This is a database of peer-reviewed literature that focuses on Genetic Biocontrol research. The latest are shown here.
A convolutional neural network to identify mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) of the genus Aedes by wing images
Accurate species identification is crucial to assess the medical relevance of a mosquito specimen, but requires intensive experience of the observers and well-equipped laboratories. In this proof-of-concept study, we developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) to identify seven Aedes species by wing images, only. While previous studies used images of the whole mosquito body, the nearly two-dimensional wings may facilitate standardized image capture and reduce the complexity of the CNN implementation. The mean macro F1 score to predict the Aedes species was 90% for grayscale images and 91% for RGB images. In conclusion, wing images are sufficient to identify mosquito species by CNNs.
Sauer, F.G., Werny, M., Nolte, K. et al. A convolutional neural network to identify mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) of the genus Aedes by wing images. Sci Rep 14, 3094 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53631-x
Population genetic structure of Aedes aegypti subspecies in selected geographical locations in Sudan
Although knowledge of the composition and genetic diversity of disease vectors is important for their management, this is limiting in many instances. The genetic structure of the Ae. aegypti subspecies population and the gene flow among them, which may be interpreted as the mosquito vector’s capacity for dispersal, were revealed in this study. These findings will help in the improvement of dengue epidemiology research including information on the identity of the target vector/subspecies and the arboviruses vector surveillance program.
Abuelmaali, S.A., Mashlawi, A.M., Ishak, I.H. et al. Population genetic structure of Aedes aegypti subspecies in selected geographical locations in Sudan. Sci Rep 14, 2978 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52591-6
The effect of intentional summer flooding for mosquito control on the nitrogen dynamics of impounded Avicennia germinans mangrove forests
Coastal wetlands such as mangrove forests are breeding grounds for nuisance-causing insects. Rotational Impoundment Management (RIM) for mosquito control involves annual summer inundation of impounded mangrove forests with estuarine water during the summer half year. However, in addition to controlling mosquitos, RIM may change biogeochemical pathways. Changes in the non-managed impoundment adjacent to the RIM impoundment demonstrate the importance of groundwater exchange in linked ecosystems. The consequences of interventions in the management of mangrove impoundments and adjacent forests for the nitrogen budget are discussed.
Laanbroek, H.J., Rains, M.C., Verhoeven, J.T.A. et al. The effect of intentional summer flooding for mosquito control on the nitrogen dynamics of impounded Avicennia germinans mangrove forests. Sci Rep 14, 2165 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52248-4
Knowledge, compliance, and challenges in anti-malarial products usage: a systematic review of at-risk communities for zoonotic malaria
Zoonotic malaria is a growing public health threat in the WHO Southeast Asia (SEA) and Western Pacific (WP) regions. Despite vector-control measures, the distribution of Macaque fascicularis and M. nemestrina, and Anopheles mosquitoes carrying non-human simian malaria parasites poses challenges to malaria elimination. The systematic review assesses the literature on knowledge and malaria-preventive practices in zoonotic malaria-affected areas across the WHO SEA and WP, aiming to identify challenges for malaria control. New strategies must be developed for zoonotic malaria programs tailored to local contexts, emphasizing the significance of community participation, health education, and socio-behavioural change initiatives. It is important to consider the interconnectedness of human health, environmental and non-human primates conservation. Socio-cultural nuances should also be carefully considered in the design and implementation of these programs to ensure their effect tailored to local contexts.
Naserrudin, N.A., Adhikari, B., Culleton, R. et al. Knowledge, compliance, and challenges in anti-malarial products usage: a systematic review of at-risk communities for zoonotic malaria. BMC Public Health 24, 317 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17792-8
Despite structural identity, ace-1 heterogenous duplication resistance alleles are quite diverse in Anopheles mosquitoes
Anopheles gambiae s.l. has been the target of intense insecticide treatment since the mid-20th century to try and control malaria. A substitution in the ace-1 locus has been rapidly selected for, allowing resistance to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. Since then, two types of duplication of the ace-1 locus have been found in An. gambiae s.l. populations: homogeneous duplications that are composed of several resistance copies, or heterogeneous duplications that contain both resistance and susceptible copies. The substitution induces a trade-off between resistance in the presence of insecticides and disadvantages in their absence: the heterogeneous duplications allow the fixation of the intermediate heterozygote phenotype.
Claret, JL., Di-Liegro, M., Namias, A. et al. Despite structural identity, ace-1 heterogenous duplication resistance alleles are quite diverse in Anopheles mosquitoes. Heredity (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-024-00670-9
A multiplexed, confinable CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive can propagate in caged Aedes aegypti populations
Aedes aegypti is the main vector of several major pathogens including dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses. Classical mosquito control strategies utilizing insecticides are threatened by rising resistance. This has stimulated interest in new genetic systems such as gene drivesHere, we test the regulatory sequences from the Ae. aegypti benign gonial cell neoplasm (bgcn) homolog to express Cas9 and a separate multiplexing sgRNA-expressing cassette inserted into the Ae. aegypti kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (kmo) gene.
Anderson, M.A.E., Gonzalez, E., Edgington, M.P. et al. A multiplexed, confinable CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive can propagate in caged Aedes aegypti populations. Nat Commun 15, 729 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-44956-2
Larvicidal potential, antimicrobial properties and molecular docking analysis of Egyptian Mint (Mentha rotundifolia) against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) and Midgut-borne Staphylococcus aureus
Mosquitoes prefer stagnant areas near hospitals to live and easily spread pathogenic bacteria. Our current study aims to isolate multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus isolates from midguts of Mosquito Culex pipiens and study the potential of mint as a biocontrol strategy against C. pipiens larvae and their midgut-borne S. aureus. Docking analysis confirmed that alpha guanine and cadinol had the highest binding affinity to both predicted active sites of Culex pipiens acetylcholinesterase. As a result, alpha-guanine and cadinol might have a role as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Abu-Hussien, S.H., Hemdan, B., Abd-Elhalim, B.T. et al. Larvicidal potential, antimicrobial properties and molecular docking analysis of Egyptian Mint (Mentha rotundifolia) against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) and Midgut-borne Staphylococcus aureus. Sci Rep 14, 1697 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51634-2
Factors associated with the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets in pregnant women and mothers with children under five years of age in Gaza province, Mozambique
Background:
Malaria remains a major public health concern worldwide. Malaria is endemic in Mozambique, with seasonal fluctuations throughout the country. Although the number of malaria cases in Mozambique have dropped by 11% from 2020 to 2021, there are still hotspots in the country with persistent high incidence and low insecticide-treated bed net usage. Providing clear, culturally sensitive, and practical information on the correct use of LLINs, as well as regular monitoring of their proper use, would be a great step forward for Mozambique’s national malaria program.
Nhangave AV, Munyangaju I, Osório D, Nacarapa E, Ndima S, Moiane A, et al. (2024) Factors associated with the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets in pregnant women and mothers with children under five years of age in Gaza province, Mozambique. PLOS Glob Public Health 4(1): e0002811. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0002811
Gene drives, mosquitoes, and ecosystems: an interdisciplinary approach to emerging ethical concerns
Gene drives are genetic elements that in sexually reproducing organisms spread faster than those transmitted through a Mendelian fashion. Since gene drives can be engineered to modify different aspects of physiology and reproduction, they have been proposed as a new and revolutionary tool to control vector-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by the genera Anopheles and Aedes (Culicidae), such as malaria, Dengue and Zika virus. This approach may impact on human health by lowering the transmission of such devastating diseases. However, the release of genetically modified mosquitos (or other species) into the environment raises a series of questions related to the still incipient technology and our present understanding of the complex structure and dynamics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Moreno RD, Valera L, Borgoño C, Castilla JC and Riveros JL (2024) Gene drives, mosquitoes, and ecosystems: an interdisciplinary approach to emerging ethical concerns. Front. Environ. Sci. 11:1254219. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2023.1254219
mRNA vaccines expressing malaria transmission-blocking antigens Pfs25 and Pfs230D1 induce a functional immune response
Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) are designed to inhibit the sexual stage development of the parasite in the mosquito host and can play a significant role in achieving the goal of malaria elimination. Preclinical and clinical studies using protein–protein conjugates of leading TBV antigens Pfs25 and Pfs230 domain 1 (Pfs230D1) have demonstrated the feasibility of TBV. Nevertheless, other promising vaccine platforms for TBV remain underexplored. The recent success of mRNA vaccines revealed the potential of this technology for infectious diseases.
Scaria, P.V., Roth, N., Schwendt, K. et al. mRNA vaccines expressing malaria transmission-blocking antigens Pfs25 and Pfs230D1 induce a functional immune response. npj Vaccines 9, 9 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41541-023-00783-y