Plasmodium falciparum Infection Increases Anopheles gambiae Attraction to Nectar Sources and Sugar Uptake

Plasmodium parasites are known to manipulate the behavior of their vectors so as to enhance transmission [1–4]. From an evolutionary standpoint, behavior manipulation by the parasite should expose the vector to limited risk of early mortality while ensuring sufficient energy supply for both it and the vector [5, 6]. However, it is unknown whether this vector manipulation also affects vector-plant interaction and sugar uptake. Here, we show that the attraction of Anopheles gambiae s.s. to plant odors increased by 30% and 24% after infection with the oocyst and sporozoite stages of Plasmodium falciparum, respectively, while probing activity increased by 77% and 80%, respectively, when the vectors were infected with the two stages of the parasite. Our data also reveal an increased sugar uptake at the oocyst stage that decreased at the sporozoite stage of infection compared to uninfected An. gambiae, with depletion of lipid reserves at the sporozoite stage. These results point to a possible physiological adjustment by An. gambiae to P. falciparum infection or behavior manipulation of An. gambiae by P. falciparum to enhance transmission. We conclude that the nectar-seeking behavior of P. falciparum-infected An. gambiae appears to be modified in a manner governed by the vector’s fight for survival and the parasite’s need to advance its transmission. •Plasmodium-infected Anopheles gambiae responds more strongly to nectar odors•Plasmodium-infected Anopheles gambiae probe more strongly on nectar sources•Plasmodium-infected Anopheles gambiae have higher plant sugar uptake•Plasmodium falciparum infection depletes lipid reserves of Anopheles gambiae The study by Nyasembe et al. demonstrates that infection of Anopheles gambiae s.s. with both oocyst and sporozoite stages of Plasmodium falciparum alters its attraction to, probing on, and sugar uptake from nectar sources. In addition, this study shows a depletion of the lipid reserves of P. falciparum-infected An. gambiae.