Implication of the Mosquito Midgut Microbiota in the Defense against Malaria Parasites

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000423
• Publication Date: 2009-05-07T21:55:51Z
• Authors: Yuemei Dong; Fabio Manfredini; George Dimopoulos
• Keywords: Anopheles gambiae; Anopheles stephensi; Plasmodium (life cycle)

Malaria-transmitting mosquitoes are continuously exposed to microbes, including their midgut microbiota. This naturally acquired microbial flora can modulate the mosquito's vectorial capacity by inhibiting development of Plasmodium and other human pathogens through an unknown mechanism. We have undertaken a comprehensive functional genomic approach elucidate molecular interplay between bacterial co-infection malaria parasite falciparum in its natural vector Anopheles gambiae. Global transcription profiling septic aseptic identified significant subset immune genes that were mostly up-regulated flora, several anti-Plasmodium factors. Microbe-free displayed increased susceptibility infection while co-feeding with bacteria P. gametocytes resulted lower than normal levels. Infection analyses suggest bacteria-mediated effect is mediated mosquitoes' antimicrobial responses, plausibly activation basal immunity. show microbiota effects some genes. In sum, plays essential role modulating sustain infection.