Ecology of Simuliid Vectors of Onchocerciasis in Guatemala

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The finding of Simulium spp. (Simuliidae, Diptera) naturally infected with microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus (the filarid worm causing onchocerciasis), the ability to infect flies experimentally with subsequent development of the microfilariae, plus the epidemiological evidence concerning the distribution of the anthropophilic spp. of Simulium in Guatemala, definitely incriminate them as vectors of the disease. Up to the time of this investigation, only 18 spp. of Simuliidae had been reported for Guatemala. The author since has found 21 additional spp.,9 of which are described as new. Of the 39 spp. now known to exist in Guatemala, the following 8 show anthropophilic tendencies: S. ochraceum, metallicum, callidum, exiguum, veracruzanum, haematopotum, downsi, and Cnephiapacheco-lunai. Only the first 6 of these spp. com-monly attack humans. Because of the decided preference of S ochraceum for human hosts, it has generally been considered the principal vector of onchocerciasis in the Western Hemisphere. S metallicum and callidum are also vectors in Guatemala. S exiguum, veracruzanum, and haematopotum were found to be potentially important as vectors in parts of the disease zones where the 3 principal anthropophilic spp. are absent. The breeding places, life history, geographic distribution, resting places, flight range, longevity, and natural infection rates of S ochraceum, metallicum, and callidum were discussed in detail. This information will serve as a firm basis for the establishment of a control program.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: