Seasonal variation in the vector competence of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Coachella valley of California for western equine encephalomyelitis and St Louis encephalitis viruses

The vector competence of Culex tarsalis Coquillett from the Coachella Valley of California for western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE) and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) viruses was monitored monthly from February to November 1993. The concentration of WEE virus required to infect 50% of the females increased during summer coincidentally with ambient temperature and was highest during July. Transmission rates of WEE virus were high during March, low during May-June, and high again during July-September. Females expressed both mesenteronal escape and salivary gland barriers limiting WEE virus dissemination and transmission rates, respectively. SLE virus infection and dissemination rates did not vary among months, but transmission rates were highest during July-September Although infection rates with SLE virus were moderate, most infected females developed disseminated infections. Salivary gland infection or escape barriers prevented SLE virus transmission in 16-100% of infected females.