Neurotropism and behavioral changes associated with Zika infection in the vector Aedes aegypti.

ABSTRACT: Understanding Zika virus infection dynamics is essential, as its recent emergence revealed possible devastating neuropathologies in humans, thus causing a major threat to public health worldwide. Recent research allowed breakthrough in our understanding of the virus and host pathogenesis; however, little is known on its impact on its main vector, Aedes aegypti. Here we show how Zika virus targets Aedes aegypti's neurons and induces changes in its behavior. Results are compared to dengue virus, another flavivirus, which triggers a different pattern of behavioral changes. We used microelectrode array technology to record electrical spiking activity of mosquito primary neurons post infections and discovered that only Zika virus causes an increase in spiking activity of the neuronal network. C

SUBMITTER: Gaburro J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5915379 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature