Related Experiment Videos
Blood meal identification by using Microdot ELISA in vector mosquitoes
B R Thapar1, S N Sharma, R K Dasgupta
1Dte. of National Malaria Eradication Programme, Delhi.
The Journal of Communicable Diseases
|May 16, 2000
Summary
Mosquitoes carrying malaria and Japanese encephalitis (JE) show a preference for animal blood meals. This study reveals that key vectors like Anopheles culicifacies and Culex vishnui primarily feed on cattle, not humans.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Vector-Borne Disease Ecology
Background:
- Mosquitoes transmit significant human diseases, including malaria, Japanese encephalitis (JE), and filariasis.
- Understanding mosquito feeding behavior (host-seeking preferences) is crucial for disease control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the blood meal sources of five key mosquito species acting as vectors for malaria, JE, and filariasis.
- To assess the host-feeding patterns of Anopheles culicifacies, Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vishnui group, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Microdot ELISA technique for rapid and sensitive blood meal identification.
- Analyzed 4354 freshly fed mosquitoes from five different species.
Main Results:
- Anopheles culicifacies predominantly fed on bovine hosts (76-100%), with minimal human blood meals (0.3-24.2%).
- Culex vishnui group exhibited varied feeding, including 1.9% on humans, 49-87.7% on bovines, and 7.4-12.3% on pigs.
- Malaria vectors (Anopheles species) and JE vectors (Culex species) demonstrated zoophilic tendencies, feeding on cattle and pigs.
Conclusions:
- Malaria vectors Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi maintain zoophilic feeding habits.
- Japanese encephalitis vectors Culex vishnui group and Culex tritaeniorhynchus also feed on cattle and pigs, indicating potential for enzootic transmission cycles.