Mosquito larvae grow faster if exposed to certain bacteria, according to a new study that could help global health programs.
Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes transmit diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and Zika.
Disease programs breed and release non-biting male mosquitoes that are sterile or prevent disease transmission.
These mass release programs can be substantially more effective than widespread insecticide spraying, as these insects have developed resistance to many commonly used chemicals.
The new study, carried out by the universities of Exeter and Wageningen, examined how Asaia Bacteria affect the development of mosquito larvae.
The results show that Asaia accelerated development time by one day, which could boost mass breeding programs that need to produce millions of adults.
“We know that all species, including humans, rely on a ‘microbiome’, a complex mix of microorganisms that live inside the body,” said Professor Ben Raymond, from the Center for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus. in Cornwall. .
“Asaia It has been suggested that bacteria are beneficial parts of mosquito microbiomes, but this has never been rigorously tested in Aedes aegypti.
“We know that the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito cannot develop without a microbiome, and our study shows two Asaia “Species can play a beneficial role.”
The larval period of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes typically last about 10 days, so speeding up one day could be a valuable boost to mass production.
In the studio, Asaia Bacteria were added to the water where the mosquito larvae developed.
Two species in particular accelerated larval development.
The mechanism for this is unclear, but it does not appear that these bacteria provide direct nutritional benefits.
Instead, they changed the broader bacterial community, reducing the abundance of certain bacteria, including some species that may be slightly parasitic.
Asaia Bacteria also remove oxygen, creating conditions that produce hormones to promote development.