The development of Onchocerca volvulus in two temperate blackfly species, Simulium ornatum Meigen and Simulium...

In view of the promise shown by temperate simuliids for laboratory colonization, the ability of Simulium ornatum and S. lineatum to support the development of Onchocerca volvulus was investigated. An injection technique is described for the introduction of O. volvulus microfilariae from a chimpanzee into female simuliids in the absence of a bloodmeal. RPMI 1640 medium, with penicillin, streptomycin and foetal calf serum, proved satisfactory as an inoculation medium. Third stage larvae were obtained in both S. ornatum and S. lineatum after seven days at 27 degrees C. The rate of development of the parasite in S. ornatum is recorded.