Insects (Sep 2024)

Mosquito Feeding Habits in Coastal French Guiana: Mammals in the Crosshairs?

  • Amandine Guidez,
  • Sourakhata Tirera,
  • Stanislas Talaga,
  • Guillaume Lacour,
  • Romuald Carinci,
  • Edith Darcissac,
  • Damien Donato,
  • Pascal Gaborit,
  • Emmanuelle Clervil,
  • Yanouk Epelboin,
  • Benoit de Thoisy,
  • Isabelle Dusfour,
  • Jean-Bernard Duchemin,
  • Anne Lavergne

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090718
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 9
p. 718

Abstract

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Pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) in sylvatic or urban cycles involve wild or domestic animals and humans, driven by various mosquito species with distinct host preferences. Understanding mosquito–host associations is crucial for ecological insights and pathogen surveillance. In this study, we analyzed mosquito blood meals from coastal French Guiana by amplifying and sequencing host DNA from blood-fed females. Using the 12S ribosomal RNA gene and Sanger sequencing, we identified blood meals from 26 mosquito species across six genera, with 59% belonging to the Culex genus. Nanopore sequencing of selected samples showed 12 mosquito species with one to three mixed blood-meal sources. Mammals were the primary hosts (88%), followed by birds (7%), squamates (3%), and amphibians (2%), indicating a strong preference for mammalian hosts. A total of 46 vertebrate host species were identified, demonstrating high host diversity. This research provides insights into mosquito host usage and highlights the complexities of monitoring arboviruses of public health concern.

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