Culex pipiens forms and urbanization: effects on blood feeding sources and transmission of avian Plasmodium. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martínez-de la Puente, Josué; Ferraguti, Martina; Ruiz, Santiago; Roiz, David; Soriguer, Ramón; Figuerola, Jordi
• Is Part Of: Malaria journal. Volume 15:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Avian malaria -- Birds -- Diseases -- Haemoproteus -- Humans -- Mosquitoes -- Pathogens -- Vector-borne diseases -- Wildlife; Malaria -- Periodicals; 616.9362
• DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1643-5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1475-2875

Abstract

Abstract Background The wide spread mosquitoCulex pipiens pipiens have two formsmolestus andpipiens which frequently hybridize. The two forms have behavioural and physiological differences affecting habitat requirements and host selection, which may affect the transmission dynamic ofCx. p. pipiens -borne diseases. Methods During 2013, blood engorgedCx. p. pipiens mosquitoes were captured in urban, rural and natural areas from Southern Spain. In 120 mosquitoes, we identified the blood meal origin at vertebrate species/genus level and the mosquito form. The presence and molecular lineage identity of avian malaria parasites in the head-thorax of each mosquito was also analysed. Results Mosquitoes of the formpipiens were more frequently found in natural than in urban areas. The proportion ofCx. pipiens formmolestus and hybrids of the two forms did not differ between habitat categories. Any significant difference in the proportion of blood meals on birds between forms was found. Birds were the most common feeding source for the two forms and their hybrids. Among mammals, dogs and humans were the most common hosts. TwoPlasmodium and oneHaemoproteus lineages were found in mosquitoes, with non-significant differences between forms. Conclusion This study supports a differential distribution ofCx. p. pipiens formpipiens between urban and natural areas. Probably due to the similar feeding sources of both mosquito forms and their hybrids here, all of them may frequently interact with avian malaria parasites playing a role in the transmission ofPlasmodium .