<i>Wolbachia</i>-Virus interactions and arbovirus control through population replacement in mosquitoes

Abstract

Following transfer into the primary arbovirus vector <i>Aedes aegypti</i>, several strains of the intracellular bacterium <i>Wolbachia</i> have been shown to inhibit the transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, important human pathogens that cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. In addition to pathogen inhibition, many <i>Wolbachia</i> strains manipulate host reproduction, resulting in an invasive capacity of the bacterium in insect populations. This has led to the deployment of <i>Wolbachia</i> as a dengue control tool, and trials have reported significant reductions in transmission in release areas. Here, we discuss the possible mechanisms of <i>Wolbachia</i>-virus inhibition and the implications for long-term success of dengue control. We also consider the evidence presented in several reports that <i>Wolbachia</i> may cause an enhancement of replication of certain viruses under particular conditions, and conclude that these should not cause any concerns with respect to the application of <i>Wolbachia</i> to arbovirus control.