title: Comparison of vector competence of Aedes mediovittatus and Aedes aegypti for dengue virus: implications for dengue control in the Caribbean.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aedes mediovittatus mosquitoes are found throughout the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean and often share the same larval habitats with Ae. Aegypti, the primary vector for dengue virus (DENV). Implementation of vector control measures to control dengue that specifically target Ae. Aegypti may not control DENV transmission in Puerto Rico (PR). Even if Ae. Aegypti is eliminated or DENV refractory mosquitoes are released, DENV transmission may not cease when other competent mosquito species like Ae. Mediovittatus are present. To compare vector competence of Ae. Mediovittatus and Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes, we studied relative infection and transmission rates for all four DENV serotypes.
  
  
  METHODS
  To compare the vector competence of Ae. Mediovittatus and Ae. Aegypti, mosquitoes were exposed to DENV 1-4 per os at viral titers of 5-6 logs plaque-forming unit (pfu) equivalents. At 14 days post infectious bloodmeal, viral RNA was extracted and tested by qRT-PCR to determine infection and transmission rates. Infection and transmission rates were analyzed with a generalized linear model assuming a binomial distribution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ae. Aegypti had significantly higher DENV-4 infection and transmission rates than Ae. mediovittatus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study determined that Ae. Mediovittatus is a competent DENV vector. Therefore dengue prevention programs in PR and the Caribbean should consider both Ae. Mediovittatus and Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes in their vector control programs.
authors: Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
authors: B Katherine
authors: BK
authors: Poole-Smith
authors: Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
authors: Ryan R
authors: RR
authors: Hemme
authors: Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Delorey
authors: Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
authors: Gilberto
authors: G
authors: Felix
authors: Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
authors: Andrea L
authors: AL
authors: Gonzalez
authors: Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Amador
authors: Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Hunsperger
authors: Dengue Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Barrera
mesh_terms: D000330:Aedes / Q000821:virology*; D000818:Animals; D017691:Caribbean Region; D003715:Dengue / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003716:Dengue Virus; D017753:Ecosystem; D006801:Humans; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000821:virology*; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics; D011647:Puerto Rico