Mechanisms of Plasmodium-Enhanced Attraction of Mosquito Vectors

Abstract

Evidence is accumulating that Plasmodium-infected vertebrates are more attractive to mosquitoes than noninfected hosts, particularly when high levels of gametocytes are present. Changes in host odour have been suggested as a likely target for parasite manipulation because olfactory cues are crucial to mosquitoes in search of a bloodmeal host. This review discusses two routes that may lead to such changes: (i) direct emission of volatile products from malaria parasites, and (ii) changes in skin microbial composition that could lead to changes in the vertebrate odour profile. Here we synthesize what is known and suggest how further research can increase our understanding of the mechanisms of parasite manipulation of host attractiveness.

Keywords: Anopheles; Plasmodium; host-seeking; skin microbiome; volatiles.