, were allowed to extrinsically incubate the viruses up to nine and 14 days, respectively, and transmissibility and replication of WNV was determined. The proportion of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes capable of transmitting WNV was significantly lower for the WNV/NHUV group than the WNV control at seven and nine days post inoculation (dpi), while no differences were observed in the Cx. pipiens inoculation group. By dpi nine, a 40% reduction in transmissibility in mosquitoes from the dual inoculation group was observed compared to the WNV-only control. These data indicate the potential that infection of some Culex spp. vectors with NHUV could serve as a barrier for efficient transmissibility of flaviviruses associated with human disease.
Silvina Goenaga; Joan L. Kenney; Nisha K. Duggal; Mark DeLorey; Gregory D. Ebel; Bo Zhang; Silvana C. Levis; Delia A. Enria; Aaron C. Brault. Potential for Co-Infection of a Mosquito-Specific Flavivirus, Nhumirim Virus, to Block West Nile Virus Transmission in Mosquitoes. Viruses 2015, 7, 5801 -5812.
AMA StyleSilvina Goenaga, Joan L. Kenney, Nisha K. Duggal, Mark DeLorey, Gregory D. Ebel, Bo Zhang, Silvana C. Levis, Delia A. Enria, Aaron C. Brault. Potential for Co-Infection of a Mosquito-Specific Flavivirus, Nhumirim Virus, to Block West Nile Virus Transmission in Mosquitoes. Viruses. 2015; 7 (11):5801-5812.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvina Goenaga; Joan L. Kenney; Nisha K. Duggal; Mark DeLorey; Gregory D. Ebel; Bo Zhang; Silvana C. Levis; Delia A. Enria; Aaron C. Brault. 2015. "Potential for Co-Infection of a Mosquito-Specific Flavivirus, Nhumirim Virus, to Block West Nile Virus Transmission in Mosquitoes." Viruses 7, no. 11: 5801-5812.
The first known outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Vermont occurred on an emu farm in Rutland County in 2011. The first isolation of EEE virus (EEEV) in Vermont (VT11) was during this outbreak. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that VT11 was most closely related to FL01, a strain from Florida isolated in 2001, which is both geographically and temporally distinct from VT11. EEEV RNA was not detected in any of the 3,905 mosquito specimens tested, and the specific vectors associated with this outbreak are undetermined.
Kali D. Saxton-Shaw; Jeremy P. Ledermann; Joanie Kenney; Erica Berl; Alan C. Graham; Joel M. Russo; Ann M. Powers; John-Paul Mutebi. The First Outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Vermont: Outbreak Description and Phylogenetic Relationships of the Virus Isolate. PLOS ONE 2015, 10, e0128712 .
AMA StyleKali D. Saxton-Shaw, Jeremy P. Ledermann, Joanie Kenney, Erica Berl, Alan C. Graham, Joel M. Russo, Ann M. Powers, John-Paul Mutebi. The First Outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Vermont: Outbreak Description and Phylogenetic Relationships of the Virus Isolate. PLOS ONE. 2015; 10 (6):e0128712.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKali D. Saxton-Shaw; Jeremy P. Ledermann; Joanie Kenney; Erica Berl; Alan C. Graham; Joel M. Russo; Ann M. Powers; John-Paul Mutebi. 2015. "The First Outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Vermont: Outbreak Description and Phylogenetic Relationships of the Virus Isolate." PLOS ONE 10, no. 6: e0128712.
The within-host diversity of virus populations can be drastically limited during between-host transmission, with primary infection of hosts representing a major constraint to diversity maintenance. However, there is an extreme paucity of quantitative data on the demographic changes experienced by virus populations during primary infection. Here, the multiplicity of cellular infection (MOI) and population bottlenecks were quantified during primary mosquito infection by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, an arbovirus causing neurological disease in humans and equids.
Serafín Gutiérrez; Gaël Thébaud; Darci R. Smith; Joan L. Kenney; Scott C. Weaver. Demographics of Natural Oral Infection of Mosquitos by Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus. Journal of Virology 2015, 89, 4020 -4022.
AMA StyleSerafín Gutiérrez, Gaël Thébaud, Darci R. Smith, Joan L. Kenney, Scott C. Weaver. Demographics of Natural Oral Infection of Mosquitos by Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus. Journal of Virology. 2015; 89 (7):4020-4022.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSerafín Gutiérrez; Gaël Thébaud; Darci R. Smith; Joan L. Kenney; Scott C. Weaver. 2015. "Demographics of Natural Oral Infection of Mosquitos by Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus." Journal of Virology 89, no. 7: 4020-4022.
In the past decade, there has been an upsurge in the number of newly described insect-specific flaviviruses isolated pan-globally. We recently described the isolation of a novel flavivirus (tentatively designated ‘Nhumirim virus’; NHUV) that represents an example of a unique subset of apparently insect-specific viruses that phylogenetically affiliate with dual-host mosquito-borne flaviviruses despite appearing to be limited to replication in mosquito cells. We characterized the in vitro growth potential and 3′ untranslated region (UTR) sequence homology with alternative flaviviruses, and evaluated the virus’s capacity to suppress replication of representative Culex spp.-vectored pathogenic flaviviruses in mosquito cells. Only mosquito cell lines were found to support NHUV replication, further reinforcing the insect-specific phenotype of this virus. Analysis of the sequence and predicted RNA secondary structures of the 3′ UTR indicated NHUV to be most similar to viruses within the yellow fever serogroup and Japanese encephalitis serogroup, and viruses in the tick-borne flavivirus clade. NHUV was found to share the fewest conserved sequence elements when compared with traditional insect-specific flaviviruses. This suggests that, despite apparently being insect specific, this virus probably diverged from an ancestral mosquito-borne flavivirus. Co-infection experiments indicated that prior or concurrent infection of mosquito cells with NHUV resulted in a significant reduction in virus production of West Nile virus (WNV), St Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and Japanese encephalitis virus. The inhibitory effect was most effective against WNV and SLEV with over a 106-fold and 104-fold reduction in peak titres, respectively.
Joanie Kenney; Owen D. Solberg; Stanley A. Langevin; Aaron C. Brault. Characterization of a novel insect-specific flavivirus from Brazil: potential for inhibition of infection of arthropod cells with medically important flaviviruses. Journal of General Virology 2014, 95, 2796 -2808.
AMA StyleJoanie Kenney, Owen D. Solberg, Stanley A. Langevin, Aaron C. Brault. Characterization of a novel insect-specific flavivirus from Brazil: potential for inhibition of infection of arthropod cells with medically important flaviviruses. Journal of General Virology. 2014; 95 (12):2796-2808.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanie Kenney; Owen D. Solberg; Stanley A. Langevin; Aaron C. Brault. 2014. "Characterization of a novel insect-specific flavivirus from Brazil: potential for inhibition of infection of arthropod cells with medically important flaviviruses." Journal of General Virology 95, no. 12: 2796-2808.
We describe the isolation of a novel flavivirus, isolated from a pool of mosquitoes identified as Culex (Culex) chidesteri collected in 2010 in the Pantanal region of west-central Brazil. The virus is herein designated Nhumirim virus (NHUV) after the name of the ranch from which the mosquito pool was collected. Flavivirus RNA was detected by real-time RT-PCR of homogenized mosquitoes and from the corresponding C6/36 culture supernatant. Based on full-genome sequencing, the virus isolate was genetically distinct from but most closely related to Barkedji virus (BJV), a newly described flavivirus from Senegal. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that NHUV grouped with mosquito-borne flaviviruses forming a clade with BJV. This clade may be genetically intermediate between the Culex-borne flaviviruses amplified by birds and the insect-only flaviviruses.
Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa; Owen Solberg; Dinair Couto-Lima; Joan Kenney; Nicolau Serra-Freire; Aaron Brault; Rita Nogueira; Stanley Langevin; Nicholas Komar. Nhumirim virus, a novel flavivirus isolated from mosquitoes from the Pantanal, Brazil. Archives of Virology 2014, 160, 21 -27.
AMA StyleAlex Pauvolid-Corrêa, Owen Solberg, Dinair Couto-Lima, Joan Kenney, Nicolau Serra-Freire, Aaron Brault, Rita Nogueira, Stanley Langevin, Nicholas Komar. Nhumirim virus, a novel flavivirus isolated from mosquitoes from the Pantanal, Brazil. Archives of Virology. 2014; 160 (1):21-27.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlex Pauvolid-Corrêa; Owen Solberg; Dinair Couto-Lima; Joan Kenney; Nicolau Serra-Freire; Aaron Brault; Rita Nogueira; Stanley Langevin; Nicholas Komar. 2014. "Nhumirim virus, a novel flavivirus isolated from mosquitoes from the Pantanal, Brazil." Archives of Virology 160, no. 1: 21-27.
A single helicase amino acid substitution, NS3-T249P, has been shown to increase viremia magnitude/mortality in American crows (AMCRs) following West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Lineage/intra-lineage geographic variants exhibit consistent amino acid polymorphisms at this locus; however, the majority of WNV isolates associated with recent outbreaks reported worldwide have a proline at the NS3-249 residue. In order to evaluate the impact of NS3-249 variants on avian and mammalian virulence, multiple amino acid substitutions were engineered into a WNV infectious cDNA (NY99; NS3-249P) and the resulting viruses inoculated into AMCRs, house sparrows (HOSPs) and mice. Differential viremia profiles were observed between mutant viruses in the two bird species; however, the NS3-249P virus produced the highest mean peak viral loads in both avian models. In contrast, this avian modulating virulence determinant had no effect on LD50 or the neurovirulence phenotype in the murine model. Recombinant helicase proteins demonstrated variable helicase and ATPase activities; however, differences did not correlate with avian or murine viremia phenotypes. These in vitro and in vivo data indicate that avian-specific phenotypes are modulated by critical viral-host protein interactions involving the NS3-249 residue that directly influence transmission efficiency and therefore the magnitude of WNV epizootics in nature.
Stanley A. Langevin; Richard A. Bowen; William K. Reisen; Christy C. Andrade; Wanichaya N. Ramey; Payal D. Maharaj; Michael Anishchenko; Joanie Kenney; Nisha K. Duggal; Hannah Romo; Aloke Kumar Bera; Todd A. Sanders; Angela Bosco-Lauth; Janet L. Smith; Richard Kühn; Aaron C. Brault. Host Competence and Helicase Activity Differences Exhibited by West Nile Viral Variants Expressing NS3-249 Amino Acid Polymorphisms. PLOS ONE 2014, 9, e100802 .
AMA StyleStanley A. Langevin, Richard A. Bowen, William K. Reisen, Christy C. Andrade, Wanichaya N. Ramey, Payal D. Maharaj, Michael Anishchenko, Joanie Kenney, Nisha K. Duggal, Hannah Romo, Aloke Kumar Bera, Todd A. Sanders, Angela Bosco-Lauth, Janet L. Smith, Richard Kühn, Aaron C. Brault. Host Competence and Helicase Activity Differences Exhibited by West Nile Viral Variants Expressing NS3-249 Amino Acid Polymorphisms. PLOS ONE. 2014; 9 (6):e100802.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStanley A. Langevin; Richard A. Bowen; William K. Reisen; Christy C. Andrade; Wanichaya N. Ramey; Payal D. Maharaj; Michael Anishchenko; Joanie Kenney; Nisha K. Duggal; Hannah Romo; Aloke Kumar Bera; Todd A. Sanders; Angela Bosco-Lauth; Janet L. Smith; Richard Kühn; Aaron C. Brault. 2014. "Host Competence and Helicase Activity Differences Exhibited by West Nile Viral Variants Expressing NS3-249 Amino Acid Polymorphisms." PLOS ONE 9, no. 6: e100802.
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are transmitted between vertebrate hosts and arthropod vectors. An inherently complex interaction among virus, vector, and the environment determines successful transmission of the virus. Once believed to be "flying syringes," recent advances in the field have demonstrated that mosquito genetics, microbiota, salivary components, and mosquito innate immune responses all play important roles in modulating arbovirus transmissibility. The literature on the interaction among virus, mosquito, and environment has expanded dramatically in the preceding decade and the utilization of next-generation sequencing and transgenic vector methodologies assuredly will increase the pace of knowledge acquisition in this field. This chapter outlines the interplay among the three factors in both direct physical and biochemical manners as well as indirectly through superinfection barriers and altered induction of innate immune responses in mosquito vectors. The culmination of the aforementioned interactions and the arms race between the mosquito innate immune response and the capacity of arboviruses to antagonize such a response ultimately results in the subjugation of mosquito cells for viral replication and subsequent transmission.
Joanie Kenney; Aaron C. Brault. The Role of Environmental, Virological and Vector Interactions in Dictating Biological Transmission of Arthropod-Borne Viruses by Mosquitoes. Advances in Clinical Chemistry 2014, 89, 39 -83.
AMA StyleJoanie Kenney, Aaron C. Brault. The Role of Environmental, Virological and Vector Interactions in Dictating Biological Transmission of Arthropod-Borne Viruses by Mosquitoes. Advances in Clinical Chemistry. 2014; 89 ():39-83.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanie Kenney; Aaron C. Brault. 2014. "The Role of Environmental, Virological and Vector Interactions in Dictating Biological Transmission of Arthropod-Borne Viruses by Mosquitoes." Advances in Clinical Chemistry 89, no. : 39-83.
The wetlands of the Brazilian Pantanal host large concentrations of diverse wildlife species and hematophagous arthropods, conditions that favor the circulation of zoonotic arboviruses. A recent study from the Nhecolândia sub-region of Pantanal reported serological evidence of various flaviviruses, including West Nile virus and Ilheus virus (ILHV). According to the age of seropositive horses, at least three flaviviruses, including ILHV, circulated in the Brazilian Pantanal between 2005 and 2009. To extend this study, we collected 3,234 adult mosquitoes of 16 species during 2009 and 2010 in the same sub-region. Mosquito pool homogenates were assayed for infectious virus on C6/36 and Vero cell monolayers and also tested for flaviviral RNA by a group-specific real-time RT-PCR. One pool containing 50 non-engorged female specimens of Aedes scapularis tested positive for ILHV by culture and for ILHV RNA by real-time RT-PCR, indicating a minimum infection rate of 2.5 per 1000. Full-length genomic sequence exhibited 95% identity to the only full genome sequence available for ILHV. The present data confirm the circulation of ILHV in the Brazilian Pantanal. Ilheus virus causes mainly asymptomatic infections in humans with rare reports of encephalitis in northern South America. Ilheus virus is believed to be maintained in zoonotic cycles between birds and mosquitoes in Central and South America. Aiming to detect Ilheus virus and other arboviruses in the Pantanal region of west-central Brazil, host-seeking mosquitoes were collected by aspiration as they landed on horses, research team members, and caimans. Resting mosquitoes were collected from the walls inside a local residence and additional flying mosquitoes were captured in light traps. We isolated a Brazilian strain of Ilheus virus from a pool of 50 Aedes scapularis mosquitoes that were collected while landing on a member of our research team, in April, 2010. Our finding confirms a recent report of Ilheus virus activity in the Pantanal derived from the detection of neutralizing antibodies in horses. The anthropophilic behavior of the infected mosquito(es) suggests a risk of Ilheus virus transmission from mosquitoes to humans in the region. We provide the virus' complete genomic sequence and present its phylogenetic relationship with other isolates.
Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa; Joan L. Kenney; Dinair Couto-Lima; Zilca M. S. Campos; Hermann G. Schatzmayr; Rita M. R. Nogueira; Aaron C. Brault; Nicholas Komar. Ilheus Virus Isolation in the Pantanal, West-Central Brazil. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2013, 7, e2318 .
AMA StyleAlex Pauvolid-Corrêa, Joan L. Kenney, Dinair Couto-Lima, Zilca M. S. Campos, Hermann G. Schatzmayr, Rita M. R. Nogueira, Aaron C. Brault, Nicholas Komar. Ilheus Virus Isolation in the Pantanal, West-Central Brazil. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2013; 7 (7):e2318.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlex Pauvolid-Corrêa; Joan L. Kenney; Dinair Couto-Lima; Zilca M. S. Campos; Hermann G. Schatzmayr; Rita M. R. Nogueira; Aaron C. Brault; Nicholas Komar. 2013. "Ilheus Virus Isolation in the Pantanal, West-Central Brazil." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 7, no. 7: e2318.
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a re-emerging, mosquito-borne viral disease with the potential to cause fatal encephalitis in both humans and equids. Recently, detection of endemic VEE caused by enzootic strains has escalated in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador, emphasizing the importance of understanding the enzootic transmission cycle of the etiologic agent, VEE virus (VEEV). The majority of work examining the viral determinants of vector infection has been performed in the epizootic mosquito vector, Aedes (Ochlerotatus) taeniorhynchus. Based on the fundamental differences between the epizootic and enzootic cycles, we hypothesized that the virus-vector interaction of the enzootic cycle is fundamentally different from that of the epizootic model. We therefore examined the determinants for VEEV IE infection in the enzootic vector, Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus, and determined the number and susceptibility of midgut epithelial cells initially infected and their distribution compared to the epizootic virus-vector interaction. Using chimeric viruses, we demonstrated that the determinants of infection for the enzootic vector are different than those observed for the epizootic vector. Similarly, we showed that, unlike A. taeniorhynchus infection with subtype IC VEEV, C. taeniopus does not have a limited subpopulation of midgut cells susceptible to subtype IE VEEV. These findings support the hypothesis that the enzootic VEEV relationship with C. taeniopus differs from the epizootic virus-vector interaction in that the determinants appear to be found in both the nonstructural and structural regions, and initial midgut infection is not limited to a small population of susceptible cells. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is transmitted to humans and horses by mosquitoes in Mexico, Central and South America. These infections can lead to fatal encephalitis in humans as well as horses, donkeys and mules, and there are no licensed vaccines or treatments available for humans. VEEV circulates in two distinct transmission cycles (epizootic and enzootic), which are differentiated by the ecological niche that each virus inhabits. Epizootic strains, those that cause major outbreaks in humans and equids, have been studied extensively and have been used primarily to develop and test several vaccine candidates. In this study, we demonstrate some important differences in the roles of different viral genes between enzootic/endemic versus epizootic VEEV strains that affect mosquito infection as well as differences in the way that enzootic VEEV more efficiently infects the mosquito initially. Our findings have important implications for designing vaccines and for understanding the evolution of VEEV-mosquito interactions.
Joanie Kenney; A. Paige Adams; Rodion Gorchakov; Grace Leal; Scott C. Weaver. Genetic and Anatomic Determinants of Enzootic Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection of Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2012, 6, e1606 .
AMA StyleJoanie Kenney, A. Paige Adams, Rodion Gorchakov, Grace Leal, Scott C. Weaver. Genetic and Anatomic Determinants of Enzootic Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection of Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2012; 6 (4):e1606.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanie Kenney; A. Paige Adams; Rodion Gorchakov; Grace Leal; Scott C. Weaver. 2012. "Genetic and Anatomic Determinants of Enzootic Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection of Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 6, no. 4: e1606.
Joanie Kenney; Sara M. Volk; Jyotsna Pandya; Eryu Wang; Xiaodong Liang; Scott C. Weaver. Erratum to “Stability of RNA virus attenuation approaches” [Vaccine 29 (2011) 2230–2234]. Vaccine 2011, 29, 8174 .
AMA StyleJoanie Kenney, Sara M. Volk, Jyotsna Pandya, Eryu Wang, Xiaodong Liang, Scott C. Weaver. Erratum to “Stability of RNA virus attenuation approaches” [Vaccine 29 (2011) 2230–2234]. Vaccine. 2011; 29 (45):8174.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanie Kenney; Sara M. Volk; Jyotsna Pandya; Eryu Wang; Xiaodong Liang; Scott C. Weaver. 2011. "Erratum to “Stability of RNA virus attenuation approaches” [Vaccine 29 (2011) 2230–2234]." Vaccine 29, no. 45: 8174.