First record of mermithid parasitism in adult biting midges, Culicoides huffi (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), collected from Southern Thailand, with ultrastructural and molecular characterization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Culicoides biting midges are known vectors of several pathogens, including arboviruses, protozoa, and filarial worms. Additionally, mermithid nematodes have been found to parasitize Culicoides midges, causing pathogenic effects that reduce host fitness and often lead to death. Consequently, mermithids have potential as biocontrol agents to reduce midge populations. However, the biology of these entomopathogenic nematodes infecting Culicoides in Thailand remains unknown.

Methods

As part of the leishmaniasis surveillance program in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Southern Thailand, we collected Culicoides midges near the residence of a leishmaniasis patient in November 2024. The Culicoides samples were morphologically identified and examined microscopically for parasi

SUBMITTER: Promrangsee C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12302758 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature