A5035119770- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Malaria Research and Control
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Insect Pest Control Strategies
- Vector-borne infectious diseases
- Plant Virus Research Studies
- Insect Utilization and Effects
- HIV Research and Treatment
- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- Insect Resistance and Genetics
Rega Institute for Medical Research
2022-2024
KU Leuven
2022-2024
Ifakara Health Institute
2023
University of London
2023
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
2023
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) are emerging arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) in Europe transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. In Belgium, it is currently unknown which species competent vectors for WNV or USUV if these mosquitoes carry Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium that can block arbovirus transmission. The aims of our study were to measure the vector competence Belgian determine a naturally acquired Wolbachia infection influence transmission.Female captured from urban...
Spatial repellents that create airborne concentrations of an active ingredient (AI) within a space offer scalable solution to further reduce transmission malaria, by disrupting mosquito behaviours in ways ultimately lead reduced human-vector contact. Passive emanator spatial can protect multiple people the treated and last for weeks without need daily user touchpoints, making them less intrusive interventions. They may be particularly advantageous certain use cases where implementation core...
Pyriproxyfen (PPF) is an insect growth regulator used in the co-treatment of long-lasting insecticidal nets for its ability to sterilize female mosquitoes. To evaluate efficacy PPF-treated on mosquito reproductivity, most studies observe oviposition (egg-laying) rates laboratory. This technique has several technical disadvantages. Our study assessed if ovarial dissection could serve as effective proxy evaluating sterility Anopheles gambiae Blood-fed females were exposed untreated or cylinder...
In arthropod-associated microbial communities, insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are prevalent yet understudied due to limited infectivity outside their natural hosts. However, ISVs might play a crucial role in regulating mosquito populations and influencing arthropod-borne virus transmission. Some studies have indicated core virome mosquitoes consisting of mostly ISVs. Employing single metagenomics, we comprehensively profiled the native invasive species Belgium. This approach allowed for...
Abstract Usutu virus is an emerging pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes. Culex modestus mosquitoes are widespread in Europe, but their role disease transmission poorly understood. Recent data from a single infectious mosquito suggested that could be unrecognized vector for virus. In this study, our aim was to corroborate finding using larger sample size. We collected immature reedbed pond Flemish Brabant, Belgium, and reared them the laboratory until third generation. Adult females were then...
Abstract The emergence of West Nile virus and Usutu in Europe poses a significant risk to public health. In the absence efficient antiviral therapy or vaccine candidates, only strategy control these arboviruses is target Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito vector. However, selection pressure caused by exposure insecticides for vector agricultural pest can lead insecticide resistance, thereby reducing efficacy insecticide-based interventions. mosquitoes, two most common amino acid...
Abstract Background West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) are emerging arboviruses in Europe transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. In Belgium, it is currently unknown which species competent vectors for WNV or USUV if these mosquitoes carry Wolbachia , an endosymbiotic bacterium that can block arbovirus transmission. The aims of our study were to measure the vector competence Belgian determine a naturally acquired infection influence Methodology/Principal Findings We captured 876 non-engorged...
ABSTRACT Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can transmit several arboviruses, including chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue (DENV), and Zika (ZIKV). When blood-feeding on a virus-infected human, the mosquito ingests into midgut (stomach), where it replicates must overcome barrier to disseminate other organs ultimately be transmitted via saliva. Current tools study mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) include 2D-cell culture systems in vivo infection models, which offer great advantages, yet have some...
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. While there are no antiviral therapies currently available to treat CHIKV infections, several licensed oral drugs have shown significant anti-CHIKV activity in cells and mouse models. However, the efficacy mosquitoes has not yet been assessed. Such cross-species could be favorable, since inhibition mosquito vector might prevent further transmission vertebrate hosts. Here, we explored effect of...
Dengue virus (DENV) is the most widespread mosquito-borne worldwide, but no antiviral therapies are available yet. The pan-serotype DENV inhibitor JNJ-A07 has shown potent activity in a mouse model. It remains unknown whether an drug ingested by mosquitoes could inhibit replication and thus reduce transmission to other hosts. Here, we investigated of when administered blood meal Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. blocked DENV-2 both pre-exposure post-exposure settings. In addition, remained mosquito...
Abstract Mosquito saliva was shown to play a key role in arbovirus transmission and pathogenesis. In this study, we explored the presence of microbiota mosquito their effect on mosquito-borne virus infection vitro . Culturable fungal bacterial colonies were isolated identified from harvested Aedes aegypti (lab strain) Culex pipiens (field-collected mosquitoes). For first time, species Penicillium crustosum mosquitoes. bacteria detected included Serratia marcescens, nematodiphila ,...
Abstract In arthropod-associated microbial communities, insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are prevalent yet understudied due to limited infectivity outside their natural hosts. However, ISVs might play a crucial role in regulating mosquito populations and influencing arthropod-borne virus transmission. Some studies have indicated core virome mosquitoes consisting of mostly ISVs. Employing single metagenomics, we comprehensively profiled the native invasive species Belgium. This approach allowed...
Abstract The emergence of West Nile virus and Usutu in Europe poses a significant risk to public health. In the absence efficient antiviral therapy or vaccine candidates, only strategy control these arboviruses is target Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito vector. However, selection pressure caused by exposure insecticides for vector agricultural pest can lead insecticide resistance, thereby reducing efficacy insecticide-based interventions. mosquitoes, two most common amino acid...
Abstract Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can transmit several arboviruses, including chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue (DENV), and Zika (ZIKV). When blood-feeding on a virus-infected human, the mosquito ingests into midgut (stomach), where it replicates must overcome barrier to disseminate other organs ultimately be transmitted via saliva. Current tools study mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) include 2D-cell culture systems in vivo infection models, which offer great advantages, yet have some...