Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: Abraham A on 19/12/2008 09:37:12

Title: Why doesn't HIV replicate in a mosquito?
Post by: Abraham A on 19/12/2008 09:37:12

Abraham A asked the Naked Scientists:

Hi Chris,

you said the HIV in Mosquito will not replicate, and other viruses, like Dengue, will. There should be some reason for HIV to not to replicate inside the mosquito. Why does it not?

Regards
Abraham.A

What do you think?

Title: Why doesn't HIV replicate in a mosquito?
Post by: blakestyger on 19/12/2008 09:51:58

I understand that the HIV particle is not very robust outside its usual environment and that 'inside in a mosquito' it's too harsh for its survival.

Title: Why doesn't HIV replicate in a mosquito?
Post by: MonikaS on 22/12/2008 00:26:52

HIV is a virus and it needs a specific type of cell to grow. This cell type - mostly T helper cells - is only found in humans, so the virus simply can't multiply in a mosquito. For a successful infection with HIV you need a high virus load, the one or two that might be still in the mosquito aren't enough for that.

Title: Why doesn't HIV replicate in a mosquito?
Post by: Bored chemist on 22/12/2008 19:16:37

I think we have been here before.
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=17809.0