Identifying the vertebrate hosts, genetic diversity, and symbiont prevalence of medically important mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in arbovirus hotspots in Thailand

Mosquito-borne pathogens are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This disease burden can be lessened through controlling the pathogen carriers – invertebrate vectors. A promising avenue for this is the use of intracellular symbionts, which can reduce vector abundance as well as their ability to transmit pathogens. However, successful vector control hinges on knowing local vector ecology. The aim of this project is to better understand the interactions between the environment, vector genetics, vertebrate hosts and symbiont prevalence in arbovirus hotspots in Thailand. For this, mosquito adults and larvae will be collected, identified to species or lineage level and screened for Wolbachia symbionts as well as for three locally-prevalent vector-borne viruses. Additionally, engorged mosquitoes will be used to identify the most common vertebrate hosts and to evaluate pathogen-specific host antibody analysis. This will help create a stronger base for future vector control.