Experimental study of avian malaria co-infections in blood-sucking vectors
By studying co-infections in Culex pipiens mosquitoes, we aim to advance our understanding of avian malaria parasites. Avian malaria parasites pose significant threats to wildlife. Co-infections, common in wildlife, necessitate a deeper understanding of the dynamics between locally transmitted and African Plasmodium parasites. The study hypothesizes that owing to better adaptation to local vectors, European Plasmodium parasites may play a crucial role in reshaping the parasite multiclonality or even blocking the transmission of African Plasmodium species during co-infections.
By employing modern molecular tools, this anticipated in situ investigation aims to provide fresh insights into the development of avian malaria parasites and their interaction in vectors. By conducting experiments in the natural parasite environment, the study aims to supplement theoretical knowledge about transmission, interactions, and potential spread of Plasmodium parasites in nature. Existing research primarily focuses on interactions within vertebrate hosts, leaving co-infections in vectors poorly understood. With the project’s objectives and results, we aim to address this gap by studying in detail the development of mixed infections in Culex mosquitoes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for assessing threats to avian populations and may have implications for emerging human vector-borne diseases.
The study’s objectives include evaluating sporogonic development, parasite population structure, virulence, and simultaneous transmission capability of two locally transmitted and local and African avian malarial parasites during co-infections in Culex mosquitoes.
The focus on co-infections in vectors aims to contribute to epizootiological assessment and advance the field’s state-of-the-art. The anticipated outcomes have the potential to inform effective measures for controlling vector-borne parasitic diseases.
