Arbovirus coinfection and co-transmission: A neglected public health concern?

by Chantal B. F. Vogels, Claudia R ückert, Sean M. Cavany, T. Alex Perkins, Gregory D. Ebel, Nathan D. Grubaugh Epidemiological synergy between outbreaks of viruses transmitted byAedes aegypti mosquitoes, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses, has resulted in coinfection of humans with multiple viruses. Despite the potential impact on public health, we know only little about the occurrence and consequences of such coinfections. Here, we review the impact of coinfection on clinical disease in humans, discuss the possibility for co-transmission from mosquito to human, and describe a role for modeling transmission dynamics at various levels of co-transmission. Solving the mystery of virus coinfections will reveal whether they should be viewed as a serious concern for public health.
Source: PLoS Biology: Archived Table of Contents - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: research