Blood Meal Analysis of Culex thriambus and Culiseta particeps
Poster Number
31
Format
Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor Name
Tara Thiemann
Faculty Mentor Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract/Artist Statement
Mosquitos are common vectors of diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV). While there has been significant research on some California vector species such as Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens, relatively little research has been done on Culex thriambus and Culex particeps, two resident species of mosquito in California that may contribute to the spread of diseases. By accurately determining the feeding patterns of these species we can attain a better understanding of what possible roles they play in the transmission of pathogens. Bloodmeal analysis was conducted by extracting DNA from bloodmeals of the abdomens of female mosquitos then subjecting it to targeted nested PCR and DNA sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I which enables accurate identification to a species level. Bloodmeal analysis of these two mosquito species collected from Lake County, California in 2014-2015, shows us that Cx. thriambus and Cs. particeps feed on a combination of avian and mammalian hosts.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
Start Date
30-4-2016 1:30 AM
End Date
30-4-2016 3:30 PM
Blood Meal Analysis of Culex thriambus and Culiseta particeps
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
Mosquitos are common vectors of diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV). While there has been significant research on some California vector species such as Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens, relatively little research has been done on Culex thriambus and Culex particeps, two resident species of mosquito in California that may contribute to the spread of diseases. By accurately determining the feeding patterns of these species we can attain a better understanding of what possible roles they play in the transmission of pathogens. Bloodmeal analysis was conducted by extracting DNA from bloodmeals of the abdomens of female mosquitos then subjecting it to targeted nested PCR and DNA sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I which enables accurate identification to a species level. Bloodmeal analysis of these two mosquito species collected from Lake County, California in 2014-2015, shows us that Cx. thriambus and Cs. particeps feed on a combination of avian and mammalian hosts.