Screening of the normal bacterial flora in the gut of Aedes aegypti Mosquito in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aedes aegypti (Culicidae), the mosquito that causes yellow fever, is regarded as a significant vector for many disease agents. The current study sought to learn more about mosquito mid-gut bacteria and their impacts. Mosquito specimens were gathered in Jeddah city (Saudi Arabia), and their gut bacterial flora was then analyzed. The collected mosquitoes exhibit all the characteristic features of A. aegypti, according to a microscopic study. Utilizing the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene analysis, molecular testing established the identity of A. aegypti as a close relative of previously recognized Aedes species submitted in the GenBank, particularly those from Kenya. Unfortunately, based on the results of RT-PCR, none of the Aedes mosquitoes under study had dengue virus (DENV) present. On nutrient agar plates, the mid-gut bacteria were isolated. A total of 34 Gram-positive bacteria were isolated and identified at the molecular level using the 16S rRNA gene and were divided into the two genera Bacillus and Lysinibacillus within the family Bacillaceae. To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the normal existence of bacterial flora in the gut of DENV-free mosquitos in Saudi Arabia. It is advised to conduct more research to determine how these bacteria affect the transmission of harmful pathogens carried by mosquitoes. Additionally, further research into the antibacterial and anticancer activities of metabolites extracted from the mid-gut bacteria may help in the development of unique drugs.