Vector competence of Australian Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus for an epidemic strain of Zika virus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent epidemics of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Pacific and the Americas have highlighted its potential as an emerging pathogen of global importance. Both Aedes (Ae.) aegypti and Ae. albopictus are known to transmit ZIKV but variable vector competence has been observed between mosquito populations from different geographical regions and different virus strains. Since Australia remains at risk of ZIKV introduction, we evaluated the vector competence of local Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus for a Brazilian epidemic ZIKV strain. In addition, we evaluated the impact of daily temperature fluctuations around a mean of 28°C on ZIKV transmission and extrinsic incubation period.

Methodology/principal findings

Mosquitoes were orally challenged with a Brazilian ZIKV strain (8.8

SUBMITTER: Hugo LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6467424 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature