Vector competence of Aedes mosquitoes for arboviruses mediated by microorganisms: a study of vector biology and its influence on the occurrence of epidemics.

• Grant number: 24/17766-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Maurício Lacerda Nogueira
• Grantee: Maisa Carla Pereira Parra
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/02259-6 - Vector competence of Aedes mosquitoes for arboviruses mediated by microorganisms: a study of vector biology and its influence on the occurrence of epidemics., AP.R

Abstract

The vector competence in Aedes mosquitoes by the arboviruses transmission can be modulated by different intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors to the vector. The presence of different microorganisms, how bacteria, fungi or viruses, in the different phases of the vector's life, act directly in modulating the vector competence of this individual. Therefore, the aim this study will be evaluating the influence of different microorganisms, bacteria, fungi and/or viruses, on Aedes mosquitoes under vector competence for the transmission of arboviruses and the consequence of this phenomenon on the occurrence of epidemics in the municipality of São José do Rio Preto (SJRP), São Paulo, Brazil, we selected a Postdoctoral candidate who will work on planning and organizing periodic collections of culicidae, both eggs and adults, in pre-selected points of SJRP. Using specific taxonomic keys, the adult specimens collected will be identified to species, and screened for the presence of arboviruses. During the study, the postdoctoral candidate will maintain colonies of Aedes mosquitoes in an appropriate insectarium. These colonies will come from eggs collected in the field and will be used to develop the methodologies proposed here. Using a methodology described in the literature, and standardized for the reality of SJRP, the post-doctoral candidate will carry out molecular tests to identify the circulation of arboviruses in mosquito vectors; will carry out appropriate methodology to identify the intestinal microbiota of Aedes mosquitoes collected in the field and/or maintained in colonies in the insectarium; as well as, it will work on identifying specimens naturally infected with Insect-Specifics-Virus (ISV) correlating them with the occurrence of arbovirus epidemics in the municipality; as well as carrying out infection tests for ISV and arboviruses of medical importance to evaluate the modulation of vector competence in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from SJRP. Thematic maps will be created to visualize areas at increased risk for the transmission of arboviruses in the municipality. We hope that by responding to the objectives proposed, on issues pertinent to the vector competence of Ae. aegypti, the main vector for arboviruses in Brazil, we can elucidate which mechanisms are capable of reducing the spread of arboviruses in hyperendemic locations and which are viable for actions to prevent and control arboviruses not only in SJRP, but which can be extrapolated to the state level and national.