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Cecilia H, Althouse BM, Azar SR, Moehn BA, Yun R, Rossi SL, Vasilakis N, Hanley KA. Aedes albopictus is not an arbovirus aficionado - Impacts of sylvatic flavivirus infection in vectors and hosts on mosquito engorgement on non-human primates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.19.580944. [PMID: 38559148 PMCID: PMC10979881 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.19.580944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The contact structure between vertebrate hosts and arthropod vectors plays a key role in the spread of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses); thus, it is important to determine whether arbovirus infection of either host or vector alters vector feeding behavior. Here we leveraged a study of the replication dynamics of two arboviruses isolated from their ancestral cycles in paleotropical forests, sylvatic dengue-2 (DENV-2) and Zika (ZIKV), in one non-human primate (NHP) species from the paleotropics (cynomolgus macaques, Macaca fascicularis) and one from the neotropics (squirrel monkeys, Saimiri boliviensis) to test the effect of both vector and host infection with each virus on completion of blood feeding (engorgement) of the mosquito Aedes albopictus. Although mosquitoes were starved and given no choice of hosts, engorgement rates varied dramatically, from 0% to 100%. While neither vector nor host infection systematically affected engorgement, NHP species and body temperature at the time of feeding did. We also interrogated the effect of repeated mosquito bites on cytokine expression and found that epidermal growth factor (EGF) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) concentrations were dynamically associated with exposure to mosquito bites. This study highlights the importance of incorporating individual-level heterogeneity of vector biting in arbovirus transmission models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Cecilia
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003 USA
| | - Benjamin M. Althouse
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003 USA
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105
| | - Sasha R. Azar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555 USA
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Brett A. Moehn
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003 USA
| | - Ruimei Yun
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555 USA
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555 USA
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555 USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555 USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Unviersity of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555 USA
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555 USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555 USA
| | - Kathryn A. Hanley
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003 USA
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Trillo PA, Bernal XE, Hall RJ. Mixed-species assemblages and disease: the importance of differential vector and parasite attraction in transmission dynamics. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220109. [PMID: 37066659 PMCID: PMC10107280 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0109] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals from multiple species often aggregate at resources, group to facilitate defense and foraging, or are brought together by human activity. While it is well-documented that host-seeking disease vectors and parasites show biases in their responses to cues from different hosts, the influence of mixed-species assemblages on disease dynamics has received limited attention. Here, we synthesize relevant research in host-specific vector and parasite bias. To better understand how vector and parasite biases influence infection, we provide a conceptual framework describing cue-oriented vector and parasite host-seeking behaviour as a two-stage process that encompasses attraction of these enemies to the assemblage and their choice of hosts once at the assemblage. We illustrate this framework, developing a case study of mixed-species frog assemblages, where frog-biting midges transmit trypanosomes. Finally, we present a mathematical model that investigates how host species composition and asymmetries in vector attraction modulate transmission dynamics in mixed-species assemblages. We argue that differential attraction of vectors by hosts can have important consequences for disease transmission within mixed-species assemblages, with implications for wildlife conservation and zoonotic disease. This article is part of the theme issue 'Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Trillo
- Department of Biology, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
| | - Ximena E. Bernal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama, República de Panama
| | - Richard J. Hall
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Mechanistic models of Rift Valley fever virus transmission: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010339. [PMID: 36399500 PMCID: PMC9718419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic arbovirosis which has been reported across Africa including the northernmost edge, South West Indian Ocean islands, and the Arabian Peninsula. The virus is responsible for high abortion rates and mortality in young ruminants, with economic impacts in affected countries. To date, RVF epidemiological mechanisms are not fully understood, due to the multiplicity of implicated vertebrate hosts, vectors, and ecosystems. In this context, mathematical models are useful tools to develop our understanding of complex systems, and mechanistic models are particularly suited to data-scarce settings. Here, we performed a systematic review of mechanistic models studying RVF, to explore their diversity and their contribution to the understanding of this disease epidemiology. Researching Pubmed and Scopus databases (October 2021), we eventually selected 48 papers, presenting overall 49 different models with numerical application to RVF. We categorized models as theoretical, applied, or grey, depending on whether they represented a specific geographical context or not, and whether they relied on an extensive use of data. We discussed their contributions to the understanding of RVF epidemiology, and highlighted that theoretical and applied models are used differently yet meet common objectives. Through the examination of model features, we identified research questions left unexplored across scales, such as the role of animal mobility, as well as the relative contributions of host and vector species to transmission. Importantly, we noted a substantial lack of justification when choosing a functional form for the force of infection. Overall, we showed a great diversity in RVF models, leading to important progress in our comprehension of epidemiological mechanisms. To go further, data gaps must be filled, and modelers need to improve their code accessibility.
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Evolutionary consequences of vector-borne transmission: how using vectors shapes host, vector and pathogen evolution. Parasitology 2022; 149:1667-1678. [PMID: 36200511 PMCID: PMC10090782 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transmission mode is a key factor that influences host–parasite coevolution. Vector-borne pathogens are among the most important disease agents for humans and wildlife due to their broad distribution, high diversity, prevalence and lethality. They comprise some of the most important and widespread human pathogens, such as yellow fever, leishmania and malaria. Vector-borne parasites (in this review, those transmitted by blood-feeding Diptera) follow unique transmission routes towards their vertebrate hosts. Consequently, each part of this tri-partite (i.e. parasite, vector and host) interaction can influence co- and counter-evolutionary pressures among antagonists. This mode of transmission may favour the evolution of greater virulence to the vertebrate host; however, pathogen–vector interactions can also have a broad spectrum of fitness costs to the insect vector. To complete their life cycle, vector-borne pathogens must overcome immune responses from 2 unrelated organisms, since they can activate responses in both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, possibly creating a trade-off between investments against both types of immunity. Here, we assess how dipteran vector-borne transmission shapes the evolution of hosts, vectors and the pathogens themselves. Hosts, vectors and pathogens co-evolve together in a constant antagonistic arms race with each participant's primary goal being to maximize its performance and fitness.
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Adams DR, Golnar AJ, Meyers JI, Slotman MA, Hamer GL. Plasmodium relictum infection in Culex quinquefasciatus (Culicidae) decreases diel flight activity but increases peak dusk flight activity. Malar J 2022; 21:244. [PMID: 35996189 PMCID: PMC9396771 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasites are recognized for their ability to modify host physiology and behaviours in ways that increase parasite fitness. Protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium are a group of widespread vector-borne parasites of vertebrates, causing disease to a wide range of hosts, but most notably to human and avian hosts. Methods The hypothesis that infection with the avian malaria, Plasmodium relictum (GRW4 lineage) impacts flight activity in one of their natural vectors, Culex quinquefasciatus, was tested using both parasites and mosquitoes colonized from local populations in East-Central Texas, USA. Groups of Cx. quinquefasciatus were allowed to feed directly on canaries with active P. relictum infections and control canaries with no P. relictum exposure history. Additionally, how P. relictum sporozoite invasion of mosquito salivary glands impacts mosquito flight activity behaviour was tested using a Locomotor Activity Monitor for both control and infected females. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate the influence of infection status on the response variables of flight activity (continuous) and probability of flight occurring (binomial). Results Infection status was a significant predictor of flight activity and flight probability and interactions between infection status and experimental period of infection as well as infection status and dusk were statistically significant predictors of flight activity. Plasmodium relictum infected mosquitoes had a mean flight activity of 3.10 and control mosquitoes had an overall mean flight activity of 3.13. Discussion Based on these results, avian malaria parasites increase the flight activity of these mosquitoes at hours known for peak host-seeking behaviour but decrease overall diel activity. Conclusion Although the ramifications of this behavioural change for P. relictum transmission are unclear, these results provide additional empirical evidence suggesting that avian malaria can influence mosquito behaviour and modulate transmission potential. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04265-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayvion R Adams
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Andrew J Golnar
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jacob I Meyers
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Michel A Slotman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Cozzarolo CS, Pigeault R, Isaïa J, Wassef J, Baur M, Glaizot O, Christe P. Experiment in semi-natural conditions did not confirm the influence of malaria infection on bird attractiveness to mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:187. [PMID: 35655262 PMCID: PMC9164852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05292-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in host phenotype following parasite infection are often considered as host manipulation when they seem advantageous for the parasite. However, putative cases of host manipulation by parasites are rarely tested in field-realistic conditions. Infection-induced phenotypic change cannot be conclusively considered as host manipulation if no evidence shows that this trait is adaptive for the parasite in the wild. Plasmodium sp., the parasites causing malaria in vertebrates, are hypothesized to “manipulate” their host by making their odour more attractive to mosquitoes, their vector and final host. While this is fairly well supported by studies on mice and humans, studies focusing on avian malaria give contradictory results. Methods In the present study, genotyped birds at different stages (uninfected, acute and chronic) of Plasmodium relictum infection were exposed, in a large outdoor aviary, to their natural vector, the mosquito Culex pipiens. Results After genotyping the blood meals of more than 650 mosquitoes, we found that mosquitoes did not bite infected birds more than they bit them before infection, nor more than they bit uninfected hosts. Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of testing ecological behaviours under natural conditions and suggests that different processes might be at play in mammals and birds regarding potential manipulation of attractiveness by malaria parasites. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05292-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille-Sophie Cozzarolo
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland. .,Biogéosciences, UMR 6282, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 boulevard Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.
| | - Romain Pigeault
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.,Laboratoire EBI, Equipe EES, UMR CNRS 7267, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, 86000, France
| | - Julie Isaïa
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Wassef
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Molly Baur
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.,Musée Cantonal de Zoologie, Lausanne, 1014, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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Marzal A, Magallanes S, Garcia-Longoria L. Stimuli Followed by Avian Malaria Vectors in Host-Seeking Behaviour. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:726. [PMID: 35625454 PMCID: PMC9138572 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever) result from a parasite transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods. They are major contributors to the global disease burden, as they account for nearly a fifth of all infectious diseases worldwide. The interaction between vectors and their hosts plays a key role driving vector-borne disease transmission. Therefore, identifying factors governing host selection by blood-feeding insects is essential to understand the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Here, we review published information on the physical and chemical stimuli (acoustic, visual, olfactory, moisture and thermal cues) used by mosquitoes and other haemosporidian vectors to detect their vertebrate hosts. We mainly focus on studies on avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites since this animal model has historically provided important advances in our understanding on ecological and evolutionary process ruling vector-borne disease dynamics and transmission. We also present relevant studies analysing the capacity of feather and skin symbiotic bacteria in the production of volatile compounds with vector attractant properties. Furthermore, we review the role of uropygial secretions and symbiotic bacteria in bird-insect vector interactions. In addition, we present investigations examining the alterations induced by haemosporidian parasites on their arthropod vector and vertebrate host to enhance parasite transmission. Finally, we propose future lines of research for designing successful vector control strategies and for infectious disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Marzal
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación y Sostenibilidad Ambiental, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima 15007, Peru
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Avda, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Luz Garcia-Longoria
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
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Cunniffe NJ, Taylor NP, Hamelin FM, Jeger MJ. Epidemiological and ecological consequences of virus manipulation of host and vector in plant virus transmission. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009759. [PMID: 34968387 PMCID: PMC8754348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many plant viruses are transmitted by insect vectors. Transmission can be described as persistent or non-persistent depending on rates of acquisition, retention, and inoculation of virus. Much experimental evidence has accumulated indicating vectors can prefer to settle and/or feed on infected versus noninfected host plants. For persistent transmission, vector preference can also be conditional, depending on the vector’s own infection status. Since viruses can alter host plant quality as a resource for feeding, infection potentially also affects vector population dynamics. Here we use mathematical modelling to develop a theoretical framework addressing the effects of vector preferences for landing, settling and feeding–as well as potential effects of infection on vector population density–on plant virus epidemics. We explore the consequences of preferences that depend on the host (infected or healthy) and vector (viruliferous or nonviruliferous) phenotypes, and how this is affected by the form of transmission, persistent or non-persistent. We show how different components of vector preference have characteristic effects on both the basic reproduction number and the final incidence of disease. We also show how vector preference can induce bistability, in which the virus is able to persist even when it cannot invade from very low densities. Feedbacks between plant infection status, vector population dynamics and virus transmission potentially lead to very complex dynamics, including sustained oscillations. Our work is supported by an interactive interface https://plantdiseasevectorpreference.herokuapp.com/. Our model reiterates the importance of coupling virus infection to vector behaviour, life history and population dynamics to fully understand plant virus epidemics. Plant virus diseases–which cause devastating epidemics in plant populations worldwide–are most often transmitted by insect vectors. Recent experimental evidence indicates how vectors do not choose between plants at random, but instead can be affected by whether plants are infected (or not). Virus infection can cause plants to “smell” different, because they produce different combinations of volatile chemicals, or “taste” different, due to chemical changes in infected tissues. Vector reproduction rates can also be affected when colonising infected versus uninfected plants. Potential effects on epidemic spread through a population of plants are not yet entirely understood. There are also interactions with the mode of virus transmission. Some viruses can be transmitted after only a brief probe by a vector, whereas others are only picked up after an extended feed on an infected plant. Furthermore there are differences in how long vectors remain able to transmit the virus. This ranges from a matter of minutes, right up to the entire lifetime of the insect, depending on the plant-virus-vector combination under consideration. Here we use mathematical modelling to synthesise all this complexity into a coherent theoretical framework. We illustrate our model via an online interface https://plantdiseasevectorpreference.herokuapp.com/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nik J. Cunniffe
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Nick P. Taylor
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael J. Jeger
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, United Kingdom
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Mazorra-Alonso M, Tomás G, Soler JJ. Microbially Mediated Chemical Ecology of Animals: A Review of Its Role in Conspecific Communication, Parasitism and Predation. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:274. [PMID: 33801728 PMCID: PMC8065758 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbial symbionts are nowadays considered of pivotal importance for animal life. Among the many processes where microorganisms are involved, an emerging research avenue focuses on their major role in driving the evolution of chemical communication in their hosts. Volatiles of bacterial origin may underlie chemical communication and the transfer of social information through signals, as well as inadvertent social information. We reviewed the role of microorganisms in animal communication between conspecifics, and, because the microbiome may cause beneficial as well as deleterious effects on their animal hosts, we also reviewed its role in determining the outcome of the interactions with parasites and predators. Finally, we paid special attention to the hypothetical role of predation and parasitism in driving the evolution of the animal microbiome. We highlighted the novelty of the theoretical framework derived from considering the microbiota of animals in scenarios of communication, parasitism, and predation. We aimed to encourage research in these areas, suggesting key predictions that need to be tested to better understand what is one of the main roles of bacteria in animal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Mazorra-Alonso
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Gustavo Tomás
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 04120 Almería, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas): Coevolución: Cucos, Hospedadores y Bacterias Simbiontes, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan José Soler
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 04120 Almería, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas): Coevolución: Cucos, Hospedadores y Bacterias Simbiontes, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Ellwanger JH, Cardoso JDC, Chies JAB. Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100058. [PMID: 35284885 PMCID: PMC8906108 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Blood-feeding mosquitoes locate humans spatially by detecting a combination of human-derived chemical signals, including carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and other volatile organic compounds. Mosquitoes use these signals to differentiate humans from other animals. Spatial abiotic factors (e.g. humidity, heat) are also used by mosquitoes to find a host. Mosquitoes cause discomfort and harm to humans, being vectors of many pathogens. However, not all humans suffer from mosquito bites with the same frequency or intensity. Some individuals are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, and this has an important impact on the risk of infection by pathogens transmitted by these vectors, such as arboviruses and malaria parasites. Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes is partially due to individual characteristics in the composition and intensity in the release of mosquito attractants. The factors that determine these particularities are diverse, modestly understood and still quite controversial. Thus, this review discusses the role of pregnancy, infection with malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.), skin microbiota, diet, and genetics in human attractiveness to mosquitoes. In brief, pregnancy and Plasmodium infection increase the host attractiveness to mosquitoes. Skin microbiota and human genetics (especially HLA alleles) modulate the production of mosquito attractants and therefore influence individual susceptibility to these insects. There is evidence pointing to a role of diet on human susceptibility to mosquitoes, with some dietary components having a bigger influence than others. In the last part of the review, other factors affecting human-mosquito interactions are debated, with a special focus on the role of mosquito genetics, pathogens and environmental factors (e.g. wind, environmental disturbances). This work highlights that individual susceptibility to mosquitoes is composed of interactions of different human-associated components, environmental factors, and mosquito characteristics. Understanding the importance of these factors, and how they interact with each other, is essential for the development of better mosquito control strategies and studies focused on infectious disease dynamics. Individual human attractiveness to mosquitoes is highly variable. Mosquito attractants released into the air vary from person to person. Variation in attractiveness to mosquitoes alters the risk of mosquito-borne infections. Pregnancy, malaria infection, skin microbiota and genetic factors alter the release of mosquito attractants. Environment and mosquito-related factors affect human–mosquito interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Henrique Ellwanger
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular - PPGBM, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
| | - Jáder da Cruz Cardoso
- Divisão de Vigilância Ambiental em Saúde, Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria da Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - José Artur Bogo Chies
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular - PPGBM, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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