Natural salivary gland barrier curtails Zika virus transmission in Thai Aedes aegypti
1
Issued Date
2025-10-01
Resource Type
eISSN
19352735
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105020683643
Pubmed ID
41150708
Journal Title
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
Volume
19
Issue
10
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases Vol.19 No.10 (2025) , e0013451
Suggested Citation
Sartsanga C., Suksirisawat K., Pengon J., Pethrak C., Saeung A., Chotiwan N., Uppakara K., Thaiudomsup S., Pakparnich P., Aupalee K., Taai K., Phengchat R., Crist A.B., Lambrechts L., Jupatanakul N. Natural salivary gland barrier curtails Zika virus transmission in Thai Aedes aegypti. Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases Vol.19 No.10 (2025) , e0013451. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0013451 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112982
Title
Natural salivary gland barrier curtails Zika virus transmission in Thai Aedes aegypti
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vector competence is a critical determinant of arbovirus transmission dynamics, yet most studies in Thailand have primarily examined Aedes aegypti susceptibility to infection and systemic viral dissemination rather than the mosquito's potential to transmit infectious virions. Given that transmission potential varies among mosquito populations, identifying population-specific transmission barriers is crucial for optimizing vector control strategies especially under budget and resource constrains. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This study assessed the Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission potential of three Ae. aegypti populations from Thailand: two field-derived populations from Chiang Mai (CSP) and Nakhon Sawan (NAK) and a long-established laboratory strain (DMSC). Following oral exposure to a locally circulating ZIKV strain, viral transmission potential was evaluated. CSP mosquitoes demonstrated the earliest and highest ZIKV prevalence in salivary glands at 7 days post-infectious blood meal (dpibm), with DMSC and NAK populations reaching comparable infection levels at later time points. Despite this, NAK mosquitoes exhibited a strong barrier, resulting in significantly lower transmission potential. Genetic crosses revealed that this phenotype is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is similarly effective against dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV2), underscoring the broad-spectrum potential of NAK Ae. aegypti for transmission suppression. Furthermore, male NAK mosquitoes exhibited superior mating competitiveness, reinforcing their viability as a tool for vector control by population replacement. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings highlight significant variability in ZIKV vector competence among Thai Ae. aegypti populations, emphasizing the importance of direct transmission assessments in vector competence studies. The discovery of a naturally occurring, heritable salivary gland escape barrier presents an opportunity for vector control strategies through NAK-based population replacement approaches. With their strong mating capability and broad arbovirus-blocking ability, NAK mosquitoes provide a natural alternative to Wolbachia-based and genetically modified mosquito interventions.