Experimental transmission of filarial larvae in relation to feeding behaviour of the mosquito vectors

Limited observations on infective mosquitoes probing several times in rapid succession for short periods, suggest that transmission and loss of larvae on the skin surface are very similar in mosquitoes feeding for a longer period.

Abstract

Observations were made on experimental transmission of infective Brugia pahangi larvae by Aedes togoi requiring varying periods of time for feeding and ingesting varying amounts of blood. Significantly more larvae were transmitted by mosquitoes which fed to repletion and required a longer feeding period than by those which failed to ingest any blood on short feeding attempts. This difference is attributed to the difference in probing time rather than lack of engorgement. No significant difference in transmission was found between mosquitoes which had fed to repletion and those which were partially engorged. Limited observations on infective mosquitoes probing several times in rapid succession for short periods, suggest that transmission and loss of larvae on the skin surface are very similar in mosquitoes feeding for a longer period.