A standardised low-cost membrane blood-feeder for Aedes aegypti made using common laboratory materials

Use of Synthetic Membranes and Bovine Blood in Artificial Feeding Systems of Mosquitoes Improves Feeding Rates: Results from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Artificial blood feeding of mosquitoes is essential for their rearing in insectaries as well as for mosquito-borne pathogen transmission experiments. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the different artificial feeding systems available for mosquitoes to synthesize evidence regarding their efficacy in terms of feeding rates and fecundity. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to retrieve 1,822 experimental studies assessing the efficacy of artificial feeding systems. After assessing eligibility and risk of bias, 25 studies were included in the final analysis. Studies were reviewed and meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model. The primary outcomes were feeding rates and fecundity of mosquitoes belonging to genera Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles for the different systems. Subgroup analyses with respect to membrane, blood source, and mosquito genera were conducted. Sensitivity analysis was done to assess heterogeneity. The overall pooled estimate of feeding rate of mosquitoes and the average number of eggs laid per female mosquito using artificial blood-feeding systems were 72% (66-77%) and 71.9 (56.68-87.12), respectively. Results from this systematic review are suggestive of the advantages of novel techniques, such as Digital Thermo Mosquito Blood Feeder and 3D-printed feeders. The study provides evidence for improved feeding rates of mosquitoes in systems using bovine blood and synthetic membranes such as latex.

Artificial Feeding Systems for Vector-Borne Disease Studies

This review examines the advancements and methodologies of artificial feeding systems for the study of vector-borne diseases, offering a critical assessment of their development, advantages, and limitations relative to traditional live host models. It underscores the ethical considerations and practical benefits of such systems, including minimizing the use of live animals and enhancing experimental consistency. Various artificial feeding techniques are detailed, including membrane feeding, capillary feeding, and the utilization of engineered biocompatible materials, with their respective applications, efficacy, and the challenges encountered with their use also being outlined. This review also forecasts the integration of cutting-edge technologies like biomimicry, microfluidics, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence to refine and expand the capabilities of artificial feeding systems. These innovations aim to more accurately simulate natural feeding conditions, thereby improving the reliability of studies on the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. This comprehensive review serves as a foundational reference for researchers in the field, proposing a forward-looking perspective on the potential of artificial feeding systems to revolutionize vector-borne disease research.

A scoping review on the use of different blood sources and components in the artificial membrane feeding system and its effects on blood-feeding and fecundity rate of Aedes aegypti

In some laboratories, mosquitoes' direct blood-feeding on live animals has been replaced with various membrane blood-feeding systems. The selection of blood meal sources used in membrane feeding is crucial in vector mass rearing as it influences the mosquitoes' development and reproductive fitness. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the use of different blood sources and components in artificial membrane feeding systems and their effects on blood-feeding and the fecundity rate of Ae. aegypti. A literature review search was conducted by using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-ScR). The EndNote version 20 software was used to import all searched articles. Relevant information was retrieved for analysis into a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. A total of 104 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility criteria, whereby the articles should include the comparison between different types of blood source by using the membrane feeding systems. Only 16 articles were finally included in the analysis. Several studies had reported that human blood was superior in blood-feeding Ae. aegypti as compared to sheep blood which resulted in lower fecundity due to accumulation of free fatty acids (FFA) in the cuticles. In contrast, cattle whole blood and pig whole blood showed no significant differences in the blood-feeding and fecundity rate as compared to human blood. This review also indicated that bovine whole blood and pig whole blood enhanced Ae. aegypti's vitellogenesis and egg production as compared to plasma and blood cells. In addition, human blood of up to 10 days after the expiration date could still be used to establish Ae. aegypti colonies with good blood-feeding rates and number of eggs produced. Thus, future studies must consider the importance of selecting suitable blood sources and components for membrane blood feeding especially in mosquito colonisation and control measure studies.

Measuring Host Fitness Effects and Transmission of Wolbachia Strains in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

Lines of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with heritable Wolbachia bacteria are being developed and released for arbovirus control. Coordinated releases of lab-reared Wolbachia mosquitoes have reduced local disease incidence by spreading virus-blocking Wolbachia strains and by crashing mosquito populations through incompatible male releases. The phenotypic effects of Wolbachia are diverse and depend on both genetics and the environment. Accurate assessments of Wolbachia effects in mosquitoes are essential, as such effects can make the difference between success and failure of a Wolbachia release program. This chapter provides guidelines for testing key Wolbachia host effects and transmission in Aedes aegypti: the most important arbovirus vector and the most common target of Wolbachia release programs. The protocols should be useful for evaluating mosquito strains prior to field release.