Arbovirus impact on mosquito behavior: the jury is still out.

Blood-feeding and host-seeking behaviors of mosquitoes are affected in a subtle, yet significant way by dengue, Zika, La Crosse, Sindbis, and West Nile viruses. Inconsistent assays, small sample sizes, and weak statistical rigor pose challenges to establishing empirical support for arbovirus-induced changes in mosquito behavior. Leveraging deep learning for automated behavioral quantification enhances accuracy and reproducibility in experimental studies of mosquito behavior. Rigorous empirical support, standardized assays, and comprehensive modeling frameworks are essential to establish arbovirus-induced behavioral changes as epidemiologically relevant biological phenomena. Parasites can manipulate host behavior to enhance transmission, but our understanding of arbovirus-induced changes in mosquito behavior is limited. Here, we explore current knowledge on such behavioral alterations in mosquito vectors, focusing on host-seeking and blood-feeding behaviors. Reviewing studies on dengue, Zika, La Crosse, Sindbis, and West Nile viruses in Aedes or Culex mosquitoes reveals subtle yet potentially significant effects. However, assay heterogeneity and limited sample sizes challenge definitive conclusions. To enhance robustness, we propose using deep-learning tools for automated behavior quantification and stress the need for standardized assays. Additionally, conducting longitudinal studies across the extrinsic incubation period and integrating diverse traits into modeling frameworks are crucial for understanding the nuanced implications of arbovirus-induced behavioral changes for virus transmission dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]