Invasiveness of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus and Vectorial Capacity for Chikungunya Virus

Abstract

In this review, we highlight biological characteristics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, 2 invasive mosquito species and primary vectors of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), that set the tone of these species' invasiveness, vector competence, and vectorial capacity (VC). The invasiveness of both species, as well as their public health threats as vectors, is enhanced by preference for human blood. Vector competence, characterized by the efficiency of an ingested arbovirus to replicate and become infectious in the mosquito, depends largely on vector and virus genetics, and most A. aegypti and A. albopictus populations thus far tested confer vector competence for CHIKV. VC, an entomological analog of the pathogen's basic reproductive rate (R₀), is epidemiologically more important than vector competence but less frequently measured, owing to challenges in obtaining valid estimates of parameters such as vector survivorship and host feeding rates. Understanding the complexities of these factors will be pivotal in curbing CHIKV transmission.

Keywords: Aedes aegypti; Aedes albopictus; chikungunya; competitive displacement; invasiveness; satyrization; vector competence; vectorial capacity.

Figure 1.

Factors affecting the vectorial capacity of a mosquito vector (modified from [31] with permission).

Figure 2.

Sequential steps required for a competent female mosquito to transmit an arbovirus after ingestion of an infective blood meal (modified from [35] with permission).