Pathogenic fungi infection attributes of malarial vectors Anopheles maculipennis and Anopheles superpictus in central Iran

Abstract

Background Due to the effect of synthetic and commercial insecticides on non-target organisms and the resistance of mosquitoes, non-chemical and environmentally friendly methods have become prevalent in recent years. The present study was to isolate entomopathogenic fungi with toxic effects on mosquitoes in natural larval habitats. Methods Larvae of mosquitoes were collected from Central, Qamsar, Niasar, and Barzok Districts in Kashan County, Central Iran by standard dipping method, from April to late December 2019. Dead larvae, live larvae showing signs of infection, and larvae and pupae with a white coating of fungal mycelium on the outer surface of their bodies were isolated from the rest of the larvae and sterilized with 10% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, then washed twice with distilled water and transferred to potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and water-agar (WA) media and incubated at 25 ± 2 °C for 3–4 days. Larvae and fungi were identified morphologically based on identification keys. Results A total of 9789 larvae were collected from urban and rural areas in Kashan County. Thirteen species were identified which were recognized to belong to three genera, including Anopheles (7.89%), Culiseta (17.42%) and Culex (74.69%). A total of 105 larvae, including Anopheles superpictus sensu lato (s.l), Anopheles maculipennis s.l., Culex deserticola, Culex perexiguus, and Culiseta longiareolata were found to be infected by Nattrassia mangiferae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma spp., and Penicillium spp. Of these, Penicillium spp. was the most abundant fungus isolated and identified from the larval habitats, while An. superpictus s.l. was the most infected mosquito species. Conclusions Based on the observations and results obtained of the study, isolated fungi had the potential efficacy for pathogenicity on mosquito larvae. It is suggested that their effects on mosquito larvae should be investigated in the laboratory. The most important point, however, is the proper way of exploiting these biocontrol agents to maximize their effect on reducing the population of vector mosquito larvae without any negative effect on non-target organisms.

Identification of culturable fungi and bacteria in mosquito saliva and impact on arbovirus infection in vitro

“…In 89% of the possibilities, the Penicillium clade, including the species identified in the mosquito saliva, was related to the previously described mosquito inhabitant Penicillium chrysogenum 31 . In 97% of the possibilities, the Penicillium clade was related to a clade containing Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, which were previously reported in mosquitoes 32 .…”

“…In Iran, Penicillium spp. were found to be the most abundant entomopathogenic fungi isolated and identified from the natural larval habitats of Anopheles mosquitoes 36 . It would therefore be interesting to investigate whether Penicillium crustosum and its mycotoxins have an effect on the life history traits and vector competence of mosquitoes.…”

A review of entomopathogenic fungi as a potential tool for mosquito vector control: A cost‐effective and environmentally friendly approach

“…(Moosa‐Kazemi et al . 2021); Metarhizium robertsii (Noskov et al . 2019); B. bassiana , Isaria farinosa , Isaria flavovirescens , Isaria fumosorosea , and Lecanicillium sp.…”