Controlling Aedes mosquitoes using densovirus-based biolarvicides: Current status and prospects

Abstract

Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are the main vectors of emerging arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Entomopathogenic viruses, such as densoviruses, might represent more environmentally friendly control methods. Densoviruses are single-stranded DNA viruses belonging to the Parvoviridae family and three species are known to infect mosquitoes: Protoambidensovirus dipteran, Brevihamaparvovirus dipteran 1, and Brevihamaparvovirus dipteran 2. Densoviruses belonging to the Brevihamaparvovirus dipteran 1 and Brevihamaparvovirus dipteran 2 species could be candidates for innovative vector control strategies to limit mosquito-borne diseases. The objective of this review was to analyse the current state of knowledge on mosquito-infecting densoviruses (updated classification/taxonomy, host range, distribution, ecology, co-infection effects, unanswered questions) in view of their use as a biocontrol tool against Aedes mosquitoes.