1
|
Seok S, Raz CD, Miller JH, Malcolm AN, Eason MD, Romero-Weaver AL, Giordano BV, Jacobsen CM, Wang X, Akbari OS, Raban R, Mathias DK, Caragata EP, Vorsino AE, Chiu JC, Lee Y. Arboviral disease outbreaks, Aedes mosquitoes, and vector control efforts in the Pacific. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2023.1035273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurring outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, like dengue, in the Pacific region represent a major biosecurity risk to neighboring continents through potential introductions of disease-causing pathogens. Aedes mosquitoes, highly prevalent in this region, are extremely invasive and the predominant vectors of multiple viruses including causing dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Due to the absence of vaccines for most of these diseases, Aedes control remains a high priority for public health. Currently, international organizations put their efforts into improving mosquito surveillance programs in the Pacific region. Also, a novel biocontrol method using Wolbachia has been tried in the Pacific region to control Aedes mosquito populations. A comprehensive understanding of mosquito biology is needed to assess the risk that mosquitoes might be introduced to neighboring islands in the region and how this might impact arboviral virus transmission. As such, we present a comprehensive review of arboviral disease outbreak records as well as Aedes mosquito biology research findings relevant to the Pacific region collected from both non-scientific and scientific sources.
Collapse
|
2
|
Microbial Composition in Larval Water Enhances Aedes aegypti Development but Reduces Transmissibility of Zika Virus. mSphere 2021; 6:e0068721. [PMID: 34878293 PMCID: PMC8653847 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00687-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses comprise a significant global disease burden. Surveillance and mitigation of arboviruses like Zika virus (ZIKV) require accurate estimates of transmissibility by vector mosquitoes. Although Aedes species mosquitoes are established as competent ZIKV vectors, differences in experimental protocols across studies prevent direct comparisons of relative transmissibility. An understudied factor complicating these comparisons is differential environmental microbiota exposures, where most vector competence studies use mosquitoes reared in laboratory tap water, which does not represent the microbial complexity of environmental water where wild larvae develop. We simulated natural larval development by rearing Californian Aedes aegypti larvae with microbes obtained from cemetery headstone water compared to conventional tap water. A. aegypti larvae reared in environmental cemetery water pupated 3 days faster and at higher rates. Mosquitoes reared in environmental water were less competent vectors of ZIKV than laboratory water-reared A. aegypti, as evidenced by significantly reduced infection and transmission rates. Microbiome comparisons of laboratory water- and environment water-reared mosquitoes and their rearing water showed significantly higher bacterial diversity in environment water. Despite this pattern, corresponding differences in bacterial diversity were not consistently observed between the respective adult mosquitoes. We also observed that the microbial compositions of adult mosquitoes differed more by whether they ingested a bloodmeal than by larval water type. Together, these results highlight the role of transient microbes in the larval environment in modulating A. aegypti vector competence for ZIKV. Laboratory vector competence likely overestimates the true transmissibility of arboviruses like ZIKV when conventional laboratory water is used for rearing. IMPORTANCE We observed that A. aegypti mosquitoes reared in water from cemetery headstones instead of the laboratory tap exhibited a reduced capacity to become infected with and transmit Zika virus. Water from the environment contained more bacterial species than tap water, but these bacteria were not consistently detected in adult mosquitoes. Our results suggest that rearing mosquito larvae in water collected from local environments as opposed to laboratory tap water, as is conventional, could provide a more realistic assessment of ZIKV vector competence since it better recapitulates the natural environment in which larvae develop. Given that laboratory vector competence is used to define the species to target for control, the use of environmental water to rear larvae could better approximate the microbial exposures of wild mosquitoes, lessening the potential for overestimating ZIKV transmission risk. These studies raise the question of whether rearing larvae in natural water sources also reduces vector competence for other mosquito-borne viruses.
Collapse
|
3
|
Viennet E, Frentiu FD, Williams CR, Mincham G, Jansen CC, Montgomery BL, Flower RLP, Faddy HM. Estimation of mosquito-borne and sexual transmission of Zika virus in Australia: Risks to blood transfusion safety. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008438. [PMID: 32663213 PMCID: PMC7380650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2015, Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks have occurred in the Americas and the Pacific involving mosquito-borne and sexual transmission. ZIKV has also emerged as a risk to global blood transfusion safety. Aedes aegypti, a mosquito well established in north and some parts of central and southern Queensland, Australia, transmits ZIKV. Aedes albopictus, another potential ZIKV vector, is a threat to mainland Australia. Since these conditions create the potential for local transmission in Australia and a possible uncertainty in the effectiveness of blood donor risk-mitigation programs, we investigated the possible impact of mosquito-borne and sexual transmission of ZIKV in Australia on local blood transfusion safety. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We estimated 'best-' and 'worst-' case scenarios of monthly reproduction number (R0) for both transmission pathways of ZIKV from 1996-2015 in 11 urban or regional population centres, by varying epidemiological and entomological estimates. We then estimated the attack rate and subsequent number of infectious people to quantify the ZIKV transfusion-transmission risk using the European Up-Front Risk Assessment Tool. For all scenarios and with both vector species R0 was lower than one for ZIKV transmission. However, a higher risk of a sustained outbreak was estimated for Cairns, Rockhampton, Thursday Island, and theoretically in Darwin during the warmest months of the year. The yearly estimation of the risk of transmitting ZIKV infection by blood transfusion remained low through the study period for all locations, with the highest potential risk estimated in Darwin. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Given the increasing demand for plasma products in Australia, the current strategy of restricting donors returning from infectious disease outbreak regions to source plasma collection provides a simple and effective risk management approach. However, if local transmission was suspected in the main urban centres of Australia, potentially facilitated by the geographic range expansion of Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus, this mitigation strategy would need urgent review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvina Viennet
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Francesca D. Frentiu
- Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig R. Williams
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gina Mincham
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Cassie C. Jansen
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Queensland Department of Health, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brian L. Montgomery
- Metro South Public Health Unit, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert L. P. Flower
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen M. Faddy
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Slonchak A, Hugo LE, Freney ME, Hall-Mendelin S, Amarilla AA, Torres FJ, Setoh YX, Peng NYG, Sng JDJ, Hall RA, van den Hurk AF, Devine GJ, Khromykh AA. Zika virus noncoding RNA suppresses apoptosis and is required for virus transmission by mosquitoes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2205. [PMID: 32371874 PMCID: PMC7200751 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16086-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV), utilise host mRNA degradation machinery to produce subgenomic flaviviral RNA (sfRNA). In mammalian hosts, this noncoding RNA facilitates replication and pathogenesis of flaviviruses by inhibiting IFN-signalling, whereas the function of sfRNA in mosquitoes remains largely elusive. Herein, we conduct a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments to define the role of ZIKV sfRNA in infected Aedes aegypti employing viruses deficient in production of sfRNA. We show that sfRNA-deficient viruses have reduced ability to disseminate and reach saliva, thus implicating the role for sfRNA in productive infection and transmission. We also demonstrate that production of sfRNA alters the expression of mosquito genes related to cell death pathways, and prevents apoptosis in mosquito tissues. Inhibition of apoptosis restored replication and transmission of sfRNA-deficient mutants. Hence, we propose anti-apoptotic activity of sfRNA as the mechanism defining its role in ZIKV transmission. The function on subgenomic flaviviral RNA (sfRNA) in the mosquito vector is not well understood. Here, Slonchak et al. show that sfRNA affects virus-induced apoptosis and dissemination of ZIKV in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, suggesting a role of sfRNA in Zika virus replication and transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrii Slonchak
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Leon E Hugo
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Morgan E Freney
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sonja Hall-Mendelin
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Brisbane, QLD, 4108, Australia
| | | | | | - Yin Xiang Setoh
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Nias Y G Peng
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Julian D J Sng
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Roy A Hall
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew F van den Hurk
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Brisbane, QLD, 4108, Australia
| | - Gregor J Devine
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pereira-dos-Santos T, Roiz D, Lourenço-de-Oliveira R, Paupy C. A Systematic Review: Is Aedes albopictus an Efficient Bridge Vector for Zoonotic Arboviruses? Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9040266. [PMID: 32272651 PMCID: PMC7238240 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne arboviruses are increasing due to human disturbances of natural ecosystems and globalization of trade and travel. These anthropic changes may affect mosquito communities by modulating ecological traits that influence the “spill-over” dynamics of zoonotic pathogens, especially at the interface between natural and human environments. Particularly, the global invasion of Aedes albopictus is observed not only across urban and peri-urban settings, but also in newly invaded areas in natural settings. This could foster the interaction of Ae. albopictus with wildlife, including local reservoirs of enzootic arboviruses, with implications for the potential zoonotic transfer of pathogens. To evaluate the potential of Ae. albopictus as a bridge vector of arboviruses between wildlife and humans, we performed a bibliographic search and analysis focusing on three components: (1) The capacity of Ae. albopictus to exploit natural larval breeding sites, (2) the blood-feeding behaviour of Ae. albopictus, and (3) Ae. albopictus’ vector competence for arboviruses. Our analysis confirms the potential of Ae. albopictus as a bridge vector based on its colonization of natural breeding sites in newly invaded areas, its opportunistic feeding behaviour together with the preference for human blood, and the competence to transmit 14 arboviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taissa Pereira-dos-Santos
- MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
- Correspondence: (T.P.-d.-S.); (C.P.)
| | - David Roiz
- MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | | | - Christophe Paupy
- MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
- Correspondence: (T.P.-d.-S.); (C.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Azar SR, Weaver SC. Vector Competence: What Has Zika Virus Taught Us? Viruses 2019; 11:E867. [PMID: 31533267 PMCID: PMC6784050 DOI: 10.3390/v11090867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in the Americas from 2015 to 2017 prompted the publication of a large body of vector competence data in a relatively short period of time. Although differences in vector competence as a result of disparities in mosquito populations and viral strains are to be expected, the limited competence of many populations of the urban mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, from the Americas (when its susceptibility is viewed relative to other circulating/reemerging mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue (DENV), yellow fever (YFV), and chikungunya viruses (CHIKV)) has proven a paradox for the field. This has been further complicated by the lack of standardization in the methodologies utilized in laboratory vector competence experiments, precluding meta-analyses of this large data set. As the calls for the standardization of such studies continue to grow in number, it is critical to examine the elements of vector competence experimental design. Herein, we review the various techniques and considerations intrinsic to vector competence studies, with respect to contemporary findings for ZIKV, as well as historical findings for other arboviruses, and discuss potential avenues of standardization going forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha R Azar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 300 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 300 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, 300 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 300 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 300 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, 300 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hugo LE, Stassen L, La J, Gosden E, Ekwudu O, Winterford C, Viennet E, Faddy HM, Devine GJ, Frentiu FD. Vector competence of Australian Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus for an epidemic strain of Zika virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007281. [PMID: 30946747 PMCID: PMC6467424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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 log CCID50/ml) and maintained at either 28°C constant or fluctuating temperature conditions. At 3, 7 and 14 days post-infection (dpi), ZIKV RNA copies were quantified in mosquito bodies, as well as wings and legs, using qRT-PCR, while virus antigen in saliva (a proxy for transmission) was detected using a cell culture ELISA. Despite high body and disseminated infection rates in both vectors, the transmission rates of ZIKV in saliva of Ae. aegypti (50-60%) were significantly higher than in Ae. albopictus (10%) at 14 dpi. Both species supported a high viral load in bodies, with no significant differences between constant and fluctuating temperature conditions. However, a significant difference in viral load in wings and legs between species was observed, with higher titres in Ae. aegypti maintained at constant temperature conditions. For ZIKV transmission to occur in Ae. aegypti, a disseminated virus load threshold of 7.59 log10 copies had to be reached. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Australian Ae. aegypti are better able to transmit a Brazilian ZIKV strain than Ae. albopictus. The results are in agreement with the global consensus that Ae. aegypti is the major vector of ZIKV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon E. Hugo
- Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Liesel Stassen
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica La
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Edward Gosden
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - O’mezie Ekwudu
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clay Winterford
- QIMR Berghofer Histotechnology Facility, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elvina Viennet
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen M. Faddy
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gregor J. Devine
- Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Francesca D. Frentiu
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pyke AT, Gunn W, Taylor C, Mackay IM, McMahon J, Jelley L, Waite B, May F. On the Home Front: Specialised Reference Testing for Dengue in the Australasian Region. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E75. [PMID: 30274471 PMCID: PMC6161173 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3030075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reference laboratories are vital for disease control and interpreting the complexities and impact of emerging pathogens. The role of these centralized facilities extends beyond routine screening capabilities to provide rapid, specific, and accurate diagnoses, advanced data analysis, consultation services, and sophisticated disease surveillance and monitoring. Within the Australasian region, the Public Health Virology Laboratory (PHV), Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Australia, and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), New Zealand (NZ) perform specialised reference testing and surveillance for dengue viruses (DENVs) and other emerging arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), including chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). With a focus on DENV, we review the reference testing performed by PHV (2005 to 2017) and ESR (2008 to 2017). We also describe how the evolution and expansion of reference-based methodologies and the adoption of new technologies have provided the critical elements of preparedness and early detection that complement frontline public health control efforts and limit the spread of arboviruses within Australasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa T Pyke
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - Wendy Gunn
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Wallaceville, 5018 Upper Hutt, New Zealand.
| | - Carmel Taylor
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - Ian M Mackay
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia.
| | - Jamie McMahon
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - Lauren Jelley
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Wallaceville, 5018 Upper Hutt, New Zealand.
| | - Ben Waite
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Wallaceville, 5018 Upper Hutt, New Zealand.
| | - Fiona May
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Windsor, QLD 4030, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|