We already know that each Species of mosquito (each vector) has or does not have an ability to transmit a particular type of arbovirus. Even when several species share the same environment. Scientists speak of “vector competence” to transmit this or that virus, or Vector specificity. The mechanisms explaining why only certain mosquitoes are able to specifically transmit arbovirus as a vectors are still poorly known. We already know that Cone specificity is modulated by the molecular affinity of the mosquito and the virus. Also take into account the ecological and behavioral factors which can constitute an obstacle or a factor favored by the transmission of diseases.
Some examples of recent studies on “vector competence”, or capacity of certain mosquitoes to transmit certain viruses:
Mosquitoes of the genre Aedes occupy a central place: Aedes aEgypt (yellow fever mosquito or more rarely, urban tiger mosquito) is responsible for the transmission of dengue, virus Zika one you chikungunya mainly in the tropical and subtropical regions of America, Africa, Asia and in the Pacific, or the yellow fever In America South and Africa. Another species of the same kind, Aedes albopictus (Tiger mosquito), originally from Asia, has largely colonized EuropeLes ameriques, Africa and the Indian Ocean, participating in the dissemination of dengueof Chikungunya, zika and filariosis virus. Their competence to transmit the virus of yellow fever even proven.
In the Pacific islands, especially in French Polynesia, it is Aedes polynesiensis which causes the virus transmission Zika, dengue and chikungunya, but also lymphatic filarosis, a source of serious complications such as lymphedema.
The mosquito Anopheles main candidate in the transmission of malaria
Malaria, a major parasitic disease, is transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus anopheles. Among them, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles dury et Anopheles stephensi (gathered under the name of Anopheles mosquitoes) are the main officials in Africa, tropical Asia and Latin America of the transmission of malaria but also of filariasis.
The genre Culex : an extended distribution area
Finally, mosquitoes of the genus Culex including Culex quinquefasciatus et Culex pipiensoften called common mosquitoes are present on almost all continents. They participate in the spread of the Western Nile virus (West Nile), Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, Usutu virus or Encephalitis of St. Louis, affecting Europe and Africa as well as Americas and Asia.
Here is the inventory of the main species of mosquitoes vectors of infectious diseases, with transmitted diseases and their geographic areas:
| Species | Aedes aegypti | Aedes albopictus | Aedes polynesiensis | Anopheles spp. | Culex spp. |
| Common name | Yellow fever mosquito (urban tiger mosquito) |
Tiger mosquito | / | Anopheles mosquito | Common mosquito |
| Transmitted diseases | Dengue, Zika, Chickunya, Fièvre JAUNE |
Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika |
Filar lymphoedema, It’s, the dengue, bung |
Malaria, filariasis (certain species) | Western Nile virus (West Nile), Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, Usutu virus, Encephalitis St. Louis |
| Geographic areas | Tropical regions and subtropical in America, Africa, of Asia, T of the Pacific. |
Asia originally, expansion en Europe (in particular Mediterranean basin), Americas, Africa, Indian Ocean. |
Oceania, especially French Polynesia and Pacific South Islands. |
Africa, tropical Asia, Latin America. | World |
To consult to find a map of the distribution of mosquito species according to the diseases found in a given territory:
Frontiers | Vector Specificity of Arbovirus Transmission
Whether they are anopheles in malaria areas, tiger mosquitoes in the regions affected by dengue and chikungunya, or common mosquitoes in the homes of Western Nile virus, these species testify to the great adaptability of mosquitoes, and the need for continuous international surveillance in the face of the diversity of vector diseases. And this, particularly in a context of climate change and intercontinental population flows.
