D3105: Neglected mosquito-borne pathogen surveillance in Manitoba, Canada

The Canadian Prairies are forecasted to experience dramatic climate changes by 2050, including increased temperature and precipitation, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events. These changes are likely to increase the burden of vector-borne diseases. Mosquito-borne pathogens alone account for 700,000 deaths annually according to the World Health Organization. Despite this, the diverse array of pathogens mosquitoes carry remains understudied in many regions around the world, including the Prairies. For example, California serogroup viruses are an emerging group of mosquito-borne viruses whose range has expanded over the past several decades. In humans, CSGVs can cause febrile and neurological illness, and may contribute to an under-recognized burden of disease. In this study, we conducted mosquito surveillance in over 17 communities in Manitoba. We analyzed the species distribution of mosquito species known to transmit pathogens to humans and screened mosquitoes for pathogens by PCR and RNA Sequencing. Thus far we have identified >40 putative insect viruses infecting our Manitoban mosquitoes, which includes viruses that may be of public health concern (e.g., Chuvirus), novel to the region (e.g., Armigeres iflavirus, Cafluga virus), and/or pathogens of other economically and environmentally important insects (e.g., Black queen cell virus, Boghill burn virus). Many of these viruses are not well characterized and consequently our understanding of their pathology in humans and other vertebrates is not well understood. This research provides insights into the diverse virome harboured by Manitoban mosquitoes and the potential risks to public health, the environment and the economy posed by these viruses.