Field Isolations of Dirofilaria from Mosquitoes in Alabama

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Abstract
Field collections of mosquitoes were made April-Sept. 1977 and 1978 in the immediate vicinity of a hunting-dog kennel where the dogs had a chronic history of heartworm infection. Among 19 mosquito species taken in light-trap collections, only Aedes sticticus, A. vexans and Anopheles punctipennis were infected with what were persumed to be D. immitis larvae. Based on natural infection rates and the relative abundance of these 3 host species, A. punctipennis and A. sticticus appear to be among the most important vectors of dog heartworm at this site. Despite its greater abundance, A. vexans apparently plays a comparatively lesser role in D. immitis transmission owing to low natural infection rates and the development of only a few filariae per host. All Dirofilaria isolations were made in April, May and June, suggesting that transmission may occur primarily during the spring and early summer in this area.