Pathogens & Viruses
Mosquitoes are well-known vectors of pathogens and parasites that cause disease in various parts of the world, with illnesses such as malaria causing over 700,000 human deaths annually.
Beyond pathogens, mosquitoes also host a suite of viruses that are only found in insects and which do not pose a known threat to humans or other non-human wildlife. Understanding this wider diversity of viruses is important because it may influence the potential of mosquitoes to transmit pathogens of concern.
This work package will take a two-pronged approach using advanced molecular tools to examine the presence of (1) pathogens and (2) broader virus assemblages in mosquitoes.
First, we will test an emerging and cost-effective approach using baited scientific cards deployed in mosquito traps, to assess the presence of known high-risk pathogens in mosquito saliva.
Second, we will examine the wider virus assemblages within individual mosquitoes sampled from various habitats, to reveal whether viral diversity changes with land use over time.
This objective will indicate whether mosquitoes in Northern Ireland harbour pathogens of public and animal health concern, as well as whether any pathogens and insect-specific viruses change with human land use and seasonality.
