TRANSMISSION OF WESTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS VIRUS BY ARGENTINE AEDES-ALBIFASCIATUS (DIPTERA, CULICIDAE)

Aedes albifasciatus (Macquart) has been considered a potential vector of western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus in Argentina because it has been found naturally infected, it is susceptible to infection per os, and its distribution and feeding habits are compatible with those of an epizootic and epidemic vector. Ae. albifasciatus females collected in the vicinity of Cordoba, Argentina, were highly susceptible to WEE virus perorally (ID50 < 0.5 VeTo cell plaque-forming units) when fed on viremic chicks. Virus transmission trials were done 9 to 16 d after infection by feeding potentially infected mosquitoes individually on chicks. Among 31 mosquitoes that survived the incubation period, six refed on susceptible chicks. Virus transmission by bite was demonstrated by five of six (83%) mosquitoes. Therefore, the final piece of evidence incriminating Ae. albifasciatus as a natural vector of WEE virus has been obtained. This is the first mosquito species to be incriminated as a vector of WEE virus in South America.