Honors Theses

Date of Award

12-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Chistopher Vitek

Second Advisor

Dr. Teresa Feria Arroyo

Third Advisor

Dr. John Thomas

Abstract

Arboviruses such as Zika (ZIKV), dengue, chikungunya are responsible causing over 4 million people to live with debilitating conditions and may produce long-term health consequences. Zika virus, a newly emerging arbovirus, has potentially severe neurological complications and a potential to cause severe birth defects. There are no current vaccines for Zika virus, and the primary method for control the spread of this disease is through early detection and vector control. Assessing and quantifying viral transmission patterns is critical for successful control efforts. Zika virus shows some unique (among arboviruses) transmission patterns, notably the ability to be sexually transmitted. One aspect of transmission that warrants additional examination is vertical transmission, which may increase the pathogens ability to persist year-round. We intended to examine vertical transmission in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. We infected adult female mosquitoes through an artificial blood meal and allowed them individually oviposit. We monitored overall egg production, hatch rates, and larval development. Fourth instar larvae were tested to determine infection status. Aedes albopictus were infected, however the sample of mosquitoes did not oviposition. When examining Aedes aegypti we encountered probable contamination in our results and if time permits focus our efforts in re-testing Aedes aegypti and identify possible sources of contamination. Identifying these possible contamination sources and modifying the protocol conducting this study may assist future assessment of transmission risk and potential timing for outbreaks.

Comments

Copyright 2018 Stephanie Cantu. All Rights Reserved.

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