Mosquito core viromes: do they exist?

In response to our opinion article on mosquito viromes and the paths towards implementable measures to counter the transmission of mosquito-borne viruses [ 1. Koh C. Saleh M.C. Translating mosquito viromes into vector management strategies. Trends Parasitol. 2024; 40: 10-20 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar ], De Coninck and Matthijnssens raise an important point on the definition of the increasingly used term ‘core virome’ [ 2. De Coninck L. Matthijnssens J. The mosquito core virome: beyond the buzz. Trends Parasitol. 2024; (Published online January 6, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PT.2023.12.012) Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Google Scholar ]. Here, we add a little more food for thought and offer our speculation on the existence of a global mosquito core virome. The mosquito core virome: beyond the buzzDe Coninck et al.Trends in ParasitologyJanuary 6, 2024In BriefMosquito-specific viruses (MSVs), and mosquito viromes in general, have been a hot topic in research for the past few years. The general belief is that MSVs could have an influence on the vector competence of mosquitoes and thereby reduce the burden of disease of arboviruses. This idea is strengthened by studies that have shown an influence of MSVs on arbovirus infection in mosquitoes [1–3], and additionally by the recent success of release programs involving Aedes aegypti infected with the endobacterium Wolbachia, which result in a reduction of dengue cases up to 97% [4,5]. Full-Text PDF Translating mosquito viromes into vector management strategiesKoh et al.Trends in ParasitologyDecember 7, 2023In BriefMosquitoes are best known for transmitting human and animal viruses. However, they also harbour mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) as part of their microbiota. These are a group of viruses whose diversity and prevalence overshadow their medically relevant counterparts. Although metagenomics sequencing has remarkably accelerated the discovery of these viruses, what we know about them is often limited to sequence information, leaving much of their fundamental biology to be explored. Understanding the biology and ecology of MSVs can enlighten our knowledge of virus–virus interactions and lead to new innovations in the management of mosquito-borne viral diseases. We retrace the history of their discovery and discuss research milestones that would line the path from mosquito virome knowledge to vector management strategies. Full-Text PDF