Route of Zika virus infection in Aedes aegypti by transmission electron microscopy

Background Zika fever has been a global health security threat, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions where most of the cases occur. The disease is caused by Zika virus (ZIKV), which belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, mostly by Aedes aegypti, during its blood meal. In this study we present a descriptive analysis, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), of ZIKV infection in A. aegypti elected tissues at the 3rd day of infection. ZIKV vertical transmission experiments by oral infection were conducted to explore an offspring of natural infection. Results Gut and ovary tissues harbored a higher number of viral particles. The ZIKV genome was also detected, by RT-qPCR technique, in the organism of orally infected female mosquitoes and in their eggs laid. Conclusions The data obtained suggest that the ovary is an organ susceptible to be infected with ZIKV and that virus can be transmitted from mother to a fraction of the progeny.

Automated summary

This study presents a descriptive analysis of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in Aedes aegypti tissues at the 3rd day of infection using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show a higher number of viral particles in gut and ovary tissues, and the ZIKV genome was detected in orally infected female mosquitoes and their eggs. The data obtained suggest that ZIKV can infect the ovary of mosquitoes and be transmitted from mother to a fraction of the progeny.