Stimuli Followed by Avian Malaria Vectors in Host-Seeking Behaviour

Simple Summary Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) (e.g., malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever) account for 17% of the estimated global burden of all infectious diseases. They are transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods. In their pursuit of blood meal, insect vectors use different cues to detect their hosts. The knowledge of these stimuli followed by vectors in this host-seeking behaviour is essential to design strategies to prevent VBD infections. Since its discovery in the late 19th century, avian malaria investigations have allowed significant advances to understand the dynamics and mechanisms of VBD transmission to many organisms, including humans. Here, we review published contributions on the different physical and chemical cues used by mosquitoes and other bird haemosporidian vectors to locate their hosts. This information would be highly valuable for vector surveillance and public health policies. Vector-borne infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever) result from a parasite transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods. They are major contributors to the global disease burden, as they account for nearly a fifth of all infectious diseases worldwide. The interaction between vectors and their hosts plays a key role driving vector-borne disease transmission. Therefore, identifying factors governing host selection by blood-feeding insects is essential to understand the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Here, we review published information on the physical and chemical stimuli (acoustic, visual, olfactory, moisture and thermal cues) used by mosquitoes and other haemosporidian vectors to detect their vertebrate hosts. We mainly focus on studies on avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites since this animal model has historically provided important advances in our understanding on ecological and evolutionary process ruling vector-borne disease dynamics and transmission. We also present relevant studies analysing the capacity of feather and skin symbiotic bacteria in the production of volatile compounds with vector attractant properties. Furthermore, we review the role of uropygial secretions and symbiotic bacteria in bird-insect vector interactions. In addition, we present investigations examining the alterations induced by haemosporidian parasites on their arthropod vector and vertebrate host to enhance parasite transmission. Finally, we propose future lines of research for designing successful vector control strategies and for infectious disease management.

Automated summary

Vector-borne infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever, are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods and contribute significantly to the global disease burden. Understanding the physical and chemical cues used by mosquitoes and other haemosporidian vectors to locate their hosts is crucial for designing effective strategies to prevent VBD infections. Studies on avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites have provided valuable insights into the ecological and evolutionary processes governing the dynamics of vector-borne diseases transmission.