The implications for vector control of the feeding preference of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for different types of human blood and how it affects their fertility

Abstract

The aim of the present was to identify the preferential feeding of Ae. aegypti on human ABO blood groups and their impacts on fecundity. Methods: Laboratory reared female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were exposed to all four blood groups at once in separate membrane feeders. After feeding, DNA of blood in mosquitoes was extracted and identified using ABO genotyping PCR. Fecundity was determined by the mean number of eggs in an egg batch. Results: Among 410 mosquitoes allowed for feeding, 200 individual females were identified as blood fed mosquitoes by amplifying the 334bp fragment in the human DNA detection PCR. In the ABO genotyping PCR, blood groups A (n= 36), B (n=38), AB (n=50) and O (n=61) were detected. Additionally, 15 samples were detected having consumed multiple blood meals. The mean numbers of eggs laid per females were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test with the 0.05 significance level. There was no significant difference in fecundity for different blood groups. Conclusion:The discovery of the underlying mechanism responsible for the preference of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes for blood group O has resulted in the development of a novel trap that attracts adult mosquitoes. This trap shows promise in combating the growing problem of pesticide resistance. Recent research has shown that persons with blood type O are more susceptible to contracting vector-borne illnesses transmitted by the Ae. aegypti mosquito.