Studies of the Biology of Phleboviruses in Sandflies

摘要

Investigations were carried out on the biology of phlebotomus fever group viruses (Bunyaviridae: Phlebovirus) in their sandfly vectors. This work included studies on the susceptibility of sandflies to oral and parenteral infection with phleboviruses, replication of the viruses in the insects, and the ability of these agents to be vertically transmitted in their vectors. In addition, a number of sandfly species were colonized for the first time, and two continuous sandfly cell cultures were established. Results of these studies suggest some phleboviruses are maintained in nature by two mechanisms: vertical (transovarial) transmission in their insect vector and an alternating mammal-insect cycle.