Impact of simultaneous exposure to arboviruses on infection and transmission by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Abstract

The recent emergence of both chikungunya and Zika viruses in the Americas has significantly expanded their distribution and has thus increased the possibility that individuals may become infected by more than one Aedes aegypti-borne virus at a time. Recent clinical data support an increase in the frequency of coinfection in human patients, raising the likelihood that mosquitoes could be exposed to multiple arboviruses during one feeding episode. The impact of coinfection on the ability of relevant vector species to transmit any of these viruses (that is, their vector competence) has not been determined. Thus, we here expose Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to chikungunya, dengue-2 or Zika viruses, both individually and as double and triple infections. Our results show that these mosquitoes can be infected with and can transmit all combinations of these viruses simultaneously. Importantly, infection, dissemination and transmission rates in mosquitoes are only mildly affected by coinfection.

Entomological Coinfections of Arboviruses Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses along the Coastline of Kenya

“…This confirms numerous reports that Aedes aegypti s.l forms the primary vector for arboviruses and can be infected by Dengue and Chikungunya viruses (Rückert et al, 2017). Aaa subspecies had the highest arboviral infection among all Aedes species and sub-species screened for the viruses.…”

“…This is because mosquitoes can feed multiple times on more than one human host and require multiple bites per each gonotrophic cycle (Harrington et al, 2014). Concomitant infections were reported in studies by Göertz et al (2017), Rückert et al (2017), Le Coupanec et al (2017) and Vazeille et al (2010). However, their reports are conflicting on the aspect of vector competence.…”

“…Study reports indicate there is a possibility that individuals may become infected by more than one arbovirus at a time (Rückert et al, 2017). This increase in human arboviruses co-infections might mean the mosquitoes could be exposed to multiple arboviruses during one feeding episode.…”

“…This increase in human arboviruses co-infections might mean the mosquitoes could be exposed to multiple arboviruses during one feeding episode. A study by Rückert et al (2017) exposed Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to Chikungunya, Dengue-2 and Zika viruses as either single, double or triple infections. Their results indicated the Ae.…”

Building Infestation Index for Aedes aegypti and occurrence of dengue fever in the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil, from 2001 to 2016

“…The Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses are mainly transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti 1 , a mosquito with a wide geographical distribution, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas 2 . Dengue fever is an acute febrile disease, which may have a moderate or severe course.…”