Aedes aegypti as a Vector of Flavivirus

Yimer Muktar*, Nateneal Tam

Abstract

Aedes aegypti, is an invasive black and white striped day biting mosquito which bites human and animals with the potential to transmit various arboviruses including flaviviruses. It is believed to be originated from Africa before it spreads to other part of the world. Only the female mosquito is capable of transmitting these viruses, since it primarily feeds on human blood. Over the past decades, there is dramatic increment of these flaviviruses due to geographical expansion of Aedes aegypti. Flavivirus is a single-stranded, RNA virus genus involving dengue, zika and yellow fever viruses. These flavivirus are transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti, consequently, the control and regulation of these mosquitos have paramount significance in the prevention of these diseases. These days, there are various mosquito controlling methods including chemical, physical and biological means, according to the regional context. However, the dispersed and transient egg laying pattern of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito and its effective adaptation to the urban habitat, make the control of these mosquitoes challenging. Therefore, further research should be conducted and encouraged to come up with innovative solution such as gene modification of vector mosquito while intensifying the battle against individual flavivirus through vaccine development.