Effect of Phosphorous [P] on West Nile Virus Replication: Combining Experiments with Modeling

A recent study (Crowder at al., 2013) found that prevalence of WNV was increased in mosquitoes and birds near agricultural activity relative to natural environment.  We believe that the excessive use of fertilizers, whose main component is [P], may have influenced the global spread of WNV since mid 1990s.  In this research we combine experiments with mathematical modeling to study the effect of [P] on WNV replication in vitro. I will first describe the experimental set up and results.  Then I will introduce a mathematical model of WNV replication within a cell and elucidate some of its mathematical properties.  Finally, I will talk about open questions and tasks that we are currently facing with this project.