Transmission of retroviruses by arthropods

At the time of writing, no evidence supports the possibility of propagation of vertebrate-associated retroviruses in arthropods that would lead to amplification or biological transmission. This review presents a primer on retrovirus replication as a perspective on the possible interactions of retroviruses and insect cells. The review is arranged as follows: retrovirus replication; mechanical transmission; equine infectious anaemia virus; human immunodeficiency viruses; bovine retroviruses; feline retroviruses; Friend (murine) leukaemia virus; summary and future studies. Arthropods discussed as (possible) vectors include mosquitoes, Stomoxys calcitrans, tabanids and bedbugs.