Publications
Stable distinct core eukaryotic viromes in different mosquito species from Guadeloupe, using single mosquito viral metagenomics KU Leuven
Semi-field evaluation of the exposure-free mosquito electrocuting trap and BG-Sentinel trap as an alternative to the human landing catch for measuring the efficacy of transfluthrin emanators against Aedes aegypti Institute of Tropical Medicine
Background
The human landing catch (HLC) measures human exposure to mosquito bites and evaluates the efficacy of vector control tools. However, it may expose volunteers to potentially infected mosquitoes. The mosquito electrocuting trap (MET) and BG-Sentinel traps (BGS) represent alternative, exposure-free methods for sampling host-seeking mosquitoes. This study investigates whether these methods can be effectively used as ...
A Chikungunya virus trans-replicase system reveals the importance of delayed nonstructural polyprotein processing for efficient replication complex formation in mosquito cells Institute of Tropical Medicine University of Antwerp
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a medically important alphavirus that is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The viral replicase complex consists of four nonstructural proteins (nsPs) expressed as a polyprotein precursor and encompasses all enzymatic activities required for viral RNA replication. nsPs interact with host components of which most are still poorly understood, especially in mosquitos. A CHIKV ...
Detection of exotic mosquito species (Diptera : Culicidae) at international airports in Europe Ghent University Institute of Tropical Medicine
Mosquito transgenesis for malaria control Institute of Tropical Medicine
Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases. Because of the ineffectiveness of current malaria-control methods, several novel mosquito vector-based control strategies have been proposed to supplement existing control strategies. Mosquito transgenesis and gene drive have emerged as promising tools for preventing the spread of malaria by either suppressing mosquito populations by self-destructing mosquitoes or replacing mosquito populations with ...
Gene-drive suppression of mosquito populations in large cages as a bridge between lab and field Institute of Tropical Medicine
CRISPR-based gene-drives targeting the gene doublesex in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae effectively suppressed the reproductive capability of mosquito populations reared in small laboratory cages. To bridge the gap between laboratory and the field, this gene-drive technology must be challenged with vector ecology.Here we report the suppressive activity of the gene-drive in age-structured An. gambiae populations in large indoor cages ...
Genome sequence of the Asian Tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, reveals insights into its biology, genetics, and evolution Ghent University
Additional feeding reveals differences in immune recognition and growth of Plasmodium parasites in the mosquito host Institute of Tropical Medicine
Mosquitoes may feed multiple times during their life span in addition to those times needed to acquire and transmit malaria. To determine the impact of subsequent blood feeding on parasite development in Anopheles gambiae, we examined Plasmodium parasite infection with or without an additional noninfected blood meal. We found that an additional blood meal significantly reduced Plasmodium berghei immature oocyst numbers, yet had no effect on ...