Female Anopheles Mosquito Gut Microbiota: Description and Impact on Transmission of Plasmodium Parasite

Malaria, primarily caused by Plasmodium falciparum, remains a significant public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. While vector control interventions and antimalarial treatments have reduced transmission in some regions, their long-term efficacy is threatened by increasing resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs. This review examines the emerging role of mosquito gut microbiota in shaping vector competence and influencing Plasmodium development, with the goal of identifying microbiota-based approaches as complementary tools for malaria control. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed publications from microbiology, vector biology, immunology, and disease ecology. Key focus areas include the structure and diversity of Anopheles gut microbiota, their immunomodulatory functions, interactions with P. falciparum, and potential applications in paratransgenesis and biological vector control. The mosquito gut microbiota, dominated by genera such as Serratia, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and Wolbachia, plays a pivotal role in modulating immune pathways (Toll, IMD, JAK-STAT), producing antiparasitic metabolites, and forming physical barriers to parasite invasion. Microbial disruption enhances the susceptibility of mosquitoes to Plasmodium, while specific bacteria confer resistance. Environmental and genetic factors significantly shape microbiota composition, with consequences for mosquito physiology and vectorial capacity. Symbionts like Wolbachia have shown promise in reducing parasite loads and blocking the transmission of diseases. Targeting the mosquito gut microbiota presents a novel and sustainable strategy for reducing P. falciparum transmission. Microbiota-based interventions may enhance existing malaria control programs and help counteract the growing challenge of resistance.