Identification and molecular characterization of Culex flavivirus in Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae): first report from India.

Background: Culex quinquefasciatus is a notorious vector known to transmit pathogens such as Wuchereria bancrofti (causing Lymphatic filariasis) and flaviviruses such as West Nile virus in India and St. Louis Encephalitis virus in the USA. It is the vector of the Rift Valley Fever virus, also on the African continent.