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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Experimental Viral Infection in Adult Mosquitoes by Oral Feeding and Microinjection
Published on: July 28, 2022
A peridomestic Aedes malayensis population in Singapore can transmit yellow fever virus
Elliott F Miot1,2,3, Fabien Aubry1, Stéphanie Dabo1
1Insect-Virus Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France.
Abstract:
The case-fatality rate of yellow fever virus (YFV) is one of the highest among arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). Although historically, the Asia-Pacific region has remained free of YFV, the risk of introduction has never been higher due to the increasing influx of people from endemic regions and the recent outbreaks in Africa and South America. Singapore is a global hub for trade and tourism and therefore at high risk for YFV introduction. Effective control of the main domestic mosquito vector Aedes aegypti in Singapore has failed to prevent re-emergence of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses in the last two decades, raising suspicions that peridomestic mosquito species untargeted by domestic vector control measures may contribute to arbovirus transmission. Here, we provide empirical evidence that the peridomestic mosquito Aedes malayensis found in Singapore can transmit YFV. Our laboratory mosquito colony recently derived from wild Ae. malayensis in Singapore was experimentally competent for YFV to a similar level as Ae. aegypti controls. In addition, we captured Ae. malayensis females in one human-baited trap during three days of collection, providing preliminary evidence that host-vector contact may occur in field conditions. Finally, we detected Ae. malayensis eggs in traps deployed in high-rise building areas of Singapore. We conclude that Ae. malayensis is a competent vector of YFV and re-emphasize that vector control methods should be extended to target peridomestic vector species.
Insights
Yellow fever virus (YFV) poses a high risk to the Asia-Pacific. This study confirms Aedes malayensis mosquitoes in Singapore can transmit YFV, highlighting the need for expanded vector control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Vector-Borne Diseases
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Yellow fever virus (YFV) has a high case-fatality rate and poses an increasing threat to the Asia-Pacific region.
- Singapore's status as a global hub increases its risk of YFV introduction.
- Previous vector control failures against other arboviruses suggest untargeted mosquito species may play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of the peridomestic mosquito Aedes malayensis in Singapore as a vector for Yellow Fever Virus (YFV).
- To provide empirical evidence for YFV transmission by Aedes malayensis.
- To inform public health strategies regarding arbovirus control in urban environments.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of a laboratory colony of Aedes malayensis mosquitoes with YFV.
- Comparison of YFV transmission competence between Aedes malayensis and Aedes aegypti.
- Field studies involving human-bait traps and egg traps to assess Aedes malayensis presence and host-vector contact.
Main Results:
- The Singaporean Aedes malayensis mosquito colony demonstrated experimental competence for YFV transmission, comparable to Aedes aegypti.
- Preliminary field evidence suggests potential host-vector contact with Aedes malayensis.
- Aedes malayensis eggs were detected in traps within high-rise building areas, indicating peridomestic presence.
Conclusions:
- Aedes malayensis is confirmed as a competent vector for Yellow Fever Virus (YFV).
- The findings underscore the importance of including peridomestic mosquito species in arbovirus surveillance and control programs.
- Expanded vector control strategies are necessary to mitigate the risk of YFV introduction and spread in Singapore and similar urban settings.
