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Characterization of mosquito host-biting networks of potential Rift Valley fever virus vectors in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

Takalani I Makhanthisa¹, Milehna M Guarido¹, Alan Kemp²

¹Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.

Parasites & Vectors

|August 13, 2024

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Characterization Of Mosquito Host-biting Networks Of Potential Rift Valley Fever Virus Vectors In North-eastern Kwazulu-natal Province, South Africa

This summary is machine-generated.

This study identified cattle and nyala as key hosts for mosquitoes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, highlighting their potential role in Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) transmission. Further research on these species is crucial for understanding RVFV amplification.

Area of Science:

Veterinary Entomology
Molecular Epidemiology
Disease Ecology

Background:

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) poses significant threats to livestock, human health, and economies in Africa.
RVFV is suspected to be endemic in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, with poorly understood mosquito vectors.
Potential vectors include Aedes (Neomelaniconion) mcintoshi, Aedes (Neomelaniconion) circumluteolus, Aedes (Aedimorphus) durbanensis, and Culex (Lasioconops) poicilipes.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the vertebrate blood meal sources of potential RVFV mosquito vectors in north-eastern KZN.
To characterize the host-biting network of these mosquito vectors.
To inform future strategies for RVFV surveillance and control.

Main Methods:

Blood-fed mosquitoes were collected monthly from November 2019 to February 2023 using various trapping methods.
Morphological identification followed by DNA extraction for COI and cytb gene amplification via PCR.
Sequencing and GenBank/BOLD system queries for host identification; RVFV screening using RT-PCR.

Main Results:

Mammalian (88.8%) and avian (11.3%) blood meals were identified from 409 mosquitoes, with Aedes circumluteolus being the most common species.
Cattle (195) and nyala (61) were the most frequent domestic and wild hosts, respectively.
Rural host-biting networks showed higher interaction density than reserve networks; all mosquitoes tested negative for RVFV.

Conclusions:

Aedes circumluteolus, cattle, and nyala may play central roles in RVFV transmission dynamics.
Targeted research on these identified mosquito and host species is recommended for understanding RVFV amplification.
Findings provide critical insights for RVFV surveillance and prevention in the region.

Keywords:

Arbovirus Mosquito Network analysis Rift Valley fever virus South Africa Vertebrate blood meal sources