A comprehensive new study into the feeding patterns of tiger mosquitoes in Europe

This study, recently published in the international journal Insects, conducted by researchers from the University of Granada, Doñana Biological Station, and the Center for Biomedical Research Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP).

Researchers from the University of Granada (UGR), Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), and the Biomedical Research Network Center for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) have conducted the most comprehensive study to date. this on tiger eating patterns. mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and other similar invasive species in Europe. The results of the study were recently published in the international journal Insects.

This research, which reviews all previously published studies on this topic, shows that these species of mosquitoes eat different groups of vertebrates, especially mammals, and people are also common hosts. Not surprisingly, human blood represents 93% of the blood diet of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for yellow fever.

Mosquitoes are one of the main groups of vector insects – that is, insects that are involved in the spread of major pathogens that adversely affect humans, livestock and wildlife. Like other animal groups, different species of invasive mosquitoes are established in areas outside their original range. This is true with different species of mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, which are particularly important from a public health perspective, due to their ability to transmit pathogens that cause serious diseases.

“Thus, the appearance of these species can alter the local epidemiology of many pathogens in invasive areas, including pathogens that circulate naturally in the environment, or pathogens that have been enters, “explains one of the authors of the work, Josué Martínez de la Puente, a researcher at the Department of Parasitology UGR.

To date, four invasive species of the genus Aedes have established populations in Europe, which include relevant vector species such as the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus.

Blood food

To complete their life cycle and develop their eggs, female mosquitoes need to take blood food from different vertebra hosts. In addition to causing discomfort, the bites they cause can transmit various pathogens. “Thus, this blood-feeding behavior represents a fundamental feature, and its appropriateness needs to be studied to understand the epidemiology of various diseases. In this review article, we examine the nutritional patterns of these four aggressive mosquitoes of the genus Aedes in Europe., “explains Martínez de la Puente.

The results show that these species of mosquitoes eat different groups of vertebrates, especially mammals. Humans are common hosts for these mosquitoes, representing 93% of the blood food of the genus Aedes aegypti. In addition, mosquitoes are able to feed the blood of other groups of vertebrates, including birds and even ectothermic animals (those whose body temperature varies with the body’s temperature). her environment).

Because they are capable of transmitting various pathogens and their nutritional levels in humans, invasive mosquito species of the genus Aedes may have a significant impact on the spread of these pathogens in urban and periurban areas, the authors conclude.