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Katak RDM, Cintra AM, Burini BC, Marinotti O, Souza-Neto JA, Rocha EM. Biotechnological Potential of Microorganisms for Mosquito Population Control and Reduction in Vector Competence. INSECTS 2023; 14:718. [PMID: 37754686 PMCID: PMC10532289 DOI: 10.3390/insects14090718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes transmit pathogens that cause human diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika fever, and filariasis. Biotechnological approaches using microorganisms have a significant potential to control mosquito populations and reduce their vector competence, making them alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Ongoing research has identified many microorganisms that can be used effectively to control mosquito populations and disease transmission. However, the successful implementation of these newly proposed approaches requires a thorough understanding of the multipronged microorganism-mosquito-pathogen-environment interactions. Although much has been achieved in discovering new entomopathogenic microorganisms, antipathogen compounds, and their mechanisms of action, only a few have been turned into viable products for mosquito control. There is a discrepancy between the number of microorganisms with the potential for the development of new insecticides and/or antipathogen products and the actual available products, highlighting the need for investments in the intersection of basic research and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo de Melo Katak
- Malaria and Dengue Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia-INPA, Manaus 69060-001, AM, Brazil;
| | - Amanda Montezano Cintra
- Multiuser Central Laboratory, Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil; (A.M.C.); (J.A.S.-N.)
| | - Bianca Correa Burini
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA;
| | - Osvaldo Marinotti
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
| | - Jayme A. Souza-Neto
- Multiuser Central Laboratory, Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil; (A.M.C.); (J.A.S.-N.)
| | - Elerson Matos Rocha
- Multiuser Central Laboratory, Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil; (A.M.C.); (J.A.S.-N.)
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Bukhari T, Pevsner R, Herren JK. Microsporidia: a promising vector control tool for residual malaria transmission. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.957109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have resulted in a major decrease in malaria transmission. However, it has become apparent that malaria can be effectively transmitted despite high coverage of LLINs/IRS. Residual transmission can occur due to Plasmodium-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes that are insecticide resistant and have feeding and resting behavior that reduces their chance of encountering the currently deployed indoor malaria control tools. Residual malaria transmission is likely to be the most significant hurdle to achieving the goal of malaria eradication and research and development towards new tools and strategies that can control residual malaria transmission is therefore critical. One of the most promising strategies involves biological agents that are part of the mosquito microbiome and influence the ability of Anopheles to transmit Plasmodium. These differ from biological agents previously used for vector control in that their primary effect is on vectoral capacity rather than the longevity and fitness of Anopheles (which may or may not be affected). An example of this type of biological agent is Microsporidia MB, which was identified in field collected Anopheles arabiensis and caused complete inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum transmission without effecting the longevity and fitness of the host. Microsporidia MB belongs to a unique group of rapidly adapting and evolving intracellular parasites and symbionts called microsporidia. In this review we discuss the general biology of microsporidians and the inherent characteristics that make some of them particularly suitable for malaria control. We then discuss the research priorities for developing a transmission blocking strategy for the currently leading microsporidian candidate Microsporidia MB for malaria control.
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Genetics and immunity of Anopheles response to the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae overlap with immunity to Plasmodium. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6315. [PMID: 35428783 PMCID: PMC9012835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10190-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi have been explored as a potential biopesticide to counteract the insecticide resistance issue in mosquitoes. However, little is known about the possibility that genetic resistance to fungal biopesticides could evolve in mosquito populations. Here, we detected an important genetic component underlying Anopheles coluzzii survival after exposure to the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. A familiality study detected variation for survival among wild mosquito isofemale pedigrees, and genetic mapping identified two loci that significantly influence mosquito survival after fungus exposure. One locus overlaps with a previously reported locus for Anopheles susceptibility to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Candidate gene studies revealed that two LRR proteins encoded by APL1C and LRIM1 genes in this newly mapped locus are required for protection of female A. coluzzii from M. anisopliae, as is the complement-like factor Tep1. These results indicate that natural Anopheles populations already segregate frequent genetic variation for differential mosquito survival after fungal challenge and suggest a similarity in Anopheles protective responses against fungus and Plasmodium. However, this immune similarity raises the possibility that fungus-resistant mosquitoes could also display enhanced resistance to Plasmodium, suggesting an advantage of selecting for fungus resistance in vector populations to promote naturally diminished malaria vector competence.
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Rodrigues J, Catão AML, Dos Santos AS, Paixão FRS, Santos TR, Martinez JM, Marreto RN, Mascarin GM, Fernandes ÉKK, Humber RA, Luz C. Relative humidity impacts development and activity against Aedes aegypti adults by granular formulations of Metarhizium humberi microsclerotia. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:2725-2736. [PMID: 33745009 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11157-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The impact of ambient relative humidity (RH) on conidial production of Metarhizium humberi IP 46 microsclerotia (MS) formulated in pellets or granules was investigated, and a promising granular formulation was tested against Aedes aegypti adults to confirm its efficacy. Microcrystalline cellulose (MC) and diatomaceous earth (DE) or a combination of vermiculite (VE), DE and silicon dioxide (SD) were tested as carriers in granular formulations containing MS. A range of 93-96.5% RH was critical for fungal development, and at least 96.5-98.5% RH was required for high conidial production on pellets or granules. Conidial production was clearly higher on pellets and granules prepared with VE than MC as the main carrier. VE granules containing MS were highly active against A. aegypti adults. Most mosquitoes were killed within 6 days after treatment regardless of the exposure time of adults to the formulation (1 min-24 h) or ambient humidity (75 or >98%). Production of conidia on dead adults varied between 7.3 × 106 and 2.2 × 107 conidia/individual, when exposed to MS granules for 12 h and 1 min, respectively. Granular formulations containing VE as the main carrier and MS as the active ingredient of M. humberi have strong potential for use against A. aegypti. KEY POINTS: • High conidial production on granular microsclerotial formulations at >96.5% RH • Vermiculite is more appropriate as a carrier than microcrystalline cellulose • Granules with IP 46 microsclerotia are highly active against Aedes aegypti adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juscelino Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados (LPI), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Alaine Maria Lopes Catão
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados (LPI), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Amanda Soares Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados (LPI), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Flávia Regina Santos Paixão
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados (LPI), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Thainá Rodrigues Santos
- Laboratório de Nanosistemas e Dispositivos de Liberação de Fármacos (NanoSYS), Faculdade de Farmácia, UFG, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Juan Mercado Martinez
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados (LPI), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Neves Marreto
- Laboratório de Nanosistemas e Dispositivos de Liberação de Fármacos (NanoSYS), Faculdade de Farmácia, UFG, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Moura Mascarin
- Embrapa Meio Ambiente, Rodovia SP 340, km 127.5, S/N, Tanquinho Velho, Jaguariúna, SP, Brazil
| | - Éverton Kort Kamp Fernandes
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados (LPI), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | | | - Christian Luz
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados (LPI), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil.
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Ong'wen F, Onyango PO, Bukhari T. Direct and indirect effects of predation and parasitism on the Anopheles gambiae mosquito. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:43. [PMID: 32000840 PMCID: PMC6990496 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3915-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A good understanding of mosquito ecology is imperative for integrated vector control of malaria. In breeding sites, Anopheles larvae are concurrently exposed to predators and parasites. However, to our knowledge, there is no study on combined effects of predators and parasites on development and survival of larvae and their carry-over effects on adult survivorship and susceptibility to further parasite infection. METHODS This study focused on effects of the nymphs of the dragonfly Pantala flavescens and the parasitic fungus Beauveria bassiana on Anopheles gambiae, to determine: predation efficacy of nymphs against An. gambiae larvae; development rate of An. gambiae larvae in the presence of one, two or four constrained nymphs; efficacy of B. bassiana against An. gambiae larvae at doses of 3, 6 and 12 mg; and survival of adult mosquitoes exposed to B. bassiana, following pre-exposure to a constrained predator and/or parasite at the larval stage. The experiments consisted of survival bioassays quantified as pupation day, or dead larvae and/or adults. RESULTS Nymphs had an average predation efficacy of 88.3% (95% CI: 87.5-89.1) at 24 hours, against An. gambiae larvae. The presence of one or two nymphs reduced development time of larvae by 0.65 and 0.35 days, respectively. However, development time of larvae exposed to four nymphs was similar to the control larvae. Larvae exposed to 3, 6 and 12 mg of B. bassiana were 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5 times more likely to die, respectively, compared to control larvae. Adults not pre-exposed, those pre-exposed to predator, parasite, or both were 45.8, 67.4, 50.9 and 112.0 times more likely to die, respectively, compared to control that were unexposed to predator or parasite, at larval and adult stage. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that both predator and parasite can reduce larval population of An. gambiae, and presence of predator cues decreases development time in breeding sites, as well as, increases the susceptibility of emerging adult to fungus. Predator and parasite both have an additive effect on survival of adults exposed to B. bassiana. Field studies are required for an in-depth understanding of predator and parasite influence on mosquito development time, survival and susceptibility in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedinand Ong'wen
- Department of Zoology, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Patrick Ogola Onyango
- Department of Zoology, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Tullu Bukhari
- Department of Zoology, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya.
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Rodrigues J, Borges PR, Fernandes ÉKK, Luz C. Activity of additives and their effect in formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. IP 46 against Aedes aegypti adults and on post mortem conidiogenesis. Acta Trop 2019; 193:192-198. [PMID: 30836061 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil formulations of entomopathogenic fungi have interest for biological mosquito control. OBJECTIVES The activities of M. anisopliae s.l. IP 46 conidia were tested in Aedes aegypti adults either without any formulation or formulated with vegetable or mineral oil and in combination with diatomaceous earth. FINDINGS IP 46 was highly active against adults, the vector of important arboviruses in the tropics and subtropics. At an exposure of adults to 3.3 × 107 conidia/cm2, values of lethal times TL50 and TL90 reached minimal 3.8 and 4.6 days, respectively, and lethal concentrations LC50 and LC90 were 2.7 × 105 and 2.4 × 106 conidia/cm2, respectively, after 10 days of exposure. Activity against adults was improved by diatomaceous earth (KeepDry® KD) combined with mineral oil (Naturol® N) or vegetable oil (Graxol® G). Additives KD or N separately (and G to a lesser extent) or in combination, KD + N and KD + G without conidia had also a clear adulticidal effect. Efficacy of conidia formulated or not with KD + N decreased somewhat at shorter exposure periods. Time of exposure (0.017, 12, 48, 72 or 120 h) of adults to KD and N or IP 46 or conidia and KD and N had no significant effect on mortality. M. anisopliae s.l. recycled on fungus-killed mosquitoes producing high quantities of new conidia regardless of the conidial concentrations or formulations tested. Additives tested had no clear effect on quantitative conidiogenesis on cadavers. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Formulations of IP 46 conidia with mineral oil and diatomaceous earth represent a promising tool for the development of potent strategies of focal control of this important vector with entomopathogenic fungi.
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Rhodes VL, Thomas MB, Michel K. The interplay between dose and immune system activation determines fungal infection outcome in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 85:125-133. [PMID: 29649553 PMCID: PMC5935592 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.04.008] [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] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Toll pathway is a central regulator of antifungal immunity in insects. In mosquitoes, the Toll pathway affects infections with the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana, which is considered a potential mosquito biopesticide. We report here the use of B. bassiana strain I93-825 in Anopheles gambiae to analyze the impact of Toll pathway modulation on mosquito survival. Exposure to a narrow dose range of conidia by direct contact decreased mosquito longevity and median survival. In addition, fungal exposure dose correlated positively and linearly with hazard ratio. Increased Toll signaling by knockdown of its inhibitor, cactus, decreased survivorship of uninfected females, increased mosquito survival after low dose B. bassiana exposure, but had little effect following exposure to higher doses. This observed trade-off could have implications for development of B. bassiana as a prospective vector control tool. On the one hand, selection for small increases in mosquito immune signaling across a narrow dose range could impair efficacy of B. bassiana. On the other hand, costs of immunity and the capacity for higher doses of fungus to overwhelm immune responses could limit evolution of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Rhodes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Matthew B Thomas
- Department of Entomology and Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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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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Heinig RL, Paaijmans KP, Hancock PA, Thomas MB. The potential for fungal biopesticides to reduce malaria transmission under diverse environmental conditions. J Appl Ecol 2015; 52:1558-1566. [PMID: 26792946 PMCID: PMC4716011 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of conventional malaria vector control is being threatened by the spread of insecticide resistance. One promising alternative to chemicals is the use of naturally-occurring insect-killing fungi. Numerous laboratory studies have shown that isolates of fungal pathogens such as Beauveria bassiana can infect and kill adult mosquitoes, including those resistant to chemical insecticides.Unlike chemical insecticides, fungi may take up to a week or more to kill mosquitoes following exposure. This slow kill speed can still reduce malaria transmission because the malaria parasite itself takes at least eight days to complete its development within the mosquito. However, both fungal virulence and parasite development rate are strongly temperature-dependent, so it is possible that biopesticide efficacy could vary across different transmission environments.We examined the virulence of a candidate fungal isolate against two key malaria vectors at temperatures from 10-34 °C. Regardless of temperature, the fungus killed more than 90% of exposed mosquitoes within the predicted duration of the malarial extrinsic incubation period, a result that was robust to realistic diurnal temperature variation.We then incorporated temperature sensitivities of a suite of mosquito, parasite and fungus life-history traits that are important determinants of malaria transmission into a stage-structured malaria transmission model. The model predicted that, at achievable daily fungal infection rates, fungal biopesticides have the potential to deliver substantial reductions in the density of malaria-infectious mosquitoes across all temperatures representative of malaria transmission environments.Synthesis and applications. Our study combines empirical data and theoretical modelling to prospectively evaluate the potential of fungal biopesticides to control adult malaria vectors. Our results suggest that Beauveria bassiana could be a potent tool for malaria control and support further development of fungal biopesticides to manage infectious disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Heinig
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Krijn P Paaijmans
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Matthew B Thomas
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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The potential for fungal biopesticides to reduce malaria transmission under diverse environmental conditions. Curr Nutr Rep 2015. [PMID: 26792946 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-012-0032-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of conventional malaria vector control is being threatened by the spread of insecticide resistance. One promising alternative to chemicals is the use of naturally-occurring insect-killing fungi. Numerous laboratory studies have shown that isolates of fungal pathogens such as Beauveria bassiana can infect and kill adult mosquitoes, including those resistant to chemical insecticides.Unlike chemical insecticides, fungi may take up to a week or more to kill mosquitoes following exposure. This slow kill speed can still reduce malaria transmission because the malaria parasite itself takes at least eight days to complete its development within the mosquito. However, both fungal virulence and parasite development rate are strongly temperature-dependent, so it is possible that biopesticide efficacy could vary across different transmission environments.We examined the virulence of a candidate fungal isolate against two key malaria vectors at temperatures from 10-34 °C. Regardless of temperature, the fungus killed more than 90% of exposed mosquitoes within the predicted duration of the malarial extrinsic incubation period, a result that was robust to realistic diurnal temperature variation.We then incorporated temperature sensitivities of a suite of mosquito, parasite and fungus life-history traits that are important determinants of malaria transmission into a stage-structured malaria transmission model. The model predicted that, at achievable daily fungal infection rates, fungal biopesticides have the potential to deliver substantial reductions in the density of malaria-infectious mosquitoes across all temperatures representative of malaria transmission environments.Synthesis and applications. Our study combines empirical data and theoretical modelling to prospectively evaluate the potential of fungal biopesticides to control adult malaria vectors. Our results suggest that Beauveria bassiana could be a potent tool for malaria control and support further development of fungal biopesticides to manage infectious disease vectors.
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