Trehalase inhibition in Aedes aegypti

Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of Dengue virus, the most important mosquito-borne viral disease affecting humans. Infection of Ae. aegypti larvae by the trematode Plagiorchis elegans leads to a disruption of carbohydrate metabolism by preventing the conversion of trehalose to glucose, and the production of an oviposition deterrent compound. This thesis examines the dose-dependent effects of a trehalase inhibitor, Validoxylamine A (VAA), on Ae. aegypti. VAA had no noticeable effect on larval mortality but emerging adults were unable to fly. The hemolymph of VAA exposed larvae had increased trehalose levels, reduced glucose concentrations, and increased lipid content compared with controls. In addition, adult mosquitoes that ingested VAA laid significantly fewer eggs than controls. Parasitism by P. elegans did not reduce the energy reserves of larvae significantly, but influenced mosquito carbohydrate biochemistry. The concept of utilizing trehalase inhibitors for insect pest management is discussed.