Host Selection by Culex pipiens Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus Amplification

摘要: Recent field studies have suggested that the dynamics of West Nile virus (WNV) transmission are influenced strongly by a few key super spreader bird species function both as primary blood hosts vector mosquitoes (in particular Culex pipiens) and reservoir-competent hosts. It has been hypothesized human cases result from shift in mosquito feeding these to humans after abundance birds decreases. To test this paradigm, we performed meal analysis integrating host-feeding patterns Cx. pipiens, principal WNV eastern United States north latitude 36 degrees N other with robust measures host availability, determine selection WNV-endemic area suburban Chicago, Illinois, during 2005-2007. Results showed pipiens fed predominantly (83%) on high diversity used (25 species). American robins (Turdus migratorius) were marginally overused several underused basis relative measures, including common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). also substantially mammals (19%; 7 representing 16%). intensified July years at times when heavily upon, then decreased robin decreased, which selected There was no coincident emergence cases. Rather, predominated onset occurred. Measures competence preference combined estimate amplification fractions different species. Predictions approximately 66% WNV-infectious became infected just birds, (35%), blue jays (17%, Cyanocitta cristata), finches (15%, Carpodacus mexicanus).