Article
Parasitology
Kamonchanok Bunmee, Urusa Thaenkham, Naowarat Saralamba, Alongkot Ponlawat, Daibin Zhong, Liwang Cui, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Patchara Sriwichai
Summary: The study revealed that the population of An. minimus in Thailand is genetically divided into two lineages, with lineage A showing similar genetic structure between past and present populations, indicating high adaptability. There was substantial gene flow between eastern and western An. minimus populations.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Manila Lather, Prashant K. Mallick, Divya Sharma, Sonal Kale, Amita S. Dang, Tridibes Adak, Om P. Singh
Summary: This study inferred the genetic structure of six geographically diverse populations of Anopheles fluviatilis species T using microsatellite markers. The analysis showed significant but low genetic differentiation among the majority of populations, with a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances, indicating stepwise migration patterns among populations.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Scott T. Small, Carlo Costantini, N'Fale Sagnon, Moussa W. Guelbeogo, Scott J. Emrich, Andrew D. Kern, Michael C. Fontaine, Nora J. Besansky
Summary: The two forms of the major African malaria mosquito Anopheles funestus, which are indistinguishable in morphology but different in their genetic makeup, show evidence of local adaptation to breeding in natural swamps and irrigated rice fields. This rapid adaptation is fueled by standing genetic variation predating the split between the two forms. Differences in inversion frequencies likely facilitated the adaptive divergence between the two forms by suppressing recombination.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Godfrey Nattoh, Tracy Maina, Edward E. Makhulu, Lilian Mbaisi, Enock Mararo, Fidel G. Otieno, Tullu Bukhari, Thomas O. Onchuru, Evan Teal, Juan Paredes, Joel L. Bargul, David M. Mburu, Everline A. Onyango, Gabriel Magoma, Steven P. Sinkins, Jeremy K. Herren
Summary: The recently discovered Anopheles symbiont, Microsporidia MB, has a strong malaria transmission-blocking phenotype in Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes and can be transmitted horizontally between adult mosquitoes. It is also vertically transmitted to offspring and can potentially infect alternate hosts like Anopheles funestus s.s. This finding is relevant for the development of dissemination strategies to control malaria by releasing Microsporidia MB infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paola Pollegioni, Tania Persampieri, Roxana L. Minuz, Alessandro Bucci, Alessandro Trusso, Salvatore Di Martino, Chiara Leo, Marco Bruttini, Marco Ciolfi, Ann-Marie Waldvogel, Frederic Tripet, Alekos Simoni, Andrea Crisanti, Ruth Mueller
Summary: The development of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMM) and their subsequent field release provides innovative approaches for controlling malaria vectors. A non-gene drive self-limiting male-bias Ag(PMB)1 strain has been developed in Anopheles gambiae s.l. However, the functionality of the transgene could differ when inserted in different genetic backgrounds of Anopheles coluzzii, which could be a potential recipient for the release of self-limiting GMMs. In this study, the transgene from Ag(PMB)1 strain was introgressed into two recipient colonies of An. coluzzii through backcrossing, and the results showed nearly complete introgression of chromosomes 3 and X, but significant genomic divergence in a region of chromosome 2.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Ayman Ahmed, Patricia Pignatelli, Arwa Elaagip, Muzamil M. Abdel Hamid, Omnia Fateh Alrahman, David Weetman
Summary: Research has identified the emergence of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes in eastern Sudan, suggesting potential distinct invasions from neighboring countries.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lateef. O. Busari, Haleemah O. Raheem, Zarat O. Iwalewa, Kamilu A. Fasasi, Monsuru A. Adeleke
Summary: The study evaluates the resistance and susceptibility of adult female Anopheles gambiae s. l., Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to four groups of insecticides and the distribution of their larval habitat within Osogbo metropolis. The results indicate that Anopheles gambiae s. l. shows the highest resistance to Permethrin, while Aedes aegypti exhibits highest resistance against OC-Control. The susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae s. l. and Culex quinquefasciatus to Pirimiphos-methyl and Aedes aegypti to Permethrin suggests the potential success of using these insecticides for vector control.
Article
Parasitology
Ayman Ahmed, Rua Khogali, Mohammed-Ahmed B. Elnour, Ryo Nakao, Bashir Salim
Summary: The Asian invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi has been confirmed in Khartoum, Sudan. A national entomological survey is urgently recommended to determine its distribution and susceptibility to malaria control measures.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beniamino Caputo, Verena Pichler, Giordano Botta, Carlo De Marco, Christina Hubbart, Eleonora Perugini, Joao Pinto, Kirk A. Rockett, Alistair Miles, Alessandra della Torre
Summary: The study aimed to develop novel tools for genotyping two efficient vectors of human malaria in Africa, Anopheles coluzzii and An. gambiae, using ancestral informative markers identified from a specific genome project. The multilocus approach was able to capture patterns of admixture in samples from the westernmost hybridization zone, providing new insights into interspecific admixture in the region. Additionally, a cost-effective PCR approach was developed for advanced identification of species and admixed specimens in routine large-scale entomological surveys, particularly at regions where unexpected autosomal admixture was highlighted by whole genome sequencing data.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Michela Bertola, Matteo Mazzucato, Marco Pombi, Fabrizio Montarsi
Summary: Despite the eradication of malaria in most European countries, the mosquito vectors that transmit the disease still exist. Malaria cases reported in Europe mostly occur in travelers who have acquired the infection in endemic areas. However, the possibility of acquiring malaria from locally infected mosquitoes in Europe has been poorly investigated. This review provides an update on the occurrence of potential malaria vectors in Europe, examining their distribution and bionomic features, as well as their competence in transmitting the parasite.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xiaodong Cui, Mei Yang, Chunyu Li, Bo An, Shumei Mu, Han Zhang, Yongxia Chen, Xinzheng Li, Xianjiang Kang
Summary: This study conducted the first assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis, an economically significant crustacean in the Baiyangdian drainage area. High levels of genetic diversity were identified through microsatellite loci analysis and sequence analysis of the cox1 gene. Pronounced genetic differentiation was observed among populations. This work provides important molecular markers and guidance for the management and conservation of N. denticulata sinensis resources.
Article
Immunology
Luis Carlos Salazar Alvarez, Vanessa Carneiro Barbosa, Omaira Vera Lizcano, Djane Clarys Baia da Silva, Rosa Amelia Goncalves Santana, Camila Fabbri, Paulo Filemon Paoluci Pimenta, Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro, Letusa Albrecht, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes de Lacerda, Fabio Trindade Maranhao Costa, Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes
Summary: Plasmodium vivax is the most common type of malaria outside sub-Saharan Africa, and its ability to adhere to cells, form rosettes, and develop in the liver can impact treatment and disease control. In this study, we used ex vivo methods to evaluate the rosetting capacity of P. vivax gametocytes and investigated its effect on infection in the mosquito vector Anopheles aquasalis. We found a high frequency of cytoadhesive phenomena and a positive correlation between rosetting and infection rate and intensity in the mosquito. Disruption of rosette formation resulted in lower infection rates and intensities.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Horticulture
Gizella Jahnke, Jozsef Smidla, Tamas Deak, Robert Olah, Barna Arpad Szoke, Diana Agnes Nyitraine Sardy
Summary: Null alleles are recessive alleles that do not affect the phenotype of codominant markers. In microsatellite studies, null alleles are mainly used for pedigree analysis and population genetics calculations. However, the presence of null alleles can lead to biased results and it is important to consider possible solutions.
Article
Entomology
Jordan E. Hoffman, Ilinca I. Ciubotariu, Limonty Simubali, Twig Mudenda, William J. Moss, Giovanna Carpi, Douglas E. Norris, Jennifer C. Stevenson
Summary: Despite significant reductions in malaria cases in the catchment area of Macha Hospital, Choma District, Southern Province in Zambia, Anopheles squamosus specimens still pose a residual malaria transmission risk, primarily exhibiting exophagic and zoophilic behavior, making them difficult to be eliminated by current control measures. The study emphasizes the importance of molecular identification of vectors and suggests that indoor vector control strategies may not be sufficient for malaria elimination in southern Zambia.
Article
Fisheries
Shengyan Su, Jean Damascene Nsekanabo, Brian Pelekelo Munganga, Xinjin He, Jianlin Li, Fan Yu, Meiyao Wang, Yongkai Tang
Summary: The Chinese mitten crab is an important species in China and contributes significantly to aquaculture and meeting protein demands. To ensure their sustainable exploitation, it is important to understand their genetic diversity. We studied the genetic diversity of six populations of Chinese mitten crabs from different lakes in the Yangtze River's drainage system.
