Biology subjects

Busser, N.

Publications and source records attributed to Busser, N..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Complete mitochondrial genomes of Arizona West Nile virus vectors, Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tarsalis

Here we report a newly developed method utilizing long-range PCR and long-read Pacific Biosciences HiFi sequencing that successfully obtained two full-length and annotated mitochondrial genomes from Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 and Culex tarsalis Coquillett, 1896, both from Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. Given the substantial burden of West Nile virus in Maricopa County over the past decade, and that these vectors are primarily responsible for spillover to human populations in the county, it is critical to better understand their distribution over time and space. This study begins to approach this need by contributing a novel approach that has resulted in the first West Nile virus vector mitochondrial genomes from Arizona. Our circular Cx. quinquefasciatus mitogenome is 15,587 bp in length, making it the first USA-based mitogenome sequenced through the AT-rich control region. The Cx. tarsalis mitochondrial genome is 16,416 bp long, longer than recently published California-based CTarK1 and Texas-based PQ585801 mitogenomes. The increased length of the Cx. tarsalis mitogenome is a result of a 905 bp insertion in the AT-rich control region, not present in the species publicly available mitogenomes. A maximum likelihood-based phylogenetic reconstruction supports the species designation of these newly-sequenced mitogenomes. The newly developed methodology offers a unique approach to study medically-important vector species around the globe, providing a solution to study populations through pooled vector pathogen surveillance programs.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2025

Host usage in Aedes aegypti collected from Houston, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona using whole mosquito third-generation sequencing blood meal analysis

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of several viruses of international public health concern, including Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Their synanthropic ecology and establishment in tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate areas make Ae. aegypti one of the most medically relevant mosquito species. While they have been reported to be highly anthropophilic, several studies indicate a broader host range. They are also reported to take multiple blood meals between gonotrophic cycles. Consumption of multiple blood meals makes determination of host usage difficult when using common blood meal analysis methods. In this study, we examined host usage of Ae. aegypti in Harris County, Texas (Houston), and Maricopa County, Arizona (Phoenix), using a Nanopore-based third-generation sequencing protocol to successfully resolve host usage multiplicity and identify a broad range of host usage. Using this method, approximately 80% of samples from each location with evidence of blood feeding resulted in a blood meal species identification, with a single host blood meal in about 80% of samples and approximately 20% containing evidence of multiple blood meals. Overall, we observed a wide host range with human DNA the most prevalent followed by feline and canine. We also identified avian, rodent, ungulate and even ectotherm usage by Ae. aegypti from Maricopa County. The discovery of hosts other than humans expands the understanding of host usage dynamics in Ae. aegypti and their involvement in arbovirus transmission systems in highly urbanized areas such as Harris and Maricopa Counties. SynopsisThe yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is a vector of several viral pathogens that frequently cause human disease in tropical and subtropical locations but many of these pathogens are not controlled by vaccination. As such, control of this mosquito is critical to reduce disease transmission and better understanding of the ecology of this species helps to improve the efficacy of operational control. In this study, researchers used a deep sequencing method to define patterns of host usage in two large US metropolitan areas, Houston, TX and Phoenix, AZ, with substantial Ae. aegypti infestations. Results identified frequent multiple blood feeding by individual mosquitoes and that the primary host sources were humans and their pets. Results from Phoenix indicated a broad host usage, including feeding on livestock, birds, and even reptiles. This may provide useful information about Ae. aegypti resting sites and could be used to improve treatment by operational personnel.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2022

Species Distribution Modeling of Aedes aegypti in Maricopa County, Arizona from 2014-2020

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are of great importance to public health, have recently and rapidly expanded their global range; however, little is understood about the distribution of these mosquitoes in desert environments. Trapping records for Ae. aegypti in Maricopa County, Arizona from 2014-2020 were used to construct species distribution models using Maxent. Satellite imagery and socioeconomic factors were used as predictors. Maps of predicted habitat suitability were converted to binary presence/absence maps, and consensus maps were created that represent "core" habitat for the mosquito over six years of time. Generally, population density was the most important predictor in the models while median income was the least important. This study is the first step toward understanding the distribution of the vector in a desert environment. One-Sentence SummaryThis study uses satellite imagery and socioeconomic factors to identify core habitat over six years in a desert environment.

ecology↗