VECTOR-HOST INTERACTIONS AND TRANSMISSION OF ARBOVIRUSES IN
THE U.S.
Goudarz Molaei
Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases
The Connecticut
Agricultural Experiment Station
123 Huntington Street, P.O. Box 1106
New Haven, CT 06504
Goudarz.Molaei@po.state.ct.us
ABSTRACT
Knowledge of the vector-host interactions is
essential for evaluating the role of mosquitoes in transmission of vector-borne
zoonotic pathogens and for assessing the contribution
of various vertebrates as reservoir and amplifying hosts. Our studies on the
bloodmeal host utilization by potential mosquito vectors of arboviruses in the U.S. indicate
that while some mosquito species predominantly feed on avian hosts, and focus
feeding activity on several key birds, other species indiscriminately feed on
both birds and mammals. The importance of heterogeneity in vector-host
interactions and implication for transmission of arboviruses will be discussed.
Studies on the genetic structure and potential influence of introgressions on
the bloodmeal host utilization by mosquitoes will also be reviewed.
Key words. Mosquito, host-feeding pattern, mitochondrial
cytochrome b gene, West Nile virus, Northeastern USA