Host range of Microsporidia MB in aquatic macrofauna inhabiting Anopheles breeding sites

This data was collected to investigate s whether Microsporidia MB can establish infections in non-target aquatic organisms that coexist with Anopheles larvae in natural breeding habitats. These environments are ecologically complex, hosting diverse macrofauna that frequently interact with, and in some cases prey upon, mosquito larvae carrying the symbiont. Such close and repeated interactions provide plausible opportunities for cross-species transmission. By systematically screening a broad range of aquatic macrofauna collected from shared habitats, we determined the extent to which the symbiont can move beyond its mosquito host. This work provides critical data for assessing host range, ecological boundaries, and potential spillover risks. Understanding the degree of host specificity is essential for evaluating environmental safety, regulatory considerations, and the feasibility of deploying Microsporidia MB as a targeted, complementary malaria control strategy.