A dataset of distribution and diversity of mosquito-associated viruses and their mosquito vectors in China

Lu Zhao,Evans Atoni,Han Xia,Nanjie Ren,Mengying Liang,Cheng Hu,Xiaoyu Wang,Zhiming Yuan,Caroline Mwaliko

doi:10.1038/s41597-020-00687-9

Abstract

Mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus and Dengue virus present an increasing global health concern. However, in-depth knowledge of the distribution and diversity of mosquito-associated viruses and their related vectors remains limited, especially for China. To promote their understanding, we present the first comprehensive dataset of the distribution and diversity of these viruses and their related vectors in China (including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau). Data was drawn from peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers and thesis publications in both English and Chinese. Geographical data on mosquito-associated viruses’ occurrence and related mosquito vector species was extracted, and quality-control processes employed. This dataset contains 2,428 accounts of mosquito-associated viruses’ and mosquito species geo-referenced occurrences at various administrative levels in China. The prevalent mosquito-associated virus includes Japanese encephalitis virus, Dengue virus, Banna virus and Culex flavivirus, whereas the abundant mosquito vectors are Culex tritaeryohynchus, Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens. This geographical dataset delivers a distribution and diversity outline of mosquito-associated viruses in China, and also applicable in various spatial and risk-assessment analysis.

Highlights

Background & SummaryWorldwide, mosquitoes have a vast impact on the global public health
With an increase in incidence and lack of effective prophylaxis and vaccines for some of these mosquito-borne illnesses, significant outbreaks of these diseases levy a substantial burden on global health and economics in various countries[2,4]
The recent rapid increase in trade, domestic eco-tourism and travel within the country has highly presented a potential risk of exposure and exportation of these disease vectors and their associated pathogens to new regions[8]

Summary

Introduction

Background & SummaryWorldwide, mosquitoes have a vast impact on the global public health. An estimated 3500 species of mosquitoes (family Culicidae) are known to exist, of which some are efficient vectors capable of transmitting various human and animal pathogens[1,2,3]. Some of these mosquito-borne infectious diseases include Zika, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile fever, Dengue fever and Yellow fever. At present, there exists a gap on a detailed and systematic account of the geographical distribution and diversity of mosquito-associated viruses and their related mosquito vectors in China.

Objectives

Methods