This thesis investigates the virome of Anopheles mosquitoes and its potential role in malaria transmission. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains a major global health challenge, and novel strategies are needed to complement existing control methods. The work begins with introducing the term of Insect-Specific Viruses (ISVs) and discusses their possible interactions with mosquito immunity and parasite development. Next, a curated database of ISVs highlights the diversity of viruses present in mosquito vectors, while also identifying gaps in current knowledge. Experimental chapters establish robust methodologies for studying co-infections in mosquitoes and evaluate whether ISVs can influence Plasmodium development. Although no significant effects on parasite transmission were observed, the research identifies multiple viruses capable of efficiently infecting Anopheles mosquitoes, providing valuable tools for future studies. Together, these findings expand our understanding of mosquito–virus–parasite interactions and provide a framework for exploring ISVs as potential components of innovative malaria control strategies.
Michelle Schinkel obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences from Utrecht University. After this, she started her PhD at Radboud university medical center on the Anopheles mosquito virome and malaria transmission, followed by postdoctoral research on pandemic preparedness. She now works as a specialist in vaccine seed management at MSD Animal Health in Boxmeer.