Work

First evidence of Tahyna virus in Central Italy and seasonal dynamics of its putative vector, Aedes caspius

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Tahyna virus (TAHV) is a neglected mosquito-borne Orthobunyavirus pathogenic to humans. In Italy, TAHV was first recorded in Friuli Venezia-Giulia and then repeatedly in Emilia Romagna Region (Northern Italy). This study was set up to verify the presence of TAHV in Central Italy and to identify its potential vectors. Mosquito surveillance was conducted from April to November 2025, using 78 CDCCO₂ traps across Latium and Tuscany Regions. A total of 17,728 Culicidae was captured, including 9237 specimens of four potential vector Aedes species (Aedes albopictus, Aedes caspius, Aedes detritus, and Aedes vexans). Aedes caspius was the dominant species, showing a marked abundance peak from late-summer to early-autumn. Additionally, a high density of Ae. vexans, a primary TAHV vector species in Europe, was recorded in Arezzo province, Eastern Tuscany. A total of 356 pools of the Aedes species, made up of 6600 specimens, was screened for TAHV by real-time and conventional PCR. TAHV was detected in one pool of Ae. caspius collected in Grosseto province, Southern Tuscany. This study provides the first report of TAHV in Central Italy, identifying the southernmost detection in the Country to date.

Source: Virus Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2026.199815