Researchers examine Japanese encephalitis virus spread risks
Kansas State University scientists are shedding light on the growing concern of Japanese encephalitis virus, or JEV, which affects both humans and animals. The study, led by professor Natalia Cernicchiaro at the university’s Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (CORE), highlights how many mosquito species can carry and transmit this disease.
This work is especially important for the U.S. pork industry, as JEV can cause reproductive problems in swine. Although the virus has not yet been detected in the United States, the presence of competent mosquito vectors and susceptible animals raises the risk of introduction.
"We updated our previous systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on JEV vector and host competence, published from 2016 through 2023," said Cernicchiaro. "While JEV is transmitted primarily by the Culex group of mosquitoes, we found nine to 12 additional mosquito species that can be potential vectors for JEV."
The research, published in the journal Parasites and Vectors, updates a previous review on mosquito species capable of spreading JEV. While the virus is mainly transmitted by the Culex group of mosquitoes, the team identified nine to twelve additional species that can also act as carriers. Their findings showed that nearly half of the mosquitoes exposed to JEV became infected, and about one in four infected mosquitoes could transmit it further.
The project was funded by the Swine Health Information Center and involved collaboration with the USDA National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. Graduate students and scientists combined expertise in epidemiology, entomology, virology, and data modeling to analyze global data and predict possible outcomes.
By synthesizing results from studies worldwide, the team provides clear evidence for policymakers and public health officials. Their research offers valuable guidance for surveillance, prevention, and response strategies against potential outbreaks.
"We estimated an overall JEV infection rate of 45.4% across 51 unique mosquito species, meaning that nearly half of the mosquitoes exposed to JEV in experimental settings became infected," said Cernicchiaro. "The overall JEV transmission rate across all species of mosquitoes and studies was 22.7%, which means nearly one in every four infected mosquitoes can transmit JEV to hosts."
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