Abstract
Simple SummaryMosquitoes are well known to spread diseases when they take a blood meal. However, not all species feed on blood but instead get their nourishment from other sources. One such species is Toxorhynchites, which are a paradox among mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are entirely non-blood feeding and, as a result, are not considered to be harmful to human health. Indeed, since their larvae feed on the larvae of pest species and other aquatic insects, they are a potential counter measure against the spread of mosquito-transmitted diseases. Their effective application has been hampered due to a lack of understanding and inconsistencies in their descriptions. This review aims to build upon previously published information and summarize recent findings to support their use in combating mosquito-transmitted infections.The increasing global incidence of mosquito-borne infections is driving a need for effective control methods. Vector populations have expanded their geographical ranges, while increasing resistance to chemical insecticides and a lack of effective treatments or vaccines has meant that the development of vector control methods is essential in the fight against mosquito-transmitted diseases. This review will focus on Toxorhynchites, a non-hematophagous mosquito genus which is a natural predator of vector species and may be exploited as a biological control agent. Their effectiveness in this role has been strongly debated for many years and early trials have been marred by misinformation and incomplete descriptions. Here, we draw together current knowledge of the general biology of Toxorhynchites and discuss how this updated information will benefit their role in an integrated vector management program.
Highlights
Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of numerous pathogens which cause significant mortality and morbidity in both humans and animals, as well as substantial economic losses in many parts of the world
Despite their highly divergent biology, recent studies have indicated that Tx. amboinensis and Ae. aegypti share a number of chemosensory and olfactory genes [84], including functional orthologs of odorant receptors, such as indolergic receptors, OR2 and OR10 [85], (R)-1-octen-3-ol receptor, OR8 [86], and sulcatone receptor, OR4 [87]
Due to the success of propagating arboviruses in Toxorhynchites in vivoa number of in vitro derived cell lines were established from Tx. amboinensis which proved to be as efficient for viral replication
Summary
Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of numerous pathogens which cause significant mortality and morbidity in both humans and animals, as well as substantial economic losses in many parts of the world. Rising global temperatures coupled with increasing travel and trade have led to the expansion of the geographical range of a number of important vector species. This in turn has contributed to the emergence or reemergence of mosquito-borne pathogens in new areas and communities. A large number of mosquito-borne infections lack effective vaccines or specific antiviral therapies, and so vector control strategies play a vital role in their regulation. Many of these control methods are heavily reliant on the use of insecticides. This article serves to build upon what has been previously described on Toxorhynchites [10,11,12] by expanding on recent updates of our current understanding of their biology and potential role in controlling mosquito-borne infections
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