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Pramasivan S, Ngui R, Jeyaprakasam NK, Low VL, Liew JWK, Vythilingam I. Spatial analyses of Plasmodium knowlesi vectors with reference to control interventions in Malaysia. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:355. [PMID: 37814287 PMCID: PMC10563288 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05984-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria parasites such as Plasmodium knowlesi, P. inui, and P. cynomolgi are spread from macaques to humans through the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes. It is crucial to know the distribution of these vectors to implement effective control measures for malaria elimination. Plasmodium knowlesi is the most predominant zoonotic malaria parasite infecting humans in Malaysia. METHODS Vector data from various sources were used to create distribution maps from 1957 to 2021. A predictive statistical model utilizing logistic regression was developed using significant environmental factors. Interpolation maps were created using the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method and overlaid with the corresponding environmental variables. RESULTS Based on the IDW analysis, high vector abundances were found in the southwestern part of Sarawak, the northern region of Pahang and the northwestern part of Sabah. However, most parts of Johor, Sabah, Perlis, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu had low vector abundance. The accuracy test indicated that the model predicted sampling and non-sampling areas with 75.3% overall accuracy. The selected environmental variables were entered into the regression model based on their significant values. In addition to the presence of water bodies, elevation, temperature, forest loss and forest cover were included in the final model since these were significantly correlated. Anopheles mosquitoes were mainly distributed in Peninsular Malaysia (Titiwangsa range, central and northern parts), Sabah (Kudat, West Coast, Interior and Tawau division) and Sarawak (Kapit, Miri, and Limbang). The predicted Anopheles mosquito density was lower in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, the Sandakan Division of Sabah and the western region of Sarawak. CONCLUSION The study offers insight into the distribution of the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes in Malaysia. Additionally, the accompanying predictive vector map correlates well with cases of P. knowlesi malaria. This research is crucial in informing and supporting future efforts by healthcare professionals to develop effective malaria control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandthya Pramasivan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of ParaClinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Nantha Kumar Jeyaprakasam
- Biomedical Science Program, Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Jeyaprakasam NK, Low VL, Pramasivan S, Liew JWK, Wan-Sulaiman WY, Vythilingam I. High transmission efficiency of the simian malaria vectors and population expansion of their parasites Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium inui. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011438. [PMID: 37384790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The elimination of malaria in Southeast Asia has become more challenging as a result of rising knowlesi malaria cases. In addition, naturally occurring human infections with other zoonotic simian malaria caused by Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium inui adds another level of complexity in malaria elimination in this region. Unfortunately, data on vectors which are responsible for transmitting this zoonotic disease is very limited. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We conducted longitudinal studies to investigate the entomological parameters of the simian malaria vectors and to examine the genetic diversity and evolutionary pattern of their simian Plasmodium. All the captured Anopheles mosquitoes were dissected to examine for the presence of oocysts, sporozoites and to determine the parous rate. Our study revealed that the Anopheles Leucosphyrus Group mosquitoes are highly potential competent vectors, as evidenced by their high rate of parity, survival and sporozoite infections in these mosquitoes. Thus, these mosquitoes represent a risk of human infection with zoonotic simian malaria in this region. Haplotype analysis on P. cynomolgi and P. inui, found in high prevalence in the Anopheles mosquitoes from this study, had shown close relationship between simian Plasmodium from the Anopheles mosquitoes with its vertebrate hosts. This directly signifies the ongoing transmission between the vector, macaques, and humans. Furthermore, population genetic analysis showed significant negative values which suggest that both Plasmodium species are undergoing population expansion. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE With constant microevolutionary processes, there are potential for both P. inui and P. cynomolgi to emerge and spread as a major public health problem, following the similar trend of P. knowlesi. Therefore, concerted vector studies in other parts of Southeast Asia are warranted to better comprehend the transmission dynamics of this zoonotic simian malaria which eventually would aid in the implementation of effective control measures in a rapidly changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nantha Kumar Jeyaprakasam
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Science Program, Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sandthya Pramasivan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Indra Vythilingam
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Pramasivan S, Low VL, Jeyaprakasam NK, Liew JWK, Ngui R, Vythilingam I. Cryptic Diversity and Demographic Expansion of Plasmodium knowlesi Malaria Vectors in Malaysia. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1369. [PMID: 37510274 PMCID: PMC10378955 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Malaysia is considered free of human malaria, there has been a growing number of Plasmodium knowlesi cases. This alarming trend highlighted the need for our understanding of this parasite and its associated vectors, especially considering the role of genetic diversity in the adaptation and evolution among vectors in endemic areas, which is currently a significant knowledge gap in their fundamental biology. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Anopheles balabacensis, Anopheles cracens, Anopheles introlatus, and Anopheles latens-the vectors for P. knowlesi malaria in Malaysia. Based on cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) markers, the genealogic networks of An. latens showed a separation of the haplotypes between Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysia Borneo, forming two distinct clusters. Additionally, the genetic distances between these clusters were high (2.3-5.2% for CO1) and (2.3-4.7% for ITS2), indicating the likely presence of two distinct species or cryptic species within An. latens. In contrast, no distinct clusters were observed in An. cracens, An. balabacensis, or An. introlatus, implying a lack of pronounced genetic differentiation among their populations. It is worth noting that there were varying levels of polymorphism observed across the different subpopulations, highlighting some levels of genetic variation within these mosquito species. Nevertheless, further analyses revealed that all four species have undergone demographic expansion, suggesting population growth and potential range expansion for these vectors in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandthya Pramasivan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Nantha Kumar Jeyaprakasam
- Biomedical Science Program, Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore 569874, Singapore
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Malaria Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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Pramasivan S, Liew JWK, Jeyaprakasam NK, Low VL, Ngui R, Vythilingam I. Correction: Pramasivan et al. Multiplex PCR Assay for the Identification of Four Species of the Anopheles Leucosphyrus Sub-Group in Malaysia. Insects 2022, 13, 195. Insects 2022; 13:insects13050466. [PMID: 35621826 PMCID: PMC9144174 DOI: 10.3390/insects13050466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandthya Pramasivan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (S.P.); (J.W.K.L.); (N.K.J.); (R.N.)
| | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (S.P.); (J.W.K.L.); (N.K.J.); (R.N.)
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore 228231, Singapore
| | - Nantha Kumar Jeyaprakasam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (S.P.); (J.W.K.L.); (N.K.J.); (R.N.)
| | - Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (S.P.); (J.W.K.L.); (N.K.J.); (R.N.)
- Malaria Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia
| | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (S.P.); (J.W.K.L.); (N.K.J.); (R.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Jeyaprakasam NK, Low VL, Liew JWK, Pramasivan S, Wan-Sulaiman WY, Saeung A, Vythilingam I. Blood meal analysis of Anopheles vectors of simian malaria based on laboratory and field studies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:354. [PMID: 35013403 PMCID: PMC8748441 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04106-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood feeding and host-seeking behaviors of a mosquito play an imperative role in determining its vectorial capacity in transmitting pathogens. Unfortunately, limited information is available regarding blood feeding behavior of Anopheles species in Malaysia. Collection of resting Anopheles mosquitoes for blood meal analysis poses a great challenge especially for forest dwelling mosquitoes. Therefore, a laboratory-based study was conducted to evaluate the potential use of mosquitoes caught using human landing catch (HLC) for blood meal analysis, and subsequently to document blood feeding behavior of local Anopheles mosquitoes in Peninsular Malaysia. The laboratory-based experiment from this study revealed that mosquitoes caught using HLC had the potential to be used for blood meal analysis. Besides HLC, mosquitoes were also collected using manual aspirator and Mosquito Magnet. Overall, 47.4% of 321 field-caught Anopheles mosquitoes belonging to six species were positive for vertebrate host DNA in their blood meal. The most frequent blood meal source was human (45.9%) followed by wild boar (27.4%), dog (15.3%) and monkey (7.5%). Interestingly, only Anopheles cracens and Anopheles introlatus (Leucosphyrus Group) fed on monkey. This study further confirmed that members of the Leucosphyrus Group are the predominant vectors for knowlesi malaria transmission in Peninsular Malaysia mainly due to their simio-anthropophagic feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sandthya Pramasivan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Atiporn Saeung
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Insect Vector Study, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Pramasivan S, Ngui R, Jeyaprakasam NK, Liew JWK, Low VL, Mohamed Hassan N, Wan Sulaiman WY, Jaraee R, Abdul Rahman R, Jelip J, Vythilingam I. Spatial distribution of Plasmodium knowlesi cases and their vectors in Johor, Malaysia: in light of human malaria elimination. Malar J 2021; 20:426. [PMID: 34715864 PMCID: PMC8555301 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03963-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite infection, increases as Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections decrease in Johor, Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the distribution of vectors involved in knowlesi malaria transmission in Johor. This finding is vital in estimating hotspot areas for targeted control strategies. Methods Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from the location where P. knowlesi cases were reported. Cases of knowlesi malaria from 2011 to 2019 in Johor were analyzed. Internal transcribed spacers 2 (ITS2) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes were used to identify the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes. In addition, spatial analysis was carried out on the knowlesi cases and vectors in Johor. Results One hundred and eighty-nine cases of P. knowlesi were reported in Johor over 10 years. Young adults between the ages of 20–39 years comprised 65% of the cases. Most infected individuals were involved in agriculture and army-related occupations (22% and 32%, respectively). Four hundred and eighteen Leucosphyrus Group Anopheles mosquitoes were captured during the study. Anopheles introlatus was the predominant species, followed by Anopheles latens. Spatial analysis by Kriging interpolation found that hotspot regions of P. knowlesi overlapped or were close to the areas where An. introlatus and An. latens were found. A significantly high number of vectors and P. knowlesi cases were found near the road within 0–5 km. Conclusions This study describes the distribution of P. knowlesi cases and Anopheles species in malaria-endemic transmission areas in Johor. Geospatial analysis is a valuable tool for studying the relationship between vectors and P. knowlesi cases. This study further supports that the Leucosphyrus Group of mosquitoes might be involved in transmitting knowlesi malaria cases in Johor. These findings may provide initial evidence to prioritize diseases and vector surveillance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03963-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandthya Pramasivan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Malaria Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | | | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norzihan Mohamed Hassan
- Entomology & Pest Sector, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | | | - Ropiah Jaraee
- Entomology & Pest Unit, Johor State Health District Department, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Jenarun Jelip
- Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Liew JWK, Bukhari FDM, Jeyaprakasam NK, Phang WK, Vythilingam I, Lau YL. Natural Plasmodium inui Infections in Humans and Anopheles cracens Mosquito, Malaysia. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2700-2703. [PMID: 34545786 PMCID: PMC8462313 DOI: 10.3201/eid2710.210412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected 2 natural, asymptomatic Plasmodium inui monoinfections in humans in Malaysia by using nested PCR on concentrated high-volume blood samples. We found a P. inui-positive Anopheles cracens mosquito in the same site as the human infections. Investigators should use ultrasensitive detection methods to identify simian malaria parasite transmission in humans.
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Jeyaprakasam NK, Pramasivan S, Liew JWK, Van Low L, Wan-Sulaiman WY, Ngui R, Jelip J, Vythilingam I. Evaluation of Mosquito Magnet and other collection tools for Anopheles mosquito vectors of simian malaria. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:184. [PMID: 33794965 PMCID: PMC8015311 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04689-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector surveillance is essential in determining the geographical distribution of mosquito vectors and understanding the dynamics of malaria transmission. With the elimination of human malaria cases, knowlesi malaria cases in humans are increasing in Malaysia. This necessitates intensive vector studies using safer trapping methods which are both field efficient and able to attract the local vector populations. Thus, this study evaluated the potential of Mosquito Magnet as a collection tool for Anopheles mosquito vectors of simian malaria along with other known collection methods. Methods A randomized 4 × 4 Latin square designed experiment was conducted to compare the efficiency of the Mosquito Magnet against three other common trapping methods: human landing catch (HLC), CDC light trap and human baited trap (HBT). The experiment was conducted over six replicates where sampling within each replicate was carried out for 4 consecutive nights. An additional 4 nights of sampling was used to further evaluate the Mosquito Magnet against the “gold standard” HLC. The abundance of Anopheles sampled by different methods was compared and evaluated with focus on the Anopheles from the Leucosphyrus group, the vectors of knowlesi malaria. Results The Latin square designed experiment showed HLC caught the greatest number of Anopheles mosquitoes (n = 321) compared to the HBT (n = 87), Mosquito Magnet (n = 58) and CDC light trap (n = 13). The GLMM analysis showed that the HLC method caught significantly more Anopheles mosquitoes compared to Mosquito Magnet (P = 0.049). However, there was no significant difference in mean nightly catch of Anopheles mosquitoes between Mosquito Magnet and the other two trapping methods, HBT (P = 0.646) and CDC light traps (P = 0.197). The mean nightly catch for both An. introlatus (9.33 ± 4.341) and An. cracens (4.00 ± 2.273) caught using HLC was higher than that of Mosquito Magnet, though the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). This is in contrast to the mean nightly catch of An. sinensis (15.75 ± 5.640) and An. maculatus (15.78 ± 3.479) where HLC showed significantly more mosquito catches compared to Mosquito Magnet (P < 0.05). Conclusions Mosquito Magnet has a promising ability to catch An. introlatus and An. cracens, the important vectors of knowlesi and other simian malarias in Peninsular Malaysia. The ability of Mosquito Magnet to catch some of the Anopheles mosquito species is comparable to HLC and makes it an ethical and safer alternative. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04689-3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandthya Pramasivan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lun Van Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan-Yusoff Wan-Sulaiman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jenarun Jelip
- Division of Disease Control, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Wong ML, Liew JWK, Wong WK, Pramasivan S, Mohamed Hassan N, Wan Sulaiman WY, Jeyaprakasam NK, Leong CS, Low VL, Vythilingam I. Natural Wolbachia infection in field-collected Anopheles and other mosquito species from Malaysia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:414. [PMID: 32787974 PMCID: PMC7425011 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia is maternally inherited and naturally infects some filarial nematodes and a diverse range of arthropods, including mosquito vectors responsible for disease transmission in humans. Previously, it has been found infecting most mosquito species but absent in Anopheles and Aedes aegypti. However, recently these two mosquito species were found to be naturally infected with Wolbachia. We report here the extent of Wolbachia infections in field-collected mosquitoes from Malaysia based on PCR amplification of the Wolbachia wsp and 16S rRNA genes. METHODS The prevalence of Wolbachia in Culicinae mosquitoes was assessed via PCR with wsp primers. For some of the mosquitoes, in which the wsp primers failed to amplify a product, Wolbachia screening was performed using nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Wolbachia sequences were aligned using Geneious 9.1.6 software, analyzed with BLAST, and the most similar sequences were downloaded. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out with MEGA 7.0 software. Graphs were drawn with GraphPad Prism 8.0 software. RESULTS A total of 217 adult mosquitoes representing 26 mosquito species were screened. Of these, infections with Wolbachia were detected in 4 and 15 mosquito species using wsp and 16S rRNA primers, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first time Wolbachia was detected using 16S rRNA gene amplification, in some Anopheles species (some infected with Plasmodium), Culex sinensis, Culex vishnui, Culex pseudovishnui, Mansonia bonneae and Mansonia annulifera. Phylogenetic analysis based on wsp revealed Wolbachia from most of the mosquitoes belonged to Wolbachia Supergroup B. Based on 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis, the Wolbachia strain from Anopheles mosquitoes were more closely related to Wolbachia infecting Anopheles from Africa than from Myanmar. CONCLUSIONS Wolbachia was found infecting Anopheles and other important disease vectors such as Mansonia. Since Wolbachia can affect its host by reducing the life span and provide resistance to pathogen infection, several studies have suggested it as a potential innovative tool for vector/vector-borne disease control. Therefore, it is important to carry out further studies on natural Wolbachia infection in vector mosquitoes' populations as well as their long-term effects in new hosts and pathogen suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li Wong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wai Kit Wong
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sandthya Pramasivan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Cherng Shii Leong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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