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Published on: August 7, 2018
Route of Zika virus infection in Aedes aegypti by transmission electron microscopy
Thayane da Encarnação Sá-Guimarães1, Tiago Souza Salles1,2, Carlucio Rocha Dos Santos3
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Background:
Zika fever has been a global health security threat, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions where most of the cases occur. The disease is caused by Zika virus (ZIKV), which belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, mostly by Aedes aegypti, during its blood meal. In this study we present a descriptive analysis, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), of ZIKV infection in A. aegypti elected tissues at the 3rd day of infection. ZIKV vertical transmission experiments by oral infection were conducted to explore an offspring of natural infection.
Results:
Gut and ovary tissues harbored a higher number of viral particles. The ZIKV genome was also detected, by RT-qPCR technique, in the organism of orally infected female mosquitoes and in their eggs laid.
Conclusions:
The data obtained suggest that the ovary is an organ susceptible to be infected with ZIKV and that virus can be transmitted from mother to a fraction of the progeny.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) infects Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, primarily targeting gut and ovary tissues. This study shows ZIKV can transmit from infected mothers to a portion of their offspring.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Zika fever poses a global health security threat, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Zika virus (ZIKV), a Flavivirus, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.
- Understanding ZIKV's interaction with its vector is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe ZIKV infection in Aedes aegypti tissues using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- To investigate ZIKV vertical transmission in mosquitoes following oral infection.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of ZIKV-infected Aedes aegypti tissues via TEM at 3 days post-infection.
- Vertical transmission experiments using orally infected female mosquitoes and analysis of their eggs.
- Detection of ZIKV genome using RT-qPCR in mosquitoes and their eggs.
Main Results:
- Gut and ovary tissues showed a high concentration of viral particles.
- The ZIKV genome was detected in orally infected female mosquitoes and their laid eggs.
- TEM revealed ZIKV presence in specific Aedes aegypti tissues.
Conclusions:
- The ovary is susceptible to ZIKV infection in Aedes aegypti.
- ZIKV can be transmitted vertically from infected female mosquitoes to their offspring.
- Findings contribute to understanding ZIKV's transmission dynamics in mosquito vectors.
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