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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Simulation models examining the effect of Brugian filariasis on dengue epidemics
Jefferson A Vaughan1, Dana A Focks, Michael J Turell
1US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5011, USA. jefferson_vaughan@und.nodak.edu
Abstract:
Concurrent ingestion of microfilariae (mf) and arboviruses by mosquitoes can enhance the transmission of virus compared with when virus is ingested alone. We studied the effect of mf enhancement on the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) of dengue 1 virus within Aedes aegypti mosquitoes by feeding mosquitoes on blood that either contained virus plus Brugia malayi mf or virus only. Mosquitoes were sampled over time to determine viral dissemination rates. Co-ingestion of mf and virus reduced viral EIP by over half. We used the computer simulation program, DENSiM, to compare the predicted patterns of dengue incidence that would result from such a shortened EIP versus the EIP derived from the control (i.e., virus only) group of mosquitoes. Results indicated that, over the 14-year simulation period, mf-induced acceleration of the EIP would generate more frequent (but not necessarily more severe) epidemics. Potential interactions between arboviruses and hematozoans deserve closer scrutiny.
Insights
Concurrent ingestion of microfilariae (mf) and arboviruses by mosquitoes shortens the dengue virus extrinsic incubation period (EIP). This accelerated EIP can lead to more frequent dengue epidemics, highlighting potential interactions between arboviruses and hematozoans.
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne diseases
- Medical entomology
- Virology
Background:
- Concurrent ingestion of microfilariae (mf) and arboviruses by mosquitoes can influence viral transmission.
- The extrinsic incubation period (EIP) is a critical factor in arbovirus transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of microfilariae (mf) co-ingestion on the EIP of dengue 1 virus in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- To simulate the impact of mf-induced EIP shortening on dengue epidemic patterns.
Main Methods:
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were fed on blood containing dengue 1 virus with or without Brugia malayi mf.
- Viral dissemination rates were assessed over time to determine EIP.
- The computer simulation program DENSiM was used to model dengue incidence based on EIP variations.
Main Results:
- Co-ingestion of mf and dengue virus significantly reduced the viral EIP by over half.
- Computer simulations predicted that mf-accelerated EIP would result in more frequent dengue epidemics over a 14-year period.
- The severity of epidemics was not necessarily increased, but their frequency was.
Conclusions:
- Microfilariae can accelerate the extrinsic incubation period of dengue virus in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- This acceleration has the potential to increase the frequency of dengue epidemics.
- Further research into interactions between arboviruses and hematozoans is warranted.
