Isolation and molecular characterization of Gram positive entomopathogenic bacteria against the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae in Uganda
Author(s): Matthew Lukenge, Josephine Birungi, Jonathan Kayondo, Charles Masembe and Louis G Mukwaya
Abstract: The challenges of the cardinal vector control approaches have left a dire urgency for supplementary interventions. The study screened and isolated entomopathogenic bacteria from tree hole soil debris. Gram positive endospore forming bacteria were selected for, using the pasteurization technique against Anopheles gambiae (target species) and potent isolates were identified with molecular techniques using the 16s rRNA region. From a total of 616 samples examined, only 4.69% (21/448) were potent. Six of these were concurrently evaluated against Aedes (test) and Anopheles (target) species and were all equally potent by 24 hrs, however, Anopheles gambiae species were more susceptible within 3hrs (p-value = 0.006˂ 0.05 = α). Identification revealed 100% homology with Bacillus group. In this study two isolates that typed as Bacillus anthracis str. Shikan-NIID have not been known to have entomopathogenic activity.Propositions for further studies to evaluate reproducibility under field conditions, efficacy and safety studies are underway.
Fig.: Phylogenetic tree showing the relationships of the sequences of the bacterial isolates and their blast-searched similarities. The MR-xx on the branch end represents the laboratory identification of the isolate, while to the right of the square bracket is indicated the related organism blasted in gene bank.
How to cite this article:
Matthew Lukenge, Josephine Birungi, Jonathan Kayondo, Charles Masembe, Louis G Mukwaya. Isolation and molecular characterization of Gram positive entomopathogenic bacteria against the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae in Uganda. Int J Mosq Res 2017;4(1):50-57.