Mosquito viromes across England and Wales reveal hidden arbovirus signals and limited ecological structuring.

ABSTRACT: Outbreaks of mosquito-borne viruses are increasing in temperate regions, with West Nile and Usutu viruses now established in wide regions across Europe, and both detected in the UK. Current surveillance strategies focus on targeted approaches which are well suited for monitoring established threats but limited in their ability to detect recently described or neglected viruses. High throughput sequencing (HTS) provides an unbiased alternative, allowing simultaneous identification of well-recognised and overlooked arboviruses, alongside insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that may modulate vector competence of the insects transmitting these pathogens. This study presents the first comprehensive virome survey of Culex mosquitoes in the UK, analysing populations collected from 93 sites acros

SUBMITTER: Pilgrim J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12872884 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature