Bloodmeal Identification for Mosquitoes in Lake County

Poster Number

14C

Lead Author Major

Biological Sciences

Lead Author Status

Junior

Second Author Major

Biological Sciences

Second Author Status

Junior

Format

Poster Presentation

Faculty Mentor Name

Tara Thiemann

Faculty Mentor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract/Artist Statement

With increasing prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the United States, it is important to study feeding patterns of mosquitoes. Coquillettidia perturbans, Culex thriambus, Culex pipiens, and Culiseta particeps are mosquito species found in Lake County (Northern California). These species are all potential vectors for human diseases such as West Nile Virus and certain types of Encephalitis. The threat of these mosquitoes to the human population in California can be determined by examining their feeding preferences. In this study, mosquitoes were collected by vacuum or CO2 traps from February to October each year 2014-2017. DNA was extracted from mosquito bloodmeals, and a nested polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the barcoding region of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome C Oxidase 1. After confirming amplification with gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing was performed on the PCR products. The sequences were then submitted to the BoldSystems online database to identify the host species. Out of 156 samples, 74% were successfully identified. 95% of samples identified from Culiseta particeps mosquitoes were mammals. Culex thriambus and Culex pipiens fed solely on avian species while Coquillettidia perturbans and Culex erythrothorax fed only on mammals.

Location

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom

Start Date

28-4-2018 10:00 AM

End Date

28-4-2018 12:00 PM

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 28th, 10:00 AM Apr 28th, 12:00 PM

Bloodmeal Identification for Mosquitoes in Lake County

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom

With increasing prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the United States, it is important to study feeding patterns of mosquitoes. Coquillettidia perturbans, Culex thriambus, Culex pipiens, and Culiseta particeps are mosquito species found in Lake County (Northern California). These species are all potential vectors for human diseases such as West Nile Virus and certain types of Encephalitis. The threat of these mosquitoes to the human population in California can be determined by examining their feeding preferences. In this study, mosquitoes were collected by vacuum or CO2 traps from February to October each year 2014-2017. DNA was extracted from mosquito bloodmeals, and a nested polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the barcoding region of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome C Oxidase 1. After confirming amplification with gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing was performed on the PCR products. The sequences were then submitted to the BoldSystems online database to identify the host species. Out of 156 samples, 74% were successfully identified. 95% of samples identified from Culiseta particeps mosquitoes were mammals. Culex thriambus and Culex pipiens fed solely on avian species while Coquillettidia perturbans and Culex erythrothorax fed only on mammals.