Simuliid blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) and ceratopogonid midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as vectors of Mansonella ozzardi (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) in northern Argentina

Mansonella ozzardi, a relatively non pathogenic filarial parasite of man in Latin America, is transmitted by either ceratopogonid midges or simuliid blackflies. In the only known focus of the disease in north-western Argentina the vectors have never been incriminated. This study investigated the potential vectors of M. ozzardi in this area. The only anthropophilic species of these Diptera families biting man at the time of the investigation were Simulium exiguum, S. dinellii, Culicoides lahillei and C. paraensis. Using experimentally infected flies S. exiguum and both species of Culicoides allowed full development of microfilariae to the infective stage, with C. lahillei being a more competent host than S. exiguum. Based on these data, biting rates and natural infectivity rates it is probable that at the begininning of the wet season C. lahillei is the main vector of M. ozzardi and both C. paraensis and S. exiguum secondary vectors. Additionally, it was found that a single dose of ivermectin was ineffectual in eradicating M. ozzardi from infected individuals in this area.

View of Clinical Genetic Services in Northern Ireland - Equality Impact Assessment (PDF 306 KB)

Public Consultation on the Future Development of Clinical Genetic Services - Part II (Equality Impact Assessment)

Report: Access to the New Social Work Degree for Relevant Graduate in Northern Ireland (PDF 36 KB)

Report: Access to the New Social Work Degree for Relevant Graduate in Northern Ireland

Sexual Offending in Northern Ireland - Managing the Risk

Sexual Offending in Northern Ireland - Managing the Risk

Independent Review of Health and Social Services Care in Northern Ireland

Appleby Report - August 2005

Northern Ireland Sex Offender Strategic Management Committee (PDF 1.15 Mb)

Sexual Offending in Northern Ireland - Managing the Risk 2001-2005

Census of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Northern Ireland: 1 March 2005 (PDF 285 KB)

Census of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Northern Ireland: 1 March 2005

The Report of an Independent Review of Endoscope Contamination in Northern Ireland

The Report of an Independent Review of Endoscope Contamination in Northern Ireland