Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) trehalase activity and trehalase gene expression in correlation with habitat physico-chemical parameter

Insects relies on reserved energy in the form of trehalose for diverse physiological needs such as flight, stress recovery and development. Trehalose is hydrolysed into glucose by trehalase, this enzyme’s activity is influenced by environmental conditions. This study assessed variation in trehalase activity and level of trehalase gene expression in Anopheles gambiae life stages vis-à-vis the sampled habitat physico-chemical parameters across a metropolis. There were variations in trehalase activity in An. gambiae populations within an area and across the metropolis. Trehalase gene expression also varies among mosquito populations, though to a lesser degree. Correlation analysis showed a significant (p