Epizootiology of the parasite Srelkovimermis spiculatus (Nematoda: Mermithidae) in wild mosquito populations in Argentina.

ACHINELLY, M. F; MICIELI, M. V.

Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires

Congreso; International Congress on Invertebrate Pathology and Microbial Control. 45th Annual Meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology.; 2012

Society for Invertebrate Pathology

In this study we investigated the bionomics and prevalence of this parasite, in wild-mosquito populations to a better understanding of the dynamics of this nematode in temporary breeding sites. Five grassy-pool habitats filled by rainwater were sampled during a year. Eight mosquito species were collected throughout all seasons: Anopheles albitarsis, Culex chidesteri, Culex dolosus, Culex maxi, Ochlerotatus albifasciatus,Psorophora ciliata, Psorophora cyanescens, and Psorophora albigenu. Six of these species were parasitized by S. spiculatus, C. chidesteri, C. dolosus, C. maxi, O. albifasciatus, P. ciliata, and P. cyanescens. This mermithid was more frequent from the end of winter (August) to the end of the spring (November). The parasitism ranged from 11 to 100%. High levels of infections were registered only in O. albifasciatus larvae. This species was the most abundant with the 95% of the total mosquito larvae sampled, followed by C. dolosus. S. spiculatus completed its development in all infected wild-mosquito larvae. The presence of this nematode in six natural mosquito populations increases the number of susceptible species under natural and laboratory conditions to 24. The ability of this mermithid to infect mosquito species that breed in these habitats when they remain flooded for extensive periods of time, may point to a strategy of this parasite for maintain itself for a long time in environments that periodically dry up partially.