Phenotypic and Biochemical Characterization of Microbial Diversity of Aedes albopictus Breeding Groundwater Occurring in Burdwan, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Aedes albopictus is one of the nuisances causing mosquito in today’s world which poses a great threat to public health. Study of the breeding ground water, habitat selection and the role of algal-microbial diversity are of major importance for effective vector control strategies. Selected sites of Burdwan were surveyed throughout the year July 2014 to June 2015 in a seasonal basis and water samples were collected. After screening and isolation by serial dilution, a total of 18 bacterial isolates were found, among which KSG1, KSG2, KSG5 and BM3 were found to be prevalent throughout the year. A thorough bacterial characterization including phenotypic, morphological, biochemical, extracellular and antibiotic assay were done in order to identify the bacterial isolates at a preliminary level. Isolates were identified to be Gram positive, rod shaped bacteria resembling that of Bacillus sp. Some were spore formers too. Microbial diversity plays a major role in eliciting oviposition positive responses for the mosquitoes. Manipulating and eliminating these bacteria may serve as a tool for vector eradication.