Surreal illustration of a mosquito carrying a double helix, representing the genetic diversity of Banna virus.

Mosquitoes' Hidden Viruses: Uncovering a New Threat in China

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Scientists have discovered a novel strain of Banna virus (BAV) in Chinese mosquitoes, raising questions about its potential impact on public health and highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of mosquito-borne diseases."

Mosquitoes, often seen as mere summer nuisances, are vectors for a host of viruses that can cause serious human diseases. Among these is Banna virus (BAV), an emerging pathogen linked to fever and encephalitis. While BAV has been found in mosquitoes, midges, and livestock across China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, its genetic diversity and potential for harm are still being unraveled.

Past research divided BAV into two main groups based on geographic location: Group A, found in China and Vietnam, and Group B, exclusive to Indonesia. But the story doesn't end there. The ever changing environment of viruses means the current understanding could be limited without real time information.

Now, a recent study has identified a new strain of BAV, dubbed HB14-71-01, in Anopheles sinensis mosquitoes from Hubei, China. This discovery not only expands our knowledge of BAV's genetic diversity but also raises important questions about its potential impact on public health and the evolution of mosquito-borne diseases.

Decoding the New BAV Strain: What Makes It Different?

Surreal illustration of a mosquito carrying a double helix, representing the genetic diversity of Banna virus.

The newly discovered HB14-71-01 strain exhibits distinct characteristics compared to previously known BAV strains. In laboratory studies, scientists observed differences in how the virus infected cells, the size of viral plaques (areas of infected cells), and the rate at which it multiplied. These initial findings suggest that HB14-71-01 behaves differently than other BAV strains.

Genetic analysis further confirmed the uniqueness of HB14-71-01. Researchers compared its genetic sequence to other BAV isolates and found that it belongs to a novel genetic group, tentatively named Group C. This group appears to have diverged from other BAV strains approximately 105 years ago, highlighting its independent evolutionary path.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Cytopathic Effect (CPE): HB14-71-01 caused weaker CPEs, indicating a less aggressive infection in cell cultures.
Plaque Size: The viral plaques formed by HB14-71-01 were smaller than those of Group A BAV, suggesting a slower spread of infection.
Growth Rate: HB14-71-01 exhibited a slower growth rate in cell cultures compared to Group A BAV.

These findings suggest that the Hubei isolate belongs to a novel genotype of BAV and emerged nearly 105 years ago, unlike the two previously reported genotypes A and B. This discovery broadens the known genetic diversity of BAV and raises crucial questions about the virus's evolution, potential vectors, and pathogenicity.

Why This Discovery Matters: Implications for the Future

The discovery of a new BAV strain in China highlights the dynamic nature of mosquito-borne viruses and the ongoing threat they pose to public health. Understanding the genetic diversity, transmission patterns, and potential pathogenicity of BAV is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies.

While HB14-71-01 appears to be less aggressive in cell cultures than some other BAV strains, further research is needed to determine its impact on human health. Key questions include: Can this strain cause disease in humans? Is it transmitted as efficiently as other BAV strains? What is its geographic distribution?

This research emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance and investigation of mosquito-borne viruses. By expanding our knowledge of these pathogens, we can better protect ourselves from emerging infectious diseases and ensure a healthier future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3390/v10100555, Alternate LINK

Title: First Isolation And Characterization Of A Group C Banna Virus (Bav) From Anopheles Sinensis Mosquitoes In Hubei, China

Subject: Virology

Journal: Viruses

Publisher: MDPI AG

Authors: Han Xia, Hong Liu, Lu Zhao, Evans Atoni, Yujuan Wang, Zhiming Yuan

Published: 2018-10-11

Everything You Need To Know

What is the Banna virus (BAV), and why is it significant?

The Banna virus (BAV) is an emerging pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes and is associated with fever and encephalitis. It has been found in mosquitoes, midges, and livestock. The significance of BAV lies in its potential to cause serious human diseases, making it a subject of ongoing research to understand its genetic diversity and implications for human health. Its presence highlights the broader issue of mosquito-borne diseases and the need for effective prevention strategies.

What is the significance of the new Banna virus strain discovered in China?

The recent study identified a new strain of BAV, named HB14-71-01, in Anopheles sinensis mosquitoes from Hubei, China. This discovery is significant because it broadens the known genetic diversity of the Banna virus, beyond the previously identified Groups A and B. The identification of HB14-71-01 underscores the dynamic nature of mosquito-borne viruses and the ongoing threat they pose to public health, thereby emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and research.

How does the new BAV strain, HB14-71-01, differ from previously known strains?

The newly discovered HB14-71-01 strain differs from previously known BAV strains in several ways, mainly by exhibiting weaker Cytopathic Effects (CPEs), smaller plaque sizes, and a slower growth rate in cell cultures. These differences suggest that HB14-71-01 has a different behavior and potentially a different impact on human health compared to other BAV strains. These initial findings are crucial for understanding the evolutionary path, potential vectors, and the overall pathogenicity.

What does the genetic analysis of the new strain reveal about its origins?

The HB14-71-01 strain belongs to a novel genetic group, tentatively named Group C, which diverged from other BAV strains approximately 105 years ago. This divergence is a key finding because it highlights the independent evolutionary path of this new strain, broadening the understanding of the genetic diversity within the Banna virus family. It indicates that BAV continues to evolve, necessitating ongoing research to understand its implications.

Why is the discovery of a new BAV strain important for public health?

This discovery is important because it emphasizes the dynamic nature of mosquito-borne viruses and their potential impact on public health. Understanding the genetic diversity, transmission patterns, and potential pathogenicity of the Banna virus (BAV) is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies. It underscores the need for continuous monitoring of mosquito-borne diseases, which helps in developing effective public health responses to combat the risks associated with the emergence and spread of new viral strains.