Bloodmeal residues on mouthparts of Tabanus fuscicostatus (Diptera: Tabanidae) and the potential for mechanical transmission of pathogens

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1987
Authors:L. D. Foil, Adams, W. V., McManus, J. M., Issel, C. J.
Journal:Journal of Medical Entomology
Volume:24
Pagination:613-616
Date Published:1987
Keywords:Epidemiology, Louisiana, Mechanical transmission, Tabanidae, Tabanus fuscicostatus, USA
Abstract:

Blood-meal residues on the mouthparts of T. fusciocostatus, which were interrupted in feeding on a pony, were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for equine IgG. The residues were estimated to be ca. 10 nl when the mouthparts were harvested and assayed immediately after feeding. This estimate is consistent with reported transmission of equine infectious anaemia virus by one adult of T. fuscicostatus from a donor with ca. 106 infective doses per ml of serum. The usefulness of this kind of study in evaluating the potential for haematophagous Diptera for mechanical transmission of pathogens is discussed.

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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith