Researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey have developed a novel method for monitoring virus circulation, colloquially termed a 'mosquito toilet.' This 3D-printed device collects waste from mosquitoes, similar to how wastewater is analyzed for community virus spread. Analysis of waste from a single backyard site in New Jersey has yielded significant findings, including the first known evidence of a Hedwig-like virus in the Americas.
The study, published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum, also identified a complete West Nile virus genome and detected several other viruses that may be new to researchers. The Hedwig-like virus is a less-studied virus related to the Hedwig virus, which has been found in birds and mosquitoes. Currently, there is no evidence that Hedwig-like viruses cause illness in humans.
West Nile virus, a known mosquito-borne illness, can infect humans, birds, horses, and other animals. While most human infections are asymptomatic, approximately 20% experience mild symptoms like fever, headache, and nausea. In rare instances, it can lead to severe neurological conditions. The virus is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and is most active during warmer months.
Traditional mosquito surveillance methods are labor-intensive, involving collecting numerous insects, sorting them by species, pooling them, and then grinding them for laboratory testing. This process can delay crucial information needed to contain outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. Furthermore, existing methods often require scientists to know in advance which specific pathogens they are looking for.
The 'mosquito toilet' offers a potentially lower-effort, high-yield surveillance tool, enabling broader searches for unknown pathogens. In the research, scientists collected waste from two groups of wild Culex mosquitoes in New Jersey during 2021 and 2022. Sequencing this material revealed the complete West Nile virus genome in the 2022 sample and provided genetic data that could help track viral variants' emergence, spread, and mutation.
Regarding the Hedwig-like virus, researchers are still investigating its hosts, transmission patterns, and potential threats. Scientists are collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife to screen tissue samples from deceased birds for the virus. The collected mosquito waste also contained materials classified as potentially new viruses, requiring further research to determine their nature and any potential risks to humans or animals.