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Review
. 2022 Dec;33(4):477-488.
doi: 10.1007/s13337-022-00795-7. Epub 2022 Oct 18.

Factors enhancing the transmission of mosquito-borne arboviruses in Africa

Sandra Ateutchia Ngouanet  1   2 , Samuel Wanji  2 , Anges Yadouleton  3 , Maurice Demanou  4 , Rousseau Djouaka  1 , Ferdinand Nanfack-Minkeu  1   5
Affiliations
Review

Factors enhancing the transmission of mosquito-borne arboviruses in Africa

Sandra Ateutchia Ngouanet et al. Virusdisease. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Arthropod-borne viruses (Arboviruses) replicate in vertebrates and invertebrates and are mainly transmitted by mosquitoes. Between 2000 and 2021, several arbovirus outbreaks were recorded in African countries, including dengue, yellow fever, Chikungunya, Zika, and O'nyong nyong. Most often, the causes and factors involved in these outbreaks are unknown. We aimed to understand current knowledge regarding factors responsible for the persistent transmission and emergence of mosquito-borne arboviruses in Africa and to identify critical research gaps important for preventing future outbreaks. We used a systematic literature review between 2020 and 2021, to show that the main identified factors favoring the arbovirus outbreak in Africa are low vaccination coverage, high density and diversity of competent mosquitoes, insecticide resistance of mosquito vectors, and a scarcity of data on arboviruses. Further studies on arboviruses may include studies of competence to viral strains and the susceptibility of mosquito vectors to insecticides. Because of the detrimental effects of insecticides on human health and the environment, viral paratransgenesis and other biological control methods should be explored as alternatives or as supplements to insecticides.

Graphical abstract: Illustration of factors identified for promoting the transmission of arbovirus in Africa. The main factors are the lack of drugs and vaccines, low coverage of vaccination when a vaccine exists, competence of mosquitoes to viruses, diversity and high density of vectors. Climate change, urbanization, deforestation and agricultural practices, lead to a richness and high density of vectors.

Keywords: Africa; Arboviruses; Disease outbreaks; Mosquitoes; Public health; Transmission factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestThe authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The PRISMA flow diagram of our literature search to review risk factors associated with the transmission of arboviruses viruses in Africa
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Comparison of Malaria and four Arboviruses. A Malaria and Yellow fever, B Malaria and Dengue, C Malaria and Chikungunya, D Malaria and Zika
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Illustration of factors identified for promoting the transmission of arbovirus in Africa. The main factors are the lack of drugs and vaccines, low coverage of vaccination when a vaccine exists, competence of mosquitoes to viruses, diversity and high density of vectors. Climate change, urbanization, deforestation and agricultural practices, lead to a richness and high density of vectors
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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