Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vector competence is a critical determinant of arbovirus transmission dynamics, yet most studies in Thailand have primarily examined Aedes aegypti susceptibility to infection and systemic viral dissemination rather than the mosquito's potential to transmit infectious virions. Given that transmission potential varies among mosquito populations, identifying population-specific transmission barriers is crucial for optimizing vector control strategies especially under budget and resource constrains. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This study assessed the Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission potential of three Ae. aegypti populations from Thailand: two field-derived populations from Chiang Mai (CSP) and Nakhon Sawan (NAK) and a long-established laboratory strain (DMSC). Following oral exposure to a locally circulating ZIKV strain, viral transmission potential was evaluated. CSP mosquitoes demonstrated the earliest and highest ZIKV prevalence in salivary glands at 7 days post-infectious blood meal (dpibm), with DMSC and NAK populations reaching comparable infection levels at later time points. Despite this, NAK mosquitoes exhibited a strong barrier, resulting in significantly lower transmission potential. Genetic crosses revealed that this phenotype is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is similarly effective against dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV2), underscoring the broad-spectrum potential of NAK Ae. aegypti for transmission suppression. Furthermore, male NAK mosquitoes exhibited superior mating competitiveness, reinforcing their viability as a tool for vector control by population replacement. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings highlight significant variability in ZIKV vector competence among Thai Ae. aegypti populations, emphasizing the importance of direct transmission assessments in vector competence studies. The discovery of a naturally occurring, heritable salivary gland escape barrier presents an opportunity for vector control strategies through NAK-based population replacement approaches. With their strong mating capability and broad arbovirus-blocking ability, NAK mosquitoes provide a natural alternative to Wolbachia-based and genetically modified mosquito interventions.
Source: PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Institutions: National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Chiang Mai University, Mahidol University, Ramathibodi Hospital, Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital, Western University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Génomique évolutive, modélisation et santé
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,670
Funders: European Commission, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Kasetsart University, National Research Council of Thailand, Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council, National Institutes of Health, Horizon 2020, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, MSDAVENIR
OpenAlex ID: W4415624569