Experimental epizootiology of Zoophthora anhuiensis (Entomophthorales) against Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) with a description of a modified Gompertz model for aphid epizootics

Epizootiological features of Zoophthora anhuiensis, a fungal pathogen specific to aphids in southern China, were studied in six aptera colonies of Myzus persicae at 16 regimes of temperature (T = 10, 15, 20 and 25 degrees C) and relative humidity (H = 90%, 95%, 98% and 100% RH) with initially infected proportion (Ip) of 0.5 in experiment (Expt) 1 or at a fixed regime of 15 degrees C and 100% RH with a variable Ip of 0.17-1.00 in Expt 2. Mycosis-caused mortalities (Mp) varied with aphid densities (D) over time after colony initiation (t) were well fitted to a Gompertz growth model modified to include the variables T, H, Ip and D in the form of Mp = 91.72exp[-5.282exp[-(0.0095T + 0.0128H/T-0.5407D2/H)t]] for Expt 1 (r2 = 0.94) or Mp = 95.49exp[-4.314exp[-(0.1479Ip + 0.1636/D)t]] for Expt 2 (r2 = 0.97). These variables were effective in determining the rate of epizootic development in the M. persicae colonies. Based on the observed and fitted results, Z. anhuiensis was most adaptive to cool climate or season and epizootiologically was subject to a minimal effect of RH at an optimum of approximately 15 degrees C. However, the humidity became determinant for epizootic progress at higher temperatures. Interactive effects of the variables and application of the fitted models for predicting epizootic development in field situations are discussed.     

飞虱虫疠霉继发性感染对桃蚜数量增长的控制作用

用飞虱虫疠霉（Pandora delphaics)“孢子浴”接种的桃蚜(Myzus persicae)无翅成蚜在离体甘蓝菜叶片（65cm^2)上建立蚜群,在不同温度（10－30℃）和湿度（74％－100％RH）的组合条件下任其繁衍,发病和交互感染,以评价该菌的控蚜效果。在25个温,湿度组合处理（8次重复,每重复含3头接种成蚜)中,蚜群均不同程度的发病死亡,在历时30d的观察中,以高温（20－30℃）,高湿（95％RH）组合条件下的蚜群发病快且死亡率高,蚜尸上产生的孢子有效地引起若蚜继发性感染。与相同温度下不带菌的对照蚜群相比,次于30℃下,各湿度除个别例外,第8d的控蚜率达30％以上,第20d达80％以上。在10℃和15℃下,控蚜效果一般不如上述较高温度下,且与湿度的关联程度相对较低,但最大控蚜效果均发生在100％RH处理中。结果表明,飞虱虫疠霉用于蚜虫防治的潜力很大,值得深入研究和开发利用。     

Influence of temperature on the hygropreference of the Collembolan, Cryptopygus antarcticus, and the mite, Alaskozetes antarcticus from the maritime Antarctic

The hygropreference of adult Cryptopygus antarcticus and Alaskozetes antarcticus was investigated over 2 h at 5, 10 and 20 degrees C, along humidity gradients (9-98% RH) established by means of different salt solutions. Two chamber arrangements were employed, linear and grid, to determine any influence of thigmotactic behaviour on distribution within the RH gradient. The humidity preference of both species varied with temperature. At 5 and 10 degrees C, C. antarcticus distributed homogeneously showing no clear RH preference. At 20 degrees C, this species preferred the highest humidity (98% RH). A. antarcticus demonstrated a preference for the lowest humidity (9% RH) at 5 degrees C, but at 10 degrees C its distribution differed between the two arena types. At 20 degrees C, A. antarcticus showed no clear humidity preference. Assays to control for experimental asymmetries along the gradient; thigmotactic behaviour; and aggregative behaviour exclude these factors as explanations for the observed results. The mean initial water content of samples did not differ significantly between temperature regimes (C. antarcticus: 68.6, 71.1 and 74.3%; A. antarcticus: 68.1, 70.1 and 68.6% at 5, 10 and 20 degrees C respectively), but the level of water loss increased significantly with temperature. The influence of desiccation tolerance and the ecological significance of the observed humidity preferences are discussed.     

Continuous Monitoring of Post Mortem Temperature Changes in the Human Brain

Recent developments in neurochemistry research on the post mortem human brain require a detailed understanding of the post mortem changes in the human brain, including the correlation between time related temperature changes and alterations in biochemical parameters. As an initial step towards our deeper insight into the intricate relationships between post mortem time, temperature and neurochemical processes, in the present study we set out to monitor continuously temperature changes in the post mortem human brain in eight cadavers for a period of up to 24 h after death under 'standard' clinical conditions at a neurosurgery clinic. A main objective of the study was to find a simple and reliable mathematical formula, requiring only time and an easily obtainable body temperature measurement parameter, with the help of which the superficial and deep brain temperatures can be obtained without invasive interactions. With a portable thermoprobe data logger system superficial (4 cm from skull surface) and deep (8 cm) brain temperatures, the temperature of the liver and that of the forehead skin, as well as the ambient temperature of the room were measured at regular time intervals (every 1 or 5 min). Various mathematical models were fitted to the data in order to create a simple model capable to predict brain temperatures from easily accessible measurements, such as that of the forehead skin. On the basis of the tested models we propose that with simple polynomial equations the deep and superficial brain temperatures can be described reliably as T (br4) ( degrees C)=T (fh)-0.001t (3)+0.0541t (2)-1.0622t+7.5933 and T (br8) ( degrees C)=T (fh)-0.0003t (3)+0.0201t (2)-0.619t+7.9036, respectively, where T (br4) is the superficial (4 cm) brain temperature, T (br8) is the deep (8 cm) brain temperature, T (fh) is the forehead temperature and t is the time from death. These measurements can, in combination with further neurochemical studies, contribute to our better understanding of the human brain's time- and temperature-related post mortem biochemical changes.     

Sporulation,storage and infectivity of obligate aphid pathogen Pandora nouryi grown on novel granules of broomcorn millet and polymer gel

Aims: Producing granular cultures of obligate aphid pathogen Pandora nouryi for improved sporulation and storage. Methods and Results: Small millet–gel granules were made of the mixtures of 80–95% millet powder with 5–20% polymer gel (polyacrylamide, polyacrylate or acrylate‐acrylamide copolymer) and inoculated with mycelia at 30 mg biomass g^?1 dry granules plus 87·5% water, followed by static incubation at 20°C for 4–12 days. The fungus grew well on 12 preparations but best on that including 10% copolymer. An 8‐day culture of this preparation discharged maximally 58·5 × 10⁴ conidia mg^?1 granule at 100% RH and was capable of ejecting conidia at the nonsaturated regimes of 86–97% RH. During storage at 6°C, granular cultures with >85% water content had twofold longevity (120 days) and half‐decline period (34–36 days) of those stored at room temperature. The steadily high water content preserved the cultures better than that decreasing at 6°C. However, conidia from 70‐day‐stored granules were less infective to Myzus persicae nymphs than those from fresh ones based on their LC₅₀s. Conclusions: The millet–gel granules had higher sporulation capacity than reported Pandora cultures and a capability of spore discharge at nonsaturated humidity. Significance and Impact of the Study: The granular cultures are more useful for aphid control.     

Effects of Fluctuating Moisture and Temperature Regimes on Sporulation of Beauveria bassiana on Cadavers of Rhodnius prolixus

The effects of both moisture and temperature on the sporulation of an isolate of Beauveria bassiana , highly virulent to the Chagas' disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus , were studied in the laboratory under fluctuating regimes. Quantitative assays for conidial production from funguskilled cadavers from 10-day-old tests showed that recycling was highly dependent on the duration of exposure to high relative humidity (RH). On first-instar larval cadavers, sporulation reached more than 10 5 conidia/nymph under most regimes with a favourable phase combining high humidity (97% RH) and temperatures of 20 or 25 C for at least 12 h/day. Sporulation on third- and fifth-instar nymphs required a longer period (16 h/day or more) of favourable conditions (97% RH and 25 C) per day. The intensity of the conidial production from Rhodnius cadavers was enhanced when diurnal temperatures were high (28 and 35 C). From a vector control standpoint, daily high humidity requirements appear to be a crucial constraint. The recycling ability of B. bassiana on fungus-killed R. prolixus is most likely to contribute to the regulation of this triatomine vector if applications are made during the rainy seasons and in the most favourable habitats.     

Effects of temperature and relative humidity on sporulation of Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum in mycosed cadavers of Schistocerca gregaria.

The effects of relative humidity (RH) and temperature on the sporulation of Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum on mycosed cadavers of desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, were assessed in the laboratory. Quantitative assessments of conidial production over 10 days under constant conditions showed that sporulation was optimized at RH > 96% and at temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees C. Under both these conditions >10(9) conidia/cadaver were produced. At 25 degrees C, conidial yield was maximized under conditions in which cadavers remained in contact with damp substrate. Relatively little sporulation occurred at 15 degrees C (< 3 x 10(7) conidia/cadaver) and 40 degrees C (< 4 x 10(6) conidia/cadaver) and no sporulation occurred at 10 or 45 degrees C. Following incubation, conidial yield was closely related to the water content of locust cadavers. In separate tests, locust cadavers were incubated for 10 days under diurnally fluctuating temperature and RH that comprised favorable (25 degrees C/100% RH) alternating with unfavorable (40 degrees C/80% RH) conditions for sporulation. In this case, fewer conidia were produced compared with cadavers that were incubated under the favorable conditions for an equal period cumulatively but were not periodically exposed to unfavorable conditions. However, this reduced sporulation observed with the fluctuating condition was not observed when cadavers were similarly incubated under favorable/unfavorable conditions of temperature but were not periodically exposed to the low RH condition. This result implies that sporulation is a dynamic process, dependent not only on periodic exposure to favorable RH but also on the interrelation of this with low RH. Associated tests and the monitoring of changes in cadaver weights imply that the mechanism driving the reduced sporulation under fluctuating RH is the net water balance of cadavers, i.e. the cumulative ability of the fungus/cadaver to adsorb water necessary for sporulation at high RH is restricted by water loss associated with intermittent exposure to a low RH. The duration of daily exposure to high humidity appears to be a crucial constraint to the recycling ability of M. anisopliae var. acridum.     

温湿度对稻纵卷叶螟卵的联合作用

为了探讨温湿度在稻纵卷叶螟Cnaphalocrocis medinalis （Guenée）种群发展中的作用, 通过室内实验调查了不同温度和湿度组合下该蛾卵的发育历期、 胚胎发育情况、 孵化率和卵粒重量的变化。结果表明： 在相同温度下卵历期随相对湿度的增大而缩短, 孵化率随相对湿度的加大而提高。在22℃下低于46%的相对湿度显著降低了卵的孵化率, 而在25～34℃下低于66%的相对湿度会引起孵化率的显著降低, 37℃下卵无论在何种湿度中均不能孵化。在50%左右的低湿条件下, 温度高于28℃后卵也不能孵化。温度在22～31℃和相对湿度在77%～100%范围内, 卵的孵化率无显著差异, 这属于稻纵卷叶螟卵的适宜温湿度范围。稻纵卷叶螟卵的发育起点温度和有效积温分别为10.1±0.6℃和63.7±3.5日度。卵的孵化率（Y）与温湿系数（RH/T）间呈显著的逻辑斯蒂曲线关系Y=0.8662/[1+exp(17.4084-7.5714×RH/T)]。温湿系数在2.34以下时卵孵化率将低于50%, 而达到3.0左右时孵化率接近最高值。结论认为, 低湿造成的稻纵卷叶螟卵重量显著降低、 卵粒干瘪、 胚胎发育受阻是致死卵的主要原因。     

温湿度对安徽虫瘟霉在桃蚜居群中流行的影响

用安徽虫瘟霉(Zoopphthoraanhuiensis)接种桃蚜(Myzuspersicae)无翅成蚜3头和健蚜3头组成新的蚜群若干,在不同温湿组合条件下任其繁殖、发病和传染,以评价温湿度对该菌在蚜群中流行的影响.持续26d观察,在偏低温与各湿度(90～100%RH)的组合中均成功诱发了蚜病流行,其程度受湿度影响较小.在10℃与各湿度组合中,最终感病死亡率为72.9%～98.2%,15℃下为78.7%～94.4%,流行强度极大.而20℃下仅100%RH诱发了高强度流行病,其余湿度下感病死亡率仅为5.1%～12.8%.在25℃,100%RH下死亡率仅27.2%.与所有湿度组合中的对照蚜群相比,10℃下流行病控蚜效果为89.5%～96.9%,15℃下为96.1%～98.2%,20℃下为45.9%～85.7%,25℃下为56.4%～69.7%.逐步回归分析表明,安徽虫瘟霉引发的蚜病流行与温度及其相对湿度和蚜群带菌后天数的互作项密切相关(r2=0.82,a＜0.01),这些变量在很大程度上决定了安徽虫瘟霉是否在蚜群中流行.     

Effects of fluctuating moisture and temperature regimes on the infection potential of Beauveria bassiana for Rhodnius prolixus

The effect of both moisture and temperature on the infective potential of Beauveria bassiana to the Chagas' disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus, was studied under fluctuating regimes. At constant 25 degrees C, contaminated first-instar nymphs exposed to increasing daily periods of initial exposure to 97% RH, followed by transfer to reduced humidity (43, 53, 75, and 86% RH), showed a significant reduction in mortality when the 97% RH exposure time declined from 12 to 8 h per day. The duration of disease incubation depended on the daily 97% RH exposure time. Under fluctuating regimes of both humidity (97% RH versus 75% RH) and temperature (15/28, 20/25, 25/28, and 25/35 degrees C), first-instar mortality was affected by weather conditions, daily 97% RH exposure time (8, 12, and 16 h per day), and number of temperature and humidity fluctuations before transferring tested insects to constant unfavorable conditions. In most cases, at 12/12 h alternating cycles, high and rapid mortality required five cycles. Under these fluctuating regimes, fungus-induced mortality and mortality time were similarly affected in third- and fifth-instar nymphs by the daily 97% RH exposure time. Despite a lower susceptibility of older larval stages, mortality rates in insects exposed for at least 12 h per day at 97% RH remained very high except at 15 degrees C. Moisture and temperature regimes at 12/12 h cycling significantly affected the dose-mortality response in first-instar nymphs. The most favorable conditions consisted of 97%-20 degrees C combined with either 75%-25 degrees C or 43%-25 degrees C. Under less favorable alternating conditions (lower and higher temperatures) the amounts of inoculum required for killing 50% of first-instar nymphs were 10 or 20 times higher. From a vector control standpoint, daily high humidity appears to be the most crucial climatic constraint. B. bassiana has the potential to control R. prolixus populations with applications made during the rainy seasons when humidity is high.     

Influence of temperature, photoperiod and humidity on oviposition and egg hatch of the root-feeding flea beetle Longitarsus bethae (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), a natural enemy of the weed Lantana camara (Verbenaceae)

The root-feeding flea beetle Longitarsus bethae Savini & Escalona, was introduced into South Africa as a candidate biological control agent for the noxious and invasive weed, Lantana camara L. As part of the study to predict the beetles' survival in its new range, the influence of climatic conditions on its egg development and reproductive performance were investigated in the laboratory. The threshold temperature (T degrees) and degree-days (DD) required for egg hatch were determined after exposing the eggs to various constant temperatures (12, 17, 22, 27 and 32 degrees C) in separate growth chambers. The DD required for egg hatch was 178.6, and the temperature threshold required for egg hatch was 11.3 degrees C. Survival of eggs varied from 27 to 56% at 32 and 17 degrees C, respectively, and was optimum between 17 and 25 degrees C. Oviposition was examined under high and low relative humidity (RH) regimes while egg hatch was determined at six RH levels, each maintained in a separate controlled growth chamber set at a constant temperature (25 degrees C). Whilst RH had no influence on oviposition, eggs were highly susceptible to aridity, and continuous exposure to relative humidity below 63% for more than three days was wholly lethal at 25 degrees C. Optimum egg hatch occurred at RH between 85 and 95% for up to 12 days. The effect of day length on oviposition and subsequent egg hatch was investigated under two photoperiod regimes. Neither oviposition nor subsequent egg hatch was influenced by photoperiod. The knowledge obtained will be useful for mass rearing as well as field release programmes for L. bethae.     

不同温湿度组合对安徽虫瘟霉 诱发桃蚜病害的影响

用孢子浴方法,对42批次桃蚜Myzus persicae（30～60头/批）接种大剂量（孢子79～90个/ mm²）安徽虫瘟霉Zoophthora anhuiensis的分生孢子,在20℃下保湿24 h后转入不同温度（10℃、15℃、20℃、25℃、30℃及自然变温1.5～16.6℃和8.5～20.2℃）和湿度(50%、65%、80%、90%、95%及100% RH)的组合条件下观察桃蚜的反应。结果表明,各组合条件下的桃蚜均能发病死亡,而且累计死亡率的显著差异存在于不同温度（F=7.46, P<0.01)和湿度间（F=12.54, P<0.01）。最适发病的温度为恒温20℃和变温8.5～20.2℃（日均温12.4℃）,死亡率随湿度升高而增大。在10～25℃和100% RH的组合中,温度的变化几乎不影响桃蚜的累计死亡率,但影响发病速率,在10℃、15℃、20℃和25℃下的致死时间LT₅₀值分别为8.4 天、7.1 天 、4.0 天和3.4 天。回归分析表明, 在100% RH下安徽虫瘟霉诱发桃蚜发病的起始温度为1.65℃。在10～15℃及自然变温下,病死蚜尸顺利产孢的湿度为80% RH;而在20～30℃下,蚜尸产孢的湿度为90% RH。在所有温湿组合的蚜尸中未见安徽虫瘟霉的休眠孢子发生。     

Infectivity of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices under different conditions of temperature and humidity

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of different temperatures and humidities on the infectivity of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices. Eighteen dogs (6 groups, n = 3 each) were fed with offal mince harbouring approximately 20,000 protoscolices of E. granulosus of different viabilities. Dogs were infected with E. granulosus protoscolices of: (1) 5% viability at -10 degrees C and 50% relative humidity (RH); (2) 30% viability at 0 degrees C and 60% RH; (3) 20% viability at +10 degrees C and 65% RH; (4) 15% viability at +30 degrees C and 75% RH; (5) 11% viability at +40 degrees C and 80% RH; (6) 68% viability (control group). Dogs in each group were necropsied at 29-49 days post-infection. Mean intensities of E. granulosus recovered from dogs were 256.7 +/- 60.3 in the second group; 32.7 +/- 7.1 in the third group; 40.3 +/- 15.5 in the fourth group and 1533 +/- 513 in the control group. However, no parasites were recovered from the first and fifth groups. Results obtained in the present study show that larval stages could be infective for 1 to 4 weeks during spring, autumn or winter months when maximal temperatures are approximately 0-10 degrees C. In conclusion, cold-storage depots in slaughterhouses and abattoirs where sheep carcasses might be discarded should be kept at -20 degrees C for 2-3 days, dogs should be properly controlled and adequate control programmes must be established in areas where the disease is endemic.     

Effects of Culture Age, Washing and Storage Conditions on Desiccation Tolerance of Colletotrichum truncatum Conidia

Colletotrichum truncatum conidia produced from a one week-old culture in a liquid semi-defined medium with a C:N ratio of 5:1 were more tolerant of desiccation than those harvested from two or three week-old cultures. Conidia washed with 20% (w/v) sucrose germinated better than unwashed conidia or those washed in 10% (w/v) sucrose, 10 and 20% (w/v) glucose or fructose, 0.1% (w/v) soluble starch, 0.9% (w/v) NaCl or deionized water. Washing with sucrose (20% w/v) also resulted in significantly longer germ tubes than those produced by unwashed conidia or conidia washed with deionized water or NaCl (0.9% w/v). Conidia washed twice in sucrose showed greater desiccation tolerance during storage at 15% relative humidity (RH) and 15°C than at 30% RH and 15 or 25°C or at 15% RH and 25, 5 or -10°C.     

Effect of temperature and humidity on development, survival and oviposition in laboratory populations of Eriworm, Philosamia ricini (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera Saturniidae)

Experiments were conducted on laboratory populations of Eriworm, Philosamia ricini Boisduval to study the effect of temperature and humidity on development, growth, survival and oviposition. Experiments were performed at four different temperatures (22 +/- 2 degrees C, 26 +/- 2 degrees C, 28 +/- 2 degrees C and 34 +/- 1 degrees C) each with three different humidities (50%, 70% and 90% relative humidity). Shortest developmental period (42 days) was observed in 28 +/- 2 degrees C and 70% RH. Longest developmental period was (63.6 days) observed in 22 +/- 2 degrees C at 50% RH. Highest larval weight (9.1 g) was found in 28 +/- 2 degrees C at 70% RH. Best pupal weight was observed in 26 +/- 2 degrees C at 70% RH. Weight of silk material was found to be maximum in 26 +/- 2 degrees C at 70% RH. Survival was best in 28 +/- 2 degrees C and 26 +/- 2 degrees C at 70% RH. Oviposition was found to be highest in 28 +/- 2 degrees C at 70% RH.     

嗜卷书虱实验种群生命表的研究

在不同温度和湿度条件下对嗜卷书虱进行饲养,分别组建春实验种群特定年龄和特定时间生命表,并应用Morris模式及SWeibull频数分布以探讨温、湿度与嗜卷书虱种群数量变动的关系。结果表明,温、湿度对存活率的作用是影响该实验种群趋势指数（I）值最重要的因子,在适宜温、湿度条件下,种群存活曲线属DeeveyⅠ型,而在不太适宜条件下则属DeeveyⅢ型,理论上30.63℃时周限增长率（λ）最大,达1.0628倍／天,该虫发育和繁殖的最适温区为28-30℃,最适相对湿度在80％左右。     

Effect of temperature and relative humidity on the development and fecundity of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

The spotted stemborer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most important insect pests attacking maize and sorghum in Ethiopia. Recent studies have indicated that the pest is spreading to new locations where it was not reported before. In the current study, laboratory investigations were carried out to determine the combined effect of different levels of relative humidity and temperature regimes on the development and fecundity of C. partellus, as these physical factors are known to play an important role in the life cycle of insects and adaptability to local climate. Developmental time, longevity, potential fecundity and realized fecundity of C. partellus were measured under controlled conditions. Three temperature regimes (22°C, 26°C and 30°C) and three relative humidity levels (40%, 60% and 80%) were tested. It was found that temperature, relative humidity (RH) and their interaction significantly affected the developmental time, adult longevity, potential fecundity and realized fecundity of the pest. Developmental time was inversely related to temperature. Mean duration of C. partellus life cycle was 70.2 days at 22°C and 80% RH, whereas it took only 26.5 days to complete its life cycle at 30°C and 40% RH. Male and female longevity were similar in most cases. The adult life span ranged between 6.9-11.1 days at 22°C and 3.1-7.2 days at 30°C for different levels of relative humidity. The most suitable conditions for C. partellus development and fecundity were 26-30°C temperatures regimes and 60-80% RH levels.     

Effect of temperature and relative humidity on spinning behaviour of silkworm (Bombyx mori.L)

The rate of spinning of silkworm larva (Bombyx mori.L) was slow at 22 degrees C and fast at 38 degrees C. The time taken for completion of cocoon was longest at 98 +/- 2% and least at 40 +/- 2% RH. However, good quality cocoons were spun at 22 degrees C and 65 +/- 5% RH, hence it would be advantageous to maintain this temperature and relative humidity at the time of cocoon spinning in the case of CB race of silkworm.     

Effect of relative humidity and air temperature on survival of hepatitis A virus on environmental surfaces.

Stainless steel disks (diameter, 1 cm) were contaminated with fecally suspended hepatitis A virus (HAV; strain HM-175) and held at low (25% +/- 5%), medium (55% +/- 5%), high (80% +/- 5%), or ultrahigh (95% +/- 5%) relative humidity (RH) at an air temperature of 5,20, or 35 degrees C. HAV survival was inversely proportional to the level of RH and temperature, and the half-lives of the virus ranged from greater than 7 days at the low RH and 5 degrees C to about 2 h at the ultrahigh RH and 35 degrees C. In parallel tests with fecally suspended Sabin poliovirus (PV) type 1 at the low and ultrahigh RH, all PV activity was lost within 4 h at the low RH whereas at the ultrahigh RH it remained detectable up to 12 h. HAV could therefore survive much better than PV on nonporous environmental surfaces. Moreover, the ability of HAV to survive better at low levels of RH is in direct contrast to the behavior of other enteroviruses. These findings should help in understanding the genesis of HAV outbreaks more clearly and in designing better measures for their control and prevention.     

Effect of relative humidity and air temperature on survival of hepatitis A virus on environmental surfaces.

Stainless steel disks (diameter, 1 cm) were contaminated with fecally suspended hepatitis A virus (HAV; strain HM-175) and held at low (25% +/- 5%), medium (55% +/- 5%), high (80% +/- 5%), or ultrahigh (95% +/- 5%) relative humidity (RH) at an air temperature of 5,20, or 35 degrees C. HAV survival was inversely proportional to the level of RH and temperature, and the half-lives of the virus ranged from greater than 7 days at the low RH and 5 degrees C to about 2 h at the ultrahigh RH and 35 degrees C. In parallel tests with fecally suspended Sabin poliovirus (PV) type 1 at the low and ultrahigh RH, all PV activity was lost within 4 h at the low RH whereas at the ultrahigh RH it remained detectable up to 12 h. HAV could therefore survive much better than PV on nonporous environmental surfaces. Moreover, the ability of HAV to survive better at low levels of RH is in direct contrast to the behavior of other enteroviruses. These findings should help in understanding the genesis of HAV outbreaks more clearly and in designing better measures for their control and prevention.