Our results show that both Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, from Reunion Island, are more likely to be competent for ZIKV in contrast to Cx. quinquefasciatus which appeared refractory to all tested ZIKV strains. This improves our understanding of the role of mosquito species in the risk of the ZIKV emergence on Reunion Island.
Forced Zika Virus Infection of Culex pipiens Leads to Limited Virus Accumulation in Mosquito Saliva
by Abbo et al.In this study, researchers provide the first demonstration of ZIKV accumulation in the saliva of Cx. pipiens upon forced infection. Nevertheless, they consider Cx. pipiens as a highly inefficient vector for ZIKV.
A Systematic Review: Is Aedes albopictus an Efficient Bridge Vector for Zoonotic Arboviruses?
by Pereira dos Santos et al.This analysis confirms the potential of Ae. albopictus as a bridge vector based on its colonization of natural breeding sites in newly invaded areas, its opportunistic feeding behaviour together with the preference for human blood, and the competence to transmit 14 arboviruses.
Low vector competence in sylvatic mosquitoes limits Zika virus to initiate an enzootic cycle in South America
by Fernandes et al.These results suggest that genetically determined tissue barriers, especially in the midgut, play a vital role in inhibiting ZIKV for transmission in the tested sylvatic mosquito species. Thus, an independent enzootic transmission cycle for ZIKV in South America is very unlikely.
Estimating the risk of arbovirus transmission in Southern Europe using vector competence data
by Mariconti et al.Based on vector competence data and vector distribution, the auhtors generate a prediction risk map for CHIKV stressing the fear of CHIKV and to a lesser extent, of other arboviruses for Europe, calling us for new public health strategies.
Evolution and biological significance of flaviviral elements in the genome of the arboviral vector Aedes albopictus
by Houé et al.Results from this study show a complex association between NIRVS and DENV/CHIKV opening a new avenue for investigating the functional role of NIRVS as antiviral elements shaping vector competence of mosquitoes to arboviruses.
Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from Guadeloupe are not able to experimentally transmit ZIKV. It was also noticed better transmission of ZIKV strain from Senegal by Ae. aegypti from Guadeloupe compared to Malaysia and Martinique strains.
Endogenous non-retroviral elements in genomes of Aedes mosquitoes and vector competence
by Houé et al.The recent discovery of endogenized elements shows that virus/vector interactions are more dynamic than previously thought, and genetic markers such as NIRVS could be one of the potential targets to reduce arbovirus transmission.
An overview of mosquito vectors of Zika virus
by Boyer et al.According to the authors of this study, mosquito control measures should remain focused on the mosquito Ae. aegypti which is also the vector of CHIKV and DENV, and much more research effort should be allocated to fill the knowledge gaps about this virus.
Infection of a French Population of Aedes albopictus and of Aedes aegypti (Paea Strain) with Zika Virus Reveals Low Transmission Rates to These Vectors’ Saliva
by Ryckebusch et al.This study shows that the extrinsic incubation period of Ae. aegypti for transmission is shorter than that of Ae. albopictus.