Experimental transmission of Mayaro virus by Aedes aegypti

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011 Oct;85(4):750-7. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.11-0359.

Abstract

Outbreaks of Mayaro fever have been associated with a sylvatic cycle of Mayaro virus (MAYV) transmission in South America. To evaluate the potential for a common urban mosquito to transmit MAYV, laboratory vector competence studies were performed with Aedes aegypti from Iquitos, Peru. Oral infection in Ae. aegypti ranged from 0% (0/31) to 84% (31/37), with blood meal virus titers between 3.4 log(10) and 7.3 log(10) plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL. Transmission of MAYV by 70% (21/30) of infected mosquitoes was shown by saliva collection and exposure to suckling mice. Amount of viral RNA in febrile humans, determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, ranged from 2.7 to 5.3 log(10) PFU equivalents/mL. Oral susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to MAYV at titers encountered in viremic humans may limit opportunities to initiate an urban cycle; however, transmission of MAYV by Ae. aegypti shows the vector competence of this species and suggests potential for urban transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / virology*
  • Alphavirus / genetics
  • Alphavirus / pathogenicity
  • Alphavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Alphavirus Infections / transmission*
  • Animals
  • Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Insect Vectors*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • Viral Plaque Assay

Substances

  • RNA, Viral