Characterization of the Virome in Mosquitoes Across Distinct Habitats in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

TL;DR

This study identifies and characterizes viruses in mosquitoes from different habitats in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, highlighting how mosquito species influence viral diversity.

Contribution

The first characterization of mosquito-associated viromes in the Yucatán Peninsula, revealing novel viral species and the role of mosquito species in shaping viromes.

Findings

Sixteen viral species from 14 families were identified in 20 mosquito species from the Yucatán Peninsula.

Vertebrate-associated viruses were found in urban habitats, while insect-associated viruses were also detected, including the first report of Mercadeo virus in Mexico.

Mosquito species, rather than habitat, primarily drive differences in viral community composition.

Abstract

Human activities and land use changes have a major impact on the distribution and diversity of mosquito vectors and their associated viruses. This study describes the diversity and differential abundance of viruses associated with mosquito species from four habitats of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we analyzed 61 genomic libraries belonging to 20 mosquito species to characterize the viral community. A total of 16 viral species were identified, representing 14 different viral families. Most identified viruses were associated with insects, plants, and fungi. Additionally, vertebrate associated viral families, including Herpesviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, and Arenaviridae, were detected in mosquitoes from urban habitats. Notably, insect-associated viruses like Hubei mosquito virus 4 and Hubei virga-like virus 2 were identified, along with the first report of Mercadeo virus in Mexico. Variations in viral community composition were primarily driven by mosquito species, with species of the same genus maintaining similar viromes despite occupying different habitats. These findings reinforce that intrinsic traits of mosquito species play a key role in shaping viral community composition. To our knowledge, this is the first study that describes the viral community in mosquitoes in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. This study provides essential baseline data for the surveillance of mosquitoes and associated viruses from a biodiverse tropical region that faces strong land use modifications.

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