Differentiated mosquito adaptive strategies underlie regional dominance of three ECSA sub-lineages in chikungunya virus.

Distinct mosquito-adaptation strategies in three ECSA sub-lineages drive regional dominance of chikungunya virus, with ECSA-2.1, ECSA-2.2, and ECSA-IOL evolving unique evolutionary patterns.

• Why it matters: Understanding the molecular basis of these adaptations is crucial for predicting outbreak patterns and improving vector control and vaccine development, addressing a major global health challenge.
• What they did: The study conducted comparative phylogenomic and selection pressure analyses on complete CHIKV genomes, identifying lineage-specific substitutions and adaptation strategies involving Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus.
• The result: Findings reveal vector niche partitioning as a key factor in CHIKV spread, enabling better outbreak forecasting and informing targeted interventions and vaccine design strategies.