Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus

An aprox mediated by arbovirus, as countermeasures are largely limited to abatement of mosquitoes. So vector competence analyses are critical prevention strategies because they determine what populations and species of mosquitoes can serve as vectors for a given arbovirus, and therefore should be targeted. So one of the most important components in our toolbox for assessing the role of mosquitoes, and other vectors in transmitting infectious diseases, is the vector competence study.

These are experiments where we can very precisely control, not only the species of mosquito, or tick, for example, but also geographic strains, as well as very specific strains of a different virus or other infectious organism to get very precise and well-controlled data on the risk of different species for transmitting different agents in very specific parts of the world. Working with infected mosquitoes requires dedicated facilities, training, experience, and careful planning to minimize the risks to the experimenter, as well as the risks of an escaped, infected mosquito. It's therefore quite important for new individuals in these facilities to take the time to work with uninfected blood mosquitoes to familiarize themselves with the techniques and workflow.