Arbovirus Vectors of Epidemiological Concern in the Americas: A Scoping Review of Entomological Studies on Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya Virus Vectors

Abstract

27 Background 28 Three arthorpod-borne viruses (arboviruses) causing human disease have been the focus 29 of a large number of studies in the Americas since 2013 due to their global spread and 30 epidemiological impacts: Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. A large proportion of 31 infections by these viruses are asymptomatic. However, all three viruses are associated with 32 moderate to severe health consequences in a small proportion of cases. Two mosquito species, 33 Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are among the world's most prominent arboviral vectors, 34 and are known primary vectors for all three viruses in the Americas. 35 Objectives 2 36 This review summarizes the state of the entomological literature surrounding the biology 37 and ecology of vectors of Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses and factors affecting virus 38 transmission. The rationale of the review was to elucidate consensus and discord between 39 studies, and guide future research based on identified knowledge gaps. 40 Results 41 A total of 196 studies were included in the scoping review after initial screening and 42 subsequent exclusion of out-of-scope studies, secondary data publications, duplicate records, and 43 studies unavailable in English language. 44 Key findings 45 Temperature and humidity have the strongest impact on mosquito distribution and 46 dynamics, development of immatures and arborviral infection rates. Low socioeconomic status 47 and related factors, including poor infrastructure, inconsistent access to water, and high 48 household resident density, have been consistently associated with arbovirus vector occurrence. 49 Effects of interspecific competition on arboviral vector species is currently poorly understood. 50 Vector competence for Zika virus is well established for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. 51 Information on Zika virus vector transmission dynamics is sparse in contrast to the wealth of 52 research available for dengue and chikungunya viruses. 53 Conclusions 54Based on the internationally recognized urgency of Zika virus infection as a public health 55 concern, further research on arbovirus vectors and transmission dynamics is of pressing need. 56 57