Gut bacteria in vector mosquitoes: transmission, host dependency and effects on the immune system

More and more evidence support the hypothesis that microbial interactions play a vital role in shaping the fate of their host organisms. While the host-organism exposure to microbes set the prerequisite for interactions, also inherent properties of the host organism are expected to affect the relationship. Two vector mosquitoes of great importance are the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae and Aedes albopictus, vector of Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. The possibility to negatively impact vector competence by interfering with the host-microbial relationship is the long-term purpose of this project. However, to achieve interference, we need to better understand the bacterial relationship with the mosquito hosts. What is affecting the gut flora composition in mosquitoes, the ecological niche or host-specific physiological factors or both? The aim of the project presented will give responses to fundamental questions in microbial ecology that only could be investigated in controlled lab settings. How will the microbial composition change in both species when bred in the same environment? Which is the mode of bacterial transfer between mosquitoes? What impact does the gut microbial-flora have on basal systemic immune activity and fecundity?

Project details

Vector Control

Jan 2015 — Dec 2017

$60,022

Sweden