Differences in metaviromes between Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from sympatric areas on Hainan Island and the Leizhou Peninsula, China

The metavirome compositions of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the sympatric areas of Hainan Island and the Leizhou Peninsula differed significantly. The viral diversity of Ae. albopictus was significantly higher than that of Ae. aegypti, and notable differences in viral composition and abundance were observed between the two species. However, the 50 most abundant viruses detected in both mosquito species also exhibited a degree of similarity. These findings support further research into the viral compositions of these two Aedes species. Moreover, analyzing these distinct viral compositions aids understanding of the vector capacity and vector competence of these mosquitoes, which will provide theoretical support for vector control efforts on Hainan Island and the Leizhou Peninsula.