A Review of the Vector Status of North American Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for Bluetongue Virus, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, and Other Arboviruses of Concern

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCulicoides biting midges transmit several pathogens of veterinary importance in North America, but the vector status of many midge species is unresolved. Additionally, the available evidence of vector competence in these species is scattered and variable. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on confirmed and putative North AmericanCulicoides arbovirus vectors.Recent FindingsWhile the vector status ofCulicoidessonorensis (EHDV, BTV, VSV) andCulicoidesinsignis (BTV) are well established, several other potential vector species have been recently identified. Frequently, these species are implicated based primarily on host-feeding, abundance, and/or detection of arboviruses from field-collected insects, and often lack laboratory infection and transmission data necessary to fully confirm their vector status. Recent genetic studies have also indicated that some wide-ranging species likely represent several cryptic species, further complicating our understanding of their vector status.SummaryIn most cases, laboratory evidence needed to fully understand the vector status of the putativeCulicoides vectors is absent; however, it appears that several species are likely contributing to the transmission of arboviruses in North America.
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research