Three Cluster O mycobacteriophages isolated in Philadelphia, PA.

We report here the discovery and characterization of three novel bacteriophages infecting . These siphoviruses were isolated from soil collected in urban areas around Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Mycobacteriphages Idergollasper, FoulBall, and Schuy are assigned to actinobacteriophage cluster O based on gene content similarity, and have prolate capsids typical for this cluster.

Do tigers hunt during the day? Diel activity of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), in urban and suburban habitats of North America.

Background: Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) impacts human outdoor activity because of its aggressive biting behavior, and as a major vector of mosquito-borne diseases, it is also of public health importance. Although most mosquito species exhibit crepuscular activity by primarily host seeking at dawn and dusk, Ae. albopictus has been traditionally characterized as a diurnal or day-biting mosquito.

Evaluation of the Honey-Card Technique for Detection of Transmission of Arboviruses in Florida and Comparison With Sentinel Chicken Seroconversion.

Zoonotic mosquito-borne viruses, such as the West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), are major public health threats in the United States. Early detection of virus transmission and targeted vector management are critical to protect humans against these pathogens. Sentinel chickens and pool screening of mosquitoes, the most widely used methods of arbovirus early detection, have technical time-lags that compromise their early-detection value.

Multi-agency perspectives on managing mangrove wetlands and the mosquitoes they produce.

A group of researchers, mosquito and coastal managers, and consultants joined together to explore issues of concern to coastal and mosquito management in mangrove forests. At a 1-day workshop in Florida, participants identified issues that are important for their roles. The issues were subsequently compiled into a matrix and the participants were asked to individually assess the importance and urgency of each.

Behavioral responses of two dengue virus vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), to DUET and its components.

Ultralow volume droplets of DUET, prallethrin, and sumithrin at a sublethal dose were applied to unfed (nonbloodfed) and bloodfed female Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in a wind tunnel. Control spray droplets only contained inert ingredients.