Biology subjects

Orsborne, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Orsborne, J..

6 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2022

Genetic and microbial diversity of the invasive mosquito vector species Culex tritaeniorhynchus across its extensive inter-continental geographic range

Culex (Cx.) tritaeniorhynchus is a mosquito species with an extensive and expanding inter-continental geographic distribution, currently reported in over 50 countries, across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and now Australia. It is an important vector of medical and veterinary concern, capable of transmitting multiple arboviruses which cause significant morbidity and mortality in human and animal populations. In regions endemic for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in Asia, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus is considered the major vector and this species has also been shown to contribute to the transmission of several other significant zoonotic arboviruses, including Rift Valley fever virus and West Nile virus. Significant variation in vectorial capacity can occur between different vector populations. Obtaining knowledge of a species from across its geographic range is crucial to understanding its significance for pathogen transmission across diverse environments and localities. Vectorial capacity can be influenced by factors including the mosquito genetic background, composition of the microbiota associated with the mosquito and the co-infection of human or animal pathogens. In addition to enhancing information on vector surveillance and potential risks for pathogen transmission, determining the genetic and microbial diversity of distinct populations of a vector species is also critical for the development and application of effective control strategies. In this study, multiple geographically dispersed populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus from countries within Europe, Africa, Eurasia and Asia were sampled. Molecular analysis demonstrated a high level of genetic and microbial diversity within and between populations, including genetic divergence in the mosquito CO1 gene, as well as diverse microbiomes identified by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Evidence for the detection of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia in some populations was confirmed using Wolbachia-specific PCR detection and sequencing of Wolbachia MLST genes; in addition to PCR-based detection of insect-specific viruses. Laboratory vector competence showed Cx. tritaeniorhynchus from a Greek population are likely to be competent vectors of JEV. This study expands understanding of the diversity of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus across its inter-continental range, highlights the need for a greater focus on this invasive vector species and helps to inform potential future directions for development of vector control strategies.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2018

Investigating the relationship between insecticide resistance, underlying molecular mechanisms and malaria prevalence in Anopheles gambiae s.l. from Guinea

The threat of insecticide resistance across sub-Saharan Africa is anticipated to severely impact the continued effectiveness of malaria vector control. We investigated the effect of carbamate and pyrethroid resistance on Anopheles gambiae s.l age, Plasmodium falciparum infection and characterized molecular resistance mechanisms in Guinea. Pyrethroid resistance was intense, with survivors of ten times the insecticidal concentration required to kill susceptible individuals. The L1014F kdr allele was significantly associated with mosquito survival following deltamethrin or permethrin treatment (p=0.003 and p=0.04, respectively). N1575Y and I1527T mutations were identified in 13% and 10% of individuals, respectively, but neither conferred increased pyrethroid tolerance. Partial restoration of pyrethroid susceptibility following synergist pre-exposure suggest a role for mixed-function oxidases. Carbamate resistance was lower and significantly associated with the G119S Ace-1 mutation (p=0.001). Oocyst rates were 6.8% and 4.2% among resistant and susceptible mosquitoes, respectively; survivors of bendiocarb exposure were significantly more likely to be infected (p=0.03). Resistant mosquitoes had significantly lower parity rates; however, a subset of intensely pyrethroid-resistant vectors were more likely to be parous (p=0.042 and p=0.045, for survivors of five and ten times the diagnostic dose of insecticides, respectively). Our findings emphasize the need for additional studies directly assessing the influence of insecticide resistance on mosquito fitness.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2018

Malaria control dynamics may explain inconsistent outcomes from bednet trials: a modeling study

BACKGROUNDLong-lasting insecticidal bednets have unparalleled efficacy in reducing malaria burden. However, insecticidal resistance and bednet avoidance behaviors among the mosquito vectors are now widespread.\n\nMETHODSReviewing the relevant field and semi-field studies highlights the ubiquity of zoophagic and spatiotemporal (biting outdoors or at different times of day) plasticity among vectors in response to bednet deployment. Transmission models coupled with the population genetics of vectors are developed to assess the impact on malaria control caused by insecticide resistance and the avoidance behaviors of mosquitoes.\n\nRESULTSInteractions between physiological resistance and behavioral resilience among mosquito vectors can significantly impact malaria control efforts both in the short- and long-term. The possibility of misleading observations from injudiciously timed assessments of malaria control programs is demonstrated through simulation.\n\nCONCLUSIONSCurrently, there are no guidelines to inform when during a bednet trial its effectiveness should be measured. The importance of this oversight is described in the context of recent randomized controlled bednet trials.

epidemiology↗

bioRxiv2018

Assessing the blood-host plasticity and dispersal rate of the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii

Difficulties with observing the dispersal of insect vectors in the field have hampered understanding of several aspects of their behaviour linked to disease transmission. Here, a novel method based on detection of blood-meal sources is introduced to inform two critical and understudied mosquito behaviours: plasticity in the malaria vectors blood-host choice and vector dispersal. Strategically located collections of Anopheles coluzzii from a malaria-endemic village of southern Ghana showed statistically significant variation in host species composition of mosquito blood-meals. Trialling a new sampling approach gave the first estimates for the remarkably local spatial scale across which host choice is plastic. Using quantitative PCR, the blood-meal digestion was then quantified for field-caught mosquitoes and calibrated according to timed blood digestion in colony mosquitoes. We demonstrate how this new molecular Sella score approach can be used to estimate the dispersal rate of blood-feeding vectors caught in the field.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2018

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the human blood index of the major African malaria vectors

BACKGROUNDThe proportion of mosquito blood-meals that are of human origin, referred to as the human blood index or HBI, is a key determinant of malaria transmission. We conducted a systematic review of the HBI for the major African malaria vectors.\n\nRESULTSEvidence is presented for higher HBI among Anopheles gambiae (M/S forms and An. coluzzii/An. gambiae s.s. are not distinguished for most studies and therefore combined) as well as An. funestus when compared with An. arabiensis (prevalence odds ratio adjusted for collection location [i.e. indoor or outdoor]: 1.62; 95%CI 1.09-2.42; 1.84; 95%CI 1.35-2.52, respectively). This finding is keeping with the entomological literature which describes An. arabiensis to be more zoophagic than the other major African vectors. However, analysis also revealed that HBI was more associated with location of mosquito captures (R2=0.29) than with mosquito (sibling) species (R2=0.11).\n\nCONCLUSIONSOur findings call into question the appropriateness of current methods of assessing host preferences among disease vectors and have important implications for strategizing vector control.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2018

Novel Wolbachia strains in Anopheles malaria vectors from Sub-Saharan Africa

Anopheles (An.) mosquitoes contain bacteria that can influence Plasmodium parasites. Wolbachia, a common insect endosymbiont, has historically been considered absent from Anopheles but has recently been found in An. gambiae populations. Here, we assessed a range of Anopheles species from five malaria-endemic countries for Wolbachia and Plasmodium infection. Strikingly, we found Wolbachia infections in An. coluzzii, An. gambiae s.s, An. arabiensis, An. moucheti and An. species A increasing the number of Anopheles species known to be naturally infected by this endosymbiont. Molecular analysis suggests the presence of phylogenetically diverse novel strains, while qPCR and 16S rRNA sequencing indicates that Wolbachia is the dominant member of the microbiota in An. moucheti and An. species A. We found no evidence of Wolbachia/Asaia co-infections, and presence of these endosymbionts did not have significant effects on malaria prevalence. We discuss the importance of novel Wolbachia strains in Anopheles and potential implications for disease control.

microbiology↗