Abstract
As vectors of disease, mosquitoes are a global threat to human health. The Anopheles mosquito is the deadliest mosquito species as the insect vector of the malaria-causing parasite, which kills hundreds of thousands every year. These mosquitoes are reliant on their sense of smell (olfaction) to guide most of their behaviors, and a better understanding of Anopheles olfaction identifies opportunities for reducing the spread of malaria. This review takes a detailed look at Anopheles olfaction. We explore a range of topics from chemosensory receptors, olfactory neurons, and sensory appendages to behaviors guided by olfaction (including host-seeking, foraging, oviposition, and mating), to vector management strategies that target mosquito olfaction. We identify many research areas that remain to be addressed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | bjab021 |
Journal | Chemical Senses |
Volume | 46 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2021 |
Keywords
- chemosensory receptors
- host-seeking
- malaria
- olfactory neurons
- sensory appendages
- vector management
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Sensory Systems
- Physiology (medical)
- Behavioral Neuroscience