The effect of virus-blocking Wolbachia on male competitiveness of the dengue vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti
Autor(es): Segoli, Michal; Hoffmann, Ary A.; Lloyd, Jane; Omodei, Gavin J.; Ritchie, Scott A.
Resumo: Dengue is a tropical, potentially lethal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. A new control method involves the release of mosquitoes infected by the bacterium Wolbachia that blocks the transmission of the dengue virus to humans. However, possible negative effects of Wolbachia on mosquito reproductive success could substantially slow the spread of this bacterium in mosquito populations, reducing the feasibility of this method. We found that male mosquitoes infected by Wolbachia are equally successful in finding and mating with females within experimental tents and semi-field cages that mimic mosquito natural habitat. Moreover, larger, well-fed mosquitoes were more successful in semi-field cages, suggesting that Wolbachia mosquitoes that are reared in the lab, and are generally larger than wild mosquitoes, might have an advantage during the time they are being released in the field. Hence, in contrast to other control methods (e.g., the use of sterile males or genetically modified mosquitoes), the use of Wolbachia does not seem to compromise male performance, making it a candidate for disease control.
Palavras-Chave: Human diseases; Males; Pest control; Reproductive behaviour; Hosts; Aquatic insects; Cages; Disease transmission; Public health; Mating; Dengue; Disease control; Vectors; Habitat; Competitiveness; Breeding success; Dengue virus; Aedes aegypti; Wolbachia
Imprenta: Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, v. 8, n. 12, 2014.
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - Virus ; Aedes aegypti - Transmission ; Aedes aegypti - Dengue
Data de publicação: 2014
