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Published on: August 7, 2018
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Seasonality influences key physiological components contributing to Culex pipiens vector competence
Eleanor N Field1, Ryan C Smith1
1Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.
Frontiers in Insect Science
|March 12, 2024
Summary
Seasonal changes affect mosquito physiology and microbiome, influencing their ability to transmit diseases like West Nile virus (WNV). This impacts the seasonal patterns of mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Vector biology
- Medical entomology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mosquitoes transmit numerous medically and veterinarily important pathogens.
- Mosquito-borne diseases exhibit seasonal patterns influenced by environmental and biological factors.
- Seasonal effects on mosquito physiology and vector competence remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of seasonal changes on the physiology of *Culex pipiens*, a key vector of West Nile virus (WNV).
- To examine seasonal influences on mosquito immune response and microbiome composition relevant to arbovirus infection.
Main Methods:
- Semi-field experiments were conducted simulating spring, summer, and late-summer conditions.
- Gene expression of immune and RNA interference (RNAi) pathways was analyzed.
- Distribution and abundance of *Wolbachia* bacteria within mosquito cohorts were assessed across seasons.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in immune gene expression and RNAi pathway components were observed seasonally.
- Seasonal variations in the distribution and abundance of *Wolbachia* were detected in *Culex pipiens*.
- Physiological changes in mosquitoes correlated with different periods of WNV transmission intensity.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal fluctuations significantly alter mosquito physiology, including immune system components and microbiome profiles.
- These physiological shifts suggest that seasonality influences mosquito susceptibility to pathogen infection.
- Seasonality may be a critical factor explaining the temporal dynamics of mosquito-borne disease transmission.
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