Abstract
IntroductionDengue is one of the most widespread mosquito-borne diseases in the world. The causative agent, dengue virus (DENV), is primarily transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, a species that has proved difficult to control using conventional methods. The discovery that A. aegypti transinfected with the wMel strain of Wolbachia showed limited DENV replication led to trial field releases of these mosquitoes in Cairns, Australia as a biocontrol strategy for the virus.Methodology/Principal FindingsField collected wMel mosquitoes that were challenged with three DENV serotypes displayed limited rates of body infection, viral replication and dissemination to the head compared to uninfected controls. Rates of dengue infection, replication and dissemination in field wMel mosquitoes were similar to those observed in the original transinfected wMel line that had been maintained in the laboratory. We found that wMel was distributed in similar body tissues in field mosquitoes as in laboratory ones, but, at seven days following blood-feeding, wMel densities increased to a greater extent in field mosquitoes.Conclusions/SignificanceOur results indicate that virus-blocking is likely to persist in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes after their release and establishment in wild populations, suggesting that Wolbachia biocontrol may be a successful strategy for reducing dengue transmission in the field.
Highlights
Dengue is one of the most widespread mosquito-borne diseases in the world
Conclusions/Significance: Our results indicate that virus-blocking is likely to persist in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes after their release and establishment in wild populations, suggesting that Wolbachia biocontrol may be a successful strategy for reducing dengue transmission in the field
Infection of the vector A. aegypti with Wolbachia has been proposed as a dengue biocontrol method that is environmentally friendly and able to spread unassisted in wild mosquito populations
Summary
Dengue is one of the most widespread mosquito-borne diseases in the world. The causative agent, dengue virus (DENV), is primarily transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, a species that has proved difficult to control using conventional methods. Infection with DENV leads primarily to self-limiting fevers but recent decades have seen a marked increase in severe dengue, with manifestations such as hypovolemic shock and hemorrhage [2]. In the absence of an effective vaccine [3] and/or antivirals, prevention of dengue transmission relies primarily on control of mosquito vectors. The failure to prevent the global spread of dengue, increasing insecticide resistance in mosquito populations and subsequent escalating costs of insecticide-based programs, as well as environmental concern over the impact of these chemicals, have spurred the development of novel, inexpensive and green vector control methods [4,5]
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