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Development of Leishmania spp. in Mosquitoes—I. Experimental Infection of Aedes aegypti with Leishmania donovani promastigotes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Clifford M. Mutero
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
Mutuku J. Mutinga
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
David Omogo
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
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Abstract

In the present study, we investigated the development of Leishmania donovani promastigotes in Aedes aegypti. Infection rate in the mosquito averaged 53%. Promastigotes were limited to the hindgut where they appeared on day 4 post-infection. Massive multiplication of promastigotes occurred between 6 and 17 days post-infection. The mosquito pylorus and rectum had the highest concentration of promastigotes. A maximum life span of 20 days was observed for L. donovani promastigotes in the mosquito. Morphologically intact L. donovani promastigotes were ejected with A. aegypti faeces, following a blood meal. Implications of the development of Leishmania spp. in the mosquito host are discussed.

Résumé

On a étudié la croissance des promastigotes de Leishmania donovani ingérés par Aedes aegypti. Le taux d'infection dans le moustique a pris la moyenne de 53%. Les promastigotes se trouvaient uniquement dans l'intestin postérieur; ils s'y sont manifestés le quatrième jour après infection. Les promastigotes se sont beaucoup proliférés entre six jours et dix-sept jours après contamination. La concentration de promastigotes la plus épaisse a eu lieu dans la région rectale du moustique. On a enregistré 20 jours comme la période maximum de survie des promastigotes de L. donovani dans le moustique. Après un repas de sang, des promastigotes de L. donovani ont été émis, morphologiquement intacts, dans les feces d'A. aegypti. Les implications de la croissance de Leishmania spp. dans cet hôte—le moustique—sont discutees.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1988

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References

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