Identifying the genetic basis of differences in Culex pipiens response to infection by two avian Plasmodium parasites with different virulence.

Analysis of gene expression of the main vector of two avian malaria parasites with different virulence, Plasmodium relictum, and Plasmodium cathemerium. Female Culex pipiens infected with P. relictum have reduced survivalwhen compared with females infected with P. cathemerium. To understand the mechanism underlying this difference, we willcompare gene expression of mosquitoes infected by these two Plasmodium species using total RNAseq.