Arboviruses and Blood Meal Sources in Zoophilic Mosquitoes at Human-Wildlife Interfaces in Kenya
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Date
2020
Authors
Musa, Ali A.
Muturi, Margaret W.
Musyoki, Abednego M
Ouso, Daniel O.
Oundo, Joseph W.
Makhulu, Edward E
Wambua, Lillian
Villinger, Jandouwe
Jeneby, Maamun M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert
Abstract
Background: Zoophilic mosquitoes play an important role in the transmission of arboviruses of medical
importance at human-wildlife interfaces, yet arbovirus surveillance efforts have been focused mostly on anthropophilic
mosquitoes. Understanding the diversity of zoophilic mosquitoes and their associated feeding
patterns and arboviruses can inform better vector control strategies.
Materials and Methods: We morphologically identified mosquitoes collected from two game reserves in
Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) and locations near the Shimba Hills National Reserve
(SHNR). Representative mosquitoes were also identified by cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcode
sequencing. In addition, we identified the vertebrate hosts of mosquito blood meals from the contents of each
mosquito’s abdomen by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of COI, 16S ribosomal RNA,
and cytochrome b gene PCR products. Similarly, mosquito arbovirus infections were identified by HRM
analysis and sequencing of Alphavirus- and Flavivirus-specific RT-PCR products.
Results: Of 2858 mosquitoes collected, 51 were engorged with blood meals from seven different vertebrate
hosts, including humans, birds, domestic, and peridomestic animals and wildlife. Culex was the most abundant
mosquito genus, with Culex pipiens being the most abundant species in both study regions. Among MMNR
samples, we detected dengue serotype-2 virus (DENV-2) for the first time in Aedes tarsalis and Aedes tricholabis,
as well as Sindbis virus in male Cx. pipiens.We also detected DENV-2 in Aedes aegypti sampled from
locations near the SHNR. Human and diverse wildlife blood meals were identified, including bushbuck blood
in the dengue-infected Ae. tarsalis and both human and hippopotamus blood in a single Eretmapodites chrysogaster
mosquito.
Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential risk of sylvatic dengue and Sindbis transmission to humans by
zoophilic mosquitoes at human-wildlife interfaces in Africa. Of specific importance, we provide evidence of
sylvatic DENV-2 in Ae. tarsalis and Ae. tricholabis, representing potential new dengue vectors.
Description
A research article published in Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
Keywords
zoophilic mosquitoes, dengue virus, Sindbis virus, mosquito blood meal, Aedes, Eretmapodites
Citation
Musa, A. A., Muturi, M. W., Musyoki, A. M., Ouso, D. O., Oundo, J. W., Makhulu, E. E., ... & Jeneby, M. M. (2020). Arboviruses and Blood Meal Sources in Zoophilic Mosquitoes at Human-Wildlife Interfaces in Kenya. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 20(6), 444-453.