Effects of Host Blood on Fecundity and Longevity of Female Anopheles Mosquitoes

Abstract

Aim: The effect of Host blood on the fecundity of female Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes was studied under normal conditions of 64±2% Relative Humidity and 27±2ºC Temperature. Methods: Three-five day old (F1) female Anopheles mosquitoes were transferred into wooden cages (40x40x40 cm) and fed blood from the following sources: man, cattle, chicken, goat, pig and sheep through an artificial feeding membrane. Engorged females were observed and fecundity recorded. The entire experiment was replicated five (5) times. Results: From the 1st to 4th gonotropic cycle, mosquitoes fed human blood produced significantly greater (p<0.05) number of eggs (Mean=121.90±1.18, 101.36±1.56, 64.12±1.54 and 29.66±1.69 respectively) than mosquitoes fed other blood meal sources. Across the six (6) blood meal trials (excluding that of sheep), there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in fecundity from the 1st to 4th gonotropic cycles (1st>2nd>3rd>4th). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in fecundity between pigs, chicken and sheep. Total mean longevity and total mean fecundity was significantly greater (p<0.05) in mosquitoes fed human and cattle blood than in mosquitoes fed the other blood sources. Conclusion: The results showed that blood meal source affects fecundity and longevity of female Anopheles gambiae s. l mosquitoes reared under laboratory conditions and that blood from humans as well as from other domestic animals is suitable for sustaining vectorial capacity in Anopheles gambiae s. l mosquitoes.