Studies on the Biologies of Mosquito Species Incriminated as Vectors of Keystone Virus in Houston, Texas

摘要

This investigation was undertaken to obtain data on the woodland mosquitoes in sufficient detail to characterize, ecologically and behaviorally, the most common species. The specific goals were: (1) to find taxonomic characters for separating all life stages of the woodland mosquitoes; (2) to provide detailed biological information on A. atlanticus, A. tormentor, and associated species relevant to their distribution in time and space; and (3) to analyze the findings in the context of the epidemiology of KEY virus. The attainment of these objectives was accomplished through an integrated program of field and laboratory studies. Quantitative samples of all life stages were taken at a woodland area, with an adjoining field, located at the University of Houston Gulf Coast Research Station. The laboratory studies were conducted at The University of Texas School of Public Health. This investigation was part of an over-all effort to elucidate certain aspects of the ecology of the CEV group in the Houston, Texas area and all adult mosquitoes collected during these studies were processed for virus isolation. This effort resulted in a number of isolation of members of the CEV group from mosquitoes, in addition to those obtained from a concurrently operated sentinel rabbit program. The sentinel rabbit program was particularly rewarding during the spring period of peak mosquito abundance.