Vector competence for arboviruses in relation to the larval environment of mosquitoes

Abstract

Mosquito vector competence studies are reviewed to identify the species and environmental conditions that modify susceptibility to infection and transmission of pathogens. Most studies on vector competence have focused on environmental conditions experienced by adults, but the larval environment shapes the phenotypes of adult mosquitoes and may, thereby, alter vector competence for arthropod-borne (arbo)viruses. This review summarizes results of studies on the effects of nutrition, competition, temperature and insecticides during the larval stages on adult vector competence for arboviruses. A statistical analysis of previously published work supported the conclusion that larval environment may significantly alter susceptibility to infection, dissemination, and virus transmission. These effects show multiple and environmentally specific effects on barriers to virus infection. Involvement of multiple virus barriers in the adult mosquito suggests that several factors may be responsible for the alteration of vector competence by larval environment.