Evolution of mosquito-virus interactions: range expansions, viral coinfections and mosquito behaviour

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There are three research foci in my lab. (1) TAXONOMY and SYSTEMATICS  We will be studying the incursions of two mosquito species into Canada, namely Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger mosquito) and Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever mosquito), by tracing the phylogenetic relationships of established and novel populations using DNA sequences. We will also undertake a revision of 8 species in the mosquito genus Culiseta to determine how they are related to one another; such information is necessary for understanding the transmission of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus. (2) BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY  Earlier work on the effects of sugar-feeding among the blood-feeding Diptera has suggested that honeydew sugar meals offer enhanced flight capabilities and may protect mosquitoes from some protozoan infections. In contrast, nectar meals may offer enhanced vitellogenesis which presumably leads to increased egg production. We aim to examine the effects of honeydew vs. nectar meals on longevity and fecundity in mosquitoes. This will be followed by choice experiments in which we determine whether the gender, age, size, mating status and/or infection status of mosquitoes influences the type of sugar-meal ingested. (3) DISEASE TRANSMISSION In addition to ongoing vector competence studies to determine which mosquitoes are able to transmit which viruses, we are interested in the effects of dual infection with two strains of the same virus as well as with two different viruses. We intend to study Zika virus, Mayaro virus and eventually Dengue virus and Yellow Fever virus. Co-infection and superinfection studies will be done in cell culture first and then in live, infected mosquitoes in Brock's Containment Level 3 Lab with Insectary.