Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
10:35
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Structural and nonstructural protein divergence correlates with strain-specific vector competence for Zika virus
Rhoda Ntim Owusu1, Vijay P Chelikani2, Millicent Sifuna1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main St, Lubbock, TX, 79409, United States.
Parasites & Vectors
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Neotropical Zika virus (ZIKV) strains show higher transmission in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes compared to Old-World strains. Genetic variations and host gene suppression by the Neotropical ZIKV contribute to its enhanced transmission potential.
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne diseases
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) emergence in the Americas involved Asian-lineage strains.
- African lineages are ancestral ZIKV forms and understudied for transmission.
- Differences in ZIKV strain infectivity and transmission by American Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate strain-specific differences in ZIKV vector competence.
- Analyze host transcriptional responses to different ZIKV strains.
- Examine viral genomic variation between ZIKV lineages.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of Neotropical and Old-World ZIKV strains to Ae. aegypti via blood meals.
- Assessment of vector competence (infection, dissemination, transmission) at 14 days post-infection using RT-qPCR.
- RNA sequencing (RNAseq) of infected mosquitoes to analyze strain-associated transcriptional responses.
Main Results:
- Neotropical ZIKV strain exhibited significantly higher dissemination and transmission rates.
- Higher viral loads were observed in Neotropical-infected mosquitoes (whole body, legs, saliva).
- Neotropical ZIKV infection suppressed immune- and barrier-associated genes and reduced fecundity.
Conclusions:
- Neotropical and Old-World ZIKV isolates display distinct transmission efficiencies in Mexican Ae. aegypti.
- Limited amino acid variation and strain-specific host gene modulation may enhance Neotropical ZIKV transmission.
- Viral genetic background is a critical determinant of ZIKV intra-vector dynamics and transmission risk.
Related Concept Videos
00:56Viral Structure
Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
02:28Leaky Scanning
During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA. Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...
01:20Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:56Structural Protein Function
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
01:56Structural Protein Function
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...