Abstract
In this paper it is proposed that one potential component by which the Musca domestica salivary gland hypertrophy virus (MdSGHV) infects individual flies is through cuticular damage. Breaks in the cuticle allow entry of the virus into the hemocoel causing the infection. Male flies typically have a higher rate of infection and a higher rate of cuticular damage than females. A model for the transmission of MdSGHV was formulated assuming several potential and recognized means of transmission. The model yields results that are in agreement with field data that measured the infection rate in house flies on dairy farms in Florida. The results from this model indicate that MdSGHV will be maintained at a stable rate within house fly populations and support the future use of MdSGHV as a birth control agent in house fly management.
Highlights
Members within the family Hytrosaviridae are characterized as enveloped rod-shaped dsDNA viruses that infect various dipteran hosts and induce salivary gland hypertrophy (SGH) symptoms [1]
Ample evidence has been provided for the presence of infectious virus particles in salivary secretions and on food substrates [2,6]
We developed a mathematical model that would describe how Musca domestica salivary gland hypertrophy virus (MdSGHV) may be maintained in house fly populations
Summary
Members within the family Hytrosaviridae are characterized as enveloped rod-shaped dsDNA viruses that infect various dipteran hosts and induce salivary gland hypertrophy (SGH) symptoms [1]. The. Musca domestica salivary gland hypertrophy virus (MdSGHV), detected in housefly populations on a global scale, typically causes low levels of SGH [2,3,4]. Viral infection down-regulates vitellogenesis resulting in the sterilization of female flies. It is this characteristic that stimulated research addressing the potential of this virus as a birth control agent. Within a few days after ingestion, the newly infected flies would develop salivary gland hypertrophy (SGH) and become infectious virus donors in the population. Results from transmission experiments have raised the question whether other mechanisms that involve fly-to-fly contact are involved in the contraction of this disease by adult flies [7]. We proposed that other avenues of virus transmission function in house fly populations [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
