Abstract
BackgroundAedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are important vectors of human diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and zika. In Sri Lanka, they have been responsible for transmitting dengue virus. One of the most important parameters influencing the likelihood of arbovirus transmission is the age structure of the mosquito population. However, mosquito age is difficult to measure with accuracy. This study aims to construct multivariate calibration models using the transcriptional abundance of three age-responsive genes: Ae15848 (calcium-binding protein), Ae8505 (structural component of cuticle), and Ae4274 (fizzy cell cycle/cell division cycle 20).MethodsThe transcriptional age-grading technique was applied to determine the chronological age of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus female mosquito populations from Sri Lanka using the age-responsive genes Ae15848, Ae8505, and Ae4274. Furthermore, Ae. aegypti samples obtained from colonies reared at two temperatures (23 and 27 °C) were used to investigate the influence of temperature on this age-grading technique. Expression levels of these three genes were quantified using reverse transcription qualitative PCR (qRT-PCR), and results were normalized against the housekeeping gene ribosomal gene S17 (RpS17).ResultsThe expression of Ae15848 and Ae8505 decreased with the age of mosquitoes and showed the most significant and consistent change while expression of Ae4274 increased with age. The multivariate calibration models showed > 80% correlation between expression of these age-responsive genes and the age of female mosquitoes at both temperatures. At 27 °C the accuracy of age predictions using the models was 2.19 (± 1.66) days and 2.58 (± 2.06) days for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus females, respectively. The accuracy of the model for Ae. aegypti at 23 °C was 3.42 (± 2.74) days.ConclusionsAn adult rearing temperature difference of 4 °C (23–27 °C) did not significantly affect the age predictions. The calibration models created during this study could be successfully used to estimate the age of wild Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes from Sri Lanka.Graphical
Highlights
Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are important vectors of human diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and zika
The calibration models created during this study could be successfully used to estimate the age of wild Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes from Sri Lanka
This wMel strain of Wolbachia can block the dengue virus inside the mosquito body. This environmentally friendly method of vector control has been successfully practiced in several areas in the world by introducing Ae. aegypti infected with Wolbachia [5]
Summary
Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are important vectors of human diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and zika Among these diseases, dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease and is endemic in > 120 countries worldwide, including Sri Lanka. Introduction of artificially infected Ae. aegypti females with wMel strain of Wolbachia into the field has been one of the most promising dengue control interventions in the world due to failures of traditional vector control measures This wMel strain of Wolbachia can block the dengue virus inside the mosquito body. This environmentally friendly method of vector control has been successfully practiced in several areas in the world by introducing Ae. aegypti infected with Wolbachia (wMel strain) [5]. Knowledge of the age of the vector population is important as the age affects the fitness of the released mosquitoes in the natural environment
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