Natural vertical cotransmission of Dengue virus and Chikungunya virus from Aedes aegypti in Brumado, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Arthropod-borne viruses have recently emerged and are pathogens of various human diseases, including dengue, zika, and chikungunya viruses. Methods: We collected Aedes aegypti larvae (N = 20) from Brumado, Bahia, Brazil, and treated and individually preserved the specimens. We analyzed the samples for dengue, zika, and chikungunya viruses using molecular biology methods. Results: We found that 25% (N = 5) and 15% (N = 3) were positive exclusively for dengue and chikungunya viruses, respectively; 15% (N = 3) were coinfected with both. Conclusions: This is the first report of dengue and chikungunya virus coinfection in A. aegypti larvae.