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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Experimental Viral Infection in Adult Mosquitoes by Oral Feeding and Microinjection
Published on: July 28, 2022
[Current status and eco-epidemiology of mosquito-borne arboviruses (Diptera: Culicidae) in Spain]
Rubén Bueno Marí1, Ricardo Jiménez Peydró
1Laboratorio de Entomología y Control de Plagas, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de València-Estudi General, València, España. ruben.bueno@uv.es
Abstract:
In this manuscript we analize the possible emergence and/or re-emergence in Spain of some of the mosquito-borne arboviruses (Diptera: Culicidae) with highest incidence in recent years. The faunistic, bioecological and distributional data of the culicids in our country allow to differentiate between species with ability to maintain the enzootic cycles of arboviruses from others that can act as bridge vectors to the human population. The results show the existence of several common and anthropophilic species as Aedes vexans, Culex modestus, Culex pipiens or Ochlerotatus caspius, with a high capacity to transmit flaviviruses such as West Nile virus or Usutu virus. Moreover the recent introduction, establishment and spread of the Asian Mosquito Tiger, Aedes albopictus, propitiate a new situation for the emergence of possible epidemic outbreaks of arboviruses usually imported to our country by immigrants and tourists such as Dengue or Chikungunya. Finally we discuss the epidemiological interest of other native species as Aedes vittatus or Ochlerotatus geniculatus, due to its capacity to transmit some of these typically tropical arboviruses.
Insights
Spain faces potential arbovirus outbreaks from mosquitoes. Common species like Aedes vexans can transmit West Nile virus, while invasive Aedes albopictus poses risks for Dengue and Chikungunya importation.
Area of Science:
- Medical entomology
- Arbovirology
- Public health
Context:
- Analysis of mosquito-borne arboviruses in Spain.
- Assessment of faunistic, bioecological, and distributional data of culicids.
- Identification of species capable of maintaining enzootic cycles versus bridge vectors.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the potential emergence/re-emergence of arboviruses in Spain.
- To differentiate vector capabilities among Spanish mosquito species.
- To assess risks posed by native and invasive mosquito species.
Summary:
- Common anthropophilic mosquitoes (Aedes vexans, Culex modestus, Culex pipiens, Ochlerotatus caspius) can transmit West Nile and Usutu viruses.
- The invasive Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito) increases risk for imported arboviruses like Dengue and Chikungunya.
- Native species (Aedes vittatus, Ochlerotatus geniculatus) may transmit tropical arboviruses.
Impact:
- Informs public health strategies for mosquito-borne disease prevention in Spain.
- Highlights the role of invasive species in altering arbovirus transmission dynamics.
- Provides data for targeted vector control and surveillance programs.

