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Updated: May 22, 2026
Mosquito-Associated Virus Isolation from Field-Collected Mosquitoes
Published on: August 31, 2022
First record of a mosquito iridescent virus in Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae)
Evangelina Muttis1, Solange A B Miele, Mariano N Belaich
1Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-CCT-La Plata-UNLP), Calle 2 No 584, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. evangelinamuttis@hotmail.com
Abstract:
The mosquito iridescent viruses (MIVs) are large icosahedral DNA viruses that replicate and assemble in the cytoplasm of the host. Paracrystalline arrangements of virions that accumulate in the cytoplasm produce an iridescent color that is symptomatic of acute infections. In August 2010, we found larvae of Culex pipiens with these symptoms in suburban ditches around the city of La Plata, Argentina. Electron microscope studies, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of the major capsid protein confirmed this as the first record of an MIV in C. Pipiens.
Insights
Mosquito iridescent viruses (MIVs) cause iridescent symptoms in infected larvae. This study documents the first MIV detection in Culex pipiens mosquitoes in Argentina.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mosquito iridescent viruses (MIVs) are large DNA viruses known to infect mosquito larvae.
- Cytoplasmic replication and assembly of MIVs lead to paracrystalline virion arrangements, causing a characteristic iridescent symptom in infected hosts.
- Previous MIV records have not included the Culex pipiens species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a viral infection exhibiting iridescent symptoms in mosquito larvae found in Argentina.
- To confirm the etiological agent responsible for the observed iridescence in Culex pipiens.
- To establish the first record of Mosquito Iridescent Virus in Culex pipiens.
Main Methods:
- Field collection of symptomatic mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens) in La Plata, Argentina.
- Transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis of virions.
- DNA sequencing of viral genes, focusing on the major capsid protein.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine viral relatedness.
Main Results:
- Larvae of Culex pipiens collected in August 2010 displayed symptoms consistent with MIV infection.
- Electron microscopy revealed the presence of large, icosahedral virions within the cytoplasm of infected cells.
- DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the virus as a Mosquito Iridescent Virus (MIV).
- This represents the first documented instance of MIV infection in Culex pipiens.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the presence of Mosquito Iridescent Virus in Culex pipiens larvae in Argentina.
- This finding expands the known host range and geographical distribution of MIVs.
- The identification highlights the importance of continued surveillance for mosquito-borne viruses.
