Thomas H. G Aitken

Parasitic Philornis flies as possible sources of arbor virus infections (Diptera, Anthomyidae).

Summary Fly parasites of the genus Philornis (Anthomyidae) attacking nestling birds have been shown capable of becoming infected with St. Louis and Ilhéus viruses. In one instance, a larva was found positive for St. Louis virus after feeding on a nestling ani that was circulating this virus. In a second case, 2 of 9 adult flies became infected with Ilhéus virus after they had been inoculated as larvae 10 and 11 days previously. Similarly, 6 of 8 adult flies proved positive for St. Louis virus after being inoculated 10 days previously as larvae.

Bushbush, Ieri and Lukuni viruses, three unrelated new agents isolated from Trinidadian forest mosquitoes

Summary Seven virus strains, all isolated from forest mosquitoes collected in eastern Trinidad between 1955 and 1959, have been shown to represent 3 unrelated new viruses, designated Bushbush, Ieri and Lukuni. Neutralizing antibody to Lukuni virus has been demonstrated in human serum. No relationship has been found between either Bushbush or Ieri virus and recognized arboviruses, but Lukuni virus has been found to be related to Anopheles A virus in complement-fixation and neutralization tests. Some of the biological properties of the 3 viruses are described. The technical assistance of Fitzroy James, Shaima Ali, Harold Drysdale, Raymond Manuel, Desmond Seupersad and Enrique Preddie is gratefully acknowledged.