Impacts of Aedes albopictus larvae on water column and biofilm bacterial community profiles using DGGE

Aedes albopictus larvae develop in small aquatic habitats supported by decomposing leaf detritus and associated bacterial communities.  Whether specific bacterial taxa flourish in the presence of larvae or provide key roles in larval feeding remains poorly understood.  Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was used to develop and compare bacterial community profiles based on amplified 16S rRNA gene target.  Biofilm and water column bacterial community progression was measured at 6 day intervals for 18 days of microcosms containing and absent of larvae.  Also, bacterial profiles of concurrently sampled larvae, pupae and adults were analyzed for evidence of selective feeding and transstadial movement of bacteria.