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A Blood-Free Diet to Rear Anopheline Mosquitoes
Published on: January 31, 2020
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Chicken volatiles repel host-seeking malaria mosquitoes
Kassahun T Jaleta1,2, Sharon Rose Hill1, Göran Birgersson1
1Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P. O. Box 102, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden.
Malaria Journal
|July 22, 2016
Summary
Volatile compounds from non-host species, like chickens, can repel malaria mosquitoes (Anopheles arabiensis). This discovery offers a novel strategy to reduce human-vector interactions and enhance malaria control programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Chemical Ecology
- Vector-Borne Disease Control
Background:
- Anopheles arabiensis is a primary malaria vector in sub-Saharan Africa, exhibiting adaptable feeding habits that complicate control efforts.
- Developing novel methods to reduce human-vector contact is crucial for improving malaria vector control program effectiveness.
- Understanding An. arabiensis host discrimination mechanisms can lead to innovative control technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the host selection behavior of An. arabiensis through host census and blood meal analysis.
- To identify volatile compounds from non-host species that influence mosquito olfaction and host discrimination.
- To evaluate the efficacy of identified non-host compounds in repelling host-seeking An. arabiensis under field conditions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted host census and blood meal analysis to determine An. arabiensis feeding preferences.
- Collected and analyzed volatile headspace from preferred non-human and non-host species using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
- Assessed the repellent effect of identified volatile compounds against host-seeking mosquitoes in field trials.
Main Results:
- An. arabiensis shows a strong preference for human hosts indoors but feeds opportunistically on livestock outdoors, avoiding chickens.
- Eleven bioactive compounds were identified from chicken headspace, with six being species-specific.
- Field tests confirmed that specific chicken volatiles (isobutyl butyrate, naphthalene, hexadecane, trans-limonene oxide) and generic compounds (limonene, cis-limonene oxide, β-myrcene) significantly reduced mosquito trap catches.
Conclusions:
- Volatile compounds from non-host species effectively repel host-seeking An. arabiensis, highlighting their role in host discrimination.
- Non-host volatiles present a promising avenue for developing new strategies to protect humans from mosquito-borne diseases.
- Integrating non-host volatile repellents with existing control programs can enhance protection for populations at risk.
