Wolbachia Blocks Currently Circulating Zika Virus Isolates in Brazilian Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

TLDR

The recent link between Zika virus and microcephaly has triggered a global health crisis, underscoring the need for vector control strategies such as the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia, which has emerged as a promising arbovirus suppression tool. Our study shows that Wolbachia‑infected Aedes aegypti are highly resistant to two Brazilian Zika virus isolates, exhibiting reduced viral prevalence, intensity, and dissemination, and no infectious saliva, indicating that Wolbachia could effectively block transmission and should be incorporated into Zika control programs.

Abstract

The recent association of Zika virus with cases of microcephaly has sparked a global health crisis and highlighted the need for mechanisms to combat the Zika vector, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Wolbachia pipientis, a bacterial endosymbiont of insect, has recently garnered attention as a mechanism for arbovirus control. Here we report that Aedes aegypti harboring Wolbachia are highly resistant to infection with two currently circulating Zika virus isolates from the recent Brazilian epidemic. Wolbachia-harboring mosquitoes displayed lower viral prevalence and intensity and decreased disseminated infection and, critically, did not carry infectious virus in the saliva, suggesting that viral transmission was blocked. Our data indicate that the use of Wolbachia-harboring mosquitoes could represent an effective mechanism to reduce Zika virus transmission and should be included as part of Zika control strategies.