The impact of temperature and insect-specific viruses on the transmission of alphaviruses by <i>Aedes japonicus japonicus</i>

The spread of invasive mosquito species like <i>Aedes japonicus</i> poses a significant public health risk, particularly in the context of rising global temperatures and the growing prevalence of arbovirus infections. This study provides critical insights into the ability of <i>Aedes japonicus</i> to transmit alphaviruses such as chikungunya, Sindbis, and western equine encephalitis under different temperature conditions. The identification of multiple insect-specific viruses co-infecting the mosquitoes highlights the complexity of arbovirus transmission and underscores the need for further research. Understanding the interplay between environmental factors like temperature and viral coinfections is essential for predicting and mitigating future outbreaks. This work advances our knowledge of vector competence, which is helpful for developing strategies for risk assessment.