Chen, C CShou, LHwang, L LTang, PTu, W CLo, H S2009-05-272009-05-271987-03-01Chen CC, Shou L, Hwang LL, Tang P, Tu WC, Lo HS. Persistence of hepatitis B viral antigens in Culex quinquefasciatus. The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. 1987 Mar; 18(1): 44-51http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/32241The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health.Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were fed on or inoculated with blood or serum positive for hepatitis B viral antigens and pools of mosquitoes were tested by radioimmunoassay daily for 3 weeks after exposure to detect the viral antigens. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detectable up to 3 weeks, while hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) persisted only for 3 days in mosquitoes after feeding on hepatitis B viral antigens-positive blood. Mosquitoes inoculated with serum were HBsAg-positive for 3 weeks and HBeAg positive for 4 days after inoculation. These results suggest that biological multiplication of hepatitis B virus did not occur in these mosquitoes. The possibility of mechanical transmission of hepatitis B antigens by mosquitoes is discussed.engAnimalsCulex --immunologyHepatitis B --transmissionHepatitis B Surface Antigens --analysisHepatitis B e Antigens --analysisInsect Vectors --microbiologyTime FactorsJournal Article