New research at K-State swats back at mosquito-borne virus threatening pork industry

Collaboration between the College of Veterinary Medicine and NBAF yields new JEV insights.

K-State researchers with the Center for Outcomes Research adn Epidemiology recently published findings on Japanese encephalitis virus. From left: Stephen Edache, doctoral student; Natalia Cernicchiaro, professor of epidemiology and associate director of research for the center; and Andrea Dixon, senior data scientist. | Download this photo.

Kansas State University researchers and collaborators are creating a buzz in the world of mosquito-borne virus research with a new study on Japanese encephalitis virus, or JEV, which can infect humans and animals and cause a range of illnesses, including reproductive abnormalities in swine.

Natalia Cernicchiaro, professor of epidemiology and associate director of research at the Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, or CORE, in the College of Veterinary Medicine, led the recently published study on the transmission of JEV and its impact on the pork industry. She was assisted by other researchers from K-State and the USDA National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, or NBAF, in Manhattan.

The study, "Mosquito vector competence for Japanese encephalitis virus: A systematic review and meta-analysis update," was published early this year in the journal Parasites and Vectors.

"We updated our previous systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on JEV vector and host competence, published from 2016 through 2023," Cernicchiaro said. "While JEV is transmitted primarily by the Culex group of mosquitoes, we found nine to 12 additional mosquito species that can be potential vectors for JEV."

Meeting the needs of industry

Cernicchiaro's project was organized through CORE and funded by the Swine Health Information Center, or SHIC.

"SHIC invited us to join a webinar and podcast in 2022 to discuss our initial assessment of the risk of Japanese encephalitis virus introduction into the continental United States, following recent outbreaks in mainland Australia," Cernicchiaro said. "This work directly reflects CORE's mission of advancing preparedness for transboundary and emerging diseases through multidisciplinary research."

Cernicchiaro said that by integrating epidemiology, entomology, virology and modeling, CORE is able to provide stakeholders with science-based insights that inform surveillance, prevention and response strategies for high-impact threats like JEV. Although JEV has not been detected in the United States, the presence of competent mosquito vectors and susceptible hosts elevates the risk of incursion.

"We estimated an overall JEV infection rate of 45.4% across 51 unique mosquito species, meaning that nearly half of the mosquitoes exposed to JEV in experimental settings became infected," Cernicchiaro said. "The overall JEV transmission rate across all species of mosquitoes and studies was 22.7%, which means nearly one in every four infected mosquitoes can transmit JEV to hosts."

A team built for global analysis

The K-State research team included Andrea Dixon, senior data scientist with CORE, who led the execution of the study, overseeing all technical aspects and ensuring rigorous implementation; Stephen Edache, a current doctoral student; and Ana R. S. Oliveira, a former master's student who is now conducting doctoral studies at the University of California, Davis.

"As a Ph.D. student, Stephen contributed substantially to implementation, data analysis and reporting while integrating this project into his doctoral research on JEV transmission dynamics in livestock," Cernicchiaro said. "This study is a central component of his Ph.D. work and reflects the kind of high-impact, applied research that CORE fosters for graduate training."

Cernicchiaro said their collaborators at NBAF — Chad Mire, Dana Mitzel and Lee Cohnstaedt — brought essential expertise in virology, molecular biology and entomology.

"Their insights on mosquito biology and vector competence, vector–host–virus interactions, and mitigation strategies greatly strengthened the scientific rigor of the study," Cernicchiaro said. "Equally important, they facilitate broader connections with other research institutions and government agencies, expanding the impact and reach of our work. These partnerships exemplify the value of CORE's collaborative approach: bringing together complementary expertise to address complex, real-world challenges in animal and public health."

Cernicchiaro said the research findings offer valuable insights that go beyond what individual studies can provide.

"This work helps to synthesize the evidence base in a way that is accessible and actionable for policymakers, public health authorities, and disease modelers," Cernicchiaro said. "Ultimately, the goal is to support evidence-based decision-making with the most current and comprehensive data available."

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