The analysis — led by the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research — confirmed that the Aedes aegypti species of mosquito, an arbovirus vector, had enhanced immunity within the intestine after feeding on sugar, which in flip protected females of the species towards viral an infection.
‘Lack of sugar intake can increase the spread of mosquito-borne arboviral disease. Better understanding can lead to the development and application of vector control strategies such as sugar baits, aimed at reducing arbovirus transmission.’
“This study is important because we’ve been able to show that sugar feeding by these mosquitos blocks an initial infection of an arbovirus and lowers infection prevalence and intensity, thereby decreasing the potential of female mosquitoes to transmit these viruses further,” stated Dr Emilie Pondeville, Molecular Entomologist on the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research.
“Overall, our findings uncover a crucial role of sugar feeding in mosquito antiviral immunity, which in turn decreases the potential for spread of these arboviruses, which pose a significant threat to people,” Pondeville stated.
Male and feminine grownup mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and sap to get carbohydrates for his or her vitality reserves. In addition, mosquito females require a blood meal to breed.
For this purpose they’ll act as vectors of quite a few pathogens, such because the arboviruses like Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses, which represent a considerable worldwide public well being burden. However, the affect of sugar on mosquito immunity and their skill to transmit viruses has not been explored till now.
Since Aedes aegypti feminine mosquitoes nearly completely feed on blood in some pure settings, the findings counsel {that a} lack of sugar consumption may enhance the unfold of mosquito-borne arboviral illnesses; and highlights a potential rationalization for top susceptibility and transmission of arboviruses by this mosquito species.
Source: IANS
