Simultaneous Coinfections with West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Culex pipiens and Aedes vexans Mosquitoes

The mosquito-borne zoonotic flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) are endemic in many European countries emerged Germany recent years. Due to the increasing overlap of their distribution areas similar epidemiology, coinfections WNV USUV possible. Indeed, vertebrate hosts as a rare event have already been reported from some including Germany. However, it is largely unknown whether what extent could affect vector competence mosquitoes for USUV. For this purpose, mosquito species Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, molestus, Aedes vexans were orally infected mono- simultaneous with German strains Mosquitoes incubated 14 days at 26°C, 85% relative humidity, 16 : 8 light-dark photocycle, before they dissected forced salivate. results showed decrease susceptibility an increase vexans, no obvious interaction between both viruses molestus. Vector appeared be unaffected by occurrence all tested species. Coinfections only found mosquitoes, cotransmission was observed Overall, our show that viral interactions vary species, mainly occurs during infection replication midgut. study confirm fully understand USUV, studies various necessary. In addition, we even low viruses, such Ae. can play role transmission cocirculation.