Identifying Mosquito Vectors of Dog Heartworm in the Sacramento-Yolo Region
Faculty Mentor Name
Tara Thiemann
Research or Creativity Area
Natural Sciences
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis or dog heartworm is a vector-borne filarial nematode that affects carnivore hosts, primarily dogs, in which it causes pulmonary disease. Transmission of the pathogen occurs during mosquito blood meals. There is a wide range of heartworm prevalence throughout the state with 1 out of 300 and 1 out of 100 testing positive for Sacramento and Yolo counties respectively (CAPC – Parasite Prevalence Maps., 2026). The goal of this study is to identify which mosquito species are likely transmitting dog heartworm and to determine the overall prevalence of dog heartworm in mosquitoes around dog parks. Mosquitoes were collected by the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District at dog parks in Sacramento and Yolo counties. The vector control district identified the mosquitoes by species, separated them, pooled them, and sent them for D. immitis testing in Dr. Thiemann’s lab. These samples were tested using polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) specific for D. immitis (Huang et al, 2013). PCR products were visualized using gel electrophoresis, with positives producing a band and DNA sequences confirmed with NCBI Blast. Work is ongoing but preliminary results show some prevalence of dog heartworm in local mosquito species.
Identifying Mosquito Vectors of Dog Heartworm in the Sacramento-Yolo Region
Dirofilaria immitis or dog heartworm is a vector-borne filarial nematode that affects carnivore hosts, primarily dogs, in which it causes pulmonary disease. Transmission of the pathogen occurs during mosquito blood meals. There is a wide range of heartworm prevalence throughout the state with 1 out of 300 and 1 out of 100 testing positive for Sacramento and Yolo counties respectively (CAPC – Parasite Prevalence Maps., 2026). The goal of this study is to identify which mosquito species are likely transmitting dog heartworm and to determine the overall prevalence of dog heartworm in mosquitoes around dog parks. Mosquitoes were collected by the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District at dog parks in Sacramento and Yolo counties. The vector control district identified the mosquitoes by species, separated them, pooled them, and sent them for D. immitis testing in Dr. Thiemann’s lab. These samples were tested using polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) specific for D. immitis (Huang et al, 2013). PCR products were visualized using gel electrophoresis, with positives producing a band and DNA sequences confirmed with NCBI Blast. Work is ongoing but preliminary results show some prevalence of dog heartworm in local mosquito species.
