Experimental investigation of the susceptibility of Italian Culex pipiens mosquitoes to Zika virus infection

We investigated the susceptibility of an Italian population ofCulex pipiens mosquitoes to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, tested in parallel withAedes aegypti, as a positive control. We analysed mosquitoes at 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 20 and 24 days after an infectious blood meal. Viral RNA was detected in the body ofCx. pipiens up to three days post-infection, but not at later time points. Our results indicate thatCx. pipiens is not susceptible to ZIKV infection.
Source: Eurosurveillance - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research