Characterization of the microbiome of Aedes albopictus populations in Spain and Sao Tome: implications for vector control.
The study aimed to investigate the microbiome composition of Aedes albopictus populations from diverse geographic regions, specifically Spain and Sao Tome. By employing advanced sequencing techniques, the research shed light on the microbial communities inhabiting these invasive mosquito populations. Notably, the study's primary focus was on Wolbachia, a bacterium with significant implications for vector competence. The findings of this study revealed the dominance of Wolbachia within the microbiome of Aedes albopictus, with implications for its potential impact on vector competence. Moreover, the identification of previously unreported genera in Aedes mosquitoes, such as Pelomonas and Nevskia, adds novel insights to the field of vector biology. Ultimately, the research's significance lies in its contribution to understanding the intricate interactions between mosquitoes, their microbiota, and Wolbachia strains, providing a foundation for the development of tailored mosquito control strategies in different geographic regions to mitigate the risk of arboviral transmission.