Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Viral adaptations to vector-borne transmission can result in complex host-vector-pathogen interactions
1Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Abstract:
Research Highlight: Norton, A. M., Remnant, E. J., Tom, J., Buchmann, G., Blacquiere, T., & Beekman, M. (2021). Adaptation to vector-based transmission in a honeybee virus. Journal of Animal Ecology, 90, https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.13493. In their paper on the adaptation to vector-based transmission via the mite Varroa destructor in a honeybee virus, Norton et al. study how high versus low levels of a viral vector affect viral load and potential competition between two strains of Deformed Wing Virus, an important highly virulent bee virus with the potential to spill-over into other pollinators and bee-associated insect species. This paper addresses two very timely issues, on the one hand on viral evolutionary ecology in response to vector-borne transmission, and on the other hand providing much needed information on an important honey bee pathogen. Using a complex natural system, this study shows that vector-borne transmission, and the control of the vector, can select for complex host-pathogen-vector interactions and that adaptations to changing transmission landscapes in fast evolving pathogens can create conditions for emerging pathogens to transition to endemic diseases.
More Related Videos
06:02Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
11:12Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm
Published on: April 12, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Viral Recombination
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral Mutations
Introduction to Virus
Retroviruses
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...