title: Immuno-chromatographic wicking assay for the rapid detection of dengue viral antigens in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae).
abstract: There is a threat for dengue virus (DENV) reemergence in many regions of the world, particularly in areas where the DENV vectors, Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse), are readily available. However, there are currently no accurate and reliable diagnostic methods to provide critical, real-time information for early detection of DENV within the vector populations to implement appropriate vector control and personal protective measures. In this article, we report the ability of an immuno-chromatographic assay developed by VecTOR Test Systems Inc. to detect DENV in a pool of female Aedes mosquitoes infected with any of the four viral serotypes. The DENV dipstick assay was simple to use, did not require a cold chain, and provided clear results within 30 min. It was highly specific and did not cross-react with samples spiked with West Nile, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever, chikungunya, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, Ross River, LaCrosse, or Caraparu viruses. The DENV assay can provide real-time critical information on the presence of DENV in mosquitoes to public health personnel. Results from this assay will allow a rapid threat assessment and the focusing of vector control measures in high-risk areas.
authors.affiliation: Malaria Diagnostic Center, U.S. Army Medical Research Unit, Kisumu, Kenya. elizabeth.wanja@usamru-k.org
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wanja
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
authors.forename: Zahra F
authors.initials: ZF
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
authors.forename: Oluwakemi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Odusami
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
authors.forename: Tobin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rowland
authors.affiliation: VecTOR Test Systems, Inc., 3537 Old Conejo Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
authors.forename: Kirti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Davé
authors.affiliation: VecTOR Test Systems, Inc., 3537 Old Conejo Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Davé
authors.affiliation: Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St., Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Turell
mesh_terms: D000330:Aedes / Q000821:virology*; D000818:Animals; D002845:Chromatography; D003716:Dengue Virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000821:virology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity