Implicating Culicoides Biting Midges as Vectors of Schmallenberg Virus Using Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057747
• Publication Date: 2013-03-08T22:10:46Z
• Authors: Eva Veronesi; Mark Henstock; Simon Gubbins; Carrie Batten; Robyn Manley; James Barber; Bernd Hoffmann; Martin Beer; Houssam Attoui; Peter Paul Clemen...; Simon Carpenter
• Keywords: Culicoides; Ceratopogonidae; Biting

The recent unprecedented emergence of arboviruses transmitted by Culicoides biting midges in northern Europe has necessitated the development techniques to differentiate competent vector species. At present these are entirely reliant upon interpretation semi-quantitative RT-PCR (sqPCR) data form Cq values used infer presence viral RNA samples. This study investigates advantages and limitations sqPCR this role comparing infection dissemination rates Schmallenberg virus (SBV) two colony lines Culicoides. Through use behaviorally malleable we provide tools for demarcating arbovirus which date have prevented clear implication primary species Europe. demonstrates biological transmission SBV an arthropod vector, supporting conclusions from field-caught provides a general framework future assessment competence using sqPCR. When adopting novel diagnostic technologies, correctly implicating vectors arboviral pathogens requires coherent laboratory fully understand implications results produced field. illustrates difficulties full examination Culicoides-arbovirus system.