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Triana MF, Melo N. Dynamics of Aedes aegypti mating behaviour. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 65:101237. [PMID: 39047975 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The use of pheromones, while common, remains underexplored in mosquito research. Understanding Aedes aegypti's mating behaviour and pheromones is crucial for expanding knowledge and advancing vector control strategies. Unlike other species, Aedes mosquitoes have adaptable mating behaviour, complicating the study of their communication mechanisms. Current literature on Aedes communication is sparse, not due to lack of effort but because of its complexity. Ae. aegypti's mating behaviour is influenced by sensory cues and environmental factors. Swarming, which facilitates mating aggregation, is triggered by host odours, highlighting the role of semiochemicals alongside aggregation pheromones. Cuticular hydrocarbons may act as chemical signals in mating, though their roles are unclear. Acoustic signals significantly contribute to mate attraction and male fitness assessment, showcasing the multidimensional nature of Ae. aegypti sexual communication. Understanding these aspects can enhance targeted control strategies and reduce mosquito populations and disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merybeth F Triana
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden; Max Planck Center next Generation Chemical Ecology, Sweden
| | - Nadia Melo
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden.
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Mayilsamy M, Subramani S, Veeramanoharan R, Vijayakumar A, Asaithambi AT, Murugesan A, Selvaraj N, Balakrishnan V, Rajaiah P. Mating of unfed, engorged, and partially to fully gravid Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) female mosquitoes in producing viable eggs. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:362. [PMID: 39183365 PMCID: PMC11346051 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06433-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the relationship between blood-feeding and mating is important in effectively managing the most well-adapted vector insect, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus). Although extensive studies have investigated the behavioural aspects of Aedes such as blood-feeding, mating, and their relationship, several knowledge gaps still exist. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the possibility of successful mating by unfed, engorged, and partially to fully gravid (up to 5 days after blood-feeding with fully developed eggs) female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and production of viable eggs. METHODS Mating of sexually mature adult Aedes aegypti was allowed in three different ways. In control 1, the females were allowed to mate before taking blood meal, and in control 2, the females were not at all allowed to mate. In the experiment, the females were separated into six categories, viz. D-0 to D-5. In D-0, the females were allowed to mate immediately after the bloodmeal and, in D-1, the females were allowed to mate on the first day of blood feeding, likewise, the females of D-2, D-3, D-4 and D-5 were allowed to mate on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th day of blood feeding. Ovitrap was uniformly kept on the 4th day of blood feeding for the cages D-0 to D-3 for 1 h and then removed and for the cages D-4, and D-5, the ovitrap was kept on 4th and 5th day of blood feeding for 1h immediately after mating. The total number of eggs and the total number of hatching were counted. In the subsequent days, the entire experiment was replicated two times with different cohorts of mosquitoes, and the mean value of three experiments was used to draw Excel bars with 5% error bars and also for the statistical analysis. RESULTS It was found that mating just before oviposition was sufficient to produce 1581 eggs (70% compared with control) and fertilize 1369 eggs (85% compared with total eggs laid), which is far higher than the 676 non-hatching (unfertilized) eggs (30%) laid by unmated females. Although mating is not essential for producing eggs, our study shows that even brief exposure to the semen and seminal fluids greatly enhances the oviposition and hatching efficiency, even if the mating occurs just before oviposition. However, those females mating before blood-feeding and those mating after blood-feeding produced 2266 and 2128 eggs, with hatching rates of 96.78% and 95.54%, respectively. Hence, the retention time of seminal fluid in the female seems to influence the number of eggs laid and the number of eggs hatched. CONCLUSIONS In general, mating is possible in Ae. aegypti even minutes before oviposition and is sufficient to produce a greater number of viable eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muniaraj Mayilsamy
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Surendiran Subramani
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajamannar Veeramanoharan
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Asifa Vijayakumar
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Amuthalingam T Asaithambi
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arthi Murugesan
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nandhakumar Selvaraj
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vijayakumar Balakrishnan
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Paramasivan Rajaiah
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, No. 4 Sarojini Street, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamil Nadu, India
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Chiu MC, Huang IB, Yu JJ, Liao YC, Chareonviriyaphap T, Neoh KB. Boric acid toxic sugar bait suppresses male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): wing beat frequency and amplitude, flight activity, fecundity, insemination, and mate-finding Allee effect. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39017029 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlling the spread of arboviral diseases remains a considerable challenge due to the rapid development of insecticide resistance in Aedes mosquitoes. This study evaluated the effects of boric acid-containing toxic sugar bait (TSB) on field populations of resistant Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In addition, this study examined the flight activity and wing beat frequency and amplitude of males and the flight activity, fecundity, and insemination of females after pairing with males exposed to TSB. The population dynamics of Aedes mosquitoes under imbalanced sex ratios were examined to simulate realistic field conditions for male suppression under the effect of TSB. RESULTS The mortality of male mosquitoes was consistently high within 24 h after exposure. By contrast, the mortality of female mosquitoes was inconsistent, with over 70% mortality observed at 168 h. The flight activity and wing beat amplitude of treated males were significantly lower than those of controls, but no significant difference in wing beat frequency was detected. The fecundity and insemination of treated female mosquitoes were lower than those of controls. A simulation study indicated that considerably low male population densities led to mating failures, triggering a mate-finding Allee effect and resulting in persistently low population levels. CONCLUSION Boric acid-containing TSB could effectively complement current chemical intervention approaches to control resistant mosquito populations. TSB is effective in reducing field male populations and impairing male flight activity and female-seeking behavior, resulting in decreased fecundity and insemination. Male suppression due to TSB potentially results in a small mosquito population. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chieh Chiu
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - In-Bo Huang
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Jia Yu
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Yi-Chang Liao
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Kok-Boon Neoh
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Albergaria RG, Dos Santos Araújo R, Martins GF. Morphological characterization of antennal sensilla in Toxorhynchites theobaldi, Toxorhynchites violaceus, and Lutzia bigoti adults: a comparative study using scanning electron microscopy. PROTOPLASMA 2024; 261:671-684. [PMID: 38236420 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-024-01927-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Some mosquitoes, including species of the genus Toxorhynchites, are known for actively preying on other mosquito larvae, making these predators valuable allies in the fight against vector-borne diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of these potential biological control agents is helpful for the development of effective strategies for controlling vector populations. This includes the antennae, a crucial component in the search for hosts, mating, and selection of oviposition sites. This study utilized scanning electron microscopy to characterize the sensilla on the antennae of adult mosquitoes from two species that are exclusively phytophagous, including Toxorhynchites theobaldi and Toxorhynchites violaceus, as well as Lutzia bigoti, which females are allegedly hematophagous. The types of sensilla in each species were compared, and five basic types of antennal sensilla were identified: trichoid, chaetic, coeloconic, basiconic, and ampullacea. The analysis also found that they were morphologically similar across the three species, regardless of feeding habits or sex. The identification and characterization of basic types of antennal sensilla in T. theobaldi, T. violaceus, and L. bigoti suggest that these structures, which play a crucial role in the behavior and ecology, have common functions across different mosquito species, despite differences in feeding habits or sex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renan Dos Santos Araújo
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas E da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Pontal Do Araguaia, MT, 78698-000, Brazil.
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Sajadi F, Paluzzi JPV. Molecular characterization, localization, and physiological roles of ITP and ITP-L in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 4:1374325. [PMID: 38654748 PMCID: PMC11035804 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2024.1374325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The insect ion transport peptide (ITP) and its alternatively spliced variant, ITP-like peptide (ITP-L), belong to the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone family of peptides and are widely conserved among insect species. While limited, studies have characterized the ITP/ITP-L signaling system within insects, and putative functions including regulation of ion and fluid transport, ovarian maturation, and thirst/excretion have been proposed. Herein, we aimed to molecularly investigate Itp and Itp-l expression profiles in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, examine peptide immunolocalization and distribution within the adult central nervous system, and elucidate physiological roles for these neuropeptides. Transcript expression profiles of both AedaeItp and AedaeItp-l revealed distinct enrichment patterns in adults, with AedaeItp expressed in the brain and AedaeItp-l expression predominantly within the abdominal ganglia. Immunohistochemical analysis within the central nervous system revealed expression of AedaeITP peptide in a number of cells in the brain and in the terminal ganglion. Comparatively, AedaeITP-L peptide was localized solely within the pre-terminal abdominal ganglia of the central nervous system. Interestingly, prolonged desiccation stress caused upregulation of AedaeItp and AedaeItp-l levels in adult mosquitoes, suggesting possible functional roles in water conservation and feeding-related activities. RNAi-mediated knockdown of AedaeItp caused an increase in urine excretion, while knockdown of both AedaeItp and AedaeItp-l reduced blood feeding and egg-laying in females as well as hindered egg viability, suggesting roles in reproductive physiology and behavior. Altogether, this study identifies AedaeITP and AedaeITP-L as key pleiotropic hormones, regulating various critical physiological processes in the disease vector, A. aegypti.
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Zhang D, Maiga H, Li Y, Bakhoum MT, Wang G, Sun Y, Damiens D, Mamai W, Bimbilé Somda NS, Wallner T, Bueno-Masso O, Martina C, Kotla SS, Yamada H, Lu D, Tan CH, Guo J, Feng Q, Zhang J, Zhao X, Paerhande D, Pan W, Wu Y, Zheng X, Wu Z, Xi Z, Vreysen MJB, Bouyer J. Mating harassment may boost the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique for Aedes mosquitoes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1980. [PMID: 38438367 PMCID: PMC10912119 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46268-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The sterile insect technique is based on the overflooding of a target population with released sterile males inducing sterility in the wild female population. It has proven to be effective against several insect pest species of agricultural and veterinary importance and is under development for Aedes mosquitoes. Here, we show that the release of sterile males at high sterile male to wild female ratios may also impact the target female population through mating harassment. Under laboratory conditions, male to female ratios above 50 to 1 reduce the longevity of female Aedes mosquitoes by reducing their feeding success. Under controlled conditions, blood uptake of females from an artificial host or from a mouse and biting rates on humans are also reduced. Finally, in a field trial conducted in a 1.17 ha area in China, the female biting rate is reduced by 80%, concurrent to a reduction of female mosquito density of 40% due to the swarming of males around humans attempting to mate with the female mosquitoes. This suggests that the sterile insect technique does not only suppress mosquito vector populations through the induction of sterility, but may also reduce disease transmission due to increased female mortality and lower host contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjing Zhang
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hamidou Maiga
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest (IRSS-DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Yongjun Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mame Thierno Bakhoum
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest (IRSS-DRO), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l'Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Gang Wang
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Damiens
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR MIVEGEC (CNRS/IRD/Université de Montpellier), IRD Réunion/GIP CYROI (Recherche Santé Bio-innovation), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Wadaka Mamai
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nanwintoum Séverin Bimbilé Somda
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche en Science et Technologie (UFR/ST), UniversitéNorbert ZONGO (UNZ), BP 376, Koudougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Thomas Wallner
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Odet Bueno-Masso
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Martina
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simran Singh Kotla
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanano Yamada
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Deng Lu
- National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jiatian Guo
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingdeng Feng
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyan Zhang
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xufei Zhao
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dilinuer Paerhande
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Pan
- SYSU Nuclear and Insect Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Dongguan, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Zheng
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Guangzhou Wolbaki Biotech Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Marc J B Vreysen
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA, Vienna, Austria.
- ASTRE, CIRAD, F-34398, Montpellier, France.
- ASTRE, Cirad, INRAE, Univ. Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France.
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Ciocchetta S, Frentiu FD, Montarsi F, Capelli G, Devine GJ. Investigation on key aspects of mating biology in the mosquito Aedes koreicus. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:826-833. [PMID: 37622600 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Aedes koreicus Edwards, 1917 (Hulecoetomyia koreica) is a mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) from Northeast Asia with a rapidly expanding presence outside its original native range. Over the years, the species has been discovered in several new countries, either spreading after first introduction or remaining localised to limited areas. Notably, recent studies have demonstrated the ability of the species to transmit zoonotic parasites and viruses both in the field and in laboratory settings. Combined with its invasive potential, the possible role of Ae. koreicus in pathogen transmission highlights the public health risks resulting from its invasion. In this study, we used a recently established population from Italy to investigate aspects of biology that influence reproductive success in Ae. koreicus: autogeny, mating behaviour, mating disruption by the sympatric invasive species Aedes albopictus Skuse, 1894, and the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis Hertig, 1936. Our laboratory population did not exhibit autogenic behaviour and required a bloodmeal to complete its ovarian cycle. When we exposed Ae. koreicus females to males of Ae. albopictus, we observed repeated attempts at insemination and an aggressive, disruptive mating behaviour initiated by male Ae. albopictus. Despite this, no sperm was identified in Ae. koreicus spermathecae. Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium capable of influencing mosquito reproductive behaviour, was not detected in this Ae. koreicus population and, therefore, had no effect on Ae. koreicus reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ciocchetta
- School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Francesca D Frentiu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Gregor J Devine
- Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Barbosa AL, Gois GC, Dos Santos VB, Pinto ATDM, de Castro Andrade BP, de Souza LB, Almeida E Sá FH, Virginio JF, Queiroz MAÁ. Effects of different diets on Aedes aegypti adults: improving rearing techniques for sterile insect technique. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:748-755. [PMID: 37743777 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate the effect of different energy diets available in adulthood on the longevity, dispersal capacity and sexual performance of Aedes aegypti produced under a mass-rearing system. To evaluate the effects of diets in relation to the survival of the adult male insects of Ae. aegypti, six treatments were used: sucrose at a concentration of 10%, as a positive control (sack10); starvation, as a negative control (starvation); sucrose at a concentration of 20% associated with 1 g/l of ascorbic acid (sac20vitC); wild honey in a concentration of 10% (honey10); demerara sugar in a 10% concentration (demerara10); and sucrose at a concentration of 20% associated with 1 g/l of ascorbic acid and 0.5 g/l of amino acid proline (sac20vitCPr). Each treatment had 16 cages containing 50 adult males. For the tests of flight ability and propensity to copulation, five treatments were used (saca10; sac20vitC; mel10; demerara10; and sac20vitCPr), with males each for flight ability and females copulated by a single male for copulation propensity. The diet composed of sucrose at a concentration of 20% associated with ascorbic acid, as an antioxidant, improved the survival, flight ability and propensity to copulate in Ae. aegypti males under mass-rearing conditions, and may be useful to enhance the performance of sterile males, thus improving the success of sterile insect technique programmes.
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Kulkarni A, Delgadillo FM, Gayathrinathan S, Grajeda BI, Roy S. Current Status of Omics Studies Elucidating the Features of Reproductive Biology in Blood-Feeding Insects. INSECTS 2023; 14:802. [PMID: 37887814 PMCID: PMC10607566 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Female insects belonging to the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Glossina, and Rhodnius account for the majority of global vector-borne disease mortality. In response to mating, these female insects undergo several molecular, physiological, and behavioral changes. Studying the dynamic post-mating molecular responses in these insects that transmit human diseases can lead to the identification of potential targets for the development of novel vector control methods. With the continued advancements in bioinformatics tools, we now have the capability to delve into various physiological processes in these insects. Here, we discuss the availability of multiple datasets describing the reproductive physiology of the common blood-feeding insects at the molecular level. Additionally, we compare the male-derived triggers transferred during mating to females, examining both shared and species-specific factors. These triggers initiate post-mating genetic responses in female vectors, affecting not only their reproductive success but also disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Kulkarni
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Frida M. Delgadillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sharan Gayathrinathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Brian I. Grajeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Biosciences Ph.D. Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sourav Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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Castillo JS, Bellantuono AJ, DeGennaro M. Quantifying Mosquito Attraction Behavior Using Olfactometry. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2023; 2023:715-8. [PMID: 37024240 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
When blood feeding from human hosts, female mosquitoes can transmit life-threatening pathogens to humans, including dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus. Olfaction is the primary sense mosquitoes use to locate and differentiate hosts and studying it can lead to new strategies to reduce the risk of disease. To effectively study host-seeking behavior in mosquitoes, a repeatable, quantitative assay that isolates olfaction from other cues is critical for interpreting mosquito behavior. Here, we contribute an overview of methods and best practices for the study of mosquito attraction (or lack thereof) by using olfactometry to quantify behavior. In the accompanying protocols, we present an olfactory-based behavioral assay using a uniport olfactometer that measures mosquito attraction rate to specific stimuli. We include construction details, setup of the uniport olfactometer, details of the behavioral assay, and data analysis guidelines, as well as how to prepare the mosquitoes before their introduction into the olfactometer. This uniport olfactometer behavioral assay is currently one of the most reliable methods to study mosquito attraction to a single olfactory stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Castillo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
| | - Anthony J Bellantuono
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
| | - Matthew DeGennaro
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
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11
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Contreras B, Adelman ZN, Chae K. Evaluating the Mating Competency of Genetically Modified Male Mosquitoes in Laboratory Conditions. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2023; 4:1106671. [PMID: 37860147 PMCID: PMC10586724 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2023.1106671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to eradicate mosquito-borne diseases have increased the demand for genetic control strategies, many of which involve the release of genetically modified (GM) mosquito males into natural populations. The first hurdle for GM males is to compete with their wild-type counterparts for access to females. Here, we introduce an eye color-based mating assay, in which both Lvp wild-type and kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (kmo)-null males compete for access to kmo-null females, and therefore the eye color phenotype (black or white) of the progeny is dependent on the parental mating pair. A series of tests addressed that male mating competitiveness between the two strains can significantly be influenced by adult density, light intensity, and mating duration. Interestingly, the mating competitiveness of males was not correlated with body size, which was negatively influenced by a high larval density. Lastly, this eye color-associated assay was applied to characterize GM mosquitoes in their mating competitiveness, establishing this method as a fast and precise way of benchmarking this fitness parameter for laboratory-raised males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Contreras
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Zach N. Adelman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Keun Chae
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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12
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Lyu XY, Wang XL, Geng DQ, Jiang H, Zou Z. Juvenile hormone acts on male accessory gland function via regulating l-asparaginase expression and triacylglycerol mobilization in Aedes aegypti. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:81-94. [PMID: 35633120 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hormones control the reproductive development of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The adult male reproductive process and mating behavior require adequate nutrients and energy. Understanding the molecular mechanism linking hormones, energy metabolism, and reproduction in male mosquitoes is important. In this study, we found that the size of the male accessory gland, an essential part of the male reproductive system, gradually increased after eclosion. However, it was significantly reduced in male mosquitoes deficient in methoprene-tolerant (Met), the receptor of juvenile hormone. Likewise, egg hatchability of females that mated with Met-depleted males showed the same downward trend. The mRNA level of the gene encoding accessory gland protein, l-asparaginase (ASNase), was reduced in Met dsRNA-treated males. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR results revealed that Met was capable of binding directly to the promoter of ASNase and activated its transcription. RNA interference of ASNase in males resulted in the reduction of egg hatchability of the females with which they mated. These results showed that Met influenced the fecundity of male mosquitoes by directly upregulating the expression of the ASNase gene. Moreover, the levels of triacylglycerol and the sizes of lipid droplets were decreased by 72-78 h after eclosion in the fat body cells, whereas both of them increased in Met-depleted male mosquitoes, indicating that Met knockdown reduced lipid catabolism. These data demonstrate that Met might influence the egg hatchability of females by regulating lipid metabolism and the development of the male accessory gland in male mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yang Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan-Qian Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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13
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Liu S, Zhou J, Kong L, Cai Y, Liu H, Xie Z, Xiao X, James AA, Chen XG. Clock genes regulate mating activity rhythms in the vector mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010965. [PMID: 36455055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous circadian rhythms result from genetically-encoded molecular clocks, whose components and downstream output factors cooperate to generate cyclic changes in activity. Mating is an important activity of mosquitoes, however, the key aspects of mating rhythm patterns and their regulatory mechanisms in two vector mosquito species, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, remain unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We determined and compared the diel mating activity rhythms of these two mosquito species and discovered that Ae. albopictus had mating peaks in the light/dark transition periods (ZT0-3 and ZT9-12), while Cx. quinquefasciatus only had a mating peak at ZT12-15. Knockouts of the clock (clk) orthologous genes (Aalclk and Cxqclk) resulted in phase delay or phase reversal of the mating peaks in Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. In addition, the temporal expression pattern of the desaturase orthologous genes, desat1, in both mosquito species was also different in respective wild-type strains and showed phase changes similar to the mating rhythms in clk mutant strains. Inhibition of desat1 expression resulted in decreased mating activity in male mosquitoes of both species but not females. In addition, desat1 regulated cuticular hydrocarbons' synthesis in both species. Silencing desat1 in male Ae. albopictus resulted in decreases of nonadecane and tricosane, which promoted mating, with concomitant increases of heptacosane, which inhibited mating. Silencing desat1 in male Cx. quinquefasciatus also resulted in decreases of tricosane, which promoted mating. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that Aalclk and Cxqclk have significant roles in the mating activity rhythms in both Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus by regulating the temporal expression of the desat1 gene under LD cycles, which affects sex pheromone synthesis and mating. This work provides insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism of distinct mating rhythm of Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus and may provide a basis for the control of these two important vector mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayong Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Kong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiquan Cai
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongkai Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhensheng Xie
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anthony A James
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine California, United States of America
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Pantoja-Sánchez H, League GP, Harrington LC, Alfonso-Parra C. Recording and Analysis of Mosquito Acoustic-Related Mating Behavior. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2022; 2022:Pdb.prot107989. [PMID: 35960617 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot107989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In mosquitoes, courtship and mating sounds are produced by the movement of the wings during flight. These sounds, usually referred to as flight tones, have been studied using tethered and free-flying individuals. Here, we describe a general approach for recording and analyzing mosquito acoustic-related mating behaviors that can be broadly adapted to a variety of experimental designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoover Pantoja-Sánchez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Electrónica, SISTEMIC
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales, PECET, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, 050010
| | - Garrett P League
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Laura C Harrington
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Catalina Alfonso-Parra
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Universidad CES, Sabaneta, Antioquia, Colombia, 055413
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Mosquito Reproductive Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, 050010
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15
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Parsana D, Nanfack-Minkeu F, Sirot LK. Insemination in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2022; 2022:pdb.top107668. [PMID: 35902240 PMCID: PMC9883592 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Aedes mosquitoes are the vectors of several arboviruses that cause human disease. A better understanding of their reproduction helps to improve their management and contributes insights into the fundamental biology of mosquitoes. During mating, inseminated mosquito females receive seminal fluids and sperm from males that they then store in the spermathecae. In Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, most mated females become resistant to further insemination within 2 h of initial insemination. Although the male seminal fluids are known to be involved in initiating the resistance of inseminated females to further insemination, the mechanism underlying this resistance is not well-understood. The determination of insemination status is a key step in investigating the behavioral and molecular interactions between males and females and for exploring the proximate influences and evolutionary implications of interspecific copulations. Several methods exist for determining insemination status, as discussed here. The choice of method depends on the research question and the availability of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhwani Parsana
- Department of Biology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio 44691, USA
| | | | - Laura K. Sirot
- Department of Biology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio 44691, USA
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16
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Assessment of packing density and transportation effect on sterilized pupae and adult Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in non-chilled conditions. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106243. [PMID: 34800376 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Long-distance transportation from a radiation facility to a target site potentially affects the quantity and quality of sterile male mosquitoes. This study tested the effects of multi-hour land transportation on the survival, longevity, and mating performance of gamma-rays sterilized adult and pupal male mosquitoes at different densities in non-chilled condition. The results demonstrated that mortality rate, longevity, induced sterility (IS) level, and mating competitiveness (C index) were significantly affected by life stage, transportation treatment, and density. Transportation was detrimental to the survival and longevity of the adults, and transporting pupae was restricted by the overcrowding effect; particularly, those packing density of 200 pupae. The longevity of transported mosquitoes were 1-5 days shorter than that of non-transported mosquitoes regardless of packing density. The irradiated transported adult males exhibited an equal IS and C index to their non-transported counterparts. Although there was no evidence suggested an association between low mating competitiveness and packing density in the transported adults, the mating competitiveness of adult mosquitoes decreased with increased packing density. Additionally, the effects of transportation and packing density on the mating ability of transported pupal males were also notable. The results indicate the factors of packing density and life stages in transporting sterile males under non-chilled conditions should be taken into account in formulating the procedure in SIT operation.
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17
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Ernawan B, Anggraeni T, Yusmalinar S, Ahmad I. Investigation of Developmental Stage/Age, Gamma Irradiation Dose, and Temperature in Sterilization of Male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Sterile Insect Technique Program. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:320-327. [PMID: 34595516 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The sterilization process using gamma irradiation is a crucial component in a program using sterile insect technique (SIT) to control Aedes aegypti. Unfortunately, there is no efficient standard protocol for sterilizing mosquitoes that can produce a high level of sterility while maintaining mating ability and longevity. Therefore, we conducted a study of the critical factors necessary to develop such a standard protocol. In this study, male Ae. aegypti pupae, as well as adults aged 1 d and 3 d, were irradiated using a Gamma-cell 220 irradiator doses of 0, 20, 40, 60, 70, 80, and 100 Gray (Gy). In addition, male Ae. aegypti in the pupal and adult stage aged 1 d were irradiated at a dose of 70 Gy at various temperatures. Changes in emergence rates, longevity, sterility, and mating competitiveness were recorded for each combination of parameters. Results showed that an increase of irradiation dose leads to a rise of induced sterility at all developmental stages, while simultaneously reducing emergence rate, survival, and mating competitiveness. Higher temperatures resulted in increased levels of sterility, reduced longevity, and did not affect the ability to mate. This study found that an irradiation dose of 70 Gy at a temperature between 20.00 and 22.30°C administered in the pupal stage induced a high level of sterility (around 98%), while maintaining mating competitiveness and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beni Ernawan
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Jalan Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, Indonesia
- Center for Isotopes and Radiation Application (CIRA), National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN), Jalan Lebak Bulus Raya No. 49, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tjandra Anggraeni
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Jalan Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Sri Yusmalinar
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Jalan Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Intan Ahmad
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Jalan Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, Indonesia
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18
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Staunton KM, Goi J, Townsend M, Ritchie SA, Crawford JE, Snoad N, Karl S, Burkot TR. Effect of BG-Lures on the Male Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) Sound Trap Capture Rates. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2425-2431. [PMID: 34240181 PMCID: PMC8577766 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
With global expansion of the two main vectors of dengue, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, Diptera: Culicidae), there is a need to further develop cost-effective and user-friendly surveillance tools to monitor the population dynamics of these species. The abundance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. Albopictus, and associated bycatch captured by Male Aedes Sound Traps (MASTs) and BG-Sentinel (BGS) traps that were unbaited or baited with BG-Lures were compared in Cairns, Australia and Madang, Papua New Guinea. Mean male Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus catch rates in MASTs did not significantly differ when deployed with BG-Lures. Similarly, males of both these species were not sampled at statistically different rates in BGS traps with or without BG-Lures. However, MASTs with BG-Lures caught significantly less male Ae. aegypti than BGS traps baited with BG-Lures in Cairns, and MASTs without BG-Lures caught significantly more male Ae. albopictus than BGS traps without BG-Lures in Madang. Additionally, BG-Lures significantly increased female Ae. aegypti catch rates in BGS traps in Cairns. Lastly, bycatch capture rates in BGS traps were not significantly influenced by the addition of the BG-Lures. While this study provides useful information regarding the surveillance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in these locations, further development and investigation is required to successfully integrate an olfactory lure into the MAST system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyran M Staunton
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Smithfield, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, Australia
| | - Joelyn Goi
- Vector-Borne Diseases Unit, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Madang, 511 Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Michael Townsend
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Smithfield, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, Australia
| | - Scott A Ritchie
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Smithfield, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, Australia
| | | | - Nigel Snoad
- Debug, Verily Life Sciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephan Karl
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, Australia
- Vector-Borne Diseases Unit, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Madang, 511 Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Thomas R Burkot
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, Australia
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19
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League GP, Degner EC, Pitcher SA, Hafezi Y, Tennant E, Cruz PC, Krishnan RS, Garcia Castillo SS, Alfonso-Parra C, Avila FW, Wolfner MF, Harrington LC. The impact of mating and sugar feeding on blood-feeding physiology and behavior in the arbovirus vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009815. [PMID: 34591860 PMCID: PMC8509887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are globally distributed vectors of viruses that impact the health of hundreds of millions of people annually. Mating and blood feeding represent fundamental aspects of mosquito life history that carry important implications for vectorial capacity and for control strategies. Females transmit pathogens to vertebrate hosts and obtain essential nutrients for eggs during blood feeding. Further, because host-seeking Ae. aegypti females mate with males swarming near hosts, biological crosstalk between these behaviors could be important. Although mating influences nutritional intake in other insects, prior studies examining mating effects on mosquito blood feeding have yielded conflicting results. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To resolve these discrepancies, we examined blood-feeding physiology and behavior in virgin and mated females and in virgins injected with male accessory gland extracts (MAG), which induce post-mating changes in female behavior. We controlled adult nutritional status prior to blood feeding by using water- and sugar-fed controls. Our data show that neither mating nor injection with MAG affect Ae. aegypti blood intake, digestion, or feeding avidity for an initial blood meal. However, sugar feeding, a common supplement in laboratory settings but relatively rare in nature, significantly affected all aspects of feeding and may have contributed to conflicting results among previous studies. Further, mating, MAG injection, and sugar intake induced declines in subsequent feedings after an initial blood meal, correlating with egg production and laying. Taking our evaluation to the field, virgin and mated mosquitoes collected in Colombia were equally likely to contain blood at the time of collection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Mating, MAG, and sugar feeding impact a mosquito's estimated ability to transmit pathogens through both direct and indirect effects on multiple aspects of mosquito biology. Our results highlight the need to consider natural mosquito ecology, including diet, when assessing their physiology and behavior in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett P. League
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Ethan C. Degner
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Sylvie A. Pitcher
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Yassi Hafezi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Erica Tennant
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Priscilla C. Cruz
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Raksha S. Krishnan
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Stefano S. Garcia Castillo
- Laboratorio de Malaria: Parásitos y Vectores, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Catalina Alfonso-Parra
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Universidad CES, Sabaneta, Antioquia, Colombia
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Mosquito Reproductive Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Frank W. Avila
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Mosquito Reproductive Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura C. Harrington
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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20
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Whittle CA, Kulkarni A, Extavour CG. Evolutionary dynamics of sex-biased genes expressed in cricket brains and gonads. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:1188-1211. [PMID: 34114713 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sex-biased gene expression, particularly sex-biased expression in the gonad, has been linked to rates of protein sequence evolution (nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions, dN/dS) in animals. However, in insects, sex-biased expression studies remain centred on a few holometabolous species. Moreover, other major tissue types such as the brain remain underexplored. Here, we studied sex-biased gene expression and protein evolution in a hemimetabolous insect, the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. We generated novel male and female RNA-seq data for two sexual tissue types, the gonad and somatic reproductive system, and for two core components of the nervous system, the brain and ventral nerve cord. From a genome-wide analysis, we report several core findings. Firstly, testis-biased genes had accelerated evolution, as compared to ovary-biased and unbiased genes, which was associated with positive selection events. Secondly, although sex-biased brain genes were much less common than for the gonad, they exhibited a striking tendency for rapid protein sequence evolution, an effect that was stronger for the female than male brain. Further, some sex-biased brain genes were linked to sexual functions and mating behaviours, which we suggest may have accelerated their evolution via sexual selection. Thirdly, a tendency for narrow cross-tissue expression breadth, suggesting low pleiotropy, was observed for sex-biased brain genes, suggesting relaxed purifying selection, which we speculate may allow enhanced freedom to evolve adaptive protein functional changes. The findings of rapid evolution of testis-biased genes and male and female-biased brain genes are discussed with respect to pleiotropy, positive selection and the mating biology of this cricket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A Whittle
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Arpita Kulkarni
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cassandra G Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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21
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League GP, Harrington LC, Pitcher SA, Geyer JK, Baxter LL, Montijo J, Rowland JG, Johnson LM, Murdock CC, Cator LJ. Sexual selection theory meets disease vector control: Testing harmonic convergence as a "good genes" signal in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009540. [PMID: 34214096 PMCID: PMC8282061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a medically important, globally distributed vector of the viruses that cause dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. Although reproduction and mate choice are key components of vector population dynamics and control, our understanding of the mechanisms of sexual selection in mosquitoes remains poor. In “good genes” models of sexual selection, females use male cues as an indicator of both mate and offspring genetic quality. Recent studies in Ae. aegypti provide evidence that male wingbeats may signal aspects of offspring quality and performance during mate selection in a process known as harmonic convergence. However, the extent to which harmonic convergence may signal overall inherent quality of mates and their offspring remains unknown. Methodology/Principal findings To examine this, we measured the relationship between acoustic signaling and a broad panel of parent and offspring fitness traits in two generations of field-derived Ae. aegypti originating from dengue-endemic field sites in Thailand. Our data show that in this population of mosquitoes, harmonic convergence does not signal male fertility, female fecundity, or male flight performance traits, which despite displaying robust variability in both parents and their offspring were only weakly heritable. Conclusions/Significance Together, our findings suggest that vector reproductive control programs should treat harmonic convergence as an indicator of some, but not all aspects of inherent quality, and that sexual selection likely affects Ae. aegypti in a trait-, population-, and environment-dependent manner. Mosquitoes transmit numerous pathogens that disproportionately impact developing countries. The mosquito Aedes aegypti, studied here, transmits viruses that cause neglected tropical diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. Disease prevention programs rely heavily upon mosquito vector control. To successfully interrupt disease transmission, several control methods depend upon the ability of laboratory-modified male mosquitoes to successfully mate with wild females to suppress or replace natural populations. However, our understanding of what determines mating success in mosquitoes is far from complete. Our study addresses the question of whether female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes use male acoustic signals to select higher quality mates and improve their offspring’s fitness. We find that acoustic signals do not serve as universal indicators of fitness. Further, the fitness metrics we measured were only weakly heritable, suggesting that females that mate with high quality males do not necessarily produce fitter offspring. Our study provides a nuanced understanding of mate choice, mating acoustic signals, and parent and offspring reproductive fitness in a key disease-transmitting mosquito species. These discoveries improve our grasp of sexual selection in mosquitoes and can be leveraged by the vector control community to improve vitally important disease prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett P. League
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura C. Harrington
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Sylvie A. Pitcher
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Julie K. Geyer
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Lindsay L. Baxter
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Julian Montijo
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - John G. Rowland
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, United Kingdom
| | - Lynn M. Johnson
- Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Courtney C. Murdock
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lauren J. Cator
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Reitmayer CM, Pathak AK, Harrington LC, Brindley MA, Cator LJ, Murdock CC. Sex, age, and parental harmonic convergence behavior affect the immune performance of Aedes aegypti offspring. Commun Biol 2021; 4:723. [PMID: 34117363 PMCID: PMC8196008 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02236-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Harmonic convergence is a potential cue, female mosquitoes use to choose male mates. However, very little is known about the benefits this choice confers to offspring performance. Using Aedes aegypti (an important vector of human disease), we investigated whether offspring of converging parental pairs showed differences in immune competence compared to offspring derived from non-converging parental pairs. Here we show that harmonic convergence, along with several other interacting factors (sex, age, reproductive, and physiological status), significantly shaped offspring immune responses (melanization and response to a bacterial challenge). Harmonic convergence had a stronger effect on the immune response of male offspring than on female offspring. Further, female offspring from converging parental pairs disseminated dengue virus more quickly than offspring derived from non-converging parental pairs. Our results provide insight into a wide range of selective pressures shaping mosquito immune function and could have important implications for disease transmission and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Reitmayer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for Tropical and Global Emerging Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, UK
| | - Ashutosh K Pathak
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for Tropical and Global Emerging Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Laura C Harrington
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Northeast Center for Excellence for Vector-borne Disease Research, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Melinda A Brindley
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Lauren J Cator
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, UK
| | - Courtney C Murdock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Center for Tropical and Global Emerging Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Northeast Center for Excellence for Vector-borne Disease Research, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Center for Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Riverbasin Center, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Vreysen MJB, Abd-Alla AMM, Bourtzis K, Bouyer J, Caceres C, de Beer C, Oliveira Carvalho D, Maiga H, Mamai W, Nikolouli K, Yamada H, Pereira R. The Insect Pest Control Laboratory of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme: Ten Years (2010-2020) of Research and Development, Achievements and Challenges in Support of the Sterile Insect Technique. INSECTS 2021; 12:346. [PMID: 33924539 PMCID: PMC8070182 DOI: 10.3390/insects12040346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre (formerly called Division) of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture was established in 1964 and its accompanying laboratories in 1961. One of its subprograms deals with insect pest control, and has the mandate to develop and implement the sterile insect technique (SIT) for selected key insect pests, with the goal of reducing the use of insecticides, reducing animal and crop losses, protecting the environment, facilitating international trade in agricultural commodities and improving human health. Since its inception, the Insect Pest Control Laboratory (IPCL) (formerly named Entomology Unit) has been implementing research in relation to the development of the SIT package for insect pests of crops, livestock and human health. This paper provides a review of research carried out between 2010 and 2020 at the IPCL. Research on plant pests has focused on the development of genetic sexing strains, characterizing and assessing the performance of these strains (e.g., Ceratitis capitata), elucidation of the taxonomic status of several members of the Bactrocera dorsalis and Anastrepha fraterculus complexes, the use of microbiota as probiotics, genomics, supplements to improve the performance of the reared insects, and the development of the SIT package for fruit fly species such as Bactrocera oleae and Drosophila suzukii. Research on livestock pests has focused on colony maintenance and establishment, tsetse symbionts and pathogens, sex separation, morphology, sterile male quality, radiation biology, mating behavior and transportation and release systems. Research with human disease vectors has focused on the development of genetic sexing strains (Anopheles arabiensis, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), the development of a more cost-effective larvae and adult rearing system, assessing various aspects of radiation biology, characterizing symbionts and pathogens, studying mating behavior and the development of quality control procedures, and handling and release methods. During the review period, 13 coordinated research projects (CRPs) were completed and six are still being implemented. At the end of each CRP, the results were published in a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal. The review concludes with an overview of future challenges, such as the need to adhere to a phased conditional approach for the implementation of operational SIT programs, the need to make the SIT more cost effective, to respond with demand driven research to solve the problems faced by the operational SIT programs and the use of the SIT to address a multitude of exotic species that are being introduced, due to globalization, and established in areas where they could not survive before, due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hanano Yamada
- Insect Pest Control Subprogramme, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, A-1400 Vienna, Austria; (M.J.B.V.); (A.M.M.A.-A.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (C.C.); (C.d.B.); (D.O.C.); (H.M.); (W.M.); (K.N.); (R.P.)
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Wu Y, Wang J, Li T, Liu Q, Gong Z, Hou J. Effect of different carbon dioxide (CO2) flows on trapping Aedes albopictus with BG traps in the field in Zhejiang Province, China. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243061. [PMID: 33259534 PMCID: PMC7707600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) attracts host-seeking adult mosquitoes; this fact is exploited for mosquito monitoring, which is important for evaluating the effects of mosquito-control operations. A field experiment was designed to explore the relationship between the CO2 flow rate and the trapping effect of BG traps. The aim was to select an appropriate flow rate for monitoring Aedes albopictus. Six sampling sites were selected for field experiments in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang Province, China. A total of six CO2 flow rates (0.00 L/min, 0.075 L/min, 0.15 L/min, 0.30 L/min, 0.60 L/min and 1.20 L/min) were tested to compare their effects on mosquito trapping. The catches were performed in six trapping periods between 15:30 and 18:30, and each catch period lasted 0.5 h. A total of 3068 adult mosquitoes were captured at six sampling sites in six days using BG traps (with BG-Sweetscent), among which 86.96% were Ae. albopictus. The total number of Ae. albopictus (males and females) captured at a flow rate of 0.00 L/min was significantly lower than the numbers captured at 0.075 L/min, 0.15 L/min, 0.30 L/min, 0.60 L/min and 1.20 L/min (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001 respectively). The total number of Ae. albopictus captured and the number of Ae. albopictus females captured increased with increasing CO2 flow and peaked at 0.3 L/min, above which these capture numbers did not increase significantly. In conclusion, the appropriate CO2 flow rate for monitoring Ae. albopictus with BG traps was 0.3 L/min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinna Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tianqi Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qinmei Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhenyu Gong
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
- * E-mail: (JH); (ZG)
| | - Juan Hou
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
- * E-mail: (JH); (ZG)
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Kang DS, Cunningham JM, Lovin DD, Chadee DD, Severson DW. Mating Competitiveness of Transgenic Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Males Against Wild-Type Males Reared Under Simulated Field Conditions. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1775-1781. [PMID: 32556270 PMCID: PMC7899268 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Efforts directed at genetic modification of mosquitoes for population control or replacement are highly dependent on the initial mating success of transgenic male mosquitoes following their release into natural populations. Adult mosquito phenotypes are influenced by the environmental conditions experienced as larvae. Semifield studies conducted to date have not taken that under consideration when testing male mating fitness, and have compared mating success of males reared under identical environmental conditions. We performed pairwise mating challenges between males from a genetically modified laboratory strain (BF2) versus males from a recent Trinidad field isolate of Aedes aegypti (L.), a major vector of multiple arboviruses. We utilized larval density and nutrition to simulate environmental stress experienced by the Trinidad males and females. Our results indicated that environmental stress during larval development negatively influenced the competitiveness and reproductive success of males from the Trinidad population when paired with optimum reared BF2 males. Small (0.027 m3) and large (0.216 m3) trials were conducted wherein stressed or optimum Trinidad males competed with optimum BF2 males for mating with stressed Trinidad females. When competing with stress reared Trinidad males, optimum reared BF2 males were predominant in matings with stress reared Trinidad females, and large proportions of these females mated with males of both strains. When competing with optimum reared Trinidad males, no difference in mating success was observed between them and BF2 males, and frequencies of multiple matings were low. Our results indicate that future mating competition studies should incorporate appropriate environmental conditions when designing mating fitness trials of genetically modified males.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
| | | | - Diane D Lovin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
| | - Dave D Chadee
- Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - David W Severson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN
- Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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Gouagna LC, Damiens D, Oliva CF, Boyer S, Le Goff G, Brengues C, Dehecq JS, Raude J, Simard F, Fontenille D. Strategic Approach, Advances, and Challenges in the Development and Application of the SIT for Area-Wide Control of Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes in Reunion Island. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11110770. [PMID: 33171885 PMCID: PMC7695178 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Aedes albopictus is a well-established competent arbovirus vector in Reunion Island, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, occurring in a range of natural to urban environments where it represents a major threat to public health. Following the 2006 Chikungunya outbreak and periodic occurrence of dengue epidemics, the sterile insect technique (SIT) emerged as the most environment-friendly option for integration with the current vector control strategy that relies mainly on the elimination of breeding sites and insecticide applications. This paper describes the trajectory that has been followed in assessing the feasibility of SIT against Ae. albopictus in Reunion Island, and reviews some of the main achievements since 2009. These include essential scientific information so far obtained on the biology and ecology of Ae. albopictus, and the development of the requisite technological capabilities for the production and release of sexually competitive sterile males. Furthermore, it also draws attention to the strategies established to streamline the decision-making process, including an awareness campaign to enhance public understanding, efforts to secure public acceptance and regulatory validation of SIT pilot testing for small-scale suppression of wild Ae. albopictus in selected urban sites on the island. Abstract The global expansion of Aedes albopictus, together with the absence of specific treatment and vaccines for most of the arboviruses it transmits, has stimulated the development of more sustainable and ecologically acceptable methods for control of disease transmission through the suppression of natural vector populations. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is rapidly evolving as an additional tool for mosquito control, offering an efficient and more environment-friendly alternative to the use of insecticides. Following the devastating chikungunya outbreak, which affected 38% of the population on Reunion Island (a French overseas territory in the southwest of the Indian Ocean), there has been strong interest and political will to develop effective alternatives to the existing vector control strategies. Over the past 10 years, the French Research and Development Institute (IRD) has established an SIT feasibility program against Ae. albopictus on Reunion Island in collaboration with national and international partners. This program aimed to determine whether the SIT based on the release of radiation-sterilized males is scientifically and technically feasible, and socially acceptable as part of a control strategy targeting the local Ae. albopictus population. This paper provides a review of a multi-year and a particularly broad scoping process of establishing the scientific and technological feasibility of the SIT against Ae. albopictus on Reunion Island. It also draws attention to some prerequisites of the decision-making process, through awareness campaigns to enhance public understanding and support, social adoption, and regulatory validation of the SIT pilot tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Clément Gouagna
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34394 Montpellier, France; (D.D.); (C.F.O.); (G.L.G.); (C.B.); (F.S.); (D.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-62-93-88-19
| | - David Damiens
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34394 Montpellier, France; (D.D.); (C.F.O.); (G.L.G.); (C.B.); (F.S.); (D.F.)
| | - Clélia F. Oliva
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34394 Montpellier, France; (D.D.); (C.F.O.); (G.L.G.); (C.B.); (F.S.); (D.F.)
| | - Sébastien Boyer
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh 12201, Cambodia;
| | - Gilbert Le Goff
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34394 Montpellier, France; (D.D.); (C.F.O.); (G.L.G.); (C.B.); (F.S.); (D.F.)
| | - Cécile Brengues
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34394 Montpellier, France; (D.D.); (C.F.O.); (G.L.G.); (C.B.); (F.S.); (D.F.)
| | - Jean-Sébastien Dehecq
- ARS—Délégation Départementale de la Haute-Garonne, Pôle de Prévention et Gestion des Alertes Sanitaires, CEDEX 2, 31050 Toulouse, France;
| | - Jocelyn Raude
- EHESP, School of Public Health, UMR “Emergence des Pathologies Virales”, Université Aix-Marseille, IRD190, INSERM1207, 35043 Rennes, France;
| | - Frédéric Simard
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34394 Montpellier, France; (D.D.); (C.F.O.); (G.L.G.); (C.B.); (F.S.); (D.F.)
| | - Didier Fontenille
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34394 Montpellier, France; (D.D.); (C.F.O.); (G.L.G.); (C.B.); (F.S.); (D.F.)
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Rojas-Araya D, Alto BW, Cummings DAT, Burkett-Cadena ND. Differentiation of Multiple Fluorescent Powders, Powder Transfer, and Effect on Mating in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11110727. [PMID: 33114300 PMCID: PMC7690904 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Five different fluorescent powders (orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet) were tested on Aedes aegypti adults to evaluate the differentiation of multiple fluorescent powder colors applied externally in the same female mosquito, their effect on coupling time, copulation time, insemination success, mate choice, and the extent of transference of powders between marked and unmarked individuals, either during copulation or same-sex interactions. Marking with multiple powders was evaluated after applying different powders in the same female at different times and combinations. The comparative effect of powders on mating was explored using different cross-combinations of marked/unmarked couples. Transference of powders between marked/unmarked individuals after copulation was checked in mated individuals, and between same-sex interactions by allowing them to interact under crowded and uncrowded conditions. Identification of the colors included in multiple markings in the same individual was possible when exploring almost all combinations (exception: green-yellow). No important effect of powder marking between cross-combinations was found on coupling time (overall 95% CI (Confidence Interval) 37.6-49.6 min), copulation time (overall 95% CI 17-20 s), insemination success, nor their mate choice. Transferred powder after copulation activity, concentrated in genitalia, legs, and the tip of wings, occurred in >80% of females and 100% of males. Powder transference in legs and genitalia, between same-sex individuals, occurred only in males (ranged between 23-35%) under both density conditions. The lack of important effects of these powders on the studied aspects of Ae. aegypti provides information about their usefulness and limitations, which should be recognized for future applications and to avoid bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rojas-Araya
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA; (B.W.A.); (N.D.B.-C.)
| | - Barry W. Alto
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA; (B.W.A.); (N.D.B.-C.)
| | - Derek A. T. Cummings
- Department of Biology and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA; (B.W.A.); (N.D.B.-C.)
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Amos BA, Ritchie SA, Cardé RT. Attraction Versus Capture II: Efficiency of the BG-Sentinel Trap Under Semifield Conditions and Characterizing Response Behaviors of Male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1539-1549. [PMID: 32363393 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti (L.) is an important vector of viruses causing dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever and as such presents a serious threat to public health in tropical regions. Control programs involving 'rear and release' of modified male Ae. aegypti are underway and require effective trapping methods for surveillance of both the released insects and the impacted wild mosquito population. The BG-Sentinel trap (BGS) is widely used in Ae. aegypti surveillance but its level of efficiency, that is, what proportion of the mosquitoes encountering the trap are captured, is unknown. This is especially true for male mosquitoes, the behavior of which is incompletely understood. We tested the efficiency of two versions of the BGS for capturing male Ae. aegypti under semifield conditions with and without CO2 and a human skin odor mimic lure and with these baits combined. A navy-blue BGS trap emitting CO2 and a human skin odor mimic captured 18% of the released male Ae. aegypti, with a capture efficiency of 9 % (of the total encounters with the trap). Male Ae. aegypti had multiple encounters with the BGS that did not result in capture; they crossed over the trap entrance without being captured or landed on the sides of the trap. Swarming behavior around the BGS was also recorded, even when only a visual cue was present. Understanding male Ae. aegypti behaviors during an encounter with the BGS can inform improvement of trap design and therefore capture efficiency for surveillance in control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brogan A Amos
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Scott A Ritchie
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD, Australia
| | - Ring T Cardé
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA
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Biocompatible green synthesized silver nanoparticles impact on insecticides resistant developing enzymes of dengue transmitted mosquito vector. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-019-1311-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Aldersley A, Pongsiri A, Bunmee K, Kijchalao U, Chittham W, Fansiri T, Pathawong N, Qureshi A, Harrington LC, Ponlawat A, Cator LJ. Too "sexy" for the field? Paired measures of laboratory and semi-field performance highlight variability in the apparent mating fitness of Aedes aegypti transgenic strains. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:357. [PMID: 31324262 PMCID: PMC6642483 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3617-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluating and improving mating success and competitive ability of laboratory-reared transgenic mosquito strains will enhance the effectiveness of proposed disease-control strategies that involve deployment of transgenic strains. Two components of the mosquito rearing process, larval diet quantity and aquatic environment - which are linked to physiological and behavioural differences in adults - are both relatively easy to manipulate. In mosquitoes, as for many other arthropod species, the quality of the juvenile habitat is strongly associated with adult fitness characteristics, such as longevity and fecundity. However, the influence of larval conditioning on mating performance is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the combined effects of larval diet amount and environmental water source on adult male mating success in a genetically modified strain of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in competition with wild-type conspecifics. Importantly, this research was conducted in a field setting using low generation laboratory and wild-type lines. RESULTS By controlling larval diet (high and low) and rearing water source (field-collected and laboratory water), we generated four treatment lines of a genetically modified strain of Ae. aegypti tagged with fluorescent sperm. Laboratory reared mosquitoes were then competed against a low generation wild-type colony in a series of laboratory and semi-field mating experiments. While neither food quantity nor larval aquatic environment were found to affect male mating fitness, the transgenic lines consistently outperformed wild-types in laboratory competition assays, an advantage that was not conferred to semi-field tests. CONCLUSIONS Using a model transgenic system, our results indicate that differences in the experimental conditions of laboratory- and field-based measures of mating success can lead to variation in the perceived performance ability of modified strains if they are only tested in certain environments. While there are many potential sources of variation between laboratory and field lines, laboratory adaptation - which may occur over relatively few generations in this species - may directly impact mating ability depending on the context in which it is measured. We suggest that colony-hybridization with field material can potentially be used to mitigate these effects in a field setting. Release programs utilising mass-produced modified laboratory strains should incorporate comparative assessments of quality in candidate lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Aldersley
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, UK
| | - Arissara Pongsiri
- Vector Biology and Control Section, Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kamonchanok Bunmee
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Udom Kijchalao
- Vector Biology and Control Section, Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wachiraphan Chittham
- Vector Biology and Control Section, Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanyalak Fansiri
- Vector Biology and Control Section, Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattaphol Pathawong
- Vector Biology and Control Section, Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alima Qureshi
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, UK
| | | | - Alongkot Ponlawat
- Vector Biology and Control Section, Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lauren J. Cator
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, UK
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Rocco DA, Garcia ASG, Scudeler EL, Dos Santos DC, Nóbrega RH, Paluzzi JPV. Glycoprotein Hormone Receptor Knockdown Leads to Reduced Reproductive Success in Male Aedes aegypti. Front Physiol 2019; 10:266. [PMID: 30941056 PMCID: PMC6433794 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoprotein hormone receptors mediate a diverse range of physiological functions in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. The heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone GPA2/GPB5 and its receptor LGR1, constitute a recently discovered invertebrate neuroendocrine signaling system that remains to be functionally characterized. We previously reported that LGR1 is expressed in the testes of adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, where its immunoreactivity is particularly regionalized. Here, we show that LGR1 immunoreactivity is associated with the centriole adjunct of spermatids and is observed transiently during spermatogenesis in mosquitoes, where it may act to mediate the regulation of flagellar development. RNA interference to downregulate LGR1 expression was accomplished by feeding mosquito larvae with bacteria that produced LGR1-specific dsRNA, which led to defects in spermatozoa, characterized with shortened flagella. LGR1 knockdown mosquitoes also retained ∼60% less spermatozoa in reproductive organs and demonstrated reduced fertility compared to controls. To date, the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis in mosquitoes remains an understudied research area. The distribution of LGR1 and detrimental effects of its knockdown on spermatogenesis in A. aegypti indicates that this heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone signaling system contributes significantly to the regulation of male reproductive biology in this important disease-vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Rocco
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ana S G Garcia
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Elton L Scudeler
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Daniela C Dos Santos
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil.,Electron Microscopy Center, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rafael H Nóbrega
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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Female resistance and harmonic convergence influence male mating success in Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2145. [PMID: 30765779 PMCID: PMC6375921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of mosquito mating biology to reproductive control strategies, a mechanistic understanding of individual mating interactions is currently lacking. Using synchronised high-speed video and audio recordings, we quantified behavioural and acoustic features of mating attempts between tethered female and free-flying male Aedes aegypti. In most couplings, males were actively displaced by female kicks in the early phases of the interaction, while flight cessation prior to adoption of the pre-copulatory mating pose also inhibited copulation. Successful males were kicked at a reduced rate and sustained paired contact-flight for longer than those that were rejected. We identified two distinct phases of acoustic interaction. Rapid frequency modulation of flight tones was observed in all interactions up to acceptance of the male. Harmonic convergence (wingbeat frequency matching) was detected more often in successful attempts, coinciding with the transition to stabilised paired flight and subsequent genital contact. Our findings provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between acoustic interactions and mating performance in mosquitoes, offering insights which may be used to target improvements in laboratory reared lines.
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Improving Estimates of Fried’s Index from Mating Competitiveness Experiments. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL, BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13253-018-0333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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34
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Zilio G, Moesch L, Bovet N, Sarr A, Koella JC. The effect of parasite infection on the recombination rate of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203481. [PMID: 30300349 PMCID: PMC6177114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction and meiotic recombination generate new genetic combinations and may thereby help an individual infected by a parasite to protect its offspring from being infected. While this idea is often used to understand the evolutionary forces underlying the maintenance of sex and recombination, it also suggests that infected individuals should increase plastically their rate of recombination. We tested the latter idea with the mosquito Aedes aegypti and asked whether females infected by the microsporidian Vavraia culicis were more likely to have recombinant offspring than uninfected females. To measure the rate of recombination over a chromosome we analysed combinations of microsatellites on chromosome 3 in infected and uninfected females, in the (uninfected) males they copulated with and in their offspring. As predicted, the infected females were more likely to have recombinant offspring than the uninfected ones. These results show the ability of a female to diversify her offspring in response to parasitic infection by plastically increasing her recombination rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Zilio
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Lea Moesch
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETHZ, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Bovet
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Anouk Sarr
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Jacob C. Koella
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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Yeap HL, Endersby-Harshman NM, Hoffmann AA. The Effect of Nonrandom Mating on Wolbachia Dynamics: Implications for Population Replacement and Sterile Releases in Aedes Mosquitoes. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:608-617. [PMID: 29968550 PMCID: PMC6169187 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia bacteria are known to cause deviations from random mating and affect sperm competition (SC) in some of their arthropod hosts. Because these effects could influence the effectiveness of Wolbachia in mosquito population replacement and suppression programs, we developed a theoretical framework to investigate them and we collected relevant data for the wMel infection in Aedes aegypti. Using incompatibility patterns as a measure of mating success of infected versus uninfected mosquitoes, we found some evidence that uninfected males sire more offspring than infected males. However, our theoretical framework suggests that this effect is unlikely to hamper Wolbachia invasion and has only minor effects on population suppression programs. Nevertheless, we suggest that mating effects and SC need to be monitored in an ongoing manner in release programs, given the possibility of ongoing selection for altered mating patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lin Yeap
- Pest, and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEARG), School of Bioscience, Bio21 Institute University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific, and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Black Mountain Laboratories, Black Mountain, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nancy Margaret Endersby-Harshman
- Pest, and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEARG), School of Bioscience, Bio21 Institute University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ary Anthony Hoffmann
- Pest, and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEARG), School of Bioscience, Bio21 Institute University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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36
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Zilio G, Thiévent K, Koella JC. Host genotype and environment affect the trade-off between horizontal and vertical transmission of the parasite Edhazardia aedis. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:59. [PMID: 29699504 PMCID: PMC5921292 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background If a parasite is able to transmit horizontally or vertically, which transmission mode will it choose? We investigated how the growth conditions and the genotype of the mosquito Aedes aegypti affect the transmission mode of the parasite Edhazardia aedis. Results In poor conditions the parasites were more likely to be transmitted horizontally, whereas in favourable conditions they were more likely to be transmitted vertically. Unfavourable conditions delayed emergence, giving the parasite more time to produce its horizontally transmitted stage; in more favourable conditions mosquitoes have greater reproductive success, increasing the effectiveness of vertical transmission. In addition, the parasite’s ability to transmit vertically was influenced by the genetic background of the host (i.e., its full-sib family), giving a genetic correlation between the host’s life-history and which of the parasite’s transmission mode it enables. In particular, genotypes with large bodies (and therefore high fecundity) were more likely to enable vertical transmission than genotypes with small bodies. This led to a trade-off among the host’s families (which can be interpreted as a genetic correlation) for the parasite’s transmission mode. Conclusions Since horizontal transmission is linked to higher virulence than vertical transmission, the host’s contribution to transmission mode has important consequences for the evolution of parasites with mixed-mode transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Zilio
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
| | - Kevin Thiévent
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Jacob C Koella
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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Araripe LO, Bezerra JRA, Rivas GBDS, Bruno RV. Locomotor activity in males of Aedes aegypti can shift in response to females' presence. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:254. [PMID: 29669591 PMCID: PMC5907381 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2635-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of physiological and behavioral traits of mosquito vectors has been of growing relevance for the proposition of alternative methods for controlling vector-borne diseases. Despite this, most studies focus on the female's traits, including the behavior of host seeking, the physiology of disease transmission and the site-choice for oviposition. However, understanding the factors that lead to males' reproductive success is of utmost importance, since it can help building new strategies for constraining population growth. Male behavior towards mating varies widely among species and the communication between males and females is the first aspect securing a successful encounter. Here we used an automated monitoring system to study the profile of locomotor activity of Aedes aegypti males in response to female's presence in an adapted confinement tube. We propose a new method to quantify male response to the presence of females, which can be potentially tested as an indicator of the success of one male in recognizing a female for mating. RESULTS Locomotor activity varies in daily cycles regulated by an endogenous clock and synchronized by external factors, such as light and temperature. Our results show the previously described startle response to light, which is displayed as a steep morning activity peak immediately when lights are on. Activity drops during the day and begins to rise again right before evening, happening about 1.5 h earlier in males than in females. Most interestingly, males' activity shows a double peak, and the second peak is very subtle when males are alone and relatively more pronounced when females are present in the confinement tubes. The switch in the peak of activity, measured by the herein suggested Peak Matching Index (PMI), was significantly different between males with and without females. CONCLUSIONS The adapted monitoring system used here allowed us to quantify the response of individual males to nearby females in terms of the extent of the activity peak displacement. In this direction, we created the peak matching index (PMI), a new parameter that we anticipate could be interpreted as the inclination of males to respond to females' presence, and further tested as an indicator of the potential for finding females for mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Ordunha Araripe
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Bueno da Silva Rivas
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL USA
| | - Rafaela Vieira Bruno
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular/CNPq, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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38
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Nouzova M, Michalkova V, Hernández-Martínez S, Rivera-Perez C, Ramirez CE, Fernandez-Lima F, Noriega FG. JH biosynthesis and hemolymph titers in adult male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 95. [PMID: 29526769 PMCID: PMC5927834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) is a major hormonal regulator in insects. In Aedes aegypti females, JH signals the completion of the ecdysis to the adult stage and initiates reproductive processes. Although the regulation of JH synthesis and titer in Ae. aegypti females has been extensively studied, relatively little is known about changes of JH synthesis and titers in male mosquitoes, as well as on the roles of JH controlling male reproductive biology. A better understanding of male mosquito reproductive biology, including an improved knowledge of the hormonal control of reproduction, could increase the likelihood of success of male-targeting vector control programs. Using a high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method, we measured JH biosynthesis and hemolymph levels in male mosquitoes during pupal and adult stages. Our results revealed tightly concomitant changes in JH biosynthesis and JH hemolymph titers. Synthesis of JH III was very low in late pupae, significantly increased during the first 24 h after adult eclosion, and then remained relatively constant during the first six days after adult eclosion. Feeding high sugar diets resulted in an increase of JH synthesis and titers, and starvation significantly decreased JH synthesis, but this effect could be reversed by changing the males back to a high sugar diet. JH synthesis rates were similar in virgin and mated males, but hemolymph JH levels were different in well-nourished virgin and mated males. Starvation resulted in a significant reduction in insemination rates; with well-nourished males inseminating 2 times more females than water-fed. Giving a 20% sugar meal for 24 h to those mosquitoes that were previously starved for 6 days, caused a significant rise in insemination rates, restoring them to levels similar to those recorded for 20% fed males. These results suggest that nutrition plays a role on male fecundity, and this effect might be mediated by JH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Nouzova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Veronika Michalkova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Salvador Hernández-Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | | | - Cesar E Ramirez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, USA
| | - Francisco Fernandez-Lima
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, USA; Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fernando G Noriega
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA; Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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Carvalho DO, Chuffi S, Ioshino RS, Marques ICS, Fini R, Costa MK, Araújo HRC, Costa-da-Silva AL, Kojin BB, Capurro ML. Mosquito pornoscopy: Observation and interruption of Aedes aegypti copulation to determine female polyandric event and mixed progeny. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193164. [PMID: 29518112 PMCID: PMC5843176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ades aegypti is the most important arbovirus vector in the world, and new strategies are under evaluation. Biological studies mentioning the occurrence of a second mate in Aedes aegypti can interfere with vector control program planning, which involves male mosquito release technique. This study presents different experiments to show the occurrence of mixed progeny. Mixed male crosses (using a combination of different type of males in confinement with virgin females) showed no polyandric female. Individual crosses with male substitution in every gonotrophic cycle also did not show any polyandric female. Individual crosses with a 20 minutes interval, with subsequent male change, showed that only a few females presented mixed offspring. The copulation breach in three different moments, group A with full coitus length, group B the coitus was interrupted in 5-7 seconds after the start; and group C, which the copulation was interrupted 3 seconds after started. In summary, group A showed a majority of unique progeny from the first male; group B showed the higher frequency of mixed offspring and group C with the majority of the crosses belonging to the second male. To conclude, the occurrence of a viable second mate and mixed offspring is only possible when the copulation is interrupted; otherwise, the first mate is responsible for mixed progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo O. Carvalho
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Samira Chuffi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafaella S. Ioshino
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabel C. S. Marques
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Regina Fini
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Karina Costa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Helena R. C. Araújo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André L. Costa-da-Silva
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bianca Burini Kojin
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Margareth L. Capurro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Spitzen J, Takken W. Keeping track of mosquitoes: a review of tools to track, record and analyse mosquito flight. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:123. [PMID: 29499744 PMCID: PMC5834890 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2735-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The health impact of mosquito-borne diseases causes a huge burden on human societies. Recent vector control campaigns have resulted in promising declines in incidence and prevalence of these diseases, notably malaria, but resistance to insecticides and drugs are on the rise, threatening to overturn these gains. Moreover, several vector-borne diseases have re-emerged, requiring prompt and effective response measures. To improve and properly implement vector control interventions, the behaviour of the vectors must be well understood with detailed examination of mosquito flight being an essential component. Current knowledge on mosquito behaviour across its life history is briefly presented, followed by an overview of recent developments in automated tracking techniques for detailed interpretation of mosquito behaviour. These techniques allow highly accurate recording and observation of mating, feeding and oviposition behaviour. Software programmes built with specific algorithms enable quantification of these behaviours. For example, the crucial role of heat on host landing and the multimodal integration of carbon dioxide (CO2) with other host cues, has been unravelled based on three-dimensional tracking of mosquito flight behaviour. Furthermore, the behavioural processes underlying house entry and subsequent host searching and finding can be better understood by analysis of detailed flight recordings. Further potential of these technologies to solve knowledge gaps is discussed. The use of tracking techniques can support or replace existing monitoring tools and provide insights on mosquito behaviour that can lead to innovative and more effective vector-control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Spitzen
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Takken
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Lang BJ, Idugboe S, McManus K, Drury F, Qureshi A, Cator LJ. The Effect of Larval Diet on Adult Survival, Swarming Activity and Copulation Success in Male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:29-35. [PMID: 29029298 PMCID: PMC5850809 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Control of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) populations is vital for reducing the transmission of several pervasive human diseases. The success of new vector control technologies will be influenced by the fitness of laboratory-reared transgenic males. However, there has been relatively little published data on how rearing practices influence male fitness in Aedes mosquitoes. In the laboratory, the effect of larval food availability on adult male fitness was tested, using a range of different fitness measures. Larval food availability was demonstrated to be positively correlated with adult body size. Larger males survived longer and exhibited greater swarming activity. As a consequence, larger males may have more mating opportunities in the wild. However, we also found that within a swarm larger males did not have an increased likelihood of copulating with a female. The outcome of the mating competition experiments depended on the methodology used to mark the males. These results show that fitness assessment can vary depending on the measure analyzed, and the methodology used to determine it. Continued investigation into these fitness measures and methodologies, and critically, their utility for predicting male performance in the field, will increase the efficiency of vector control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan J Lang
- Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and Environment, Department of Life Sciences,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Idugboe
- Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and Environment, Department of Life Sciences,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Benin
City, Nigeria
| | - Kirelle McManus
- Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and Environment, Department of Life Sciences,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Drury
- Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and Environment, Department of Life Sciences,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alima Qureshi
- Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and Environment, Department of Life Sciences,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren J Cator
- Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and Environment, Department of Life Sciences,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Males and females exhibit highly dimorphic phenotypes, particularly in their gonads, which is believed to be driven largely by differential gene expression. Typically, the protein sequences of genes upregulated in males, or male-biased genes, evolve rapidly as compared to female-biased and unbiased genes. To date, the specific study of gonad-biased genes remains uncommon in metazoans. Here, we identified and studied a total of 2927, 2013, and 4449 coding sequences (CDS) with ovary-biased, testis-biased, and unbiased expression, respectively, in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti The results showed that ovary-biased and unbiased CDS had higher nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rates (dN/dS) and lower optimal codon usage (those codons that promote efficient translation) than testis-biased genes. Further, we observed higher dN/dS in ovary-biased genes than in testis-biased genes, even for genes coexpressed in nonsexual (embryo) tissues. Ovary-specific genes evolved exceptionally fast, as compared to testis- or embryo-specific genes, and exhibited higher frequency of positive selection. Genes with ovary expression were preferentially involved in olfactory binding and reception. We hypothesize that at least two potential mechanisms could explain rapid evolution of ovary-biased genes in this mosquito: (1) the evolutionary rate of ovary-biased genes may be accelerated by sexual selection (including female-female competition or male-mate choice) affecting olfactory genes during female swarming by males, and/or by adaptive evolution of olfactory signaling within the female reproductive system (e.g., sperm-ovary signaling); and/or (2) testis-biased genes may exhibit decelerated evolutionary rates due to the formation of mating plugs in the female after copulation, which limits male-male sperm competition.
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Aldersley A, Champneys A, Homer M, Robert D. Quantitative analysis of harmonic convergence in mosquito auditory interactions. J R Soc Interface 2016; 13:rsif.2015.1007. [PMID: 27053654 PMCID: PMC4874427 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article analyses the hearing and behaviour of mosquitoes in the context of inter-individual acoustic interactions. The acoustic interactions of tethered live pairs of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, from same and opposite sex mosquitoes of the species, are recorded on independent and unique audio channels, together with the response of tethered individual mosquitoes to playbacks of pre-recorded flight tones of lone or paired individuals. A time-dependent representation of each mosquito's non-stationary wing beat frequency signature is constructed, based on Hilbert spectral analysis. A range of algorithmic tools is developed to automatically analyse these data, and used to perform a robust quantitative identification of the ‘harmonic convergence’ phenomenon. The results suggest that harmonic convergence is an active phenomenon, which does not occur by chance. It occurs for live pairs, as well as for lone individuals responding to playback recordings, whether from the same or opposite sex. Male–female behaviour is dominated by frequency convergence at a wider range of harmonic combinations than previously reported, and requires participation from both partners in the duet. New evidence is found to show that male–male interactions are more varied than strict frequency avoidance. Rather, they can be divided into two groups: convergent pairs, typified by tightly bound wing beat frequencies, and divergent pairs, that remain widely spaced in the frequency domain. Overall, the results reveal that mosquito acoustic interaction is a delicate and intricate time-dependent active process that involves both individuals, takes place at many different frequencies, and which merits further enquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Aldersley
- Bristol Centre for Complexity Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Alan Champneys
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UB, UK
| | - Martin Homer
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UB, UK
| | - Daniel Robert
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
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Li Y, Su X, Zhou G, Zhang H, Puthiyakunnon S, Shuai S, Cai S, Gu J, Zhou X, Yan G, Chen XG. Comparative evaluation of the efficiency of the BG-Sentinel trap, CDC light trap and Mosquito-oviposition trap for the surveillance of vector mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:446. [PMID: 27519419 PMCID: PMC4983048 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1724-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The surveillance of vector mosquitoes is important for the control of mosquito-borne diseases. To identify a suitable surveillance tool for the adult dengue vector Aedes albopictus, the efficacy of the BG-Sentinel trap, CDC light trap and Mosquito-oviposition trap (MOT) on the capture of vector mosquitoes were comparatively evaluated in this study. Methods The capture efficiencies of the BG-Sentinel trap, CDC light trap and Mosquito-oviposition trap for common vector mosquitoes were tested in a laboratory setting, through the release-recapture method, and at two field sites of Guangzhou, China from June 2013 to May 2014. The captured mosquitoes were counted, species identified and compared among the three traps on the basis of species. Results In the release-recapture experiments in a laboratory setting, the BG-Sentinel trap caught significantly more Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus than the CDC light trap and Mosquito-ovitrap, except for Anopheles sinensis. The BG-Sentinel trap had a higher efficacy in capturing female rather than male Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus, but the capture in CDC light traps displayed no significant differences. In the field trial, BG-Sentinel traps collected more Aedes albopictus than CDC light traps and MOTs collected in both urban and suburban areas. The BG-Sentinel trap was more sensitive for monitoring the population density of Aedes albopictus than the CDC light trap and MOT during the peak months of the year 2013. However, on an average, CDC light traps captured significantly more Cx. quinquefasciatus than BG-Sentinel traps. The population dynamics of Cx. quinquefasciatus displayed a significant seasonal variation, with the lowest numbers in the middle of the year. Conclusions This study indicates that the BG-Sentinel trap is more effective than the commonly used CDC light trap and MOT in sampling adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus. We recommend its use in the surveillance of dengue vector mosquitoes in China. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1724-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiji Li
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xinghua Su
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Santhosh Puthiyakunnon
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shufen Shuai
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Songwu Cai
- Department of Vector Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Program in Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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De Jesus CE, Reiskind MH. The importance of male body size on sperm uptake and usage, and female fecundity in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:447. [PMID: 27519588 PMCID: PMC4983072 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1734-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adult mosquito density is a critical factor in the transmission of arboviruses by container Aedes spp. mosquitoes. Female fecundity drives population growth, and therefore contributes to adult mosquito density. Previous studies have focused on female body size as the major determinant of fecundity, paying little attention to male condition. In this study, we examined the effects of male body size on the abundance of sperm in spermatheca, depletion of sperm over time, and female fecundity. Methods We generated males in two size classes using different larval densities, and allowed them to mate with females generated from a moderately dense larval environment. We counted sperm in female spermatheca in a sample of females immediately after mating, then every week for four weeks post-mating. We provided weekly blood meals to females and determined their fecundity over four weeks after the initial blood meal. Results We found significantly more sperm in Aedes albopictus females than in Aedes aegypti, and detected depletion of sperm in Ae. aegypti, but not in Ae. albopictus. We did not see significant differences in number of sperm in spermathecae in relation to male body size in either species over subsequent gonotrophic cycles. We found a significant effect of male body size on fecundity in Ae. albopictus, but not Ae. aegypti, with a 46 % increase in fecundity for female Ae. albopictus offered four blood meals. Conclusions Our results suggest substantial differences in the mating biology of these ecologically similar species and the importance of considering males in understanding female fecundity. The substantial increase in fecundity in Ae. albopictus has implications for population growth, estimating vector density, and modeling the transmission of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E De Jesus
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.,Present address: Delta Vector Control District, P.O. Box 310, Visalia, CA, 93279-0310, USA
| | - Michael H Reiskind
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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Zhang D, Lees RS, Xi Z, Bourtzis K, Gilles JRL. Combining the Sterile Insect Technique with the Incompatible Insect Technique: III-Robust Mating Competitiveness of Irradiated Triple Wolbachia-Infected Aedes albopictus Males under Semi-Field Conditions. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151864. [PMID: 26990981 PMCID: PMC4798476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination of the sterile insect technique with the incompatible insect technique is considered to be a safe approach to control Aedes albopictus populations in the absence of an accurate and scalable sex separation system or genetic sexing strain. Our previous study has shown that the triple Wolbachia-infected Ae. albopictus strain (wAlbA, wAlbB and wPip) was suitable for mass rearing and females could be completely sterilized as pupae with a radiation dose of at least 28 Gy. However, whether this radiation dose can influence the mating competitiveness of the triple infected males was still unknown. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of irradiation on the male mating competitiveness of the triple infected strain under laboratory and semi-field conditions. The results herein indicate that irradiation with a lower, female-sterilizing dose has no negative impact on the longevity of triple infected males while a reduced lifespan was observed in the wild type males (wAlbA and wAlbB) irradiated with a higher male-sterilizing dose, in small cages. At different sterile: fertile release ratios in small cages, triple-infected males induced 39.8, 81.6 and 87.8% sterility in a wild type female population at 1:1, 5:1 and 10:1 release ratios, respectively, relative to a fertile control population. Similarly, irradiated triple infected males induced 31.3, 70.5 and 89.3% sterility at 1:1, 5:1 and 10:1 release ratios, respectively, again relative to the fertile control. Under semi-field conditions at a 5:1 release ratio, relative to wild type males, the mean male mating competitiveness index of 28 Gy irradiated triple-infected males was significantly higher than 35 Gy irradiated wild type males, while triple infected males showed no difference in mean mating competitiveness to either irradiated triple-infected or irradiated wild type males. An unexpected difference was also observed in the relative male mating competitiveness of the triple infected strain after irradiation at 28 Gy dose in small vs large cages, with a higher male mating competitiveness index calculated from results of experiments in the large cages. Based on these results, we consider that the male mating performance of the triple infected strain after irradiation at 28 Gy, a dose required for complete female sterility and the avoidance of population replacement, is approximately equal to that of the wild type males under semi-field conditions. Though field evaluation is required, this suggests that the triple infected strain is suitable for irradiation and release as part of a combined SIT-IIT approach to Ae. albopictus control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjing Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University - Michigan State University Joint Center of Vector Control for Tropical Diseases, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rosemary Susan Lees
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Sun Yat-sen University - Michigan State University Joint Center of Vector Control for Tropical Diseases, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeremie R. L. Gilles
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Scolari F, Benoit JB, Michalkova V, Aksoy E, Takac P, Abd-Alla AMM, Malacrida AR, Aksoy S, Attardo GM. The Spermatophore in Glossina morsitans morsitans: Insights into Male Contributions to Reproduction. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20334. [PMID: 26847001 PMCID: PMC4742874 DOI: 10.1038/srep20334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Male Seminal Fluid Proteins (SFPs) transferred during copulation modulate female reproductive physiology and behavior, impacting sperm storage/use, ovulation, oviposition, and remating receptivity. These capabilities make them ideal targets for developing novel methods of insect disease vector control. Little is known about the nature of SFPs in the viviparous tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae), vectors of Human and Animal African trypanosomiasis. In tsetse, male ejaculate is assembled into a capsule-like spermatophore structure visible post-copulation in the female uterus. We applied high-throughput approaches to uncover the composition of the spermatophore in Glossina morsitans morsitans. We found that both male accessory glands and testes contribute to its formation. The male accessory glands produce a small number of abundant novel proteins with yet unknown functions, in addition to enzyme inhibitors and peptidase regulators. The testes contribute sperm in addition to a diverse array of less abundant proteins associated with binding, oxidoreductase/transferase activities, cytoskeletal and lipid/carbohydrate transporter functions. Proteins encoded by female-biased genes are also found in the spermatophore. About half of the proteins display sequence conservation relative to other Diptera, and low similarity to SFPs from other studied species, possibly reflecting both their fast evolutionary pace and the divergent nature of tsetse's viviparous biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Scolari
- University of Pavia, Dept of Biology and Biotechnology, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Joshua B. Benoit
- University of Cincinnati, McMicken School of Arts and Sciences, Dept of Biological Sciences, 45221, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, Dept of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 06520, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veronika Michalkova
- Yale School of Public Health, Dept of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 06520, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of Molecular and Applied Zoology, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 06 SR, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Emre Aksoy
- Yale School of Public Health, Dept of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 06520, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Peter Takac
- Section of Molecular and Applied Zoology, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 06 SR, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Adly M. M. Abd-Alla
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IPC Laboratory, A-1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna R. Malacrida
- University of Pavia, Dept of Biology and Biotechnology, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Yale School of Public Health, Dept of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 06520, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Geoffrey M. Attardo
- Yale School of Public Health, Dept of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 06520, New Haven, CT, USA
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Campolo O, Romeo FV, Algeri GM, Laudani F, Malacrinò A, Timpanaro N, Palmeri V. Larvicidal Effects of Four Citrus Peel Essential Oils Against the Arbovirus Vector Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 109:360-365. [PMID: 26357845 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the larvicidal activity of four citrus essential oils (EOs; sweet orange, mandarin, bergamot, and lemon) against the arbovirus vector Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) under laboratory conditions. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, we found that in sweet orange, mandarin, and lemon EOs, limonene was the most abundant compound, whereas linalyl acetate was the most abundant in the bergamot EO. All tested EOs showed a marked larvicidal activity, in particular sweet orange, lemon, and bergamot that killed all treated larvae. After 24 h of exposure, the LC50 values of the tested citrus EOs ranged from 145.27 (lemon EO) to 318.07 mg liter(-1) (mandarin EO), while LC(95) ranged from 295.13 to 832.44 mg liter(-1). After 48 h of exposure, the estimated LC(50) values decreased to values ranging from 117.29 to 209.38 mg liter(-1), while LC(95) ranged from 231.85 to 537.36 mg liter(-1). The results obtained from these evaluations, together with the large availability at reasonable costs of citrus EOs, are promising for the potential development of a new botanical mosquitocide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Campolo
- Dipartimento di AGRARIA, University of Reggio Calabria, Loc. Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy (; ; ; ; ), Simbiosi SCaRL, via Giulia, 12 89100 Reggio Calabria, Italy (; )
| | - Flora V Romeo
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria-CREA-Centro di Ricerca per l'Agrumicoltura e le Colture Mediterranee, Corso Savoia, 190 95024 Acireale, Catania, Italy (; ) and
| | - Giuseppe M Algeri
- Dipartimento di AGRARIA, University of Reggio Calabria, Loc. Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy (; ; ; ; ), Simbiosi SCaRL, via Giulia, 12 89100 Reggio Calabria, Italy (; )
| | - Francesca Laudani
- Dipartimento di AGRARIA, University of Reggio Calabria, Loc. Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy (; ; ; ; )
| | - Antonino Malacrinò
- Dipartimento di AGRARIA, University of Reggio Calabria, Loc. Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy (; ; ; ; )
| | - Nicolina Timpanaro
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria-CREA-Centro di Ricerca per l'Agrumicoltura e le Colture Mediterranee, Corso Savoia, 190 95024 Acireale, Catania, Italy (; ) and
| | - Vincenzo Palmeri
- Dipartimento di AGRARIA, University of Reggio Calabria, Loc. Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy (; ; ; ; ),
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Atyame CM, Labbé P, Lebon C, Weill M, Moretti R, Marini F, Gouagna LC, Calvitti M, Tortosa P. Comparison of Irradiation and Wolbachia Based Approaches for Sterile-Male Strategies Targeting Aedes albopictus. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146834. [PMID: 26765951 PMCID: PMC4713058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The global expansion of Aedes albopictus together with the absence of vaccines for most of the arboviruses transmitted by this mosquito has stimulated the development of sterile-male strategies aiming at controlling disease transmission through the suppression of natural vector populations. In this context, two environmentally friendly control strategies, namely the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and the Wolbachia-based Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) are currently being developed in several laboratories worldwide. So far however, there is a lack of comparative assessment of these strategies under the same controlled conditions. Here, we compared the mating capacities, i.e. insemination capacity, sterilization capacity and mating competitiveness of irradiated (35 Gy) and incompatible Ae. albopictus males at different ages and ratios under laboratory controlled conditions. Our data show that there was no significant difference in insemination capacity of irradiated and incompatible males, both male types showing lower capacities than untreated males at 1 day but recovering full capacity within 5 days following emergence. Regarding mating competitiveness trials, a global observed trend is that incompatible males tend to induce a lower hatching rate than irradiated males in cage controlled confrontations. More specifically, incompatible males were found more competitive than irradiated males in 5:1 ratio regardless of age, while irradiated males were only found more competitive than incompatible males in the 1:1 ratio at 10 days old. Overall, under the tested conditions, IIT seemed to be slightly more effective than SIT. However, considering that a single strategy will likely not be adapted to all environments, our data stimulates the need for comparative assessments of distinct strategies in up-scaled conditions in order to identify the most suitable and safe sterilizing technology to be implemented in a specific environmental setting and to identify the parameters requiring fine tuning in order to reach optimal release conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célestine M. Atyame
- CRVOI, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Réunion Island, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche «Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (UMR PIMIT)», INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Université de La Réunion. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI. Ste Clotilde, Réunion Island, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Pierrick Labbé
- CNRS, IRD, ISEM - UMR 5554, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Cyrille Lebon
- CRVOI, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Réunion Island, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MIVEGEC (IRD 224, CNRS 5290, UM1-UM2), Montpellier, France
| | - Mylène Weill
- CNRS, IRD, ISEM - UMR 5554, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Riccardo Moretti
- ENEA, CR Casaccia, Biotecnologies and Agro-industry Division, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Marini
- ENEA, CR Casaccia, Biotecnologies and Agro-industry Division, Roma, Italy
| | - Louis Clément Gouagna
- CRVOI, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Réunion Island, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MIVEGEC (IRD 224, CNRS 5290, UM1-UM2), Montpellier, France
| | - Maurizio Calvitti
- ENEA, CR Casaccia, Biotecnologies and Agro-industry Division, Roma, Italy
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- CRVOI, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Réunion Island, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche «Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (UMR PIMIT)», INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Université de La Réunion. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI. Ste Clotilde, Réunion Island, France
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Garza-Hernández JA, Reyes-Villanueva F, Russell TL, Braks MAH, Garcia-Munguia AM, Rodríguez-Pérez MA. Copulation Activity, Sperm Production and Conidia Transfer in Aedes aegypti Males Contaminated by Metarhizium anisopliae: A Biological Control Prospect. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004144. [PMID: 26473490 PMCID: PMC4608813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti worldwide, whose chemical control is difficult, expensive, and of inconsistent efficacy. Releases of Metarhizium anisopliae--exposed Ae. aegypti males to disseminate conidia among female mosquitoes by mating represents a promising biological control approach against this important vector. A better understanding of fungus virulence and impact on reproductive parameters of Ae. aegypti, is need before testing auto-dissemination strategies. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Mortality, mating competitiveness, sperm production, and the capacity to auto-disseminate the fungus to females up to the 5 th copulation, were compared between Aedes aegypti males exposed to 5.96 x 10(7) conidia per cm2 of M. anisopliae and uninfected males. Half (50%) of fungus-exposed males (FEMs) died within the first 4 days post-exposure (PE). FEMs required 34% more time to successively copulate with 5 females (165 ± 3 minutes) than uninfected males (109 ± 3 minutes). Additionally, fungus infection reduced the sperm production by 87% at 5 days PE. Some beneficial impacts were observed, FEMs were able to successfully compete with uninfected males in cages, inseminating an equivalent number of females (about 25%). Under semi-field conditions, the ability of FEMs to search for and inseminate females was also equivalent to uninfected males (both inseminating about 40% females); but for the remaining females that were not inseminated, evidence of tarsal contact (transfer of fluorescent dust) was significantly greater in FEMs compared to controls. The estimated conidia load of a female exposed on the 5th copulation was 5,200 mL(-1) which was sufficient to cause mortality. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Our study is the first to demonstrate auto-dissemination of M. anisopliae through transfer of fungus from males to female Ae. aegypti during mating under semi-field conditions. Our results suggest that auto-dissemination studies using releases of FEMs inside households could successfully infect wild Ae. aegypti females, providing another viable biological control tool for this important the dengue vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Garza-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Filiberto Reyes-Villanueva
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Tanya L. Russell
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marieta A. H. Braks
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto M. Garcia-Munguia
- Centro de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, carretera a la Posta, Jesús María, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Mario A. Rodríguez-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Tamaulipas, México
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