Assessing the ecologies of arboviruses and mosquito vectors in West and Central Africa

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Stefanie Christine Becker; Professor Dr. Steffen Borrmann
• Subject Area: Virology ; Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 443155432

Mosquito-borne arboviruses are an increasing (re-)emerging threat for more than 781 million people in Africa (70% of the continental population) (Weetman et al., 2018). Aedes-borne yellow fever (YFV), dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) as well as Aedes- and Culex-borne Rift Valley fever (RVFV) virus infections have been documented from the African continent, but reports are sketchy. The absence of evidence-based risk maps for arbovirus infections prevents adequate planning of both public health and research resources. Although the main vectors Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopitus and Culex quinquefasciatus are prevalent in Central and West African countries (Kreamer et al., 2015); the distribution and the frequency of arboviral infections and outbreaks display a surprising heterogeneity between and within certain countries. Thus, we ask the key question: Do genetic variability and bionomic differences in local mosquito vector populations influence arbovirus occurrence across countries in West Africa?Here we propose to assess the difference in human exposure to arboviruses (through an epidemiologic and serologic study) based on in-depth multi-national investigation on the vector’s biting behavior, virus surveillance, and the genetic structure of vector populations. We will conduct our study in three West and Central African countries (Benin, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire) with different and specific epidemiological profiles. Benin (West Africa) will present a setting with low arboviral occurrence, Gabon (Central Africa) will represent a latent focus with high arboviral occurrence where no outbreaks have been reported since 2010, and Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa) will represent an active focus with high arboviral occurrence where ongoing outbreaks have been reported recently. In each country, the study will be conducted in already known arbovirus foci or potential arbovirus foci with arbovirus detection from either human, animal or mosquitoes. As arboviruses have been reported mainly in large African cities, the study will be conducted in the capital cities (and their surrounding towns) of every country to maximize the probability to observe an arboviral infection We will select three sites representing each rural, suburban or urban area to capture potential variability in arbovirus prevalence in connection with mosquito species diversity, and vector and human populations.The outcomes will help directly to set up a sustainable network on arboviruses (termed EcoVir-network) which will work to contribute to improving the surveillance, prevention and control of arboviruses in Africa. Furthermore, we will build a well-trained new generation of young African scientists through our training program, who will in future contribute to arbovirus control in Africa.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Benin, Côte d´Ivoire, Gabon
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Jacques François Mavoungou
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Fanny Naccache
• International Co-Applicants: Professor Ayola Akim Adegnika, Ph.D.; Professor Salako Luc Djogbénou, Ph.D.; Professor Gäel Darren Maganga; Julien Zahouli Bi Zahouli, Ph.D.