Current Research Interests:
I am interested in the
ecology of vector-borne diseases, especially arboviruses,
transmitted by mosquitoes. Complex relationships exist between
these viruses, their vertebrate hosts and the mosquitoes that
transmit them. They may have multiple mechanisms of transmission
and maintenance from year to year. The virus we are currently
studying the most is West Nile virus which was first detected in
the United States in 1999 and in Louisiana in 2001. The most
important vector of West Nile virus in Louisiana is Culex
quinquefasciatus and we are currently engaged in studies to
better understand the amplification cycle that exists between Cx.
quinquefasciatus and the passerine bird species that serve as
the primary vertebrate reservoirs of the virus. We are
attempting to determine if Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes feed
on birds preferentially or simply on the birds that are both
most available and abundant.
Other interests include the use of insects
as a tool in forensic investigations. There is a need for more
regional developmental data on blowflies (Calliphoridae) and
other insects of forensic importance so that they can be better
utilized in forensic investigations.
Courses Taught:
Entm 4007 Forensic Entomology
Entm 7003 Medical / Veterinary Entomology
Selected Publications:
1. Schweitzer, B.K., Kramer, W.L., Sambol, A.R., Meza, J.L.,
Hinrichs, S.H., and Peter C. Iwen, P.I. 2006. Geographic Factors
Contributing to a High Seroprevalence of West Nile
Virus-Specific Antibodies in Humans following an Epidemic. Clin.
Vaccine Immunol. 2006 13: 314-318.
2. Janousek, T.E., and Kramer, W.L. 1999. Seasonal incidence and
geographical variation of Nebraska mosquitoes, 1994-1995. J. Am.
Mosq. Cont. Assoc. 15: 253-262.
3. Janousek, T.E. and Kramer, W.L. 1998. Surveillance for
arthropod-borne viral activity in Nebraska. J. Med. Entomol.
35:758-762.
4. Greiner, E.C., Knausenberger, W.I. Messersmith, M., Kramer,
W.L., and Gibbs, E.P.J. 1990. Culicoides associated with cattle
in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and their relevance to bluetongue
virus. J. Med. Entomol. 27: 1071-1073.
5. Kramer, W.L., Jones, R.H., Holbrook, F.R., Walton, T.E., and
Calisher, C.H. 1990. Isolation of arboviruses from Culicoides
midges during an epizootic of vesicular stomatitis New Jersey,
1982. J. Med. Entomol., 27:487-493.
6. Walton, T.E., Webb, P.A., Kramer, W.L., Smith, G.C., Davis,
T., Holbrook, F.R., Moore C.G., Schiefer, T.J., Jones, R.H., and
Janney, G.C. 1987. Epizootic vesicular stomatitis in Colorado,
1982: epidemiologic and entomologic studies. Am. J. Trop. Med.
Hyg. 36:166-176.
7. Kramer, W.L., Greiner, E.C., and Gibbs, E.P.J. 1985. A survey
of Culicoides midges associated with cattle in Florida, J. Med.
Entomol. 22: 153-162.
8. Kramer, W.L., Greiner, E.C., and Gibbs, E.P.J. 1985. Seasonal
variations in population size, fecundity and parity rates of
Culicoides insignis at a cattle ranch in Florida. J. Med.
Entomol. 22: 163-169.
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