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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d4842559e87">Investigations of microbiota within mosquitoes continue
to widen the spectrum of possible
symbiont-based applications against vector-borne diseases. In this context, α-proteobacteria
of the genus Asaia (Rhodospirillales: Acetobacteraceae) are emerging as possible endosymbiotic
candidates, particularly in paratransgenic approaches aimed at interrupting pathogen
transmission. Previous studies have shown that Asaia spp. distribution among Anopheles
gambiae and Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes displayed positive
rates of infection in isolated midguts, salivary glands and reproductive tissues.
Similarly, Asaia has been detected in Aedes albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta) and Aedes
aegypti (Stegomyia aegypti) (Diptera: Culicidae) populations. Within the Culex pipiens
complex (Diptera: Culicidae), Asaia infection is still largely unexplored. Here, we
summarize a preliminary survey of laboratory-reared Cx. pipiens complex and field-collected
Culex quinquefasciatus for the presence of Asaia spp., and present the first identification
of Asaia in some of the members of the Cx. pipiens complex and the first description
in West African populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus.
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