Culicoides biting midges: their role as arbovirus vectors

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Arthropod-borne Disease Epidemiology
• Medical Entomology

Background:

• Culicoides biting midges are globally distributed, abundant haematophagous insects.
• They are significant vectors for numerous human and animal pathogens, notably arboviruses.
• Over 50 arboviruses have been isolated from Culicoides spp., with some designated OIE List A diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the biological factors in Culicoides midges that facilitate arbovirus transmission.
• To describe the mechanisms governing insect-virus interactions at individual and population levels.
• To illustrate the impact of climatic factors on midge populations and disease transmission potential.

Main Methods:

• Review of Culicoides midge biology relevant to disease transmission.
• Analysis of factors influencing insect-virus interactions.
• Examination of climate-driven effects on midge populations and transmission dynamics.

Main Results:

• Culicoides midges possess biological traits that enhance their role as arbovirus vectors.
• Insect-virus interactions are complex, influenced by both individual insect and population-level factors.
• Climate variables critically affect midge abundance, distribution, and arbovirus transmission efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Culicoides midges are pivotal in the epidemiology of significant arboviral diseases affecting livestock.
• Understanding midge biology and environmental influences is crucial for predicting and controlling arbovirus spread.
• Climate change poses a substantial threat to arbovirus transmission dynamics mediated by Culicoides.