Recently introduced Aedes albopictus in the United States: potential vector of La Crosse virus (Bunyaviridae: California serogroup)

Abstract

A population of Aedes albopictus collected in 1986 in Harris County, Texas, was evaluated for its vector competence with 4 California serogroup viruses (Jamestown Canyon, Keystone, La Crosse and trivittatus). Rates of midgut infection, dissemination of virus beyond the midgut and oral transmission to suckling mice were markedly different for the 4 viruses in a pattern representative of the antigenic relationships known for the California serogroup. Only La Crosse virus was shown to be efficiently transmitted by this recently introduced mosquito population. The results suggest that populations of Ae. albopictus originating from the Harris County population might well be as efficient in transmitting La Crosse virus as are populations of the natural mosquito vector. Aedes triseriatus, from the midwestern La Crosse virus enzootic region. The public health implications of these results are discussed in relation to the rapid spread of Ae. albopictus throughout the eastern half of the United States and into regions where La Crosse virus is known to be enzootic.