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Journal article
Molecular detection of avian parasites in Australian mosquitoes (Culicidae)
Journal of medical entomology, Vol.62(6), pp.1599-1610
2025
PMID: 41055323
Abstract
Mosquitoes (Culicidae) are the most important vectors of human and animal diseases globally, making them valuable tools for the molecular surveillance of blood-borne pathogens. By screening mosquito populations, we can evaluate local disease prevalence and ascertain which vector species are involved in local transmission cycles. This study presents the first targeted mosquito-based surveillance of blood parasites in Western Australia. Over a 2-year surveillance program in Perth, Western Australia, 3,288 mosquitoes from 12 species across 5 genera were collected and screened in 461 pools. Parasite prevalence and diversity were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction screening of the Haemosporida cytochrome b gene region, and the Dirofilaria 12S rDNA gene region. Haemosporida were detected in 3.9% of mosquito pools, with 72.2% of positives found in Culex species pools. Avian Haemosporida comprised 83.3% of the total detections. Known avian Haemosporida lineages detected included 1 Haemoproteus (H. zosteropis) and 2 Plasmodium (BELL01 and MYNA02). Three novel lineages, Plasmodium CULPER01-03, were identified. Plasmodium falciparum was identified in 2 pools, and no Dirofilaria were detected. These findings indicate that Perth harbors a diverse range of avian Haemosporida, which may be regionally specific, as all lineages detected have only been identified in the Oceania region. The predominance of positive detections in the Culex pipiens species complex supports their role as the primary vectors of avian Plasmodium. This study highlights the utility of mosquito surveillance for monitoring blood-borne parasites and contributes new insight into parasite diversity and vector associations in Australia.
Details
- Title
- Molecular detection of avian parasites in Australian mosquitoes (Culicidae)
- Authors/Creators
- Ashleigh M Peck - School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, AustraliaAlan Lymbery - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic EcosystemsSiobhon Egan - Murdoch University, Centre for Computational and Systems MedicineAmanda Ash - Murdoch University, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health
- Publication Details
- Journal of medical entomology, Vol.62(6), pp.1599-1610
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
- Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment-Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation & the Ecological Society of Australia
- Identifiers
- 991005818347007891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2025.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; School of Agricultural Sciences; School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences; Centre for Computational and Systems Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.35 Zoology & Animal Ecology
- 3.35.2036 Avian Parasitology
- Web Of Science research areas
- Entomology
- Veterinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science