Difference in Heartworm Susceptibility and Vector Competency for Dirofilaria immitis of the Five Sibling Species in the Anopheles quadrimaculatus Species Complex
Location
Presentation- College of Science and Mathematics
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis Presentation (Archived)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. William Irby
Faculty Mentor Email
.
Presentation Year
2021
Start Date
26-4-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
30-4-2021 12:00 AM
Keywords
Georgia Southern University, Honors Symposium, Presentation
Description
Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu latu is a known vector of Dirofilaria immitis, a filarial nematode that causes canine heartworm disease. Canine heartworm disease is common throughout the Southeastern United States, especially in Georgia. This study focused on trying to understand if the five sibling species in the Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu latu species complex have different vector competency and susceptibility in carrying canine heartworms. Mosquitoes were collected under bridges in Bulloch County and Effingham County using a specialized vacuum. The Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu latu mosquitoes were identified to specific species and sex. Females were dissected and viewed with a compound microscope to check for the presence of Dirofilaria immitis. None of the collected mosquitoes were found to be heartworm positive, but the larger prevalence of Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu stricto was noted, as well as the smaller prevalence of Anopheles inundatus. More research is necessary to understand if there is a difference in vector competency and susceptibility between the five sibling species of Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu latu.
Academic Unit
College of Science and Mathematics
Difference in Heartworm Susceptibility and Vector Competency for Dirofilaria immitis of the Five Sibling Species in the Anopheles quadrimaculatus Species Complex
Presentation- College of Science and Mathematics
Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu latu is a known vector of Dirofilaria immitis, a filarial nematode that causes canine heartworm disease. Canine heartworm disease is common throughout the Southeastern United States, especially in Georgia. This study focused on trying to understand if the five sibling species in the Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu latu species complex have different vector competency and susceptibility in carrying canine heartworms. Mosquitoes were collected under bridges in Bulloch County and Effingham County using a specialized vacuum. The Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu latu mosquitoes were identified to specific species and sex. Females were dissected and viewed with a compound microscope to check for the presence of Dirofilaria immitis. None of the collected mosquitoes were found to be heartworm positive, but the larger prevalence of Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu stricto was noted, as well as the smaller prevalence of Anopheles inundatus. More research is necessary to understand if there is a difference in vector competency and susceptibility between the five sibling species of Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu latu.
Comments
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