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Related Experiment Videos

Aquatic insects as a vector for Mycobacterium ulcerans.

Laurent Marsollier1, Raymond Robert, Jacques Aubry

  • 1Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, CHU, 49033 Angers, France.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|August 30, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Aquatic insects may transmit Mycobacterium ulcerans, the cause of Buruli ulcer. Studies show infected aquatic bugs can transmit the bacteria to mice, suggesting insects as a potential vector for this emerging pathogen.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Vector-borne diseases

Background:

  • Mycobacterium ulcerans causes Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical skin disease.
  • The transmission route of M. ulcerans remains largely unknown despite its association with aquatic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of aquatic insects in the transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans.
  • To establish an experimental model for studying M. ulcerans transmission by aquatic insects.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental aquariums were used to mimic aquatic microenvironments.
  • Laboratory mice were exposed to bites from M. ulcerans-infected aquatic bugs (Naucoridae).
  • Wild aquatic insects were collected from a Buruli ulcer endemic region in Ivory Coast for M. ulcerans isolation.

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Main Results:

  • Mycobacterium ulcerans was transmitted to laboratory mice via the bite of infected aquatic bugs.
  • M. ulcerans localized and multiplied within the salivary glands of Naucoridae without causing apparent harm.
  • The pathogen was successfully isolated from wild aquatic insects in an endemic area.

Conclusions:

  • Aquatic insects, specifically Naucoridae, are identified as a potential vector for Mycobacterium ulcerans transmission.
  • The findings support the hypothesis that aquatic insects play a significant role in the epidemiology of Buruli ulcer.
  • Further research into insect vectors is crucial for understanding and controlling Buruli ulcer transmission.