Controlling Aedes mosquitoes using densovirus-based biolarvicides: Current status and prospects.

Area of Science:

• * Virology
• * Entomology
• * Molecular Biology

Background:

• * Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are primary vectors for arboviruses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
• * Entomopathogenic viruses, specifically densoviruses, offer potential as environmentally friendly alternatives for vector control.
• * Densoviruses are single-stranded DNA viruses within the Parvoviridae family, with three known mosquito-infecting species.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review current knowledge on mosquito-infecting densoviruses.
• * To assess their potential as biocontrol agents against Aedes mosquitoes.
• * To cover updated classification, host range, distribution, ecology, co-infection effects, and knowledge gaps.

Main Methods:

• * Comprehensive literature review.
• * Analysis of existing data on densovirus classification and taxonomy.
• * Synthesis of information on host-pathogen interactions and ecological factors.

Main Results:

• * Three species of densoviruses infect mosquitoes: Protoambidensovirus dipteran, Brevihamaparvovirus dipteran 1, and Brevihamaparvovirus dipteran 2.
• * Brevihamaparvovirus dipteran 1 and Brevihamaparvovirus dipteran 2 are identified as strong candidates for vector control.
• * Current knowledge gaps exist regarding their ecology, distribution, and co-infection dynamics.

Conclusions:

• * Densoviruses, particularly Brevihamaparvovirus species, represent a promising avenue for developing novel biocontrol strategies against Aedes mosquitoes.
• * Further research is warranted to fully understand their application potential and ecological impact.
• * These viruses could contribute to integrated vector management programs for arbovirus disease prevention.