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Antibiotics in ingested human blood affect the mosquito microbiota and capacity to transmit malaria

Mathilde Gendrin1, Faye H Rodgers1, Rakiswendé S Yerbanga2

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.

Nature Communications
|January 7, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotics in the blood of malaria patients increase mosquito infection and survival, potentially worsening malaria transmission. This highlights the need for enhanced vector control in areas with high antibiotic use.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Entomology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Vector control is crucial for malaria reduction, primarily through protecting populations from mosquito bites.
  • The impact of antibiotics on malaria transmission dynamics is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of antibiotics in the blood of malaria-infected individuals on the susceptibility and vectorial capacity of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes.
  • To assess the implications of antibiotic presence for malaria transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Mosquitoes (Anopheles gambiae) were fed blood from malaria-infected individuals containing antibiotics.
  • Gut microbiota of mosquitoes was analyzed after blood feeding.
  • Mosquito survival and fecundity were measured.
  • Experiments were conducted in a semi-natural setting using blood from children infected with Plasmodium falciparum.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotics in ingested blood significantly increased the susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae to malaria infection by disrupting their gut microbiota.
  • Antibiotic exposure enhanced mosquito survival and fecundity, thereby increasing their vectorial capacity.
  • These effects were confirmed using blood from naturally infected children.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of antibiotics in the blood of malaria-infected people poses a novel risk factor for increased malaria transmission.
  • Malaria transmission may be amplified in regions with substantial antibiotic usage.
  • Increased vector control measures may be necessary in areas undergoing mass drug administration for other communicable diseases.

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