Avian Plasmodium in invasive and native mosquitoes from southern Spain
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Published:2024-01-29
Issue:1
Volume:17
Page:
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ISSN:1756-3305
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Container-title:Parasites & Vectors
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Parasites Vectors
Author:
Garrigós Marta,Veiga Jesús,Garrido Mario,Marín Clotilde,Recuero Jesús,Rosales María José,Morales-Yuste Manuel,Martínez-de la Puente Josué
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The emergence of diseases of public health concern is enhanced by factors associated with global change, such as the introduction of invasive species. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), considered a competent vector of different viruses and parasites, has been successfully introduced into Europe in recent decades. Molecular screening of parasites in mosquitoes (i.e. molecular xenomonitoring) is essential to understand the potential role of different native and invasive mosquito species in the local circulation of vector-borne parasites affecting both humans and wildlife.
Methods
The presence of avian Plasmodium parasites was molecularly tested in mosquitoes trapped in five localities with different environmental characteristics in southern Spain from May to November 2022. The species analyzed included the native Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata and the invasive Ae. albopictus.
Results
Avian Plasmodium DNA was only found in Cx. pipiens with 31 positive out of 165 mosquito pools tested. None of the Ae. albopictus or Cs. longiareolata pools were positive for avian malaria parasites. Overall, eight Plasmodium lineages were identified, including a new lineage described here. No significant differences in parasite prevalence were found between localities or sampling sessions.
Conclusions
Unlike the invasive Ae. albopictus, Cx. pipiens plays a key role in the transmission of avian Plasmodium in southern Spain. However, due to the recent establishment of Ae. albopictus in the area, further research on the role of this species in the local transmission of vector-borne pathogens with different reservoirs is required.
Graphical Abstract
Funder
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
Ministerio de Universidades
Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación, Junta de Andalucía
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Parasitology,General Veterinary
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