Dataset for article submission Neglected Tropical Diseases

Babanki virus (BBKV) is a non-characterized arbovirus identified in 1969 in Cameroon. BBKV is closely related to Sindbis virus which causes symptoms like febrile illness, rash, and arthritis in humans and animals. Both are alphaviruses within the Western Equine Encephalitis complex. BBKV is identified only in the African continent so far. Despite its potential to cause disease, no effective treatments are available. This study investigates the vector competence of various mosquito species from temperate and tropical regions, to transmit BBKV. After mosquitoes were fed an infectious blood meal, various organs were collected at different time points to assess the infection status, viral replication, and infectiousness. The results showed that BBKV infection occurred in all tested mosquito species and persisted over time, with viral particles detected in mosquito or that can potentially be transmitted to vertebrate hosts via mosquito saliva. These findings highlight the broad vector competence of mosquitoes from diverse climatic regions for BBKV, indicating its potential risk for emergence and outbreaks in different regions of the world. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures to mitigate the potential threat posed by this emerging virus.