Culicoides biting midge feeding behaviors and its implications on arbovirus transmission

Authors: ROZO-LOPEZ, PAULA - Tennessee University; Drolet, Barbara

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/11/2022
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Interpretive Summary not required in accordance with ARS-115 Publications P & P 152.1 v.5 (10/19/2019) chapter 5 page 31 Matrix for Data Entry Determinations. Kmm

Technical Abstract: Culicoides biting midges are nuisance pests of livestock and well-known vectors of veterinary arboviruses, such as vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Culicoides blood-feeding behaviors can alter the outcome of vector-virus interactions and favor arbovirus transmission. Specifically, fully engorged females can achieve relatively high oral infection rates even with low viral titer blood meals. Moreover, a preference for Culicoides to feed on a warmer blood meal at their first feeding favors virus acquisition from febrile animals with an active virus infection. Following infection, subsequent blood feeding enhances viral replication in the midge, thereby enhancing transmission potential. The environment can also alter the outcome with warmer environmental temperatures shortening the duration of feeding-oviposition-re-feeding cycles which results in more frequent contact with animals, thereby enhancing pathogen transmission potential. Our research highlights the epidemiological implications of environment, vector behavior, and physiology on arbovirus transmission by Culicoides midges.