Indiscriminate ingestion of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria by Aedes aegypti larvae: a novel strategy to control the vector of Chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever

Third and fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti actively ingested entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) their symbiotic bacteria, resulting in larval mortality. All six EPN species evaluated this study were pathogenic to Ae. but varied significantly virulence. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Steinernema carpocapsae most virulent, H. megidis S. kraussei showed the least virulence, whereas downesi feltiae had intermediate Larval mortality was dose dependent for all species. When using a 100 infective juveniles (IJs) per larva, caused 90%-100% mortality, only 40%-60% Even when 200 IJs/larva, maximum 30%-40% Some invasive EPNs melanized, suggesting strong humoral defense response by larvae. The degree melanization quite variable; some totally enveloped melanin sheath while others partially coated with melanin. Melanization did not stop from multiplying killing IJs released infected would have potential infect healthy mosquito Also, both bacterial supernatant cell suspension Xenorhabdus nematophila >91% after 48 h, Photorhabdus laumondii effective against These data provides useful information on use and/or formulated suspensions control important urban container-breeding mosquito, aegypti, are starting point future simulated actual field studies.