The virome of vector mosquitoes

Area of Science:

• * Virology
• * Entomology
• * Public Health

Background:

• * Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus, are primary vectors for significant arboviruses like dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.
• * The virome, encompassing all viruses within a mosquito, includes both medically important arboviruses and insect-specific viruses (ISVs).
• * ISVs, which do not infect vertebrates, are increasingly recognized for their potential to modulate mosquito vector competence for arboviruses.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review the current understanding of the virome in key mosquito vectors.
• * To explore the interactions between insect-specific viruses and arboviruses within mosquitoes.
• * To identify challenges and opportunities for developing novel arbovirus control strategies.

Main Methods:

• * Comprehensive literature review of studies on mosquito viromes.
• * Analysis of research on the impact of insect-specific viruses on arbovirus transmission.
• * Synthesis of current knowledge on vector competence and viral interactions.

Main Results:

• * Mosquitoes harbor a complex virome, including arboviruses and numerous ISVs.
• * Evidence suggests ISVs can influence mosquito susceptibility and transmission of arboviruses.
• * The interplay between ISVs and arboviruses presents a potential avenue for vector control.

Conclusions:

• * Understanding the mosquito virome is crucial for arbovirus control.
• * Insect-specific viruses represent a promising area for research into novel vector management strategies.
• * Further investigation into ISV-arbovirus interactions could lead to innovative methods for preventing arbovirus outbreaks.