West Nile virus eco-epidemiology and climate change

Heidecke et al. – PLOS Computational Biology, Volume 19, e1012866

This study introduces a computational framework to assess temperature sensitivity in mosquito-pathogen interactions, focusing on West Nile virus (WNV). Using experimental data across 15 mosquito species, the authors estimate temperature response functions for key traits influencing WNV transmission. They find an optimal transmission temperature around 24°C for Culex species and highlight key areas for future research to improve transmission models under climate change.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012866

Balatsos, G et al. – Insects 2024, 15, 826

The current study focused on understanding the longevity and frailty of sterile, non-sterile, and wild male mosquitoes subjected to different treatments, using the novel captive cohort method. Key findings include that marking mosquitoes, following IAEA protocols, had an insignificant effect on longevity under controlled conditions, and that sterilization had no negative effect on male longevity.

DOI: 10.3390/insects15110826