Microbiomes of insect vectors
Interactions between hosts and microorganisms are a ubiquitous principle in nature, capable of modulating animal physiology, fitness, protection against infections and host behavior. Whole-genome sequencing and recent advances in computational analyses have made it possible to depict microbial diversity and abundance in insect hosts. We are studying the microbial communities associated with both biological and mechanical vectors. As insects are major agents of infectious diseases, they often inhabit densely populated areas where their propagation is increased. Although national vector control agencies focus on the surveillance of biological vectors, the mechanical vectors themselves are largely understudied.
Blowflies and houseflies are widespread mechanical vectors inhabiting urban environments around the world. We have recently detected the presence of many human pathogens such as the causative agent of gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori, being transported by flies. Our metagenomic sequencing approach allows us to use flies as biological drones to surveil densely populated areas, informing public health programs and thus helping prevention of pathogen transmission mediated by these mechanical vectors.
Likewise, microbiomes of mosquitoes are being extensively studied due to its association with the increase or decrease of vector competence in transmitting dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses to human hosts. We are particularly interested in working with the functional interface of host-microbe interactions by analyzing the microbiome of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Switches in microbial communities could lead us to a set of naturally-occurring microbes that respond to metabolic pathways that could help us to assemble a microbiome-based strategy to control this important biological vector of diseases.
Anaysis and further testing
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A positive result
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