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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Variation in Aedes aegypti Mosquito Competence for Zika Virus Transmission
Abstract:
To test whether Zika virus has adapted for more efficient transmission by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, leading to recent urban outbreaks, we fed mosquitoes from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and the United States artificial blood meals containing 1 of 3 Zika virus strains (Senegal, Cambodia, Mexico) and monitored infection, dissemination, and virus in saliva. Contrary to our hypothesis, Cambodia and Mexica strains were less infectious than the Senegal strain. Only mosquitoes from the Dominican Republic transmitted the Cambodia and Mexica strains. However, blood meals from viremic mice were more infectious than artificial blood meals of comparable doses; the Cambodia strain was not transmitted by mosquitoes from Brazil after artificial blood meals, whereas 61% transmission occurred after a murine blood meal (saliva titers up to 4 log 10 infectious units/collection). Although regional origins of vector populations and virus strain influence transmission efficiency, Ae. aegypti mosquitoes appear to be competent vectors of Zika virus in several regions of the Americas.
Insights
Zika virus strains vary in infectivity and transmission by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Murine blood meals enhance transmission more than artificial meals, indicating vector competence across the Americas.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Recent urban Zika virus outbreaks raise questions about viral adaptation.
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are primary vectors for Zika virus transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Zika virus strains have adapted for enhanced transmission by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- To assess the influence of mosquito origin and virus strain on transmission efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Mosquitoes from Brazil, Dominican Republic, and USA were fed artificial blood meals with Zika virus strains (Senegal, Cambodia, Mexico).
- Infection, dissemination, and viral load in mosquito saliva were monitored.
- Comparison of transmission efficiency using artificial versus murine blood meals.
Main Results:
- Cambodia and Mexico strains were less infectious than the Senegal strain in artificial blood meals.
- Only Dominican Republic mosquitoes transmitted the Cambodia and Mexico strains.
- Murine blood meals significantly increased transmission efficiency compared to artificial meals, especially for the Cambodia strain.
Conclusions:
- Zika virus transmission efficiency is influenced by both vector population origin and virus strain.
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes demonstrate competence for Zika virus transmission in various regions of the Americas.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between vector, virus, and environment in Zika transmission.
