Insect densoviruses may be widespread in mosquito cell lines

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Entomology

Background:

• Densovirus infections can impact insect populations.
• Accurate detection methods are crucial for studying these viruses.
• Previous studies have sequenced densovirus DNA from mosquitoes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for densovirus detection.
• To identify and characterize novel densovirus strains from insect cell lines.
• To investigate the infectivity, replication, and pathogenicity of identified densoviruses in mosquitoes.

Main Methods:

• Design and application of a PCR assay targeting conserved densovirus genomic regions.
• Confirmation of PCR results using electron microscopy and indirect fluorescent antibody testing.
• Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of amplified viral fragments.
• Oral and parenteral administration of viruses to mosquitoes to assess infectivity and virulence.

Main Results:

• The developed PCR assay consistently detected densovirus infections in insect cell lines.
• Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed two novel densovirus isolates.
• These novel densoviruses infected and replicated in mosquitoes, with largely avirulent outcomes.
• Vertical transmission of one virus to progeny was observed.

Conclusions:

• The developed PCR assay is a reliable tool for densovirus diagnosis in insect cell lines.
• Novel densovirus strains are prevalent in insect cell lines and can infect mosquitoes.
• These mosquito densoviruses exhibit low virulence but possess the capacity for vertical transmission.