Scoping review of the effects of cyanobacterial toxins on human and animal health and potential role in mosquito control

Cyanobacteria and their associated toxins are widespread, particularly in aquatic environments. Periodic comprehensive assessments of the effects of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin, within the One Health framework is needed. Evidence suggests that increasing presence of cyanobacteria in water bodies enhances mosquito breeding therefore raises interesting questions on how the toxins impact mosquitoes. This review highlights the impacts of cyanobacteria and their toxins on human and animal health, while exploring potential effects and emerging research questions on mosquitoes. We systematically searched peer reviewed publications across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, between 1974 and 2023. The publications focused on cyanobacteria and/or cyanotoxin and impacts on human, animal health and arthropods, particularly mosquitoes and were reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 76 articles were identified with more studies on animal health effects (53%) than on human health (25%) or mosquitoes and other arthropods (22%). Cyanotoxins significantly impact humans and animals by disrupting cellular processes and damaging organs, including the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. In mosquitoes and other arthropods, cyanobacteria and their toxins affect the digestive system and survivorship, suggesting a potential role in mosquito control. This study highlights the impacts of cyanobacteria and their toxins on health and mosquito control but is limited by reliance on in vitro studies and variable methodologies. Future research should focus on field investigations, standardized protocols, molecular tools, and ecological monitoring to enhance understanding and inform One Health-focused interventions and mosquito management strategies.