Mermithid (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitism of Simulium damnosum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Sierra Leone and the need for vector control

J Med Entomol. 1991 May;28(3):421-3. doi: 10.1093/jmedent/28.3.421.

Abstract

Females of Simulium damnosum Theobald s.l. were systematically collected at four sites in the Gorawa Chiefdom of Sierra Leone, West Africa, over a period of 15 mo from July 1986 to September 1987. The prevalence of mermithids infecting parous females varied from 0 to 7.9%, whereas the prevalence of mermithids in nulliparous females varied from 0 to 42.8%. The peak incidences of mermithid infection in nulliparous females occurred during the rainy season (15.2% in October 1986, 42.8% in August 1987). The high incidence of mermithids was associated with a high monthly biting rate, particularly during the month before the peak mermithid period (5,240 in September 1986, 4,878 in July 1987).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Insect Vectors / parasitology*
  • Mermithoidea*
  • Sierra Leone
  • Simuliidae / parasitology*