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Published on: August 7, 2018
Physiological Impacts on the Mosquito Vector Hosts Refine Vectorial Capacity Estimates of Mayaro Virus Transmission
Luis A Alonso-Palomares1,2, John F Williams1,2, Edwin R Burgess3
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
Abstract:
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an alphavirus transmitted by mosquito vectors. Among the three MAYV genotypes (D, L, and N), genotype D has the broadest geographical distribution in Latin America and the Caribbean. The virus can be transmitted by the Aedes, Anopheles, and Haemagogus mosquitoes. To explore the potential expansion of MAYV across the Atlantic Ocean, we compared MAYV (D) infection kinetics in Floridian Aedes aegypti with New World (Anopheles albimanus) and Old World (Anopheles gambiae) anophelines. MAYV infection of both An. albimanus and An. gambiae was rapid, resulting in a higher dissemination rate than Ae. aegypti. We detected MAYV in saliva from An. albimanus (16.6% transmission rate) as early as 2 days post-infection (dpi), increasing to 60% after 7 dpi, a phenomenon (2 dpi) that has not been described to date for mosquitoes. We observed similar increases in MAYV infection of the ovaries and noted marked differences in fecundity for each species tested. Although MAYV infection in An. gambiae was rapid, mosquito lifespan was significantly reduced as compared with both Ae. aegypti and An. albimanus. We discuss the implications of our observations on MAYV transmission risk in Africa by An. gambiae and in the Caribbean and Central America by An. albimanus.
Insights
Mayaro virus (MAYV) genotype D rapidly infects and disseminates in Anopheles mosquitoes, posing a potential new transmission risk. Anopheles albimanus showed early infectiousness, while Anopheles gambiae had reduced lifespan, impacting disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Arbovirology
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes, with genotype D prevalent in Latin America.
- MAYV can be transmitted by Aedes, Anopheles, and Haemagogus mosquitoes.
- Understanding MAYV infection dynamics in different mosquito species is crucial for assessing transmission risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Mayaro virus (MAYV) genotype D infection kinetics in Aedes aegypti, Anopheles albimanus, and Anopheles gambiae.
- To evaluate the potential for MAYV expansion across the Atlantic Ocean.
- To assess the implications of MAYV infection on mosquito vector competence and lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Infection kinetics of MAYV (genotype D) were studied in Aedes aegypti, Anopheles albimanus, and Anopheles gambiae.
- Dissemination rates, transmission rates (saliva detection), and effects on mosquito lifespan and fecundity were assessed.
- Mosquitoes were sampled at various days post-infection (dpi) to determine viral load and infectivity.
Main Results:
- MAYV rapidly infected and disseminated in Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles gambiae, exceeding rates in Aedes aegypti.
- Anopheles albimanus exhibited early infectiousness, with a 16.6% transmission rate at 2 dpi, increasing to 60% by 7 dpi.
- Anopheles gambiae showed reduced lifespan post-infection, while Anopheles albimanus and Aedes aegypti had differing impacts on fecundity.
Conclusions:
- Anopheles mosquitoes, particularly Anopheles albimanus, are highly competent vectors for MAYV genotype D, suggesting potential for expanded transmission.
- The early infectiousness observed in Anopheles albimanus highlights a significant public health concern for the Caribbean and Central America.
- The reduced lifespan of Anopheles gambiae post-MAYV infection warrants further investigation regarding its epidemiological impact in Africa.
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