The Emergence of Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Australia in 2022: Existing Knowledge of Mosquito Vectors

Viruses

Eloise Skinner¹  Scott A. Ritchie²  John S. Mackenzie³  Andrew F. van den Hurk⁴ 

[1] Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;College of Public Health and Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia;Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Brisbane, QLD 4108, Australia;

关键词: Japanese encephalitis virus;    Australia;    mosquitoes;    virus detection;    vector competence;    host feeding patterns;   

DOI  :  10.3390/v14061208

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In early 2022, the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was identified as the cause of stillborn and mummified piglets in pig farms in southeastern Australia. Human cases and additional pig farms with infected piglets were subsequently identified across a widespread area encompassing four states. To inform surveillance and control programs, we synthesized existing information on Australian vectors of JEV, much of which was generated in response to incursions of JEV into the northern state of Queensland between 1995 and 2005. Members of the Culex sitiens subgroup, particularly Culex annulirostris, should be considered the primary vectors of JEV in Australia, as they yielded >87% of field detections of JEV, were highly efficient laboratory vectors of the virus, readily fed on pigs and birds (the key amplifying hosts of the virus) when they were available, and are widespread and often occur in large populations. Three introduced species, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex gelidus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus may also serve as vectors, but more information on their geographical distribution, abundance and bionomics in the Australian context is required. Mosquitoes from other genera, such as Aedes and Verrallina, whilst considered relatively poor vectors, could play a regional or supplemental role in transmission, especially facilitating vertical transmission as a virus overwintering mechanism. Additional factors that could impact JEV transmission, including mosquito survival, dispersal and genetics, are also discussed. Possible directions for investigation are provided, especially in the context of the virus emerging in a region with different mosquito fauna and environmental drivers than northern Australia.

【 授权许可】

Unknown