Location: Research Programs
Project Number: 3022-32000-018-058-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 16, 2024
End Date: Sep 15, 2025
Objective:
Secure a BSL3 and BSL3 (Ag) facility and associated logistical and ancillary support under the direction of USDA scientists, to perform animal experiments with biological materials provided by USDA (e.g. Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Rift Valley Fever Virus, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and/or vaccine candidates). In general, these studies will investigate the role of virus genes involved in transmission and virulence in vector and/or host. Additionally, the circulating virus load required for transmission of the virus from the host to the vector will be established.
Approach:
To understand Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) pathogenesis and clinical disease in domestic swine we will investigate the role of genotypes and/or genes involved in transmission and virulence. JEV challenge through needle or vector will be performed to assess clinical signs, viremia, transmission, and pathogenesis. Clinical samples will be collected on days post-infection 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and study endpoint.
The circulating infectious virus load and its effect on transmission to vectors is unknown for arboviruses like Rift Valley Fever Virus. To investigate the virus level required for transmission, we will use naïve mosquitoes to feed on infected sheep at different times post infection from days post-infection 1-4. At 14 days post engorgement of the mosquitoes, the percent of mosquitoes that are infected and the viral titer will be examined for each mosquito. The percent infection and viral titer from the mosquitoes will be correlated to the virus titer from the animal in which the mosquito fed.
