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A major entomoparasite interferes with the chikungunya virus transmission by Aedes albopictus

Edwige Martin1, An-Nah Chanfi1, Barbara Viginier2

  • 1Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Ecologie Microbienne Villeurbanne France.

Mlife
|July 2, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis slows chikungunya virus spread in Asian tiger mosquitoes. This microbe halves virus transmission, impacting disease control strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Vector-borne disease ecology
  • Microbial-mosquito interactions
  • Infectious disease epidemiology

Background:

  • The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a global invasive species and a vector for diseases like chikungunya.
  • Mosquito-associated microbes can modulate pathogen transmission dynamics.
  • Ascogregarina taiwanensis, a common gregarine parasite, is prevalent in established Aedes albopictus populations but rare in newly introduced ones.

Discussion:

  • Ascogregarina taiwanensis infection significantly reduces chikungunya virus replication and dissemination within Aedes albopictus.
  • Parasitized mosquitoes exhibit a 50% lower transmission efficiency of the chikungunya virus compared to unparasitized counterparts.
  • The prevalence of Aedes albopictus-associated microbes may influence the epidemiology of arboviral diseases.

Key Insights:

  • The presence of Ascogregarina taiwanensis acts as a natural brake on chikungunya virus transmission by Aedes albopictus.
  • Changes in the gut microbiome composition, specifically the introduction of parasites, can alter vector competence.
  • This finding highlights the potential of microbial communities in mosquitoes for novel disease control strategies.

Outlook:

  • Further research is needed to explore the ecological factors influencing Ascogregarina taiwanensis prevalence in Aedes albopictus.
  • Investigating the impact of other mosquito-associated microbes on arbovirus transmission is crucial.
  • Understanding these interactions can inform integrated vector management programs for public health protection.

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