title: Anopheline Reproductive Biology: Impacts on Vectorial Capacity and Potential Avenues for Malaria Control.
abstract: Vectorial capacity is a mathematical approximation of the efficiency of vector-borne disease transmission, measured as the number of new infections disseminated per case per day by an insect vector. Multiple elements of mosquito biology govern their vectorial capacity, including survival, population densities, feeding preferences, and vector competence. Intriguingly, biological pathways essential to mosquito reproductive fitness directly or indirectly influence a number of these elements. Here, we explore this complex interaction, focusing on how the interplay between mating and blood feeding in femaleAnophelesnot only shapes their reproductive success but also influences their ability to sustainPlasmodiumparasite development. Central to malaria transmission, mosquito reproductive biology has recently become the focus of research strategies aimed at malaria control, and we discuss promising new methods based on the manipulation of key reproductive steps. In light of widespread resistance to all public health-approved insecticides targeting mosquito reproduction may prove crucial to the success of malaria-eradication campaigns.
authors.affiliation: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors.forename: Sara N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.affiliation: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors.forename: Flaminia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Catteruccia
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors; D007306:Insecticides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008288:Malaria / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D009032:Mosquito Control; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides