Molecular Ecology (2016) 25, 5806-5826
From Pestinfo-Wiki
 | Selected publication you are invited to contribute to the discussion section (above tab) |
Mosquitoes host communities of bacteria that are essential for development but vary greatly between local habitats
Molecular Ecology 25 (22), 5806-5826
Abstract: Mosquitoes are insects of interest because several species vector disease-causing pathogens to humans and other vertebrates. We previously reported that mosquitoes from long-term laboratory cultures require living bacteria in their gut to develop, but development does not depend on particular species of bacteria. Here, we focused on three distinct but interrelated areas of study to better understand the role of bacteria in mosquito development by studying field and laboratory populations of Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus from the southeastern United States. Sequence analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons showed that bacterial community composition differed substantially in larvae from different collection sites, whereas larvae from the same site shared similarities. Although previously unknown to be infected by Wolbachia, results also indicated that Ae. aegypti from one field site hosted a dual infection. Regardless of collection site or factors like Wolbachia infection, however, each mosquito species required living bacteria in their digestive tract to develop. Results also identified several concerns in using antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial community in larvae in order to study its developmental consequences. Altogether, our results indicate that several mosquito species require living bacteria for development. We also hypothesize these species do not rely on particular bacteria because larvae do not reliably encounter the same bacteria in the aquatic habitats they develop in.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Mark R. Brown, Michael R. Strand
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
environment - cropping system/rotation
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culex quinquefasciatus | U.S.A. (SE) | |||
| Aedes albopictus | U.S.A. (SE) | |||
| Aedes aegypti | U.S.A. (SE) | |||
| Wolbachia (genus - entomopathogens) | Culex quinquefasciatus | |||
| Wolbachia (genus - entomopathogens) | Aedes albopictus | |||
| Wolbachia (genus - entomopathogens) | Aedes aegypti |
