Transovarial transmission of West Nile virus in Culex vishnui mosquito

Abstract

The phenomenon of transovarial transmission (TOT) of West Nile (WN) virus in Culex vishnui was studied. The virus was detected in the progeny of both first and second gonotropic cycles (G1 and G2). About 5.56 per cent pools of F1 progeny from the parent females infected by the oral route were found positive for WN virus. This is the first report of TOT of WN virus in this species of mosquito. The occurrence of this phenomenon is of considerable importance in view of complex natural cycle of the virus and the high density of this vector species in nature. The results suggest that this mosquito may be involved in the maintenance of this virus in nature.