Abstract

Abstract. The effects of Onchocerca infection on Simulium ornatum Meigen vitellogenesis were investigated. Vitellogenesis is triggered by ingestion of blood and is therefore linked to disease transmission. Vitellin subunits were described for the first time in the Simuliidae. In the British blackfiy S.ornatum, vitellin in the ovaries consists of two subunits, with a large subunit of molecular weight 200 kDa and a small subunit of 68 kDa. Simulium ornatum vitellin was recognized by polyclonal antibodies produced from Aedes aegypti (L.) vitellin. When blackflies were injected with Onchocerca lienalis (Stiles) microfilariae, there was a significant reduction in the amount of vitellin in the ovaries at 24, 34 and 50 h post blood‐feeding.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call