Vertical Transmission of Zika Virus by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus Mosquitoes

Abstract

To determine the potential role of vertical transmission in Zika virus expansion, we evaluated larval pools of perorally infected Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus adult female mosquitoes; ≈1/84 larvae tested were Zika virus–positive; and rates varied among mosquito populations. Thus, vertical transmission may play a role in Zika virus spread and maintenance.

Keywords

• arbovirus infections
• Zika virus
• vertical transmission
• Aedes mosquitoes
• viruses
• vector-borne infections