ECU Site: The Cullowhee MIDAS (Mosquito Infrared Diagnostic & Assessment System) Project

Our previous work has shown the ability to differentiate between mosquitoes of different species and infection status using mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS). We propose to expand the possibilities of this technology by conducting further testing the ability of MIRS to differentiate between mosquitoes of different infection status. The objective of this subcontract is to infect mosquitoes with arboviruses (dengue serotypes 1-4, La Crosse viruses) and verify infection and dissemination rates. We will rear mosquitoes in the ECU insectary and provide 50-75 Aedes aegypti infected with each dengue virus serotype and 50-75 Aedes triseriatus infected with La Crosse virus. Mosquitoes will be provided to co-investigators for further analyses using MIRS. Infection/dissemination data will be analyzed and compared to MIRS data to improve risk assessment.

Scholars @ ECU