Introduction to Keystone Virus Biology
Date: April 9, 2020
Time: 01:00PM - 02:00PM
You must be registered to participate!We recently reported finding Keystone virus (KEYV) in a teenager with fever and a diffuse skin rash. The virus is considered a neglected virus; there has been very little new information about KEYV that has been generated since the 1960s. Preliminary studies performed at the University of Florida in year 2019 indicate that residents of North Central Florida have antibodies that recognize KEYV. We have now initiated a study along with collaborators from the Anastasia Mosquito Control District to gain insights on the occurrence and distribution of the virus in mosquitoes trapped at selected sites in Northern Florida. These studies reveal that the virus is still in circulation in certain populations of Aedes atlanticus mosquitoes. Nucleotide sequence analyses of the first virus isolates are in-progress and already reveal additional surprises.
Outline of talk:
- Discovery of Keystone virus in a patient
- Background information: Keystone virus
- Gaps in our knowledge of Keystone virus
- Studies to expand knowledge about the natural biology of Keystone virus: What are its hosts, and what is its geographical range?
- Up-to-date findings
- John Lednicky, BS, MS, PhD, Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida - Gainesville
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