Scientists from the University of North Carolina have discovered that mosquitoes living in Ivory Coast can carry disease-causing bacteria on their bodies and in their feces, like flies. The research was published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Researchers collected 79 adult female mosquitoes Anopheles Coluzzithey were sent to the US to analyze the microbiome inside and outside the body.
Researchers first discovered fructobacilli in mosquitoes. These bacteria are common, indicating mosquitoes are visiting flowers and hives.
Scientists also found a large number of staphylococci and two varieties of Rickettsia (Rickettsia bellii and rickettsia typhus) those associated with serious human infectious diseases. It remains unclear whether mosquitoes can transmit disease-causing bacteria to humans.
The study showed the importance of the internal and external microbiota of mosquitoes for human health. The authors believe that more research is needed to assess the likelihood of physical transmission of the bacteria by mosquitoes entering homes.