Genes determine mosquito’s preference for humans or animals

Genes determine mosquito’s preference for humans or animals
Mosquito's preferences depends on a specific chromosomal rearrangement in their genes.

In the study, the team sequenced the genomes of 23 human-fed and 25 cattle-fed mosquitoes collected indoors and outdoors from the Kilobero Valley in Tanzania.An analysis of these genomes allowed them to identify a chromosomal rearrangement — known as the 3Ra inversion — associated with cattle feeding.It, however did not appear to have an impact on the mosquitoes’ resting behaviours.Using genetics to better understand and track mosquito behaviour can improve local control strategies.This knowledge may also open novel avenues for stopping malaria’s spread, such as genetically modifying mosquitoes to prefer cattle over people, the researchers noted, in the paper published in the journal PLOS Genetics.

(Read: Top 10 facts you should know about malaria) (Also: 5 non-toxic ways to keep your home mosquito free (These really work!))

Source: IANS

Image: Shutterstock

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