Chikungunya: interactions between mosquito and virus genotypes have influenced the vector competence of Ae. albopictus

Based on a genetic structure analysis of 25 populations of the Aedes albopictus mosquito on every continent, scientists demonstrated that the demographic history of Aedes albopictus has shaped the vector competence of these populations. This information is vital to help estimate the risk of chikungunya emergence in Europe.

Who hasn't heard of the tiger mosquito? It comes to our latitudes in summer, and although back in 2004, when it was first detected in Menton in south-east France, its presence was largely anecdotal, Aedes albopictus can now be found in more than half of the departments in mainland France. The species is expanding at a particularly high rate in France compared with other European countries.

Ever since 2004, when chikungunya emerged on Reunion Island, the community of entomologists has invested considerable time and effort in researching Aedes albopictus. In collaboration with the University of Pavia and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva, the Institut Pasteur in Paris and the Institut Pasteur de Guadeloupe have pieced together the fascinating evolutionary history of this mosquito.

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