Exposure to Zika and chikungunya viruses impacts aspects of the vectorial capacity ofAedes aegyptiandCulex quinquefasciatus

Abstract

AbstractZika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) are arboviruses that cause infections in humans and can causeclinical complications, representing a worldwide public health problem.Aedes aegyptiis the primary vector of these pathogens andCulex quinquefasciatusmay be a potential ZIKV vector. This study aimed to evaluate fecundity, fertility, survival, longevity, and blood feeding activity inAe. aegyptiafter exposure to ZIKV and CHIKV and, inCx. quinquefasciatusexposed to ZIKV.Three colonies were evaluated: AeCamp(Ae. aegypti -field),RecL (Ae. aegypti -laboratory)and CqSLab (Cx. quinquefasciatus -laboratory). Seven to 10 days-old females from these colonies were exposed to artificial blood feeding with CHIKV or ZIKV. CHIKV caused reduction in fecundity and fertilityinthe natural population, AeCamp and reduction in survival and fertility in RecL.ZIKV impacted survival in RecL, fertility in AeCamp. and fecundity and fertility in CqSLab. Both viruses had no effect on blood feeding activity. These results show that CHIKV produces a higher biological cost inAe. aegypti, compared to ZIKV, and ZIKV differently alters the biological performance in colonies ofAe. aegyptiandCx. quinquefasciatus. These results provide a better understanding over the processes of virus-vector interaction and can shed light on the complexity of arbovirus transmission.