PRJNA438968
Characterization of different Aedes aegypti population in Florida for interfering with chikungunya virus transmission
Our ability to assess risk and pre¬vent mosquito-borne disease in Florida is hindered by lack of knowledge about mechanistic causes of differential vector competence. We need to understand vector-virus interactions that will lead to practical approaches for rapid risk assessment of disease in Florida. Our primary objective is to evaluate the vector competence of Florida Aedes aegypti for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and determine if there is a geographic component that influences genes involved in CHIKV competence. We propose using RNA sequencing to detect genes that interact with CHIKV and potentially interfere with infection.