Publications scientifiques
Ghislaine Flore Tamko Mella
Autres affiliations : Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Claudine Grâce Maffo Tatsinkou
Autres affiliations : Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Solange Meyin A. Ebong
François-Xavier Etoa
Autres affiliations : Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Maurice Marcel Sandeu* (Auteur correspondant)
Autres affiliations : University of Ngaoundéré
Ornella Possi
Carlos S. Djoko Tagne
Autres affiliations : Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Nsa Dada
Charles S. Wondji
Autres affiliations : Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Scientific Reports
Recent discoveries of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles mosquitoes and its demonstrated capacity to block malaria transmission suggest that it could be a promising candidate for a symbiont-based malaria control strategy. However, the diversity of Microsporidia MB , particularly in major malaria vector such as An. coluzzii , remains unstudied in Cameroon. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of Microsporidia MB , along with its maternal transmission in natural populations of Anopheles mosquitoes in Cameroon. An entomological survey was conducted across four localities in Cameroon. PCR targeting the ribosomal RNA gene was used to detect the Microsporidia MB 18S sequence. Positive samples were validated by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Subsequently, the maternal transmission of Microsporidia MB was assessed by detecting its presence in F 1 mosquitoes derived from F 0 females that tested positive. Additionally, we examined the potential correlation between Microsporidia MB and P. falciparum . A total of 2559 mosquitoes, belonging to three species ( An. coluzzii , An. arabiensis , and An. gambiae ) were collected. Microsporidia MB infection was detected exclusively in An. coluzzii from Gounougou, with a prevalence of 1.13% (n = 29). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Microsporidia MB strains detected in Cameroon were closely related to those found in Kenya. Evidence of vertical transmission was confirmed, with rates ranging from 50 to 100%, from F 0 parents to F 1 offspring, regardless of sex. Notably, none of the Microsporidia MB -positive mosquitoes carried P. falciparum . This study provides field-based evidence of Microsporidia MB presence in Anopheles mosquitoes in Cameroon. Further research should explore the stability of vertical transmission and the influence of this Microsporidia MB symbiont on Plasmodium development.
