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BackgroundAedesborne viral diseases, notably dengue, are increasingly reported in Cameroon withAedes aegyptibeing a major vector. Data on insecticide resistance of this vector and underlying mechanisms needed for outbreak preparedness remain scarce in Cameroon. Here, we present the nationwide distribution of insecticide resistance inAe. aegyptiand investigate the potential resistance mechanisms involved.MethodsImmature stages ofAe. aegyptiwere collected between March and July 2017 in 13 locations across Cameroon and reared until G1/G2/G3 generation. Larval, adult bioassays, and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergist assays were carried out according to World Health Organization guidelines. F1534C mutation was genotyped using allele specific polymerase chain reaction in field collected adults (Go) and the polymorphism of the sodium channel gene was assessed. Theχ2test was used to compare the mortality rate between bioassays with insecticides only and bioassays after preexposure to PBO synergist.ResultsLarval bioassay revealed that all the three populations tested with temephos were susceptible. Adult bioassays showed a good level of susceptibility toward both pyrethroids tested, 0.25% permethrin and 0.05% deltamethrin, with six out of 10 populations susceptible. However, two populations (Douala and Edéa) were resistant (deltamethrin [73.2–92.5% mortality], permethrin [2.6–76.3% mortality]). The resistance to 4% dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane was observed in four out of 10 populations tested (16.8–87.1% mortality). Resistance was also reported to carbamates including 0.1% propoxur (60.8–87.1% mortality) and to 0.1% bendiocarb (82.9% mortality). All populations tested were fully susceptible to 1% fenitrothion. A partial recovery of susceptibility was observed in the pyrethroid resistant population of Douala after pre-exposed to PBO suggesting the implication of cytochrome P450 monoxygenases permethrin resistance. Genotyping and sequencing detected the F1534Ckdrmutation in the two pyrethroid resistant locations of Edéa and Douala, with allelic frequency of 3.3% and 33.3% respectively. However, the high genetic diversity of the sodium channel gene supports the recent introduction of this mutation in Cameroon.ConclusionsThis study revealed the contrasting resistance profiles to insecticides ofAe. aegyptipopulations in Cameroon suggesting that, instead of a unique nationwide control approach, a regionally adapted strategy will be needed to control this vector. The localised distribution of the F1534Ckdrmutation supports this region-specific control strategy.

Background Invasive mosquito species, such as Aedes albopictus in Congo can affect the distribution of native species, changing the vector composition and pattern of disease transmission. Here, we comparatively establish the geographical distribution and larval habitat preference of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus and the risk of arbovirus disease outbreaks using Stegomyia indices in the city of Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo. Methods Human dwelling surveys of water-holding containers for immature stages of Aedes was carried out in December 2017 in Brazzaville through a random cluster sampling method. A total of 268 human dwellings distributed in 9 boroughs and 27 neighbourhoods were surveyed across the city. Results Overall, 455 potential larval habitats were surveyed. Both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were collected across the city with an overall high prevalence of Ae. aegypti (53.1%) compared to Ae. albopictus (46.9%). Geographical distribution analysis showed that Ae. aegypti was more abundant (mean = 6.6 ± 1.4) in neighbourhoods located in downtown, while the abundance of Ae. albopictus was low (mean = 3.5 ± 0.6) in suburbs. Peridomestic containers, especially discarded tanks, were the most strongly colonized productive larval habitat for both mosquito species with the prevalence of 56.4% and 53.1% for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. Globally, the house index (HI), Breteau index (BI) and container index (CI) were high for Ae. aegypti (26.6%, 38.4% and 22.6%) and Ae. albopictus (33.3%, 49.6% and 26.6%) compared to the transmission risk threshold (5%, 5% and 20%) established by the WHO/PAHO. Overall, pupae-based indices (the pupae index and the pupae per person index) were not significantly different between Ae. aegypti (273.4% and 23.2%) and Ae. albopictus (228.8% and 19.5%). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest a high risk for transmission of arbovirus diseases in Brazzaville and call for an urgent need to implement vector control strategies against these vectors in the Republic of the Congo.

The dynamic of arbovirus vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus remains poorly understood in large cities in central Africa. Here, we compared the larval ecology, geographical distribution and degree of infestation of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Yaound&eacute, the capital city of Cameroon, and estimated their Stegomyia indices revealing a significant potential risk of arbovirus transmission. An entomological survey was conducted in April&ndash, May 2018 in a cluster of houses randomly selected. Each selected house was inspected, the number of inhabitants was recorded, and potential and positive containers for Aedes were characterized. Stegomyia and pupae-based indices were estimated. Overall, 447 houses and 954 containers were inspected comprising 10,801 immature stages of Aedes with 84.95% of Ae. albopictus and 15.05% of Ae. aegypti. Both species bred mainly in discarded tanks and used tyres, associated with turbid water and the presence of plant debris inside containers. Aedes albopictus was the most prevalent species in almost all neighbourhoods. The house index, Breteau index, and container index were higher for Ae. albopictus (38.26%, 71.81%, and 29.61%) compared to those of Ae. aegypti (25.73%, 40.93%, and 16.88%). These indices are high compared to the thresholds established by Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization, which suggests a high potential risk of arbovirus transmission.

Background In the Republic of Congo, with two massive outbreaks of chikungunya observed this decade, little is known about the insecticide resistance profile of the two major arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Here, we established the resistance profile of both species to insecticides and explored the resistance mechanisms to help Congo to better prepare for future outbreaks. Methods Immature stages of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were sampled in May 2017 in eight cities of the Republic of the Congo and reared to adult stage. Larval and adult bioassays, and synergist (piperonyl butoxide [PBO]) assays were carried out according to WHO guidelines. F1534C mutation was genotyped in field collected adults in both species and the polymorphism of the sodium channel gene assessed in Ae. aegypti. Results All tested populations were susceptible to temephos after larval bioassays. A high resistance level was observed to 4% DDT in both species countrywide (21.9–88.3% mortality). All but one population (Ae. aegypti from Ngo) exhibited resistance to type I pyrethroid, permethrin, but showed a full susceptibility to type II pyrethroid (deltamethrin) in almost all locations. Resistance was also reported to 1% propoxur in Ae. aegypti likewise in two Ae. albopictus populations (Owando and Ouesso), and the remaining were fully susceptible. All populations of both species were fully susceptible to 1% fenitrothion. A full recovery of susceptibility was observed in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus when pre-exposed to PBO and then to propoxur and permethrin respectively. The F1534C kdr mutation was not detected in either species. The high genetic variability of the portion of sodium channel spanning the F1534C in Ae. aegypti further supported that knockdown resistance probably play no role in the permethrin resistance. Conclusions Our study showed that both Aedes species were susceptible to organophosphates (temephos and fenitrothion), while for other insecticide classes tested the profile of resistance vary according to the population origin. These findings could help to implement better and efficient strategies to control these species in the Congo in the advent of future arbovirus outbreaks.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a Flavivirus (Flaviviridae) transmitted to humans mainly by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti is the primary epidemic vector of ZIKV and Ae. albopictus, the secondary one. However, the epidemiological role of both Aedes species in Central Africa where Ae. albopictus was recently introduced is poorly characterized. Field-collected strains of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus from different ecological settings in Central Africa were experimentally infected with a ZIKV strain isolated in West Africa. Mosquitoes were analysed at 14- and 21-days post-exposure. Both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were able to transmit ZIKV but with higher overall transmission efficiency for Ae. aegypti (57.9%) compared to Ae. albopictus (41.5%). In addition, disseminated infection and transmission rates for both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus varied significantly according to the location where they were sampled from. We conclude that both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are able to transmit ZIKV and may intervene as active Zika vectors in Central Africa. These findings could contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiological transmission of ZIKV in Central Africa and develop suitable strategy to prevent major ZIKV outbreaks in this region., Author summary Zika virus (ZIKV), isolated for the first time in Uganda in 1947, is transmitted to human beings mainly by the bite of an infected mosquitoes belonging to the Aedes genus notably Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Both Aedes species are present in Central Africa, however their epidemiological role is poorly characterized. Here, we assessed the ability of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus collected in different ecological settings in Central Africa to transmit a ZIKV strain isolated in West Africa. Analysis showed that both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are able to transmit ZIKV but with higher overall transmission efficiency for Ae. aegypti compared to Ae. albopictus. In addition, disseminated infection and transmission rates for both Aedes species varied significantly according to the sampling location. Overall, our result suggests that in Central Africa, Ae. aegypti is more competent to transmit ZIKV than Ae. albopictus although parameters such as the feeding behaviour, longevity and mosquito densities can modulate pathogens transmission in nature. These findings could contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiological transmission of ZIKV in Central Africa and develop suitable strategy to prevent major ZIKV outbreaks in this region.

Introduction Dengue is the most important mosquito-borne diseases worldwide but was considered scarce in West-Central Africa. During the last decade, dengue outbreaks have increasingly been reported in urban foci in this region suggesting major epidemiological changes. However, in Central Africa where both vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are well established, the role of each species in dengue transmission remains poorly investigated. Methodology/Principal findings Field-collected strains of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus from different ecological settings in Central Africa were experimentally challenged with dengue 2 virus (DENV-2). Mosquitoes were analysed at 14- and 21-days post-infection. Analysis provide evidence that both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Central Africa were able to transmit dengue virus with Ae. aegypti exhibiting a higher transmission rate. Unexpectedly, two Ae. aegypti populations from Bénoué and Maroua, in northern Cameroon, were not able to transmit DENV-2. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are susceptible to DENV-2 and may intervene as active dengue vectors. These findings highlight the urgent need to plan a vector surveillance program and control methods against dengue vectors in Central Africa in order to prevent future outbreaks., Author summary Dengue virus (DENV) is a flavivirus mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes notably Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. In Central Africa where both vectors, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are well established, the role of each species in dengue transmission remains poorly investigated. Here, we assessed the vector competence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus collected in different ecological settings in Central Africa to transmit dengue 2 virus (DENV-2). We provide evidence that both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Central Africa were able to transmit dengue virus with Ae. aegypti exhibiting a higher transmission rate. These findings could increase the risk of dengue outbreak in the region and emphasize the need for a comprehensive vector surveillance program to prevent and preparedness for an intervention in case of outbreaks.

International audience; Yellow Fever (YF) remains a major public health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America, despite the availability of an effective vaccine. In Africa, most YF outbreaks are reported in West Africa. However, urban outbreaks occurred in 2016 in both Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and imported cases were reported in Chinese workers coming back from Africa. In Central Africa, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo host a high proportion of non-vaccinated populations increasing the risk of urban outbreaks. The main vector is Aedes aegypti and possibly, Aedes albopictus, both being anthropophilic and domestic mosquitoes. Here, we provide evidence that both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo are able to transmit Yellow fever virus (YFV) with higher rates of infection, dissemination, and transmission for Ae. aegypti. We conclude that the potential of both Aedes species to transmit YFV could increase the risk of urban YF transmission and urge public health authorities to intensify their efforts to control domestic vectors, and extend vaccine coverage to prevent major YFV outbreak.

Complexes of closely related species provide key insights into the rapid and independent evolution of adaptive traits. Here, we described and studied Anopheles fontenillei sp.n., a new species in the Anopheles gambiae complex that we recently discovered in the forested areas of Gabon, Central Africa. Our analysis placed the new taxon in the phylogenetic tree of the An. gambiae complex, revealing important introgression events with other members of the complex. Particularly, we detected recent introgression, with Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii, of genes directly involved in vectorial capacity. Moreover, genome analysis of the new species allowed us to clarify the evolutionary history of the 3La inversion. Overall, An. fontenillei sp.n. analysis improved our understanding of the relationship between species within the An. gambiae complex, and provided insight into the evolution of vectorial capacity traits that are relevant for the successful control of malaria in Africa., Funding was provided by the “Institut de Recherche pour le Developpément”, the “Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie” (grant OKANDA), the “Agence Nationale de Recherche” (ANR-18-CE35-0002-01 – WILDING), the “Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas” and the “Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique” (PICS ANCESTRAL), and the “Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/AEI/FEDER” (BFU2017-82937-P) and the “Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca. Departament d’Economia i Coneixement. Generalitat de Catalunya” (GRC 2017 SGR 880).

Complexes of closely related species provide key insights about the rapid and independent evolution of adaptive traits. Here, we described and studied a presumably new species in the Anopheles gambiae complex, Anopheles fontenillei, recently discovered in the forested areas of Gabon, Central Africa. Our analysis placed the new taxon in the phylogenetic tree of the An. gambiae complex, revealing important introgression events with other members of the complex. In particular, we detected recent introgression with An. gambiae and An. coluzzii of genes directly involved in vectorial capacity. Moreover, genome analysis of the new species also allowed us to resolve the evolutionary history of inversion 3La. Overall, Anopheles fontenillei has implemented our understanding about the relationship of species within the gambiae complex and provides insight into the evolution of vectorial capacity traits, relevant for the successful control of malaria in Africa., Funding was provided by the “Institut de Recherche pour le Developpément”, the “Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie” (grant: OKANDA), the “Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique” (CNRS) and the “Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas” (CSIC) (grant PICS ANCESTRAL to DA and JG), the “ANR” (grant ANR--18-CE35-0002-01-WILDING to DA), and the “Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/AEI” (grant BFU2017-82937-P to JG).

Background:The arbovirus vector,Aedes albopictus,originating from Asia, has recently invaded African countries, including the Republic of the Congo, where it was associated with a chikungunya outbreak. Up until now, little was known about its distribution in relation to the nativeAedes aegyptiand how the invasion will modify the epidemiology of arboviral diseases. Here, we assessed the current distribution ofAe. albopictusandAe. aegyptiin the Republic of the Congo and explored the genetic diversity of the invading species,Ae. albopictus.Methods:Immature stages ofAedeswere collected in nine locations in the Republic of the Congo in 2017 following a north-south transect and reared to adult stage. Adults were morphologically identified, counted and grouped according to species and location. Genetic diversity ofAe. albopictuswas assessed by analyzing the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene.Results:Ae.albopictusandAe. aegyptiwere found together across the country in all the locations investigated. The invasive species is predominant over the native species in all locations except Brazzaville, suggesting thatAe. albopictusis displacingAe. aegyptiacross Congo. When comparing the species distributions across the two largest cities, Brazzaville and Pointe Noire,Ae. albopictuswas more prevalent thanAe. aegyptiin the suburbs whereas the opposite situation was reported in the city centre. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed very low genetic diversity ofAe. albopictuswith only three haplotypes recorded across the country supporting the recent introduction of this species in the Republic of the Congo. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed thatAe. albopictusfrom Congo originated from other tropical Asian countries such as China, likely as a result of increasing trade links.Conclusion:These findings are important for the implementation of vector control strategies and can serve as a foundation for further research on these vectors in the country.