Non-Genetic Determinants of Mosquito Competence for Malaria Parasites
Figure 2
Complex environmental mediation of mosquito competence for malaria parasites.
Environmental factors such as temperature and diet can affect parasite development and mosquito physiological state and immune response, which can all interact with microbial symbionts and other co-infecting parasites. Because physiological feedbacks modulate behavior, the potential exists for the mosquito to adjust some environmental conditions (diet, temperature) to optimize its microbial interactions and immune function and to increase its resistance to infection. Alternatively, malaria parasites might manipulate host behaviors (e.g., feeding, thermal behavior) to their own benefit. Modified from Ponton et al. [47].