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Published on: September 12, 2020
The Symbiotic Bacterial Profile of Laboratory-Reared and Field-Caught Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes from Greece
Elias Asimakis1, Ioannis Galiatsatos1, Georgia Apostolopoulou1
1Laboratory of Systems Microbiology and Applied Genomics, Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 2 George Seferi St., 30131 Agrinio, Greece.
Abstract:
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive species capable of transmitting human pathogens. For population management, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is considered an effective and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, such as insecticides and reducing or eliminating breeding sites. The use of symbiotic bacteria to improve the application of SIT or design combined SIT/incompatible insect technique (IIT) approaches is currently considered. In this context, exploring the microbiota of local mosquito populations is crucial for identifying interesting components. This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing and microbiological methods to characterize the diversity of laboratory and wild Ae. albopictus in Greece. Differences were recorded between wild and lab-reared mosquitoes, with laboratory samples exhibiting higher diversity. Laboratory treatment, sex, and developmental stage also resulted in variations between communities. Populations reared in the same facility developed mostly similar bacterial profiles. Two geographically distant wild populations displayed similar bacterial profiles, characterized by seasonal changes in the relative abundance of Pantoea and Zymobacter. Wolbachia was dominant in most groups (63.7% relative abundance), especially in field-caught mosquitoes. It was identified with two strains, wAlbA (21.5%) and wAlbB (42.2%). Other frequent taxa included Elizabethkingia, Asaia, and Serratia. Blood feeding favored an increase in Serratia abundance. Various Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Aeromonas, and Acinetobacter strains were isolated from larval and adult mosquito extracts and could be further characterized as diet supplements. These findings suggest that the microbiota of local populations is highly variable due to multiple factors. However, they retain core elements shared across populations that may exhibit valuable nutritional or functional roles and could be exploited to improve SIT processes.
Insights
Exploring the gut bacteria of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Greece reveals microbial variations influenced by rearing conditions and season. This research identifies key bacteria that could enhance sterile insect technique (SIT) for mosquito population control.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Microbial Ecology
- Vector-Borne Disease Control
Background:
- The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a significant invasive species and vector of human diseases.
- The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a sustainable pest control method, with potential enhancements through symbiotic bacteria.
- Understanding local mosquito microbiota is crucial for optimizing SIT and combined incompatible insect technique (IIT) strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the bacterial diversity of laboratory and wild Aedes albopictus populations in Greece.
- To identify potential microbial candidates for improving SIT applications.
- To investigate factors influencing mosquito microbiota composition.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze bacterial communities.
- Microbiological methods were employed for isolation and characterization.
- Comparisons were made between wild and laboratory-reared mosquitoes, considering sex and developmental stage.
Main Results:
- Laboratory-reared mosquitoes showed higher bacterial diversity than wild populations.
- Wolbachia was the dominant bacterium, with distinct strains identified.
- Seasonal variations in Pantoea and Zymobacter abundance were observed in wild populations.
- Blood feeding increased Serratia abundance.
- Various Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Aeromonas, and Acinetobacter strains were isolated.
Conclusions:
- Mosquito microbiota composition is highly variable, influenced by rearing, sex, and environment.
- Core microbial elements with potential nutritional or functional roles for SIT were identified.
- These findings support the exploitation of native microbiota to enhance SIT efficacy for Aedes albopictus control.
