Funded by the INF-ACT Foundation

This project explores the intricate interactions between microbiota and vector insects, focusing on their role in environmental adaptation, insecticide resistance, and disease transmission. A key aspect of this research is addressing knowledge gaps in the microbiota of sand flies, which serve as vectors for various pathogenic viruses, including Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile. Understanding these microbial influences is essential for improving vector control strategies and mitigating the spread of vector-borne diseases.

With climate change and urbanization accelerating the spread of invasive mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus, Aedes koreicus, and Aedes japonicus, studying the microbiota’s impact on vector biology has never been more critical. Research suggests that microbial communities influence insecticide resistance, thermal adaptation, and vector competence, while bacterial symbiosis is emerging as a promising tool for mosquito population control. This study aims to explore these factors through field collections across Italy (2024–2025), species identification and pathogen screening, metagenomic analysis of microbial interactions, and laboratory experiments testing the effects of temperature and co-infections on vectorial capacity.

By investigating the role of microbiota in vector adaptation and disease transmission, this research will provide valuable insights for the development of innovative and sustainable mosquito control strategies. Field trials using a Wolbachia-based approach will further assess the potential of microbial interventions in reducing mosquito populations. Ultimately, these findings will contribute to more effective and environmentally friendly methods of controlling vector-borne diseases.

External:
Università degli Studi di Camerino - Guido Favia
Università degli Studi di Parma - Laura Kramer
Agenzia Nazionale per le nuove technologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile (ENEA) - Maurizio Calvitti
Genomix4Life s.r.l. - Giovanna Marchese