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Updated: Oct 18, 2025
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Vector competence of Aedes aegypti and screening for differentially expressed microRNAs exposed to Zika virus
Chunling Zhu1,2, Yuting Jiang1, Qianghui Zhang1
1Department of Vector Biology and Control, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Diseases, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China.
Background:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted to humans primarily by Aedes aegypti. Previous studies on Ae. aegypti from Jiegao (JG) and Mengding (MD) in Yunnan province, China have shown that these mosquitoes are able to transmit ZIKV to their offspring through vertical transmission, indicating that these two Ae. aegypti strains pose a potential risk for ZIKV transmission. However, the vector competence of these two Ae. aegypti strains to ZIKV has not been evaluated and the molecular mechanisms influencing vector competence are still unclear.
Methods:
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from JG and MD were orally infected with ZIKV, and the infection rate (IR), dissemination rate (DR), transmission rate (TR) and transmission efficiency (TE) of these two mosquito strains were explored to evaluate their vector competence to ZIKV. On 2, 4 and 6 days post-infection (dpi), the small RNA profiles between ZIKV-infected and non-infected Ae. aegypti midgut and salivary gland tissues were compared to gain insights into the molecular interactions between ZIKV and Ae. aegypti.
Results:
There were no significant differences in the IR, DR, TR and TE between the two Ae. aegypti strains (P > 0.05). However, ZIKV RNA appeared 2 days earlier in saliva of the JG strain, which indicated a higher competence of the JG strain to transmit ZIKV. Significant differences in the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles between ZIKV-infected and non-infected Ae. aegypti were found in the 2-dpi libraries of both the midgut and salivary gland tissues from the two strains. In addition, 27 and 74 miRNAs (|log2 fold change| > 2) were selected from the miRNA expression profiles of ZIKV-infected and non-infected midgut and salivary gland tissues from the JG and MD strains, respectively.
Conclusions:
Our results provide novel insights into the ZIKV-mosquito interactions and build a foundation for future research on how miRNAs regulate the vector competence of mosquitoes to this arbovirus.
Insights
This study evaluated Zika virus (ZIKV) vector competence in two Aedes aegypti mosquito strains from China. While overall transmission rates were similar, the Jiegao strain showed earlier ZIKV presence in saliva, suggesting higher competence and revealing microRNA (miRNA) expression changes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- Previous research indicated vertical transmission of ZIKV in Aedes aegypti strains from Jiegao (JG) and Mengding (MD) in Yunnan, China.
- The vector competence and underlying molecular mechanisms of these strains remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the vector competence of JG and MD Aedes aegypti strains to ZIKV.
- To investigate the molecular interactions between ZIKV and these mosquito strains using small RNA sequencing.
Main Methods:
- Oral infection of JG and MD Aedes aegypti with ZIKV.
- Assessment of infection rate (IR), dissemination rate (DR), transmission rate (TR), and transmission efficiency (TE).
- Comparison of small RNA profiles in midgut and salivary gland tissues at 2, 4, and 6 days post-infection.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in IR, DR, TR, or TE were observed between the JG and MD strains.
- ZIKV RNA was detected earlier in the saliva of the JG strain, indicating potentially higher transmission competence.
- Significant differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression were identified in ZIKV-infected versus non-infected mosquitoes, particularly at 2 days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into ZIKV-mosquito interactions.
- MicroRNA expression profiles differ between infected and non-infected mosquitoes.
- This research lays the groundwork for understanding miRNA's role in regulating mosquito vector competence for ZIKV.
