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Genetic science research
George Mason University
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Alem Testing Mosquito Pools For Viruses

Elizabeth Grisham

Farhang Alem, Research Scientist, Center for Infectious Disease Research,received funding to test mosquito pools for pathogens.

Alem will test mosquito pools provided by Prince William County Public Works for the presence of viral pathogens through polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The primary pathogens to be tested for are West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). However, if needed, mosquito pools can be tested for additional pathogens, such as Chikungunya virus.

Alem received $75,600 from Prince William County Government for this project. Funding began in July 2021 and will end in late June 2022.

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