Dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses are transmitted by several vector mosquito species, mainly Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. In the Pacific region, more vector species belonging to the Scutellaris Group are present. Due to the expansion of human travels and international trade, the risk of their dispersal to  other regions of the world is increasing. To avoid the risk of their introduction to new pacific islands, it is therefore essential to carefully monitor the introduction of potential vector species.

This surveillance relies on accurate species identification. However, it can be very challenging and complicated. The aim of this study was to assess the use of the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a tool for a fast, accurate surveillance method of these mosquito vectors of arboviruses.

The work was carried out at the Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, in collaboration with different Institutes from the Pasteur Network including the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. The paper highlights the use of MALDI-TOF MS as a promising tool that could be used for a global comprehensive arbovirus vector surveillance.

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