Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Chikungunya virus transmission between Aedes albopictus and laboratory mice
Leon E Hugo1, Natalie A Prow2, Bing Tang2
1Mosquito Control, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.
Background:
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus associated with epidemics of acute and chronic arthritic disease in humans. Aedes albopictus has emerged as an important new natural vector for CHIKV transmission; however, mouse models for studying transmission have not been developed.
Methods:
Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were infected with CHIKV via membrane feeding and by using infected adult wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Paraffin sections of infected mosquitoes were analysed by immunofluorescent antibody staining using an anti-CHIKV antibody. CHIKV-infected mosquitoes were used to infect adult C57BL/6 and interferon response factor 3 and 7 deficient (IRF3/7-/-) mice.
Results:
Feeding mosquitoes on blood meals with CHIKV titres > 5 log10CCID50/ml, either by membrane feeding or feeding on infected mice, resulted in ≥ 50 % of mosquitoes becoming infected. However, CHIKV titres in blood meals ≥ 7 log10CCID50/ml were required before salivary glands showed significant levels of immunofluorescent staining with an anti-CHIKV antibody. Mosquitoes fed on blood meals of 7.5 (but not 5.9) log10CCID50/ml were able efficiently to transmit virus to adult C57BL/6 and IRF3/7-/- mice, with the latter mice showing overt signs of arthritis post-infection.
Conclusions:
The results provide a simple in vivo model for studying transmission of CHIKV from mosquitoes to mammals and also argue against a resistance barrier to CHIKV infection in adult mice.
Insights
A new mouse model allows studying Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmission from mosquitoes. This research shows adult mice are susceptible to CHIKV infection, enabling better understanding of the disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus causing acute and chronic arthritis in humans.
- Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are emerging as significant vectors for CHIKV.
- Existing mouse models have limitations for studying CHIKV transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a functional in vivo mouse model for CHIKV transmission from mosquitoes.
- To investigate the susceptibility of adult mice to CHIKV infection via mosquito vectors.
- To analyze the role of interferon response factors in CHIKV pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Infection of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes with CHIKV through membrane feeding or via infected mice.
- Immunofluorescent antibody staining to detect CHIKV in mosquito tissues.
- Infection of wild-type C57BL/6 and IRF3/7-/- mice using CHIKV-infected mosquitoes.
Main Results:
- High CHIKV titers (>5 log10CCID50/ml) in blood meals were required for efficient mosquito infection.
- CHIKV transmission to mice occurred when mosquitoes fed on blood meals with titers ≥7 log10CCID50/ml.
- IRF3/7-/- mice exhibited overt arthritis symptoms after CHIKV infection, indicating susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- A straightforward in vivo model for studying CHIKV mosquito-to-mammal transmission has been established.
- The findings suggest adult mice lack a significant resistance barrier to CHIKV infection.
- This model facilitates research into CHIKV transmission and pathogenesis.
