Dengue Virus Serotype 1 Effects on Mosquito Survival Differ among Geographically Distinct Aedes aegypti Populations.

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is distributed worldwide and is recognized as the primary vector for dengue in numerous countries. To investigate whether the fitness cost of a single DENV-1 isolate varies among populations, we selected four Ae. aegypti populations from distinct localities: Australia (AUS), Brazil (BRA), Pakistan (PAK), and Peru (PER). Utilizing simple methodologies, we concurrently assessed survival rates and fecundity. Overall, DENV-1 infection led to a significant decrease in mosquito survival rates, with the exception of the PER population. Furthermore, infected Ae. aegypti from PAK, the population with the lowest infection rate among those tested, exhibited a noteworthy reduction in egg laying. These findings collectively suggest that local mosquito-virus adaptations may influence dengue transmission in endemic settings.

Behavioral and biological parameters of six populations of Triatoma pallidipennis (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from areas with high and low prevalence rates of Trypanosoma cruzi human infection.

In Mexico, more than 30 species of triatomines, vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, have been collected. Among them, Triatoma pallidipennis stands out for its wide geographical distribution, high infection rates and domiciliation. Local populations of triatomines have shown notable biological and behavioral differences, influencing their vectorial capacity. Six behaviors of epidemiological importance, namely, egg-to-adult development time, median number of blood meals to molt to the next instar, instar mortality rates, aggressiveness (delay in initiating a meal), feeding time and defecation delay, were evaluated in this study for six populations of T. pallidipennis. Those populations from central, western and southern Mexico were arranged by pairs with a combination of high (HP) and medium (MP) of Trypanosoma cruzi human infection and most (MFC) and low (CLF) collection frequencies: HP/MFC, HP/CLF, and MP/MFC. The development time was longer in HP/CLF populations (> 220 days). The median number of blood meals to molt was similar (7-9) among five of the six populations. Mortality rates were greater (> 40 %) in HP/CLF and one MP/MFC populations. All studied populations were aggressive but exhibited slight differences among them. The feeding times were similar (≥ 10 min) for all studied populations within instars, increasing as instars progressed. An irregular pattern was observed in defecation behaviors, with marked differences even between the two populations from the same pair. High percentages of young (57.3-87.9 %), and old (62.4-89.8 %) nymphs, of female (61.1-97.3 %) and male (65.7-93.1 %) of all the studied populations defecated quickly (while eating, immediately after finishing feeding or < 1 min postfeeding). Our results indicate that the HP/MFC populations are potentially highly effective vectors for transmitting T. cruzi infections, while HP/CLF populations are potentially less effective vectors T. cruzi infections.

Wolbachia strains wMel and wAlbB differentially affect Aedes aegypti traits related to fecundity.

Two Wolbachia strains, wMel and wAlbB, have been transinfected into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for population replacement with the aim of reducing dengue transmission. Epidemiological data from various endemic sites suggest a pronounced decrease in dengue transmission after implementing this strategy. In this study, we investigated the impact of the Wolbachia strains wMel and wAlbB on Ae. aegypti fitness in a common genetic background. We found that Ae. aegypti females infected with the wMel strain exhibited several significant differences compared with those infected with the wAlbB strain. Specifically, wMel-infected females laid significantly fewer eggs, ingested a lower amount of blood, had a reduced egg production rate, and exhibited a decreased Wolbachia density at a later age compared with mosquitoes infected with the wAlbB strain. Conversely, the wAlbB strain showed only mild negative effects when compared with Wolbachia-uninfected specimens. These differential effects on Ae. aegypti fitness following infection with either wMel or wAlbB may have important implications for the success of population replacement strategies in invading native Ae. aegypti populations in endemic settings. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for these differences in fitness effects and their potential impact on the long-term efficacy of Wolbachia-based dengue control programs.IMPORTANCEThe transmission of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya is on the rise globally. Among the most promising strategies to reduce arbovirus burden is the release of one out of two strains of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti: wMel and wAlbB. One critical aspect of whether this approach will succeed involves the fitness cost of either Wolbachia strains on mosquito life history traits. For instance, we found that wMel-infected Ae. aegypti females laid significantly fewer eggs, ingested a lower amount of blood, had a reduced egg production rate, and exhibited a decreased Wolbachia density at a later age compared with mosquitoes infected with the wAlbB strain. Conversely, the wAlbB strain showed only mild negative effects when compared with Wolbachia-uninfected specimens. These differential effects on mosquito fitness following infection with either wMel or wAlbB may have important implications for the success of population replacement strategies in invading native Ae. aegypti populations.

Optimizing malaria vector control in the Greater Mekong Subregion: a systematic review and mathematical modelling study to identify desirable intervention characteristics.

BACKGROUND: In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), new vector-control tools are needed to target mosquitoes that bite outside during the daytime and night-time to advance malaria elimination. METHODS: We conducted systematic literature searches to generate a bionomic dataset of the main malaria vectors in the GMS, including human blood index (HBI), parity proportion, sac proportion (proportion with uncontracted ovary sacs, indicating the amount of time until they returned to host seeking after oviposition) and the resting period duration. We then performed global sensitivity analyses to assess the influence of bionomics and intervention characteristics on vectorial capacity. RESULTS: Our review showed that Anopheles minimus, An. sinensis, An. maculatus and An. sundaicus display opportunistic blood-feeding behaviour, while An. dirus is more anthropophilic. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that environmental, climatic and sampling factors influence the proportion of parous mosquitoes, and resting duration varies seasonally. Sensitivity analysis highlighted HBI and parity proportion as the most influential bionomic parameters, followed by resting duration. Killing before feeding is always a desirable characteristic across all settings in the GMS. Disarming is also a desirable characteristic in settings with a low HBI. Repelling is only an effective strategy in settings with a low HBI and low parity proportion. Killing after feeding is only a desirable characteristic if the HBI and parity proportions in the setting are high. CONCLUSIONS: Although in general adopting tools that kill before feeding would have the largest community-level effect on reducing outdoor transmission, other modes of action can be effective. Current tools in development which target outdoor biting mosquitoes should be implemented in different settings dependent on their characteristics.

Multifaceted contributions of Dicer2 to arbovirus transmission by Aedes aegypti.

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are an increasing threat to global health. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway is considered the main antiviral immune pathway of insects, but its effective impact on arbovirus transmission is surprisingly poorly understood. Here, we use CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing in vivo to mutate Dicer2, a gene encoding the RNA sensor and key component of the siRNA pathway. The loss of Dicer2 enhances early viral replication and systemic viral dissemination of four medically significant arboviruses (chikungunya, Mayaro, dengue, and Zika viruses) representing two viral families. However, Dicer2 mutants and wild-type mosquitoes display overall similar levels of vector competence. In addition, Dicer2 mutants undergo significant virus-induced mortality during infection with chikungunya virus. Together, our results define a multifaceted role for Dicer2 in the transmission of arboviruses by Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and pave the way for further mechanistic investigations.

The Importance of Including Non-Household Environments in Dengue Vector Control Activities.

Most vector control activities in urban areas are focused on household environments; however, information relating to infection risks in spaces other than households is poor, and the relative risk that these spaces represent has not yet been fully understood. We used data-driven simulations to investigate the importance of household and non-household environments for dengue entomological risk in two Kenyan cities where dengue circulation has been reported. Fieldwork was performed using four strategies that targeted different stages of mosquitoes: ovitraps, larval collections, Prokopack aspiration, and BG-sentinel traps. Data were analyzed separately between household and non-household environments to assess mosquito presence, the number of vectors collected, and the risk factors for vector presence. With these data, we simulated vector and human populations to estimate the parameter m and mosquito-to-human density in both household and non-household environments. Among the analyzed variables, the main difference was found in mosquito abundance, which was consistently higher in non-household environments in Kisumu but was similar in Ukunda. Risk factor analysis suggests that small, clean water-related containers serve as mosquito breeding places in households as opposed to the trash- and rainfall-related containers found in non-household structures. We found that the density of vectors (m) was higher in non-household than household environments in Kisumu and was also similar or slightly lower between both environments in Ukunda. These results suggest that because vectors are abundant, there is a potential risk of transmission in non-household environments; hence, vector control activities should take these spaces into account.

Aedes aegypti oviposition-sites choice under semi-field conditions.

Vector control is still the recommended approach to avoid arbovirus outbreaks. Herein, we investigate oviposition preferences of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) females under a semi-field structure Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For that, in Experiment 1, we used two settings: 'Single items', which included as containers drain, beer bottle, bucket, car tyre, water tank, and a potted Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) in a saucer with water, or 'Multiple containers', as an urban simulation, in which one drain, two additional beer bottles, and an extra plant pot saucer were added. Experiment 2 (sensory cues) used five variations of potted plant, each one varying in the range of sensory cues known to attract gravid females to oviposition containers. Our results indicate that gravid Ae. aegypti prefer to oviposit close to the ground and in open water containers with organic compounds from plant watering. Domestic large artificial containers containing tap water received significantly fewer eggs, except for the car tyre, which exhibited as many eggs as the potted plant. We also show that visual (potted plant shape) and olfactory clues (odour of the plant or from water containing organic matter) were equally attractive separately as were these stimuli together.

Belgian Anopheles plumbeus Mosquitoes Are Competent for Japanese Encephalitis Virus and Readily Feed on Pigs, Suggesting a High Vectorial Capacity.

Anopheles plumbeus, a day-active mosquito known to feed aggressively on humans, was reported as a nuisance species near an abandoned pigsty in Belgium. Since Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an emerging zoonotic flavivirus which uses pigs as amplification hosts, we investigated (1) whether An. plumbeus would feed on pigs and (2) its vector competence for JEV, to investigate whether this species could be a potential vector. Three- to seven-day-old F0-generation adult mosquitoes, emerged from field-collected larvae, were fed on a JEV genotype 3 Nakayama strain spiked blood meal. Blood-fed mosquitoes were subsequently incubated for 14 days at two temperature conditions: a constant 25 °C and a 25/15 °C day/night temperature gradient. Our results show that An. plumbeus is a competent vector for JEV at the 25 °C condition and this with an infection rate of 34.1%, a dissemination rate of 67.7% and a transmission rate of 14.3%. The vector competence showed to be influenced by temperature, with a significantly lower dissemination rate (16.7%) and no transmission when implementing the temperature gradient. Moreover, we demonstrated that An. plumbeus readily feeds on pigs when the opportunity occurs. Therefore, our results suggest that Belgian An. plumbeus mosquitoes may play an important role in the transmission of JEV upon an introduction into our region if temperatures increase with climate change.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) ecology, biology, behaviour, and implications on arbovirus transmission in Thailand: Review.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Aedes) transmit highly pathogenic viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika which can cause life-threatening diseases in humans. They are the most important vectors of arboviruses in Thailand. Their vectorial capacity (VC) is highly complex mainly due to the interplay between biotic and abiotic factors that vary in time and space. A literature survey was conducted to collate and discuss recent research regarding the influence of Aedes vector biology, behaviour, and ecology on arbovirus transmission in Thailand. The survey followed guidelines of preferred reporting items of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). All fields, keyword search was conducted in the Web of Science database for the period of 2000-2021. The search yielded 821 records on Ae. aegypti and 293 records on Aedes albopictus, of which 77 were selected for discussion. Genomic studies showed that there is a high genetic variation in Aedes albopictus whereas Ae. aegypti generally shows low genetic variation. Along with genetically unstable arboviruses, the interaction between Aedes and arboviruses is largely regulated by genomic events such as genetic mutations and immune response protein factors. Temperature and precipitation are the major climatic events driving arbovirus transmission. Human exposure risk factors are mainly due to multiple feeding patterns, including endophagy by Aedes albopictus and zoophagic behaviour of Ae. aegypti as well as diverse human-associated breeding sites. Integration of the One Health approach in control interventions is a priority with a rigorous focus on Aedes-arbovirus surveillance as a complementary strategy.

Beyond canonical models: why a broader understanding of Diptera-microbiota interactions is essential for vector-borne disease control.

Vector-borne diseases constitute a major global public health threat. The most significant arthropod disease vectors are predominantly comprised of members of the insect order Diptera (true flies), which have long been the focus of research into host-pathogen dynamics. Recent studies have revealed the underappreciated diversity and function of dipteran-associated gut microbial communities, with important implications for dipteran physiology, ecology, and pathogen transmission. However, the effective parameterization of these aspects into epidemiological models will require a comprehensive study of microbe-dipteran interactions across vectors and related species. Here, we synthesize recent research into microbial communities associated with major families of dipteran vectors and highlight the importance of development and expansion of experimentally tractable models across Diptera towards understanding the functional roles of the gut microbiota in modulating disease transmission. We then posit why further study of these and other dipteran insects is not only essential to a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate vector-microbiota interactions into existing epidemiological frameworks, but our understanding of the ecology and evolution of animal-microbe symbiosis more broadly.

High vector diversity and malaria transmission dynamics in five sentinel sites in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Cameroon. To inform vector control intervention decision making, malaria vector surveillance was conducted monthly from October 2018 to September 2020 in five selected sentinel sites (Gounougou and Simatou in the North, and Bonabéri, Mangoum and Nyabessang in the South). METHODS: Human landing catches (HLCs), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps, and pyrethrum spray catches (PSCs) were used to assess vector density, species composition, human biting rate (HBR), endophagic index, indoor resting density (IRD), parity, sporozoite infection rates, entomological inoculation rate (EIR), and Anopheles vectorial capacity. RESULTS: A total of 139,322 Anopheles mosquitoes from 18 species (or 21 including identified sub-species) were collected across all sites. Out of the 18 species, 12 were malaria vectors including Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.), Anopheles funestus s.l.., Anopheles nili, Anopheles moucheti, Anopheles paludis, Anopheles demeilloni, Anopheles. pharoensis, Anopheles ziemanni, Anopheles multicinctus, Anopheles tenebrosus, Anopheles rufipes, and Anopheles marshallii. Anopheles gambiae s.l. remains the major malaria vector (71% of the total Anopheles) collected, though An. moucheti and An. paludis had the highest sporozoite rates in Nyabessang. The mean indoor HBR of Anopheles ranged from 11.0 bites/human/night (b/h/n) in Bonabéri to 104.0 b/h/n in Simatou, while outdoors, it varied from 24.2 b/h/n in Mangoum to 98.7 b/h/n in Simatou. Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. moucheti were actively biting until at least 8:00 a.m. The mean Anopheles IRD was 17.1 females/room, and the parity rate was 68.9%. The mean EIRs for each site were 55.4 infective bites/human/month (ib/h/m) in Gounougou, 99.0 ib/h/m in Simatou, 51.2 ib/h/m in Mangoum, 24.4 ib/h/m in Nyabessang, and 18.1 ib/h/m in Bonabéri. Anopheles gambiae s.l. was confirmed as the main malaria vector with the highest vectorial capacity in all sites based on sporozoite rate, except in Nyabessang. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the high malaria transmission occurring in Cameroon and will support the National Malaria Control Program to design evidence-based malaria vector control strategies, and deployment of effective and integrated vector control interventions to reduce malaria transmission and burden in Cameroon, where several Anopheles species could potentially maintain year-round transmission.

Biology, bionomics and life-table studies of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sri Lanka and estimating the vectorial potential using mathematical approximations.

BACKGROUND: Anopheles stephensi is an invasive mosquito in Sri Lanka that can potentially transmit malaria. The transmission intensity is linked with biology, bionomic and behavioral aspects of a vector that are associated with the Vectorial Capacity (VC). However, the influence of larval conditions eventually affects the vectorial potential of An. stephensi are not well understood. METHODS: A colony of An. stephensi was established at the Regional Centre of the Open University of Sri Lanka, Jaffna District. The colony was maintained under confined conditions according to standard protocols. Biotypes of An. stephensi were characterized by referring to the number of egg ridges. Information on (a) biological aspects of eggs (duration for egg hatching, egg development and hatchability), (b) larval development time, larval survivorship pupation success, resting depth of larvae), (c) pupae (adult emergence rate, average time for adult emergence) and (d) adults (biting frequency, mating success gonotrophic cycle, fecundity, duration for egg-laying, percentage of sexes, adult survival/longevity) were evaluated under life-table analysis. Further, selected morphometric characters of each life cycle stage were recorded from the eggs (length and breadth), larvae (head length, width of head, length of thorax, width of thorax, length of abdomen, width of abdomen, and the total length of larvae), pupae (cephalothoracic length and width) and adults (length & width of wing, thorax and abdomen). The VC was calculated using a mathematical-based approach. Descriptive statistics, General Linear Model (GLM) and independent-sample t-test were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: All three biotypes were identified based on egg morphology. Mysorensis biotype (47%; n = 470) was predominant followed by type (38.1%; n = 381) and intermediate (14.9%; n = 149). The mean egg length (F(2,997) = 3.56; P = 0.029) and breadth (F(2,997) = 4.57; P = 0.011) denoted significant differences among the three biotypes. The mating success of females observed was 80.7 ± 4.45%. The mean hatching period was 1.9 ± 0.03 days, with a hatching rate of 86.2 ± 0.77%. Overall, 8.0 ± 0.14 days were required for larval development and 30.3 ± 0.14 h were spent in the pupal stage. The pupation success was 94.5 ± 0.37%, and the majority were males (53.1 ± 0.73%). The mean fecundity was 106.5 ± 6.38 eggs and a gonotrophic cycle of 3.4 ± 0.06 days. The female survival rate was 43.2 ± 2.4%, with a mean biting frequency of 66.6 ± 3.5%. The average VC of adult An. stephensi was estimated to be 18.7. CONCLUSIONS: The type biotype, which is an effective vector in the Indian subcontinent is present in Sri Lanka. According to the mathematical approximation, An. stephensi found locally has a vectorial capacity of over 18. Therefore, this study warrants the health authorities and vector control programmes to continue the entomological surveys, monitoring of vector densities and implementing appropriate vector control interventions based on biology and bionomic information of vectors.

Assessment of antibiotic treatment on Anopheles darlingi survival and susceptibility to Plasmodium vivax.

Antibiotic treatment has been used to enhance anopheline susceptibility to Plasmodium infection, because bacterial microbiota play a fundamental role in modulating the vector competence of mosquitoes that transmit Plasmodium parasites. However, few studies have examined the impact of antibiotic treatments on Plasmodium vivax sporogonic development in neotropical anopheline mosquitoes. Herein, we assessed the impact of antibiotic treatment on P. vivax development and survival in Anopheles darlingi, the main vector of malaria in the Amazon region. Female mosquitoes were treated continuously with antibiotics to impact the gut bacterial load and then tested for prevalence, infection intensity, and survival in comparison with untreated mosquitoes. Antibiotic-fed mosquitoes had not dramatic impact on P. vivax development previously observed in P. falciparum. However, antibiotic treatment increases mosquito survival, which is known to increase vectorial capacity. These findings raise questions about the effect of antibiotics on P. vivax development and survival in An. darlingi.

A Review of the Vector Status of North American Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for Bluetongue Virus, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, and Other Arboviruses of Concern.

Purpose of Review: Culicoides biting midges transmit several pathogens of veterinary importance in North America, but the vector status of many midge species is unresolved. Additionally, the available evidence of vector competence in these species is scattered and variable. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on confirmed and putative North American Culicoides arbovirus vectors. Recent Findings: While the vector status of Culicoides sonorensis (EHDV, BTV, VSV) and Culicoides insignis (BTV) are well established, several other potential vector species have been recently identified. Frequently, these species are implicated based primarily on host-feeding, abundance, and/or detection of arboviruses from field-collected insects, and often lack laboratory infection and transmission data necessary to fully confirm their vector status. Recent genetic studies have also indicated that some wide-ranging species likely represent several cryptic species, further complicating our understanding of their vector status. Summary: In most cases, laboratory evidence needed to fully understand the vector status of the putative Culicoides vectors is absent; however, it appears that several species are likely contributing to the transmission of arboviruses in North America.

Ingestion of spinosad-containing toxic sugar bait alters Aedes albopictus vector competence and vectorial capacity for dengue virus.

Dengue virus (DENV) is a highly prevalent vector-borne virus that causes life-threatening illnesses to humans worldwide. The development of a tool to control vector populations has the potential to reduce the burden of DENV. Toxic sugar bait (TSB) provides a form of vector control that takes advantage of the sugar-feeding behavior of adult mosquitoes. However, studies on the effect of ingestion of toxins in TSB on vector competence and vectorial capacity for viruses are lacking. This study evaluated vector competence for DENV serotype-1 of Aedes albopictus at 7 and 14 days post-ingestion of TSB formulated with spinosad (of bacteria origin) as an oral toxin. Our results and others were modeled to estimate effects on Ae. albopictus vectorial capacity for DENV. Ingestion of TSB caused a reduction in survival of females, but increased mosquito susceptibility to DENV infection, disseminated infection, and transmission. However, this increase in vector competence was obviated by the reduction in survival, leading to a lower predicted vectorial capacity. The findings of this study highlight the importance of evaluating the net impact of TSB ingestion on epidemiological parameters of vectorial capacity in the context of vector control efforts to reduce the risk of transmission of vector-borne viruses.

Vectorial capacities for malaria in eastern Amazonian Brazil depend on village, vector species, season, and parasite species.

BACKGROUND: The vector species in the Amazon River Basin are regionally and locally diverse, which makes it imperative to understand and compare their roles in malaria transmission to help select appropriate methods of intervention and evaluation. The major aim of this study was to measure the vectorial capacity of five Anopheles species in three neighbouring villages, for two Plasmodium parasite species affecting humans. METHODS: From 32 consecutive months of sampling in three villages, 1.5-7.0 km apart, on the Matapi River, Amapá State, Brazil, vectorial capacities (C) were estimated as time series for An. darlingi, An. marajoara, An. nuneztovari, An. triannulatus, and An. intermedius. Monthly parity measurements for each vector species were used to estimate daily survivorship and compared to estimates of survivorship from mark-release-recapture experiments. Gonotrophic cycle lengths were estimated through a time-series analysis of parity data, and durations of sporogony at study site temperatures for the two malaria parasite species were estimated from previous literature. RESULTS: The absolute abundances of five vector species were strongly tracked by the spatial variation in C among villages. Temporally, C varied between wet and dry seasons, with An. darlingi, An. marajoara and An. triannulatus exhibiting higher C in the dry season from August to December, and An. nuneztovari its highest C early in the rainy season in January and February. Anopheles intermedius exhibited higher C in the rainy season from April to June than in the dry season. Significant differences in overall survival for each independent variable, and a significant difference in C between wet and dry seasons, among villages, and among vector species for both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis by village showed significant effects of vector species on C in only one village, but significant effects of parasite species in all three. Although the GLMM analysis detected no significant parasite x vector species interaction effects on C, effects on C of spline regressions of C dynamics x vector species interactions were significant in all villages. CONCLUSIONS: These detailed analyses of entomological and parasitological variables revealed hidden complexities of malaria epidemiology at local scales in neighbouring riverine villages of the Amazon Region.

Citywide Integrated Aedes aegypti Mosquito Surveillance as Early Warning System for Arbovirus Transmission, Brazil.

Arbovirus epidemiology lacks efficient and timely surveillance systems with accurate outbreak alert signals. We devised a citywide integrated surveillance system combining entomologic, epidemiologic, and entomo-virologic data gathered during 2017-2020 in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. We installed 3,476 adult mosquito traps across the city and inspected traps every 2 months. We compared 5 entomologic indices: traditional house and Breteau indices for larval surveys and trap positivity, adult density, and mosquitoes per inhabitant indices for adult trapping. We screened for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses in live adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected from traps. Indices based on adult mosquito sampling had higher outbreak predictive values than larval indices, and we were able to build choropleth maps of infestation levels <36 h after each round of trap inspection. Locating naturally infected vectors provides a timely support tool for local public health managers to prioritize areas for intervention response to prevent virus outbreaks.

Increased biting rate and decreased Wolbachia density in irradiated Aedes mosquitoes.

BACKGROUND: Releasing considerable numbers of radiation-sterilized males is a promising strategy to suppress mosquito vectors. However, releases may also include small percentages of biting females, which translate to non-negligible numbers when releases are large. Currently, the effects of irradiation on host-seeking and host-biting behaviors have not been exhaustively investigated. Information is also lacking regarding the effects of sterilizing treatment on the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, which is known to affect the vector competence of infected mosquitos. METHODS: To ascertain the effects of irradiation on females, the pupae of two Aedes albopictus strains, differing in their natural or artificial Wolbachia infection type, and Aedes aegypti-which is not infected by Wolbachia-were treated with various doses of X-rays and monitored for key fitness parameters and biting behavior over a period of 2 weeks. The effect of radiation on Wolbachia was investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. RESULTS: Partial Aedes albopictus female sterility was achieved at 28 Gy, but the number of weekly bites more than doubled compared to that of the controls. Radiation doses of 35 and 45 Gy completely inhibited progeny production but did not significantly affect the survival or flight ability of Ae. albopictus females and caused a tripling of the number of bites per female per week (compared to untreated controls). These results were also confirmed in Ae. aegypti after treatment at 50 Gy. Wolbachia density decreased significantly in 45-Gy-irradiated females, with the greatest decreases in the early irradiation group (26 ± 2-h-old pupae). Wolbachia density also decreased as adults aged. This trend was confirmed in ovaries but not in extra-ovarian tissues. FISH analysis showed a strongly reduced Wolbachia-specific fluorescence in the ovaries of 13 ± 1-day-old females. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, under sterile insect technique (SIT) programs, the vector capacity of a target population could increase with the frequency of the irradiated females co-released with the sterile males due to an increased biting rate. In the context of successful suppression, the related safety issues are expected to be generally negligible, but they should be conservatively evaluated when large-scale programs relying on imperfect sexing and high overflooding release ratios are run for long periods in areas endemic for arboviral diseases. Also, the effects of irradiation on the vector competence deserve further investigation.

Can microplastics facilitate the emergence of infectious diseases?

Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Small plastic particles (called microplastics) have been reported to have pernicious effects on human and wildlife health, by altering physiological functions (e.g., immunity, metabolism) and interfering with commensal microorganisms. However, in addition to these direct toxic effects, we suggest that microplastic pollution might also exert deleterious effects, modifying (i) the exposure to pathogens (e.g., multi-drug resistant bacteria) and (ii) the dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Therefore, we argue that microplastics should be considered as a ubiquitous environmental hazard, potentially promoting the (re)emergence of infectious diseases. The implementation of multi- and interdisciplinary research projects are crucial to properly evaluate if microplastic pollution should be added to the current list of global health threats.

Bloodmeal regulation in mosquitoes curtails dehydration-induced mortality, altering vectorial capacity.

Mosquitoes readily lose water when exposed to any humidity less than that of near saturated air unless mitigated, leading to shifts in behavior, survival, distribution, and reproduction. In this study, we conducted a series of physiological experiments on two prominent species in the Culicinae subfamily: Culex pipiens, a vector of West Nile virus, and Aedes aegypti, a vector of yellow fever and Zika to examine the effects of dehydration. We exposed C. pipiens and A. aegypti to non-dehydrating conditions (saturated air), dehydrating conditions (air at a 0.89 kPa saturation vapor pressure deficit), several recovery conditions, as well as to bloodfeeding opportunities. We show that dehydrated mosquitoes increase bloodfeeding propensity, improve retention, and decrease excretion of a post-dehydration bloodmeal. In addition, mosquitoes that take a bloodmeal prior to dehydration exposure show increased survival over non-bloodfed counterparts. Dehydration-induced alterations in survival, reproduction, and bloodfeeding propensity of C. pipiens and A. aegypti resulted in marked changes to vectorial capacity. Ultimately, these results become increasingly important as drought intensifies in association with climate change and mosquitoes become more likely to experience arid periods.