• Summary
  • Genetics of the Chikungunya virus. How do mutations in the virus affect vector specificity and epidemic potential?
  • Molecular and serological diagnosis of Chikungunya virus infection
  • Pathophysiological and clinical aspects of the Chikunguya fever
  • An integrative approach to the Biology and Control of the vector Aedes albopictus
  • Podium Discussion

Genetics of the Chikungunya virus. How do mutations in the virus affect vector specificity and epidemic potential? How do mutations in the virus affect vector specificity and epidemic potential?

In this first lecture Dr. Higgs presented the biochemical and genetic features of the virus and discussed whether a specific mutation in the gene encoding the E1 protein is sufficient to increase the fitness of Chikungunya virus in Aedes albopictus, which in turn could contribute to its rapid spread.