Molecular identification of vertebrate and hemoparasite DNA within mosquito blood meals from eastern North Dakota.

ABSTRACT: To understand local transmission of vector-borne diseases, it is important to identify potential vectors, characterize their host feeding patterns, and determine if vector-borne pathogens are circulating within the region. This study simultaneously investigated these aspects of disease transmission by collecting engorged mosquitoes within two rural study sites in the central Red River Valley of North Dakota. Mosquitoes were identified, midguts were excised, and the blood was expelled from the midguts. DNA was extracted from blood meals and subjected to PCR and direct sequencing to identify the vertebrate origin of the blood. Using different primer sets, PCR was used to screen for two types of vector-borne pathogens, filarioid nematodes and hemosporidian parasites. White-tailed deer were th

SUBMITTER: Mehus JO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3822360 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature