Mentor/s
Professor Babapoor
Participation Type
Paper Talk
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a zoonotic arbovirus infection of the central nervous system affecting humans. Powassan virus (POWV) is a member of the TBE and encephalitis cases associated with this virus have been increasing since 1999 and is considered an emerging public health concern. At least 49 cases in the U.S. from 2005-2012 have been reported. Expansion in the population of blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, as the main vector of POWV in recent decades may have consequently increased the population size and distribution of emerging tick-borne viruses. Full genome sequences and phylogenetic analysis of POWV will help us better understand the mechanisms influencing the epidemiology of POWV. This will aid in the prediction and control of future outbreaks. Therefore, after consulting with a very well-established research group at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CASE) we propose determining the infection prevalence in I. scapularis ticks in Fairfield County through isolation of virus, sequence analysis, and phylogenetic studies of the isolates to aid in mitigating future outbreaks.
College and Major available
College of Arts and Sciences, Biology
Location
Digital Commons
Start Day/Time
5-5-2021 1:00 PM
End Day/Time
5-5-2021 4:00 PM
Prize Categories
Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Best Writing (formerly called the Writing Across the Curriculum prize; the final submission date to be considered for this award is Apr 1), Most Creative, Most Meaningful
Tick-borne Encephalitis Survey and Phylogenetic Study of Powassan Virus in Fairfield County, Connecticut
Digital Commons
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a zoonotic arbovirus infection of the central nervous system affecting humans. Powassan virus (POWV) is a member of the TBE and encephalitis cases associated with this virus have been increasing since 1999 and is considered an emerging public health concern. At least 49 cases in the U.S. from 2005-2012 have been reported. Expansion in the population of blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, as the main vector of POWV in recent decades may have consequently increased the population size and distribution of emerging tick-borne viruses. Full genome sequences and phylogenetic analysis of POWV will help us better understand the mechanisms influencing the epidemiology of POWV. This will aid in the prediction and control of future outbreaks. Therefore, after consulting with a very well-established research group at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CASE) we propose determining the infection prevalence in I. scapularis ticks in Fairfield County through isolation of virus, sequence analysis, and phylogenetic studies of the isolates to aid in mitigating future outbreaks.
Students' Information
Amber Santorelli, Molecular and Cellular Biology Major, Chemistry Minor, December 2021
Alana Fumo, Biology Major, Class of 2021
Bella Michelucci, Biology Major, Chemistry and Honors Minor, Class of 2021
Anna Carney, Biology Major, Class of 2021