Vector competence ofAnophelesandCulexmosquitoes for Zika virus.
Zika virus is a newly emergent mosquito-borne flavivirus that has caused recent large outbreaks in the new world, leading to dramatic increases in serious disease pathology including Guillain-Barre syndrome, newborn microcephaly, and infant brain damage. AlthoughAedesmosquitoes are thought to be the primary mosquito species driving infection, the virus has been isolated from dozens of mosquito species, includingCulexandAnophelesspecies, and we lack a thorough understanding of which mosquito species to target for vector control. We exposedAnopheles gambiae,Anopheles stephensi, andCulex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes to blood meals supplemented with two Zika virus strains. Mosquito bodies, legs, and saliva were collected five, seven, and 14 days post blood meal and tested for infectious virus by plaque assay. Regardless of titer, virus strain, or timepoint,Anopheles gambiae,Anopheles stephensi, andCulex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes were refractory to Zika virus infection. We conclude thatAnopheles gambiae,Anopheles stephensi, andCulex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes likely do not contribute significantly to Zika virus transmission to humans. However, future studies should continue to explore the potential for other novel potential vectors to transmit the virus.
Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University , University Park , PA , United States.
Brittany L
BL
Dodson
Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.
Jason L
JL
Rasgon
Emerging pathogen; Mosquito; Vector competence; Zika virus