Metagenomics analysis of viromes of Aedes mosquitoes in India

Mosquito borne viral diseases especially Aedesborne viruses viz., dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses draw special attention due to highmorbidity and mortality. These mosquitoes also harbor a variety of non-pathogenic insect-specificviruses that have the potential to evolve and become novel pathogenic viruses. Recent studies havedemonstrated the high abundance and diversity of arthropod-associated RNA viruses, supporting theidea that arthropods may have played an important role in viral evolution, potentially serving as ahotspot where insect-specific viruses have evolved into dual-host viruses. Systematic investigation ofmosquito viromes is thus vital to have insight into the threat to public health.