Importance of stress management in Aedes aegypti larvae: a potential target for vector control strategies

This study, conducted across 11 locations in Digha, West Bengal (India), analyzed entomological indices and physicochemical parameters of water from breeding habitats. Based on the hypothesis that symbiotic midgut bacteria aid mosquito larvae in managing environmental stress, bacteria were isolated from third-instar larvae. Two isolates, Bacillus cereus (SBGB1 - MH718822) and Acinetobacter sp. (SBGB2 - AB208676), were characterized and found to mitigate oxidative stress. The absence of these bacteria significantly increased oxidative stress biomarkers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde), impairing larval development. These findings suggest disrupting stress management mechanisms could be an innovative strategy for mosquito control.