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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Propagation of the Microsporidian Parasite Edhazardia aedis in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
Published on: August 13, 2020
Aedes aegypti densonucleosis virus amplifies, spreads, and reduces host populations in laboratory cage studies
Erica L Suchman1, Joseph Piper, Megan Wise De Valdez
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA. Erica.suchman@colostate.edu
Abstract:
Aedes densonucleosis virus (family Parcoviridae, genus Brevidensovirus, AeDNV) is a mosquito pathogen that increases Aedes aegypti larval mortality and reduces adult life span. We conducted three laboratory population cage trials, each lasting 16-25 wk. We tested two broad hypotheses. First, Ae. aegypti raised in containers seeded with 10(8) AeDNV genome equivalents/ml (geq/ ml), a concentration feasible for field application, increase AeDNV to concentrations that cause significant adult and larval mortality. Second, infected female mosquitoes disperse AeDNV to uninfected larval habitats. In hypothesis 1, we addressed the rate at which infected larvae secrete virus, how AeDNV titers change in seeded containers over time, whether AeDNV decays over time, and whether AeDNV exposed populations are reduced. In hypothesis 2, we monitored AeDNV concentrations in novel containers after oviposition by infected females. Both hypotheses were supported. Larvae increased AeDNV, secreting virus at a rate of 2.14 x 10(6) geq/larva/d when exposed to 10(8) geq/ml. AeDNV titers reached an asymptote of 10(10) geq/ml by week 10 in seeded containers. AeDNV decayed by 1 log every 4 d as indicated by a reduction in larval mortality. Adult population size was reduced in treated populations. Infected females dispersed AeDNV to novel containers, with titers reaching 10(8) geq/ml. The parameters were used in a Leslie-Lewis matrix model. This model predicted that AeDNV negatively affects Ae. aegypti densities and population structure and thus vectorial capacity.
Insights
Aedes densonucleosis virus (AeDNV) significantly increases mosquito larval mortality and reduces adult lifespan. Infected female mosquitoes effectively spread AeDNV to new habitats, impacting mosquito populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Ecology
Background:
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit diseases like dengue and Zika.
- Aedes densonucleosis virus (AeDNV) is a known mosquito pathogen.
- Understanding AeDNV's impact on mosquito populations is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if AeDNV increases to lethal concentrations in Aedes aegypti larvae.
- To investigate if infected female mosquitoes disperse AeDNV to new larval habitats.
- To model the population-level effects of AeDNV on Aedes aegypti.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory population cage trials were conducted over 16-25 weeks.
- Aedes aegypti larvae were exposed to a field-applicable concentration of AeDNV.
- AeDNV concentrations in larval habitats and dispersal to new habitats by infected females were monitored.
- A Leslie-Lewis matrix model was used to predict population dynamics.
Main Results:
- Larvae exposed to 10(8) genome equivalents/ml (geq/ml) increased AeDNV titers to 10(10) geq/ml.
- AeDNV decayed by 1 log every 4 days, indicated by reduced larval mortality.
- Infected females dispersed AeDNV to novel containers, reaching titers of 10(8) geq/ml.
- Adult population size was significantly reduced in treated populations.
Conclusions:
- AeDNV can reach high, lethal concentrations in Aedes aegypti larval habitats.
- Infected adult mosquitoes are effective vectors for dispersing AeDNV to new environments.
- AeDNV negatively impacts Aedes aegypti population density, structure, and vectorial capacity, suggesting its potential as a biocontrol agent.
