Brazilian Aedes aegypti as a competent vector for multiple complex arboviral coinfections.

BACKGROUND Aedes aegypti is a highly competent vector in the transmission of arboviruses, such as chikungunya, dengue, Zika and yellow fever, and causes single and coinfections in the populations of tropical countries. METHODS The infection rate, viral abundance, vector competence, disseminated infection and survival rate were recorded after single and multiple infections of the vector with 15 combinations of chikungunya, dengue, Zika and yellow fever arboviruses. RESULTS Infection rates were 100% in all single and multiple infection experiments, except in one triple coinfection that presented a rate of 50%. The vector competence and disseminated infection rate varied from 100% (in single and quadruple infections) to 40% (in dual and triple infections). The dual and triple coinfections altered the vector competence and/or viral abundance of at least one of the arboviruses. The highest viral abundances were detected for a single infection with chikungunya. The viral abundances in quadruple infections were similar when compared to each respective single infection. A decrease in survival rates was observed in a few combinations. CONCLUSIONS Ae. aegypti was able to host all single and multiple arboviral coinfections. The interference of the chikungunya virus suggests that distinct arbovirus families may have a significant role in complex coinfections.