Sare, I., Baldini, F. , Viana, M. , Badolo, A., Djigma, F., Diabate, A. and Bilgo, E. (2023) Adhesion and virulence properties of native Metarhizium fungal strains from Burkina Faso for the control of malaria vectors. Parasites and Vectors, 16, 406. (doi: 10.1186/s13071-023-05831-z)
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Abstract
Background: Local strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense in Burkina Faso have demonstrated remarkable virulence against malaria vectors, positioning them as promising candidates for inclusion in the future arsenal of malaria control strategies. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this virulence remain unknown. To comprehend the fungal infection process, it is crucial to investigate the attachment mechanisms of fungal spores to the mosquito cuticle and explore the relationship between virulence and attachment kinetics. This study aims to assess the adhesion and virulence properties of native Metarhizium fungal strains from Burkina Faso for controlling malaria vectors. Methods: Fungal strains were isolated from 201 insects and 1399 rhizosphere samples, and four strains of Metarhizium fungi were selected. Fungal suspensions were used to infect 3-day-old female Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes at three different concentrations (106, 107, 108 conidia/ml). The survival of the mosquitoes was measured over 14 days, and fungal growth was quantified after 1 and 24 h to assess adhesion of the fungal strains onto the mosquito cuticle. Results: All four fungi strains increased mosquito mortality compared to control (P<2.2–16). Adhesion of the fungal strains was observed on the mosquito cuticle after 24 h at high concentrations (1× 108 conidia/ml), with one strain, having the highest virulent, showing adhesion after just 1 h. Conclusion: The native strains of Metarhizium spp. fungi found in Burkina Faso have the potential to be effective biocontrol agents against malaria vectors, with some strains showing high levels of both virulence and adhesion to the mosquito cuticle.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This work was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (using the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Funding) and Wellcome Trust (Grant reference no. 218771/Z/19/Z) under the NIHR-Wellcome Partnership for Global Health Research. Preliminary field activities were supported by the Open Philanthropy grant. FB is supported by the Academy Medical Sciences Springboard Award (reference no. SBF007\100094). MV is supported by the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (grant agreement no. 852957) |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Viana, Dr Mafalda and Bilgo, Dr Etienne and Baldini, Dr Francesco |
| Authors: | Sare, I., Baldini, F., Viana, M., Badolo, A., Djigma, F., Diabate, A., and Bilgo, E. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity |
| Journal Name: | Parasites and Vectors |
| Publisher: | BioMed Central |
| ISSN: | 1756-3305 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1756-3305 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2023 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Parasites and Vectors 16: 406 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence |
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