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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
06:18
Multiplexed Isothermal Amplification Based Diagnostic Platform to Detect Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue 1
Published on: March 13, 2018
Chikungunya: a risk for Mediterranean countries?
Marie Vazeille1, Charles Jeannin, Estelle Martin
1Institut Pasteur, Génétique moléculaire des Bunyavirus, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, F-75724 Paris cedex 15, France.
Acta Tropica
|November 17, 2007
Summary
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in southern France is highly susceptible to chikungunya virus. This finding indicates a significant risk for local chikungunya transmission in the region.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has established populations across southern Europe.
- Recent chikungunya outbreaks in Italy highlight the potential for viral transmission in Mediterranean countries.
- Ae. albopictus is actively spreading along the French Mediterranean coast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the vector competence of mosquito species in southern France for chikungunya virus (CHIK).
- To determine the risk of local CHIK transmission in the region, particularly in tourist areas.
Main Methods:
- Collection of mosquito species, including Ae. albopictus, in Camargue and Côte d'Azur in 2006.
- Laboratory assessment of Ae. albopictus susceptibility to CHIK virus infection.
Main Results:
- Ae. albopictus from southern France demonstrated high susceptibility to CHIK virus (77.1%).
- This susceptibility is comparable to that of Ae. albopictus from La Reunion Island, an area with known CHIK transmission.
Conclusions:
- Southern French Ae. albopictus possesses the necessary susceptibility to act as a CHIK virus vector.
- The presence of this competent vector in tourist areas like Côte d'Azur poses a potential threat for CHIK introduction and local transmission.
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