The mosquito microbiota influences vector competence for human pathogens

Curr Opin Insect Sci. 2014 Sep 1:3:6-13. doi: 10.1016/j.cois.2014.07.004.

Abstract

The midgut of insect vectors of human disease contains not only pathogens harmful to human health, but also a diverse microbiota. This microbiota can influence insects' susceptibility to human pathogens, and the capacity to transmit them, through different mechanisms. Understanding the interaction between the vector, its microbiota and transmitted pathogens will provide novel opportunities to limit disease transmission.

Keywords: Aedes; Anopheles; Mosquito; Plasmodium; dengue; innate immunity; microbiota.