de Swart MM, Balvers C, Verhulst NO, Koenraadt CJM. Effects of host blood on mosquito reproduction.
Trends Parasitol 2023;
39:575-587. [PMID:
37230833 DOI:
10.1016/j.pt.2023.04.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Female mosquitoes require blood from their host for egg development. However, the relationship between the composition of host blood and mosquito reproduction, and whether and how this is linked to host selection, remain unclear. A better understanding of these issues is beneficial for mass-rearing of mosquitoes for vector control. This review provides an overview of the currently known effects of blood constituents on mosquito reproduction. Furthermore, it highlights knowledge gaps and proposes new avenues for investigation. We recommend that research efforts be focused on physiological differences between generalist and specialist mosquito species as models to investigate if and how host preference correlates with reproductive output.
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