Arbovirus

Arbovirus

Aedes albopictus, a common vector for arboviruses

Arboviruses, or arthropod-borne viruses, are a group of viruses that are transmitted to humans and other vertebrates by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks. The term "arbovirus" is a descriptive one, referring to the mode of transmission rather than a taxonomic classification. These viruses belong to several different families, including Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, and Bunyaviridae.

Transmission

Arboviruses are primarily transmitted through the bites of infected arthropods. The most common vectors are mosquitoes, but ticks, sandflies, and other arthropods can also serve as vectors. The transmission cycle typically involves a vertebrate host and an arthropod vector. For example, the West Nile virus transmission cycle involves birds as the primary vertebrate hosts and mosquitoes as the vectors.

West Nile virus transmission cycle

Clinical Manifestations

In humans, arboviral infections can lead to a range of clinical manifestations, from mild febrile illness to severe neurological disease. Common symptoms include fever, headache, and malaise. Some arboviruses, such as the Dengue virus, can cause hemorrhagic fever, while others, like the Zika virus, are associated with congenital abnormalities.

Prevention and Control

Preventing arboviral infections primarily involves controlling the vector populations and minimizing human exposure to vectors. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and using mosquito nets.

Mosquito net used for protection against mosquito bites

Notable Arboviruses

Some of the most notable arboviruses include:

• Dengue virus
• Zika virus
• Chikungunya virus
• Yellow fever virus
• West Nile virus
• Rift Valley fever virus

Rift Valley fever tissue

Related Pages

• Flavivirus
• Togavirus
• Bunyavirus
• Vector (epidemiology)
• Mosquito

See Also

• Viral hemorrhagic fever
• Vector control
• Epidemiology