The effects of Plagiorchis noblei, Park, 1936 on the reproductive success and behaviour of adult Aedes aegypti /

• Main Author: Kimoro, Charles Omuoyo
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1990
• Subjects: Plagiorchiidae.; Aedes aegypti > Parasites.; Aedes aegypti > Reproduction.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=59867

Aedes aegypti pupae were exposed to cercariae of the digenean Plagiorchis noblei in order to assess the effects of infection on the spontaneous flying activity and reproductive success of surviving adults. Infections established primarily in the thorax and abdomen of the insects (mixed infections) or in the abdomen alone. In mixed infections, as few as one or two metacercariae in the thorax reduced the spontaneous flying time of females by almost half. Such infections also reduced total egg production, the number of ovarian cycles, fecundity per cycle, as well as fertility and life span of female hosts. The fertility and life span of males was similarly affected. Purely abdominal infections reduced the life span of males and females as well as the fertility of males, but only at high intensities. Such effects on adult behaviour, reproductive success and life span may augment the known lethal effects of the parasite.