Gut Microbiome Assembly and Function in Mosquitoes

Abstract

Most animals including mosquitoes and other vector arthropods harbor communities of microorganisms in their digestive tract that comprise a gut microbiota. Recent studies indicate the gut microbiota strongly affects several aspects of mosquito biology. In this chapter, we first summarize current knowledge of mosquito gut microbiota composition and acquisition. We then review impacts of the gut microbiota on nutrition, development, and vector competence followed by future perspectives for using the gut microbiota in vector control and altering disease transmission.