Abstract:
Background
Mass rearing of vector mosquitoes of dengue is a crucial requirement for implementation of
innovative vector controlling strategies such as Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Incompatible
Insect Technique (IIT) and transgenic mosquitoes. Selection of the artificial membrane-feeding
technique and blood meal source have been recognized as key considerations in mass rearing
of vectors.
Methodology
Three artificial membrane feeding techniques (Glass plate method, Metal plate and Hemotek
membrane feeding method) and three blood sources (human, cattle and chicken) were evaluated
based on feeding rates, fecundity and hatching rates of Ae. aegypti, under laboratory conditions.
One-way ANOVA, cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOSIM) and principal coordinates
(PCO) analysis, were used to investigate the significance in the variations among blood feeding.
Results
Feeding rates of Ae. aegypti significantly differed among the membrane feeding techniques as
suggested by one-way ANOVA (p <0.05). The metal plate method was identified as the most
efficient and cost effective feeding technique. Blood feeding rate of Ae. aegypti was higher with
human blood followed by cattle and chicken blood, respectively. However, no significant
difference was observed among mosquitoes fed with cattle blood and human blood, in terms of
fecundity, oviposition rate and fertility.
Conclusions
Metal plate feeding technique could be recommended as the most effective membrane feeding
technique for mass rearing of Ae. aegypti, due to its high feeding rate and cost effectiveness.
Since, obtaining human blood for insectary colony maintenance is problematic due certain
ethical issues, cattle blood could be recommended for mass rearing Ae. aegypti.
