Host preference and trypanosome infection rates of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood in the Republic of Zambia.
Examination of data on the host preference and trypanosome infection rates of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood in Central Zambia showed a marked preference for suids (62%); bovids (17%), 'other mammals' (14%), primates (4%), reptiles (3%) and birds (less than 1%) accounted for the remaining feeds. Trypanosome infection rates in G. m. morsitans were very low (0-3-66%), with higher rates in males; only vivax-type trypanosomes were encountered. The heterogeneity of monthly and seasonal infection rates was not significant; the highest rate was recorded in the hot dry season. There was a significant correlation between age and infection rates (P less than 0-01). A regression of monthly male infection rates and monthly mean temperature showed a significant correlation (P less than 0-05). Possible reasons for the low infection rates are discussed.
D000818:Animals; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors; D014345:Trypanosoma / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014370:Tsetse Flies / Q000469:parasitology*; D015024:Zambia