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Temperature-Mediated Effects on Mayaro Virus Vector Competency of Florida Aedes aegypti Mosquito Vectors
Abdullah A Alomar1, Barry W Alto1
1Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 200 9th St. S.E., Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA.
Abstract:
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging mosquito-borne arbovirus and public health concern. We evaluated the influence of temperature on Aedes aegypti responses to MAYV oral infection and transmission at two constant temperatures (20 °C and 30 °C). Infection of mosquito tissues (bodies and legs) and salivary secretions with MAYV was determined at 3, 9, 15, 21, and 27 days post ingestion. At both temperatures, we observed a trend of increase in progression of MAYV infection and replication kinetics over time, followed by a decline during later periods. Peaks of MAYV infection, titer, and dissemination from the midgut were detected at 15 and 21 days post ingestion at 30 °C and 20 °C, respectively. Mosquitoes were able to transmit MAYV as early as day 3 at 30 °C, but MAYV was not detectable in salivary secretions until day 15 at 20 °C. Low rates of MAYV in salivary secretions collected from infected mosquitoes provided evidence supporting the notion that a substantial salivary gland barrier(s) in Florida Ae. aegypti can limit the risk of MAYV transmission. Our results provide insights into the effects of temperature and time on the progression of infection and replication of MAYV in Ae. aegypti vectors.
Insights
Temperature significantly impacts Mayaro virus (MAYV) infection and transmission in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Higher temperatures accelerate MAYV replication and transmission, but salivary gland barriers limit overall risk.
Area of Science:
- Arbovirology
- Medical Entomology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging arbovirus posing a significant public health threat.
- Mosquito-borne diseases, including those caused by MAYV, are influenced by environmental factors like temperature.
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are important vectors for various arboviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of two constant temperatures (20 °C and 30 °C) on Aedes aegypti mosquito responses to Mayaro virus infection and transmission.
- To determine the influence of time post-ingestion on MAYV infection, replication, and dissemination in Ae. aegypti.
- To assess the potential for MAYV transmission by Ae. aegypti under different temperature conditions.
Main Methods:
- Oral infection of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with Mayaro virus.
- Incubation of infected mosquitoes at constant temperatures of 20 °C and 30 °C.
- Quantification of MAYV infection, titer, and dissemination in mosquito tissues (bodies, legs) and salivary secretions at multiple time points (3, 9, 15, 21, 27 days post-ingestion).
Main Results:
- MAYV infection and replication kinetics showed a trend of increase over time, followed by a decline at both temperatures.
- Peak MAYV infection and dissemination occurred at 15 days post-ingestion at 30 °C and 21 days at 20 °C.
- Mosquitoes transmitted MAYV by day 3 at 30 °C, but transmission was delayed until day 15 at 20 °C, with low rates in salivary secretions suggesting a salivary gland barrier.
Conclusions:
- Temperature and time post-ingestion are critical factors influencing Mayaro virus infection, replication, and dissemination in Aedes aegypti.
- Higher temperatures (30 °C) accelerate MAYV infection progression and early transmission potential.
- Salivary gland barriers in Florida Aedes aegypti mosquitoes may limit the overall risk of Mayaro virus transmission despite temperature effects.
