The temperature-associated effects of Rift Valley fever virus infections in mosquitoes and climate-driven epidemics: A review

Authors: AZERIGYIK, FAUSTUS - Colorado State University; CAGLE, SHELBY - Colorad0 State University; Wilson, William; Mitzel, Dana; KADING, REBEKAH - Colorad0 State University

Submitted to: Viruses
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/29/2025
Publication Date: 2/1/2025
Citation: Azerigyik, F.A., Cagle, S., Wilson, W.C., Mitzel, D.N., Kading, R.C. 2025. The temperature-associated effects of Rift Valley fever virus infections in mosquitoes and climate-driven epidemics: A review. Viruses. 17(2):217. https://doi.org/10.3390/v17020217.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/v17020217

Interpretive Summary: Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease. Symptoms of the disease in animals range from moderate to severe febrile illness which significantly impacts the livestock industry and causes severe health complications in humans. RVFV infection, dissemination and transmission is dependent on the susceptibility of the physical, cellular, microbial, and immune response barriers of the vectors. These barriers, shaped by the genetic makeup of the mosquito species and the surrounding environment temperatures, subsequently exert strong selective pressure on the virus, affecting the replication cycle, evolution and spread of the virus. Climatic modifications coupled with the aforementioned bottlenecks are significant drivers of RVF epidemics and expansion into previously nonendemic areas. Despite the link between microclimatic changes and RVF outbreaks, there is still a dearth of knowledge on how these temperature effects impact RVF transmission and vector competence and the virus persistence. These intricate interdependence between the virus, larval habitat temperatures and vector competence, necessitates increased efforts in addressing RVFV disease burden. This review highlights recent advancements made in response to shifting demographics, weather patterns, and conveyance of RVFV. Additionally, ongoing studies related temperature-sensitive variations of RVFV-vector interactions and knowledge gaps are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease within the genus Phlebovirus. Symptoms of the disease in animals range from moderate to severe febrile illness which significantly impacts the livestock industry and causes severe health complications in humans. Similar to bunyaviruses in the genus Orthobunyavirus transmitted by mosquitoes, RVFV progression is dependent on the susceptibility of the physical, cellular, microbial, and immune response barriers of the vectors. These barriers, shaped by the genetic makeup of the mosquito species and the surrounding environment temperatures, subsequently exert strong selective pressure on the virus, affecting the replication cycle, evolution and spread of the virus. Climatic modifications coupled with the aforementioned bottlenecks are significant drivers of RVF epidemics and expansion into previously nonendemic areas. Despite the link between microclimatic changes and RVF outbreaks, there is still a dearth of knowledge on how these temperature effects impact RVF transmission and vector competence and the virus persistence during interepidemic periods. These intricate interdependence between the virus, larval habitat temperatures and vector competence, necessitates increased efforts in addressing RVFV disease burden. This review highlights recent advancements made in response to shifting demographics, weather patterns, and conveyance of RVFV. Additionally, ongoing studies related temperature-sensitive variations of RVFV-vector interactions and knowledge gaps are discussed.