Metatranscriptomic analysis identifies different viral-like sequences in two neotropical Mansoniini mosquito species

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Entomology
• Genomics

Background:

• Mosquitoes harbor diverse RNA viruses, including arboviruses and insect-specific viruses.
• Understanding mosquito viromes is crucial for disease ecology and vector control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize RNA viruses interacting with Mansonia wilsoni and Coquillettidia hermanoi.
• To identify novel viral sequences and evolutionary relationships within these mosquito species.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing was performed on mosquito pools using an Ion Torrent platform.
• Viral contigs were identified by comparison to viral databases.
• Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to reconstruct evolutionary relationships.

Main Results:

• A total of 107 viral sequences were identified, including 11 endogenous viral elements.
• At least six known viral families were detected.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed novel viral lineages closely related to known insect-specific viruses, with significant amino acid divergence.

Conclusions:

• This study significantly expands the knowledge of the virome in two sylvatic Mansoniini mosquito species.
• The identified viral lineages represent new discoveries in mosquito-associated viruses.
• Findings contribute to understanding virus evolution and diversity in mosquito vectors.