Determination of the primary vector and reservoir host for epidemic type Japanese encephalitis virus
10.3760/cma.j.cn112866-20250214-00033
- VernacularTitle:流行性乙型脑炎病毒最主要传播媒介和宿主动物的确定
- Author:
Guodong LIANG
1
Author Information
1. 中国疾病预防控制中心病毒病预防控制所 传染病溯源预警与智能决策全国重点实验室，北京 102206
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Japanese encephalitis virus;
Japanese encephalitis;
Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquito;
Pigs;
Vector;
Host animal
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology
2025;39(3):259-264
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquito and pigs are well-known as the primary vectors and amplification hosts of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a fact that has become common knowledge in the field of virology and infectious disease. However, 70 years ago, researchers in China and other countries isolated the JEV from various species of mosquitoes and different animal specimens, leading to no consensus on which mosquito is the main vector for JEV and which mammal serves as its principal amplification host. Since the 1950s, a research team led by Professor Wang Yimin from Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, collaborated with local epidemic prevention departments to investigate the vectors and host animals of JEV in China. Through extensive field and laboratory investigation, they conclusively identified the Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquito and pigs as the primary vectors and amplification hosts for the JEV. The research findings provided strong scientific evidence for the prevention and control of Japanese encephalitis and were at the forefront or advanced level internationally at that time. This article presents the main research result of this project, offering insights into historical facts regarding the prevention and control of JEV in China, while also commemorating the significant contributions made by the pioneers of virology in our country towards the prevention and control of JE.
