Identification of Morphologic and Chemical Markers of Aestivation Conditions in Female Anopheles gambiae Mosquitoes

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kaira Malinda Wagoner (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Gideon Wasserberg

Abstract: Increased understanding of the dry season survival mechanisms of Anopheles gambiae (An. gambiae) in semi-arid regions could benefit vector control efforts by identifying weak links in the transmission cycle of malaria. In this study we examine effect of seasonal indicators on morphologic and chemical characteristics known to contribute to suppression of water loss in mosquitoes. An. gambiae body size (indexed by wing length), mesothoracic spiracular index ((spiracle-length/wing-length)*100), and cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles were examined for their ability to differentiate mosquitoes exposed to aestivating and non-aestivating conditions in a laboratory setting. Mosquitoes exposed to aestivating conditions exhibited larger wing lengths, larger mesothoracic spiracular indices, and greater total CHC amount (standardized) than mosquitoes exposed to non-aestivating conditions. Total CHC amount increased with both mating and age. Mean n-alkane retention time (a measure of mean n-alkane chain-length) was lower in mosquitoes exposed to aestivating conditions, and increased with age. Individual CHC peaks were examined, and several CHCs were identified as potential biomarkers of aestivation, age, and insemination status. This study indicates that aestivation status of nulliparous female An. gambiae can be determined using both morphologic and chemical biomarkers.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
Aestivation, Cuticular hydrocarbon, Anopheles gambiae, Spiracle, Wing length
Subjects
Anopheles gambiae $x Dormancy
Anopheles gambiae $x Ecophysiology
Anopheles gambiae $x Morphology

Email this document to