The objective of the proposed work is to define the manner in which microfilariae penetrate the midgut wall of vector mosquitoes, thereby entering the hemocoel. In particular, we shall: (1) determine how microfilariae attain directional movement in blood ingested by mosquitoes. (2) Determine whether microfilariae maintain attachment to the midgut wall once they contact it. Further, we hope to define the nature of this attachment if it occurs. (3) Examine whether microfilariae penetrate through or between cells of the mosquito midgut. (4) Determine the site at which microfilariae penetrate the basement lamina of the mosquito midgut. (5) Identify where exsheathment of the microfilariae occurs. (6) Determine whether shed microfilarial sheaths enhance further development of the microfilariae. The project applies experimental and observational microscopic techniques to identify physiological features of microfilariae that facilitate vector invasion. Definitive information on this act of microfilarial penetration of mosquito midguts may provide a biological basis for controlling transmission, even extending to other arthropod-borne pathogens.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Unknown (R22)
Project #
5R22AI021664-03
Application #
3444737
Study Section
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section (TMP)
Project Start
1985-02-01
Project End
1988-01-31
Budget Start
1987-02-01
Budget End
1988-01-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
082359691
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Perrone, J B; Spielman, A (1988) Time and site of assembly of the peritrophic membrane of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Cell Tissue Res 252:473-8
Turell, M J; Mather, T N; Spielman, A et al. (1987) Increased dissemination of dengue 2 virus in Aedes aegypti associated with concurrent ingestion of microfilariae of Brugia malayi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 37:197-201
Perrone, J B; Spielman, A (1986) Microfilarial perforation of the midgut of a mosquito. J Parasitol 72:723-7