Female Aedes Aegypti Research Articles

Diel sugar feeding and reproductive behaviours of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Trinidad: With implications for mass release of sterile mosquitoes

Studies on the diel sugar feeding periodicity of male and female Aedes aegypti were conducted under laboratory conditions and monitored in single cages using the polyphagometer device and examined every 2h. Males mosquitoes displayed two peaks in sugar feeding, a small morning peak at 06.00–08.00h (16% of sugar feeding) and a significant evening peak at 16.00–18.00h (40% of sugar feeding). A similar pattern was observed among females: a small early morning peak (18% of sugar feeding) and a significant peak in the evening 16.00–18.00h (42% of sugar feeding). Studies on the effects of sugar feeding on the excitation of males showed 100% erect antennal fibrillae after 36h. In contrast, only 15% of the water-fed males responded. Laboratory studies on the effects of sugar feeding on the insemination rates of A. aegypti females showed similar inseminations rates among sugar and water fed males but after 4 days all water fed males died while the sugar fed males continued to survive and inseminate females. The synchronization of the male and female diel sugar feeding periodicity is discussed in the context of sterile insect techniques or genetic control methods.

Evaluation of Biocontrol Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae Strains Against Larvae and Adults of Aedes eegypti (l.)

In the present study, we exposed larvae and adult females of Aedes aegypti (L.) to fungal suspensions of three virulent strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.), viz., M34412, M34311 and M81123. The strains resulted in 7 to 37% survival as a result of fungal infection over the 8 d test period in case of adults and 2 to 90% survival for larvae. Mean survival period varied between 3 and 4 d for treated adults, whilst control survival exceeded 28 d. Values of LC 50 varied from 5.92×10 3 conidia/ml for M34412, 3.49×10 4 conidia/ml for M34311 and 5.12×10 5 conidia/ml for M81123. Based on virulence and stability, the most promising strain, M. anisopliae M34412 was used for lethal exposure time determination. An exposure time of only 4 h was necessary to cause 50% mortality. Supplementation with M. verrucaria chitinase enzyme increased the larval mortality at lower conidial concentrations.

Indoor Volatiles of Primary School Classrooms in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, Are Attractants to Aedes aegypti Females

We determined the behavioral response of Aedes aegypti females to volatile compounds collected in indoor primary school classrooms. Volatiles were collected from classrooms from 0800 through 1030 h and 1130 through 1400 h in urban and rural schools in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. Female responses to volatiles were assessed in a Y-tube olfactometer. Chemical compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. Volatiles from both schools were attractive when compared against their control. When such volatiles were compared, those from the rural school were more attractive than the ones from the urban school. Chromatographic profiles were similar between schools; however, the rural school showed more compounds. Attraction of Ae. aegypti females toward volatiles of primary school classrooms might increase dengue transmission probabilities in those sites.

Repellent activity of herbal essential oils against Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say.)

ObjectiveTo determine the mosquito repellent activity of herbal essential oils against female Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. MethodsOn a volunteer's forearm, 0.1 mL of each essential oil was applied to 3 cm×10 cm of exposed skin. The protection time was recorded for 3 min after every 30 min. ResultsEssential oil from clove oil in olive oil and in coconut oil gave the longest lasting period of 76.50 min and 96.00 min respectively against Aedes aegypti. The citronella grass oil in olive oil, citronella grass oil in coconut oil and lemongrass oil in coconut oil exhibited protection against Culex quinquefasciatus at 165.00, 105.00, and 112.50 min respectively. ConclusionsThe results clearly indicated that clove, citronella and lemongrass oil were the most promising for repellency against mosquito species. These oils could be used to develop a new formulation to control mosquitoes.

The impact of CO2 on collection of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say by BG-Sentinel(r) traps in Manaus, Brazil

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important component for activating and attracting host-seeking mosquitoes. The BG-Sentinel® trap is a well-established monitoring tool for capturing Culicidae, but CO2 role for the trap effectiveness has not been evaluated in highly urbanised areas. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of BG-Sentinel traps baited with and without CO2 for capturing urban mosquitoes. Fifteen areas were selected within the city of Manaus, Brazil, where four BG-Sentinels were operated for 24 h, two of them with CO2 and two without CO2. Captured Aedes aegypti females were dissected for the determination of their parity status. A significantly higher proportion of traps (from 32-79%) were positive for female Ae. aegypti when using the BG-Sentinel with CO2 (χ2 = 11.0271, p ≤ 0.001). Catches of female Culex spp were six times higher in CO2 traps (Mann-Whitney U test = 190.5; p = 0.001). Parity rates were similar for both traps. This study showed that CO2 has primarily an enhancing effect on the efficacy of BG-Sentinel for capturing Culex spp in Manaus. For Ae. aegypti, the positivity rate of the trap was increased, when CO2 was added.

Calcitonin receptor 1 (AedaeGPCRCAL1) hindgut expression and direct role in myotropic action in females of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.)

In anautogenous mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti females the calcitonin-like diuretic hormone 31 (DH31) stimulates natriuretic fluid excretion from the Malpighian tubules (MTs) after a blood meal. We previously cloned and functionally characterized AedaeGPCRcal1 from A. aegypti, the ortholog of the Drosophila melanogaster DH31 receptor and immunolocalized it in the MTs. However, localization of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor 1 (GPCRCAL1) in the hindgut of any insect is unknown, and specifically, knowledge on its role in hindgut contraction in response to Aedae-DH31 peptide is lacking. We analyzed the expression of AedaeGPCRCAL1 in hindgut by western blot and immunohistochemisty, and evaluated its role in hindgut contractility by application of Aedae-DH31 before and after receptor RNA interference (RNAi). The receptor was detected as a 73 kDa band in western blots of hindgut and immunofluorescence revealed the receptor was expressed in hindgut circular and longitudinal muscles but not in the hindgut epithelial cells. In vitro, incubation in 1 μM solution of Aedae-DH31 peptide significantly increased the hindgut contraction frequency in normal mosquitoes. Hindguts from females treated with AedaeGPCRcal1 dsRNA and incubated with DH31 showed a reduction of 50% percent in their contraction frequency with respect to controls. These results suggest that DH31 hormone released from the brain post-blood meal has a direct and coordinative action on the excretory system, MTs and hindgut, by which AedaeGPCRCAL1 signaling stimulates MT primary urine secretion and hindgut contraction resulting in rapid postprandial fluid excretion.

Risks of Dengue Secondary Infective Biting Associated withAedes aegyptiin Home Environments in Monterrey, Mexico

Secondary dengue virus infections are a major risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever. Recent exposure to infectious bites of Aedes aegypti (L.) females in previously diagnosed dengue cases fulfills the epidemiological model of dengue hemorrhagic fever. A study was comprised of 357 (89.2%) dengue and 43 (10.8%) dengue hemorrhagic fever cases confirmed by laboratory tests and clinical manifestations. An entomological survey was done in homes and backyards. Concurrently, a questionnaire was used to assess the impact of healthpromotion campaigns through knowledge of the vector and its epidemiological role. Seventy-six (28.4%) of the 268 (67.0%) total wet or dry oviposition sites were positive for the presence of larvae or pupae, while adult Ae. aegypti were found in 32 (8.0%). One hundred thirty-two (33%) householders who formerly had dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever had knowledge of either larval or adult dengue vector stages. According to gender distribution, 145 (36.2%) and 14 (3.5%) of the males confirmed with cases of dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever lived in houses with 17.9 and 2% of the Ae. aegypti larval and pupal habitats. Houses with females who had dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever were 212 (53%) and 29 (7.3%), with containers with immature Ae. aegypti in 19.4 and 7%, respectively. Lack of sustainability of government-targeted health education campaigns is the major problem for involving communities in prevention and control of dengue.

Impact of elevated CO2 background levels on the host-seeking behaviour of Aedes aegypti

Mosquitoes rely on carbon dioxide (CO2) to detect and orient towards their blood hosts. However, the variable and rapid fluctuations of atmospheric CO2 concentrations may have an impact on the host-seeking behaviour of mosquitoes. In this study, we analysed the effect of transient elevated background levels of CO2 on the host-seeking behaviour and the physiological characteristics of the CO2-sensitive olfactory receptor neurones (ORNs) in female yellow fever mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti. We show that the take-off and source contact behaviour of A. aegypti is impeded at elevated background levels of CO2 as a result of masking of the stimulus signal. The mechanism underlying this masking during take-off behaviour is one of sensory constraint. We show that the net response of the CO2-ORNs regulates this CO2-related behaviour. Since these neurones themselves are not habituated or fatigued by the transient elevation of background CO2, we propose that habituation of second-order neurones in response to the elevated CO2-ORN activity could be one mechanism by which the net response is transduced by the olfactory system. The findings from this study may help to predict future shifts in mosquito-host interactions and consequently to predict vectorial capacity in the light of climate change.

Male accessory gland substances from Aedes albopictus affect the locomotor activity of Aedes aegypti females

Dengue is one of the world’s most important mosquito-borne diseases and is usually transmitted by one of two vector species: Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus . These two diurnal mosquitoes are frequently found coexisting in similar habitats, enabling interactions between adults, such as cross-mating. The objective of this study was to assess cross-mating between Ae. aegypti females and Ae. albopictus males under artificial conditions and evaluate the locomotor activity of Ae. aegypti virgin females injected with male accessory gland (MAG) homogenates to infer the physiological and behavioural responses to interspecific mating. After seven days of exposure, 3.3-16% of Ae. aegypti females mated with Ae. albopictus males. Virgin Ae. aegypti females injected with conspecific and heterospecific MAGs showed a general decrease in locomotor activity compared to controls and were refractory to mating with conspecific males. The reduction in diurnal locomotor activity induced by injections of conspecific or heterospecific MAGs is consistent with regulation of female reproductive activities by male substances, which are capable of sterilising female Ae. aegypti through satyrisation by Ae. albopictus .

Morphological and morphometrical assessment of spermathecae of Aedes aegypti females

The vectorial capacity of Aedes aegypti is directly influenced by its high reproductive output. Nevertheless, females are restricted to a single mating event, sufficient to acquire enough sperm to fertilize a lifetime supply of eggs. How Ae. aegypti is able to maintain viable spermatozoa remains a mystery. Male spermatozoa are stored within either of two spermathecae that in Ae. aegypti consist of one large and two smaller organs each. In addition, each organ is divided into reservoir, duct and glandular portions. Many aspects of the morphology of the spermatheca in virgin and inseminated Ae. aegypti were investigated here using a combination of light, confocal, electron and scanning microscopes, as well as histochemistry. The abundance of mitochondria and microvilli in spermathecal gland cells is suggestive of a secretory role and results obtained from periodic acid Schiff assays of cell apexes and lumens indicate that gland cells produce and secrete neutral polysaccharides probably related to maintenance of spermatozoa. These new data contribute to our understanding of gamete maintenance in the spermathecae of Ae. aegypti and to an improved general understanding of mosquito reproductive biology.

Altered behavioral responses of Sindbis virus-infected Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) to DEET and non-DEET based insect repellents

Changes in the time to first bite (TFB) and the bloodfeeding behavior of adult female Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes following dissemination of Sindbis virus (SINV) were observed after exposure to repellents with the active ingredients (AI) DEET, picaridin, 2-undecanone (2-U), and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Dissemination of SINV significantly decreased (P<0.0001) the TFB of DEET (15%) and picaridin (15%) by 46% and 37%, respectively. Significant (P<0.0001) changes in activation, probing, and engorgement times were observed in SINV infected mosquitoes after exposure to the four repellents compared to uninfected mosquitoes. Taken together, a decrease in TFB and time to complete the four bloodfeeding stages will lessen the prey-status, and enhance both the chances of mosquito survival and arbovirus transmission.

Potential impact of a presumed increase in the biting activity of dengue-virus-infected Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) females on virus transmission dynamics

Recently, we showed that infection with dengue virus increases the locomotor activity of Aedes aegypti females. We speculate that the observed increased locomotor activity could potentially increase the chances of finding a suitable host and, as a consequence, the relative biting rate of infected mosquitoes. We used a mathematical model to investigate the impact of the increased locomotor activity by assuming that this activity translated into an increased biting rate for infected mosquitoes. The results show that the increased biting rate resulted in dengue outbreaks with greater numbers of primary and secondary infections and with more severe biennial epidemics.

Comparative mosquito repellency of essential oils against Aedes aegypti (Linn.), Anopheles dirus (Peyton and Harrison) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say)

Objective To assess the repellency to female Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti), Anopheles dirus (An. dirus) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) of seven essential oils using two treatment methods. Methods Topical applications of three dose concentrations (0.02, 0.10 and 0.21 mg/cm 2) were made on the forearms of volunteers. Dose-response study and protection time study were employed in the experiment. Results In the dose-response test, Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus), Cymbopogon nardus (C. nardus), Syzygium aromaticum ( S. aromaticum) and Ocimum basilicum ( O. basilicum) exhibited a high repellency against Ae. aegypti with ED 50 at < 0.045 mg/cm 2, whereas C. citratus, C. nardus and S. aromaticum showed repellency against An. dirus with ED 50 at <0.068 mg/cm 2. Furthermore, the essential oils of C. citratus, C. nardus, S. aromaticum, O. basilicum and Cananga odorata gave strong effective dose (ED 50) values at <0.003 mg/cm 2 when tested against Cx. quinquefasciatus. For testing by arm in cage method, at 0.21 mg/cm 2, protection time of C. citratus gave the longest lasting period against three mosquito species, 72 min for Ae. aegypti, 132 min for An. dirus and 84 min for Cx. quinquefasciatus. In addition, the two essential oils exhibited moderate repellency against Ae. aegypti, An. dirus and Cx. quinquefasciatus, at 60, 90 and 78 min with C. nardus, and 54, 96 and 72 min with S. aromaticum, respectively. Conclusions The percentage repellency increased when the concentration of essential oils increased. In contrast, biting rates decreased when the concentration of essential oils increased. C. citratus exhibited high efficiency for the protection time and the percentage of biting deterrent against all of 3 mosquito species.

Lower survival rate, longevity and fecundity of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) females orally challenged with dengue virus serotype 2

As the pathogenic effects of a parasite on its hosts can strongly influence its epidemiology, we compared the life-histories of dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2)-infected and uninfected Aedes aegypti females. Unexposed mosquitoes lived longer than exposed ones, but those infected lived longer than exposed but negative (as assayed by Real-Time quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR [qRT-PCR]) mosquitoes. Infected mosquitoes from a long-established laboratory colony presented more viral RNA copies at death than those from the F1-generation of a field population from Rio de Janeiro. The mortality of infected colony-mosquitoes was independent of the number of viral RNA copies at death, whereas in the field population, longevity decreased with the number of viral RNA copies, suggesting that F1 of field mosquitoes are less tolerant to infection than the laboratory-colony. Infected females had a lower fecundity than controls. F1 of field mosquitoes were more likely to lay eggs than the colony; egg-laying success was strongly affected by mosquito age for both mosquito populations: from 49.28 in the first clutch to 20.7 in the fifth. Overall, DENV-2 reduced Aedes aegypti survival and fecundity, clearly affecting vectorial capacity and consequently transmission intensity.

Efficacy Evaluation of a Fumigant Containing Permethrin and Deltamethrin Against Vector Mosquitoes

The efficacy of a new smoke-generating formulation (fumigant), containing the active ingredient permethrin (69 g/kg) and deltamethrin (3.9 g/kg) per cartridge, was evaluated against adult female Anopheles albimanus, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus in a large vehicle storage building (22 x 13 x 4.5 m3), Florida, U.S.A., and against Cx. pipiens complex and Ae. albopictus in a furnished apartment (12 x 7 x 3.5 m3) in Israel. In the storage building, the use of 2 fumigant cartridges resulted in 100% mortality for all 3 species in 15 min. Using 1 cartridge resulted in 100% mortality in An. albimanus, 98% in Ae. aegypti, and 97% in Cx. quinquefasciatus in 15 min; and 100% mortality for both Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus at 30 min. In the apartment in Israel, both Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens showed 100% mortality when exposed to the fumigant cartridge for 15 min. Based on these preliminary data, the test formulation (fumigant) could be a valuable tool for controlling mosquitoes.

Anointing Chemicals and Hematophagous Arthropods: Responses by Ticks and Mosquitoes to Citrus (Rutaceae) Peel Exudates and Monoterpene Components

Some birds and mammals roll on or wipe themselves with the fruits or leaves of Citrus spp. or other Rutaceae. These anointing behaviors, as with anointing in general, are thought to function in the topical acquisition of chemicals that deter consumers, including hematophagous arthropods. We measured avoidance and other responses by nymphal lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) and adult female yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) to lemon peel exudate and to 24 volatile monoterpenes (racemates and isomers), including hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, acetates, ketones, and oxides, present in citrus fruits and leaves in order to examine their potential as arthropod deterrents. Ticks allowed to crawl up vertically suspended paper strips onto a chemically treated zone avoided the peel exudate and geraniol, citronellol, citral, carveol, geranyl acetate, α-terpineol, citronellyl acetate, and carvone. Ticks confined in chemically treated paper packets subsequently were impaired in climbing and other behaviors following exposure to the peel exudate and, of the compounds tested, most impaired to carveol. Mosquitoes confined in chambers with chemically treated feeding membranes landed and fed less, and flew more, when exposed to the peel exudate than to controls, and when exposed to aldehydes, oxides, or alcohols versus most hydrocarbons or controls. However, attraction by mosquitoes in an olfactometer was not inhibited by either lemon peel exudate or most of the compounds we tested. Our results support the notion that anointing by vertebrates with citrus-derived chemicals deters ticks. We suggest that some topically applied compounds are converted into more potent arthropod deterrents when oxidized on the integument of anointed animals.

Dengue Infection Increases the Locomotor Activity of Aedes aegypti Females

Background Aedes aegypti is the main vector of the virus causing Dengue fever, a disease that has increased dramatically in importance in recent decades, affecting many tropical and sub-tropical areas of the globe. It is known that viruses and other parasites can potentially alter vector behavior. We investigated whether infection with Dengue virus modifies the behavior of Aedes aegypti females with respect to their activity level.Methods/Principal FindingsWe carried out intrathoracic Dengue 2 virus (DENV-2) infections in Aedes aegypti females and recorded their locomotor activity behavior. We observed an increase of up to ∼50% in the activity of infected mosquitoes compared to the uninfected controls.ConclusionsDengue infection alters mosquito locomotor activity behavior. We speculate that the higher levels of activity observed in infected Aedes aegypti females might involve the circadian clock. Further studies are needed to assess whether this behavioral change could have implications for the dynamics of Dengue virus transmission.

Efeito da qualidade da água no ciclo de vida e na atração para oviposição de Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

The present research aimed at evaluating the influence of the water quality in the life cycle and attraction of Aedes aegypti (L.) females to oviposit using different sources of water (raw sewage, effluent of UASB reactor, effluent of polishing lagoon, effluent of anaerobic filter, rain water and de-chlorinated water). The immature development time and survivorship were evaluated on a daily basis in two distinct feeding systems (with and without food). The quality of the water was shown to affect the egg and larval stages, but not the pupal or the adult. In the absence of food, no development was observed in rain water and de-chlorinated water. Immature development was faster in water sources from raw sewage, although with the lowest survivorship (37.3%). Free-choice tests indicated that females preferred to lay most of their eggs on water collected from the effluent of a UASB reactor, achieving the highest oviposition activity index (OAI) of 0.57. In non-choice tests, females laid larger batches of eggs in water collected from anaerobic filters (204.8 eggs), with the lowest number of eggs being laid on de-chlorinated water (37.3 eggs). It can be concluded that A. aegypti does not demonstrate any particular preference to lay eggs on clean water. This has serious implications for developing strategies to manage populations of this important vector in urban areas as it was shown to lay eggs and successfully develop on several different sources of water.

An improved experimental hut design for the study of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) movement patterns in Thailand

An improved experimental hut design for the study of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) movement patterns in Thailand

Electrophysiology of the isolated and perfused midgut of adult female yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti)

The midgut of adult, female mosquitoes receives the blood meal. Salt and water are rapidly absorbed and secreted by the Malpighian tubules. Later, nutrients are digested and absorbed. Transport in the midgut of adult mosquitoes has never been studied with isolated midguts. Isolated midguts were transferred into a bath with mosquito saline and mounted on perfusion pipettes connected to a syringe pump. The transepithelial voltage (Vte) was measured. Mounting midguts with the posterior end on the pipette allows continuous perfusion, and a small, lumen negative Vte was observed. Addition of theophylline (10 mmol/l, increasing intracellular cAMP concentrations) to the bathing solution resulted in a small, lumen positive Vte. Because a valve is located between midgut and hindgut, the posterior midgut is inflated when the anterior part connects to the perfusion pipette. When inflated with mosquito saline the initial, lumen negative Vte and the lumen positive Vte after addition of theophylline were markedly higher, suggesting that stretch is a stimulator for the ion transport characteristics reflected in Vte. Vte is inhibited with dinitrophenol, indicating that it reflects active ion transport. Financial support by the NIH (1R01AI063463‐01A2) and by a Wagner College Faculty Research Grant is gratefully acknowledged.