Selection of sites for field trials of genetically engineered mosquitoes with gene drive

Novel malaria control strategies using genetically engineered mosquitoes (GEMs) are on the horizon. Population modification is one approach wherein mosquitoes are engineered with genes rendering them refractory to the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, coupled with a low-threshold, Cas9-based gene drive. When released into a wild vector population, GEMs preferentially transmit these parasite-blocking genes to their offspring, ultimately modifying a vector population into a nonvector one. Deploying this technology awaits ecologically contained field trial evaluations. Here, we consider a process for site selection, the first critical step in designing a trial. Our goal is to identify a site that maximizes prospects for success, minimizes risk, and serves as a fair, valid, and convincing test of efficacy and impacts of a GEM product intended for large-scale deployment in Africa. We base site selection on geographic, geological, and biological, rather than social or legal, criteria. We recognize the latter as critically important but not as a first step in selecting a site. We propose physical islands as being the best candidates for a GEM field trial and present an evaluation of 22 African islands. We consider geographic and genetic isolation, biological complexity, island size, and topography and identify two island groups that satisfy key criteria for ideal GEM field trial sites.

Aedes aegypti Males as Vehicles for Insecticide Delivery

Aedes aegypti continues to spread globally and remains a challenge to control, in part due to its ‘cryptic behavior’ in that it often deposits eggs (oviposits) in larval habitats that are difficult to find and treat using traditional methods. Auto-dissemination strategies target these cryptic breeding sites by employing mosquitoes to deliver lethal doses of insecticide. This report describes the initial field trials of an application known as Autodissemination Augmented by Males (ADAM), utilizing A. aegypti males dusted with pyriproxyfen (PPF). Findings presented here are drawn from both caged and field trial studies. Together, these trials examined for the ability of A. aegypti males to disseminate PPF and to impact field populations. PPF-dusted males were able to effectively deliver lethal doses of PPF to oviposition sites under the conditions tested. Results from field trials in Florida and California demonstrated reduced A. aegypti populations in treated areas, compared to areas where PPF-treated males were not released. These results indicate that the release of PPF-dusted A. aegypti males can impact A. aegypti populations as measured by both reduced larval survival and lower numbers of adult female A. aegypti. We propose the ADAM approach as an addition to existing mosquito control techniques targeting A. aegypti and other mosquitoes that utilize cryptic larval habitats.

Absence of kdr resistance alleles in the Union of the Comoros, East Africa

Knockdown resistance ( kdr) and CYP9K1 genotypes were detected by a MOLDI-TOF based SNP genotyping assay (Sequenom iPLEX) in samples of Anopheles gambiae collected at 13 sites throughout the Union of the Comoros and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania during February and March 2011. All A. gambiae specimens collected in the Comoros were homozygous for the susceptible kdr alleles (+/+) while 96% of A. gambiae from Dar es Salaam were homozygous for the East African kdr resistant genotype (E/E). In contrast, all specimens from Dar es Salaam and the Comoros were homozygous for the cyp3 allele (c3/c3) at the CYP9K1 locus; the locus has been implicated in metabolic resistance against pyrethroid insecticides in West Africa. All specimens had typical A. gambiae genotypes for SNPs within the divergence Islands on all three chromosomes. Although further spatial and temporal studies are needed, the distribution of kdr genotypes between the Comoros and Tanzania further supports isolation of the Comoros populations from A. gambiae populations on mainland Africa .

An analysis of two island groups as potential sites for trials of transgenic mosquitoes for malaria control

Considerable technological advances have been made towards the generation of genetically modified mosquitoes for vector control. In contrast, less progress has been made towards field evaluations of transformed mosquitoes which are critical for evaluating the success of, and hazards associated with, genetic modification. Oceanic islands have been highlighted as potentially the best locations for such trials. However, population genetic studies are necessary to verify isolation. Here, we used a panel of genetic markers to assess for evidence of genetic isolation of two oceanic island populations of the African malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae s.s. We found no evidence of isolation between the Bijagós archipelago and mainland Guinea-Bissau, despite separation by distances beyond the known dispersal capabilities of this taxon. Conversely, the Comoros Islands appear to be genetically isolated from the East African mainland, and thus represent a location worthy of further investigation for field trials. Based on assessments of gene flow within and between the Comoros islands, the island of Grande Comore was found to be genetically isolated from adjacent islands and also exhibited local population structure, indicating that it may be the most suitable site for trials with existing genetic modification technologies.

Culex pipiens sensu lato in California: a complex within a complex?

Culex pipiens sensu lato populations represent significant nuisance pests and vectors of West Nile virus in California. Despite multiple years of investigation, identifying, controlling and understanding the behaviors and associated "biologies" of the complex members still remain a challenge. Population structure cluster analysis using microsatellite markers revealed extensive population structuring, particularly in the central parts of the State, over and above what can be explained by the presence of Cx. pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus and their hybrids. Ace 2 gene sequencing provided evidence for the presence of Cx. p. molestus in multiple locations both above and below ground in California. Lack of congruence of male genitalia morphology (dorsal and ventral arms/dorsal arm of phalosome) and polymerase chain reaction diagnostic assay identifications coupled with considerable heterozygosity of pyrethroid resistance in time and space all suggest complex population structuring not adequately explained using current concepts.

The knockdown resistance mutation and knockdown time in Anopheles gambiae collected from Mali evaluated through a bottle bioassay and a novel insecticide-treated net bioassay

Successful malaria management in Mali includes the use of pyrethroids and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for mosquito control; however, management is threatened by the spread of insecticide resistance detected via the knockdown resistance (kdr) allele. In a preliminary study, we compared the knockdown times of Anopheles gambiae from Mali using a novel ITN bioassay and the World Health Organization (WHO) bottle bioassay. Additionally, the frequency and relationship between kdr genotypes, molecular forms, and pyrethroid resistance were analyzed. The S molecular form was predominant and accounted for 76% of the assayed population. Both kdr resistant alleles, West Africa resistant (kdr-w) and East Africa resistant (kdr-e), were observed. There was no significant difference in knockdown time based on kdr genotype or molecular form of individual mosquitoes, but mosquitoes in the ITN bioassay homozygous for the kdr-w allele were knocked down significantly faster than those in the WHO bottle bioassay. The ITN bioassay provides an additional indicator of insecticide efficacy because ITNs, frequently used within homes, are the most common form of vector control and malaria prevention, and the ITN bioassays can evaluate seasonal field effects.

Implications of Plasmodium parasite infected mosquitoes on an insular avifauna: the case of Socorro Island, México

Avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.) has been implicated in the decline of avian populations in the Hawaiian Islands and it is generally agreed that geographically isolated and immunologically naïve bird populations are particularly vulnerable to the pathogenic effects of invasive malaria parasites. In order to assess the potential disease risk of malaria to the avifauna of Socorro Island, México, we surveyed for Plasmodium isolates from 1,300 resident field-caught mosquitoes. Most of them were identified as Aedes (Ochlerotatus) taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann, 1821), which were abundant in the salt marshes. We also collected Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 close to human dwellings. Mitochondrial ND5 and COII gene sequences of Ae. taeniorhynchus were analyzed and compared to corresponding sequences of mosquitoes of the Galápagos Islands, Latin America, and the North American mainland. Aedes lineages from Socorro Island clustered most closely with a lineage from the continental U.S. Plasmodium spp. DNA was isolated from both species of mosquitoes. From 38 positive pools, we isolated 11 distinct mitochondrial Cytb lineages of Plasmodium spp. Seven of the Plasmodium lineages represent previously documented avian infective strains while four were new lineages. Our results confirm a potential risk for the spread of avian malaria and underscore the need to monitor both the mosquito and avian populations as a necessary conservation measure to protect endangered bird species on Socorro Island.

Sequencing of Culex quinquefasciatus establishes a platform for mosquito comparative genomics

Culex quinquefasciatus (the southern house mosquito) is an important mosquito vector of viruses such as West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus, as well as of nematodes that cause lymphatic filariasis. C. quinquefasciatus is one species within the Culex pipiens species complex and can be found throughout tropical and temperate climates of the world. The ability of C. quinquefasciatus to take blood meals from birds, livestock, and humans contributes to its ability to vector pathogens between species. Here, we describe the genomic sequence of C. quinquefasciatus: Its repertoire of 18,883 protein-coding genes is 22% larger than that of Aedes aegypti and 52% larger than that of Anopheles gambiae with multiple gene-family expansions, including olfactory and gustatory receptors, salivary gland genes, and genes associated with xenobiotic detoxification.

The distribution of insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from Cameroon: an update

Insecticides are a key component of vector-based malaria control programmes in Cameroon. As part of ongoing resistance surveillance efforts, Anopheles gambiae s.l. female mosquitoes were exposed to organochlorine (DDT), a carbamate (bendiocarb), an organophosphate (malathion), and three pyrethroids (deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin) in WHO bioassay test kits. Results indicated a higher level of resistance (reduced mortality and knockdown effect) to DDT and pyrethroids in populations of A. gambiae s.s. than in A. arabiensis. The West and East African knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations were found in both species but at much higher frequencies in A. gambiae s.s. The West Africa kdr mutant was also more frequent in the A. gambiae S form than in the M form. No resistance to bendiocarb and malathion was found. Carbamate and organophosphorous compounds could thus be used as alternatives in locations in Cameroon where pyrethroid-resistant populations are found.

Use of short tandem repeats for the analysis of genetic variability in sympatric populations of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis

Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis were analysed at 30 short tandem repeat (STR) loci originally developed for use in An. gambiae. All specimens were collected from the same village in Kilifi district, coastal Kenya. All 30 loci were amplified in the An. gambiae specimens, whereas 25 out of 30 loci (83.3%) were successfully amplified in the An. arabiensis specimens. Both species had similar levels of polymorphism for the loci that were amplified (93.3% for An. gambiae and 92% for An. arabiensis). Median FST and RST values between the two species were 0.249 and 0.197, respectively, corresponding to Nm values of 0.75 and 0.51, respectively, and suggesting limited interchange of genes between these species. These, together with the relatively high Nei unbiased genetic distance (0.202) between the two sibling species, are consistent with the occurrence of sympatric species with limited gene flow. FST/RST values for individual loci varied greatly (FST range 0.00-0.87; RST range 0.00-0.73), indicating that the loci differ in their ability to measure levels of differentiation between these two species. Location of loci within paracentric inversions seems to be an important factor affecting levels of differentiation measured by the different loci.

Cloning and characterization of a serine protease from the human malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae

The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of a serine protease (AgSp24D) from the human malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, is presented. The gene product is a 271 amino acid protein that contains the conserved serine, histidine and aspartic acid residues found in serine proteases, and has the highest identity to a serine protease of unknown function from Drosophila melanogaster. In situ hybridization to the polytene chromosomes detects a single band at 24D. Northern analysis reveals only low levels of transcripts in larvae and pupae, but more abundant transcription products occur in adults. Interestingly, this analysis also shows that adult males express much higher levels of AgSp24D mRNA than females. In addition, Plasmodium-refractory mosquitoes express higher levels of AgSp24D mRNA than susceptible mosquitoes although the biological significance of this remains to be examined. The thorax is the primary site for expression in the adults. The lack of a dramatic increase in AgSp24D mRNA levels following blood feeding suggests that this protease is not involved in digestive processes. Transcriptional induction does not follow cold shock, septic wounding, bacterial injection, laminarin injection or CM-Sephadex bead injection.

Biting pattern and host-seeking behavior of Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) in northeastern South Africa

Biting rhythm as well as vertical and horizontal distribution of host-seeking Anopheles arabiensis Patton was studied at a remote warm-water spring in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, which usually is devoid of human presence. An. arabiensis seeking hosts were collected throughout the night with several peaks, often with greatest biting activity during the predawn period. Abundance did not decline linearly as a function of distance from the breeding area, but was related to vegetation patterns. Most bites occurred on the ankles or feet and decreased rapidly above that height. Wearing closed shoes or raising feet off the ground could reduce vector contact and therefore the risk of malaria infection.