Authors

N Riithi²; JP Mooney¹; SE Reece²;  ¹ Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh., UK;  ² Institute of Evolution Ecology, University of Edinburgh, UK

Discussion

Mosquitoes are the most important vectors of infectious disease, transmitting not only malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) but also a variety of lethal pathogens such as Dengue Fever, West Nile virus, Yellow Fever, Zika virus and Chikungunya virus, among others. Mosquito symbionts (microbes) are increasingly being recognised as crucial and influential players in vectorial capacity – a measure of transmission potential. Mosquito gut-microbiota modulate the vector immune system and produce antiparasitic proteins to block Plasmodium transmission. Therefore, the microbial community in the mosquito conveys critical roles in vector development and influences the survival and fecundity of adults. Mosquitoes exhibit a daily rhythm when they forage for blood or sugar, which imposes a rhythm on the diversity and abundance of the microbial community. This, in turn, may generate rhythmicity in the impacts of mosquito immune responses and microbial-produced antiparasitic proteins on Plasmodium transmission. Nevertheless, the potential for microbe-related rhythms to influence parasite development and affect mosquito vectorial capacity remains unknown. Here, I will discuss the experimental approaches needed to address this gap. Since mosquito-biting times of day are changing, understanding how rhythms impact on host-parasite-vector interactions is critical. Demonstrating the impact of microbial rhythms in transmission could inform malaria control and drive novel interventions.