Review
Immunology
Oshani C. Ratnayake, Nunya Chotiwan, Karla Saavedra-Rodriguez, Rushika Perera
Summary: Arboviruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya cause significant health and economic burdens, primarily in developing countries, and are vectored by mosquitoes. Despite efforts to control these vectors, they continue to spread globally, exposing more than half of the world's population to these viruses. The lack of effective vaccines or antivirals highlights the importance of vector control as a fundamental strategy to prevent disease transmission.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rhys Parry, Maddie E. James, Sassan Asgari
Summary: Analysis of over 3000 RNA sequencing libraries revealed virome diversity of Aedes mosquitoes, identifying novel and previously characterized viruses. Significant inter-host variation of insect-specific viruses within individuals and virus diversity in Wolbachia infected Aedes cell lines were found. This study expands our understanding of important vector viromes and provides a resource for further research on the ecology and evolution of these viruses.
Article
Parasitology
Riccardo Moretti, Elena Lampazzi, Claudia Damiani, Giulia Fabbri, Giulia Lombardi, Claudio Pioli, Angiola Desiderio, Aurelio Serrao, Maurizio Calvitti
Summary: The study found that irradiation treatment can cause partial female sterility in Aedes albopictus, completely inhibit progeny production at certain doses, and significantly increase biting frequency of females. Irradiation also significantly reduces Wolbachia density in females, leading to a decrease in Wolbachia-specific fluorescence in ovaries, with this trend confirmed as females age.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shinji Kasai, Kentaro Itokawa, Nozomi Uemura, Aki Takaoka, Shogo Furutani, Yoshihide Maekawa, Daisuke Kobayashi, Nozomi Imanishi-Kobayashi, Michael Amoa-Bosompem, Katsunori Murota, Yukiko Higa, Hitoshi Kawada, Noboru Minakawa, Tran Chi Cuong, Nguyen Thi Yen, Tran Vu Phong, Sath Keo, Kroesna Kang, Kozue Miura, Lee Ching Ng, Hwa-Jen Teng, Samuel Dadzie, Sri Subekti, Kris Cahyo Mulyatno, Kyoko Sawabe, Takashi Tomita, Osamu Komagata
Summary: Aedes aegypti, the main mosquito vector for dengue and other arboviral infectious diseases, has developed high levels of pyrethroid resistance in populations collected from Vietnam and Cambodia. This resistance could pose a serious threat to the control of dengue fever and other Aedes-borne infectious diseases.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
J. Dianavinnarasia, R. Raja, J. Alzabutc, J. Caod, M. Niezabitowski, O. Bagdasar
Summary: The aim of this paper is to establish stability results for a mathematical model using the approach of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) and the Caputo-Fabrizio operator (CF operator). The paper extends existing results of the Caputo fractional derivative and creates a mathematical model to control mosquito-borne diseases by increasing cytoplasmic incompatibility in Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. The paper examines the behavior of the CF operator on the population system and proves the existence and uniqueness of the solution for the mathematical model using CF operator.
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTERS IN SIMULATION
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Rajivganthi Chinnathambi, Fathalla A. Rihan
Summary: This paper describes the combination of sterile and incompatible insect techniques for reducing mosquito populations and preventing disease transmission. The impulsive differential equations and open-loop control system are used to monitor and control the wild mosquito population in real-time. The Sterile insect technique is employed to eliminate or reduce mosquito populations.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Li-Lian Chao, Chien-Ming Shih
Summary: The prevalence and genetic character of Wolbachia endosymbionts in field-collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were examined for the first time in Taiwan. A total of 665 Ae. aegypti were screened for Wolbachia infection using a PCR assay, and the prevalence of Wolbachia infection was found to be 3.3%, with strains belonging to supergroups A and B.
Article
Biology
Jun Isoe, Carter J. Simington, Max E. Oscherwitz, Alyssa J. Peterson, Alberto A. Rascon, Brooke B. Massani, Roger L. Miesfeld, Michael A. Riehle
Summary: This study identified several essential proteins for eggshell formation in Aedes aegypti and characterized their roles through molecular and biochemical approaches. These proteins, along with additional secreted eggshell enzymes, provide potential targets for future mosquito control strategies. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which these proteins regulate eggshell formation and melanization.
Article
Parasitology
Luana Cristina Farnesi, Fabiano Dias Carvalho, Anna Paula Canuto Lacerda, Luciano Andrade Moreira, Rafaela Vieira Bruno
Summary: The study found that different blood sources did not influence the fitness of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes; after 35 generations, the Wolbachia density in the mosquito population fed on mouse blood was even higher than in those fed on human blood.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
M. Novelo, M. D. Audsley, E. A. McGraw
Summary: The study demonstrated that Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes can effectively block co-infection of different DENV serotypes, while non-infected mosquitoes showed higher viral RNA loads when co-infected. These findings suggest that Wolbachia's pathogen-blocking efficacy is not compromised by arthropod-borne virus co-infection.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Trevor R. Sorrells, Anjali Pandey, Adriana Rosas-Villegas, Leslie B. Vosshall
Summary: Mosquitoes can continuously track and feed on blood by utilizing a persistent behavioral state triggered by detection of human cues. This state is observed only in female mosquitoes searching for blood and can last for more than ten minutes.
Article
Parasitology
Austin J. Mejia, H. L. C. Dutra, M. J. Jones, R. Perera, E. A. McGraw
Summary: This study found that there is little relationship among the relative Wolbachia densities in different tissues of the same host. There is also very little relationship between Wolbachia densities in parents and those in offspring, except for a strong positive association in the ovary-egg relationship. Relative Wolbachia densities in reproductive tissues are always greater than those in somatic tissues.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nanwintoum Severin Bimbile Somda, Hanano Yamada, Carina Kraupa, Wadaka Mamai, Hamidou Maiga, Simran Singh Kotla, Thomas Wallner, Claudia Martina, Jeremy Bouyer
Summary: This study investigated the use of nitrogen in the irradiation of adult Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti. The results showed that nitrogen treatment improved the longevity of irradiated males but slightly reduced their flight ability. Nitrogen treatment was found to be a reliable method for adult mosquito immobilization.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Jerica Isabel L. Reyes, Yasutsugu Suzuki, Thaddeus Carvajal, Maria Nilda M. Munoz, Kozo Watanabe
Summary: Research shows that Wolbachia can interfere with the transmission of arboviruses by reducing the susceptibility of mosquito cells to viral infection. However, the magnitude of this pathogen-blocking effect varies among different strains of Wolbachia, highlighting the need for further investigation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Zhuanzhuan Liu, Qingxin Zhang, Liya Li, Junjie He, Jinyang Guo, Zichen Wang, Yige Huang, Zimeng Xi, Fei Yuan, Yiji Li, Tingting Li
Summary: This review explores the correlations between temperature and dengue epidemics, including the distribution and development of Aedes mosquitoes, the structure of DENV, and the vector competence of Aedes mosquitoes. Additionally, it discusses the immune and metabolic mechanism through which temperature affects the vector competence of Aedes mosquitoes to transmit DENV.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Xiu-Jing Shen, Li-Jun Cao, Jin-Cui Chen, Li-Jun Ma, Jia-Xu Wang, Ary A. Hoffmann, Shu-Jun Wei
Summary: This study investigated the frequency and distribution pattern of resistance mutations in the diamondback moth (DBM) across China. The results showed a widespread distribution of resistance alleles in DBM populations, with some mutations near fixation and others less common or absent in most populations. The frequency of resistance alleles remained relatively stable among different years, although there was a decrease in the frequency of certain mutations. Principal component analysis revealed clustering of immigrant populations with other populations, indicating a migration pattern from the Sichuan area of southwestern China. The study also found that most resistant mutations deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting the influence of heterogeneous selection pressures on resistance mutations.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Joshua A. Thia, Pasi K. Korhonen, Neil D. Young, Robin B. Gasser, Paul A. Umina, Qiong Yang, Owain Edwards, Tom Walsh, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Genomic data provides insights into pest management, resistance evolution, pest invasions, and population dynamics. The first reference genome for the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, was assembled to study pesticide adaptation and population demographics using whole-genome pool-seq data. Genetic mutations have been identified that contribute to organophosphate and pyrethroid resistance. Population genomic analyses reveal regional structuring in H. destructor populations, while demographic analyses indicate reduced genetic diversity and smaller effective population sizes in eastern populations. These findings have important implications for genetic markers, understanding resistance mechanisms, and predictive modeling of resistance evolution and spread.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Xiu-Jing Shen, Yu-Jie Zhang, Shuai-Yu Wang, Jin-Cui Chen, Li-Jun Cao, Ya-Jun Gong, Bin-Shuang Pang, Ary Anthony Hoffmann, Shu-Jun Wei
Summary: This study reveals the high frequency of resistant mutations in two-spotted spider mite populations across China, indicating the urgency of managing multiple acaricide resistance.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Ecology
Ary A. Hoffmann, Jon Bridle
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Xuefen Xu, Ary A. A. Hoffmann, Paul A. A. Umina, Samantha E. E. Ward, Marianne P. P. Coquilleau, Mallik B. B. Malipatil, Peter M. M. Ridland
Summary: Three polyphagous pest species have invaded Australia, causing damage to horticultural crops. This study identified 14 parasitoid species using molecular and morphological data, including five adventive eulophid wasps and two braconid species. The findings provide valuable information for controlling leafminers.
BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Paul. A. A. Umina, Leo McGrane, Joshua. A. A. Thia, Evatt Chirgwin, Ary. A. A. Hoffmann
Summary: Resistance to pesticides in the agricultural pest mite Halotydeus destructor has been validated through field experiments after being identified in laboratory bioassays. Results showed that resistance to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos was significantly higher than resistance to omethoate. While both chemicals effectively controlled pesticide-susceptible populations of H. destructor in field trials, chlorpyrifos was substantially less effective against a resistant mite population, while omethoate remained effective. Additionally, two non-pesticide treatments were found to be ineffective in controlling H. destructor in field conditions.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Edward Tsyrlin, Melissa Carew, Ary A. Hoffmann, Simon Linke, Rhys A. Coleman
Summary: Family-level identification is commonly used for monitoring freshwater macroinvertebrates, but its effectiveness in reflecting regional biodiversity patterns in Australia is untested. This study compared family-level and species-level datasets for freshwater insects in Melbourne, Australia. The results showed a positive relationship between family and species richness, but the family-level dataset underestimated the sampling effort needed to accurately reflect species diversity and overlooked regionally rare species. It is recommended to include species-level identification in monitoring programs to understand regional biodiversity patterns and conservation priorities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xinyue Gu, Perran A. Ross, Alex Gill, Qiong Yang, Eloise Ansermin, Sonia Sharma, Safieh Soleimannejad, Kanav Sharma, Ashley Callahan, Courtney Brown, Paul A. Umina, Torsten N. Kristensen, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Endosymbiotic bacteria can be spread through maternal transmission and modify the reproduction and fitness of their hosts. Researchers have successfully transferred the endosymbiont Rickettsiella viridis to the crop pest Myzus persicae, resulting in decreased fecundity, reduced heat tolerance, and modified body color in aphids. Despite fitness costs, Rickettsiella rapidly spread through the aphid populations via plant-mediated horizontal transmission. Temperature and plant-mediated transmission play important roles in the spread of endosymbionts in asexual insect populations.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kelly Richardson, Perran A. Ross, Brandon Cooper, William Conner, Tom Schmidt, Ary Hoffmann
Summary: MK Wolbachia was identified at a low frequency (around 4%) in natural populations of Drosophila pseudotakahashii. It had a stable density and transmission during laboratory culture, but the MK phenotype was lost rapidly. MK Wolbachia coexisted with another strain expressing a different reproductive manipulation. Genomic analysis revealed diverged Wolbachia regions involving 17 genes, and identification of the wmk and cif genes implicated in MK and CI. A dominant suppressor genetic element affecting MK was identified through backcrossing and genome analysis. These findings highlight the complexity of endosymbiont detection and dynamics, and the challenges of linking them to host phenotypes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
B. M. C. Randika Wimalasiri-Yapa, Bixing Huang, Perran A. Ross, Ary A. Hoffmann, Scott A. Ritchie, Francesca D. Frentiu, David Warrilow, Andrew F. van den Hurk
Summary: Wolbachia infection in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes significantly impacts host gene expression, particularly in immune and metabolism genes, even 8 years after field deployment. This indicates the long-term stability of Wolbachia effects on mosquito populations.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meng-Jia Lau, Shuai Nie, Qiong Yang, Lawrence G. Harshman, Cungui Mao, Nicholas A. Williamson, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: We analyzed the lipid composition of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at different time points during feeding and reproduction. The abundance of lipids showed two temporal increases, with more than 80% of lipids identified during feeding and from 16 to 30 hours after blood meal. Certain lipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, cardiolipin, hexosylceramide, and lyso-phosphatidic acid, exhibited a strong temporal pattern during the second peak. Different patterns of change were observed in lyso-glycerophospholipids, with some membrane lipids showing little change and signaling lipids showing a significant increase. Our findings suggest that specific lipids play a role in the reproductive process of Ae. aegypti, particularly in the formation and growth of ovarian follicles.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thomas L. Schmidt, Nancy M. Endersby-Harshman, Nina Kurucz, William Pettit, Vicki L. Krause, Gerhard Ehlers, Mutizwa Odwell Muzari, Bart J. Currie, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Biosecurity strategies for invasive pests can benefit from genomic databanks to trace incursions. This study used deep learning methods to trace mosquito incursions in Australia and found high precision even with limited genetic differentiation and samples collected generations ago. PCAs performed poorly for tracing when drift effects were strong. Targeted assays provided additional information on the origin of the mosquitoes. The study highlights the value of genomic databanks for long-term and diverse biological conditions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wanzhen Liu, Xue Xia, Ary A. Hoffmann, Yamei Ding, Ji-Chao Fang, Hui Yu
Summary: This study discovered novel Wolbachia strains in a pollinator species through genome sequencing, investigated their phylogenetic relationship and cytoplasmic incompatibility, and identified mobile genetic elements and metabolic genes. The findings provide important resources for further research on Wolbachia-pollinator-host plant interactions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John G. Black, Anthony R. J. van Rooyen, Dean Heinze, Robbie Gaffney, Ary A. Hoffmann, Thomas L. Schmidt, Andrew R. Weeks
Summary: Identifying and analysing isolated populations is crucial for conservation. This study investigates the genetic structure and individual heterozygosity patterns of the eastern barred bandicoot in Tasmania, Australia. The findings reveal isolated populations undergoing significant genetic drift and multiple fine-scale differentiation regions. The study also highlights variations in individual heterozygosity within populations and spatial patterns of heterozygosity.