Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV)

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a mosquito-borne, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus in the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae, and is a highly pathogenic agent causing severe and often fatal encephalitis in humans and horses[1][2][5][7]. The virus is spherical, 60–70 nm in diameter, and enveloped, with a genome encoding four nonstructural proteins (nsP1–4) and five structural proteins (capsid, E1, E2, E3, 6K/TF)[2][3][5]. EEEV is maintained in a cycle between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and passerine birds, with spillover into horses and humans via bridge mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes, Culex)[7]. Entry into host cells is mediated by interactions between the viral envelope protein E2 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, as well as by binding to receptors such as very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and ApoER2 on host cells[4][9][14]. Human disease is characterized by rapid-onset encephalitis with high fatality, and survivors often have significant neurological sequelae. There are no approved antiviral treatments or human vaccines; equine vaccines are available[7][15].

Other names

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virusEEEAlphavirus easternEEE complex